I nod, relief coursing through me as I sit back, waiting for them to get going. All I want is Marcus in my arms again. He’ll be lucky if I let him go anywhere after this. Right now, I could tan his hide just for scaring me like this.
Jude finally breaks the tense silence between us as we travel toward our hearts. “What made you think that Antonio needed something else?”
For a moment, my mind is blank, but when the pieces snap into place, I give a half smile as I turn toward him. “You took my advice?”
“Yeah,” he responds roughly. “But how did you know?”
I shrug a shoulder, as it’s hard to put it into words. “To be honest, it was watching Lio with Allesandro. Antonio and Lio have certain…similarities. Having someone take control isn’t always enough for some. For Antonio and Lio, there’s a need that’s…I hesitate to call it deeper, but in some ways, it is, since it’s the ultimate vulnerability.
“I know I can put Marcus on his knees and he’ll melt for me. Lio? Lio would go on his knees and find a level of peace there, but not completely. He has to let go of everything—the entire adult world has to fall away for him. That seemed to be what Antonio needed as well.”
Grunting, Jude doesn’t disagree. I wish I could help him, but it’s not a kink we share, and I doubt he’d feel comfortable talking to Allesandro about it. After all, when Lio expressed an interest in Daddy kink, Allesandro was the one who researched everything and met that need. But Jude’s fury toward Allesandro would prevent that connection. However…
“You may want to speak with Tennant. He’s taken on the role of Daddy to Lio.”
Jude rubs his chin in consideration. “I suppose that’s an option. I want to make sure I’m giving my Boy what he needs.”
“The fact you’re even worried about it says that you will.”
We lapse into silence, but it’s comfortable enough. There’s the edge of impatient anticipation as we both want to get to our men, but I can see myself becoming closer with Jude. It’s a novel concept for me. Most consider me the older-brother-type, but to have someone as an equal…as an ally and friend…that’s different. My lips quirk as I contemplate some of the other fun things we could do together as Doms…
The SUV comes to a stop in front of an ugly house—if it can even be called a house. I wrinkle my nose while exchanging a worried glance with Jude. I already wasn’t a fan of the situation, but fuck if this doesn’t ratchet up my anxiety even higher. Thank fuck we’re here.
I bite back my annoyance as the guards exit first, knocking on the passenger door when they deem it safe. I’m out of the SUV in a flash, heading directly for the door. To my surprise, it opens before I can even knock. Considering my first look is at a scowling Daniel…Fuck.
“Sorry, man,” I grimace, offering him my hand.
He folds his arms, glaring at me until I drop my hand, all pretenses of our previously friendly alliance disappearing. Jude stiffens as he comes up beside me. We stand in the front doorway, neither of us moving or backing down.
“For fuck’s sake, Daniel, let them in.”
I smother a grin at Ely’s command, especially when Daniel grunts and backs up. His eyes flash with irritation, but he knows better than to go against her.I wonder if she’s a Domme…
“Thank you,” I say calmly, trying to hide my need to rush in and find the other part of my soul.
“Whatever,” Daniel grumbles. “Collect your shit and get out.”
I struggle to remain civil, but I refuse to break our alliance—if any of it remains. From Ely’s welcoming, albeit tired, smile, it does. I nod a greeting, but my gaze quickly zeros in on Marcus and Antonio. My lover looks far worse than a “little bit of glass and a concussion”, but maybe I’m biased. Still, I’ll have him checked out by Doc or Sarah as soon as we get home.
“I’m so glad to see you,” Antonio murmurs, and Jude gives up all pretense as he rushes toward his Boy.
After getting a reassuring kiss from Marcus, I turn toward Ely. “I’m sorry trouble was brought to your door.”
Daniel mutters something I don’t catch, and from his expression, it’s better I didn’t hear it. Ely sends him a cutting glare that he ignores and an uncomfortable silence falls around us. With a quiet huff, I turn toward Marcus.
“I’m ready,” he says, answering my unasked question. I stifle a sigh of relief on getting the fuck out of here.
A man snorts as he strolls into the living room. He’s certainly…eye-catching. His outfit leaves a lot to be desired… Ratty jeans, a bright shirt with a geometric design, and shoes that are almost falling apart. He pulls a sucker out of his mouth as he raises an eyebrow.
“Make sure your doctors follow up on concussion protocol with him. And if you need a plastic surgeon recommendation for the other one, let me know.” The man’s smokey voice rolls through the room and I steel myself against a shiver.
His eyes are different colors, one a rich honey and the other a dark green, but the intensity…that’s something I’ve only seen in a predator. I have a sinking feeling his outfit is nothing more than a red herring, a way to hide what’s beneath his skin.
“Javi, I’m sure Keegan plans on taking care of our friend,” Ely says in exasperation.
“So long as it’s not here, I don’t give a fuck what they do.” Daniel’s sneer doesn’t touch me. I barely manage not to roll my eyes. “It’s bad enough we have a traitor in our midst—but it’s working with your organization that has put ours at risk.”
“How would you know that?” Jude’s voice is low and deadly, one that I wouldn’t question.
