Ryder shrugs, and hooks his hand on the back of Holden’s neck, jerking Holden’s mouth to his. He kisses him like he did in the office. Watching any of the guys give in to their desires with each other never fails to make me soak my panties. There’s something about the almost brutal way they kiss each other but can be tender with one another too.
Everyone’s mouth in the room is hanging open except for mine because I witnessed it first-hand. Ryder pulls back and licks his lips with a grin. Holden stares at him with a stunned expression, then leans forward, pecking Ryder on the lips.
“Holy shit,” Leo whispers, “I never saw that shit coming.”
“I did,” Gage admits.
“Of course you did, Babe. You’re nosey as fuck.” Leo says.
Gage turns around slowly. “Did you just call me babe?”
“You have two nicknames for me,” Leo points out.
Gage buries his nose against Leo’s neck. “I do, Pretty boy.”
“I fucking love this house,” Mateo says, looking around the room.
“I’m quite fond of it myself,” Evander agrees.
“Does that mean you’re staying until all this clears?” I ask, hoping they say yes. I know it will make Leo feel better to have them here.
Evander and Mateo exchange a look, then Evander turns to me. “Temporarily, yes. I’d like to keep an eye on Leo.”
Leo snorts. “I don’t need a goddamn babysitter.”
“I’m not staying as a babysitter,” Evander says evenly. “I’m staying because your girl was kind enough to offer so we would all be safe.”
Leo grimaces. “Sorry. I got off the phone with Mom earlier, and she was freaking out.”
My head whips to him. “You told your mother that you got shot?!”
“No,” he scoffs, “I told her I got hurt, but I didn’t tell her exactly how.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. I hate that he has to lie to her, but she doesn’t need to know the truth. The truth in our lives can get you killed.
“I need to go to their house and get some stuff,” Leo says, wrapping his arms tighter around Gage. “You two want to take me?”
“We have some stuff to do first,” Gage responds, then looks at me. “Later?”
I nod. “Works for me.” Then I level them both with a look. “But no freaky shit until his stitches are healed better.”
Ryder laughs. “Sucks to be you.”
I turn my look on him. “Keep talking shit, and I’ll put you on that list too.”
“Even after this morning?” he purrs, wrapping an arm around Holden’s shoulders. “I think we could convince you,Il mio sole.”
I snort. “You think I couldn’t say no?” I say with false bravado. They don’t need to know I will fold at the drop of a hat.
Dex chuckles and stands up with my arms still around his neck. “My money is on, Les.” He hooks an arm under my ass, boosting me up, so I’m on his back and strides out of the room.
At least he has faith in me; I sure as hell don’t.
The day consistedof checking the docks, meeting with Helena about the restaurant, and checking on Maximus and a few other venues. I haven’t told Leo yet, but I’m giving him reins over the new place because he’s expressed that he feels useless. Evander and Mateo gave him a few places to manage, but he isn’t used to just sitting around.
It’s after eight at night, and we’re finally on our way to Evander and Mateo’s house to get Leo some of his stuff. Gage is driving withhis hand firmly on my thigh while I’m on the phone the whole time. I hate this part. Sometimes it’s all quiet, but on days like today, I want to toss my phone out of the window again.
“Try harder,” I tell Ghost.
