“I think I’m in love with him,” the words shot out, shocking the fuck out of me. “Is that even possible?”
“So?” Austin lifted his shoulders in another shrug. “Love doesn’t judge or criticize, but it sure as fuck lets you feel alive that you’d breathe in toxic air. Lets you get lost in an otherwise cruel world that will have no impact on your emotions. Lets you want to smile forever even if your jaws ache. And if he makes you feel that way, embrace it, Rayden.”
I stared at him for a long moment, not sure if this really was my friend Austin and grinned at the thought. “Thanks, man. I’ve been shitting myself about telling you and—”
“I have just one question, though.”
“Sure.”
“Does cock taste better than pussy.”
I slapped a hand to my brow, and he burst out laughing. A second later, I joined him. “Even though you’re the biggest asshole to walk the planet, I fucking missed you.” I shook my head.
“Yeah, yeah, what can I say, I’m loveable that way.” He chuckled before he sobered. “Jokes aside, I am happy for you, Ray.”
We came together in another hug before going back downstairs.
Chapter 52
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THREE WEEKS LATER...One week to Christmas
Rayden (27yrs)
I stood in my bedroom, debating the decision my father and Lorenzo had taken to give Zena visitation rights with Jardin. While I wasn’t up to meeting with her yet, these two important men in my life had everything nailed down to the wire. Both weren’t taking a chance on me losing my son. Despite my skepticism, I trusted them completely.
“What if she runs?” I finally asked.
“She won’t, son,” my father promised. “Between Lorenzo and I, we’ve got it all covered. She’ll be stupid to try anything. She’s signed the agreement and it’s only one weekend a month.”
“A lot can happen in a weekend,” I muttered.
“Yes, it can. Like I always say, take a risk—”
“Just for the sheer pleasure of it,” I finished for him with a cocked brow.
