“Yes, boss.”
“Dismissed.” His words get me thinking, though. Do the men have a problem with me? “Mateo?”
He turns from where he’s watching Rory and runs over. “Yes, boss?”
“How have you been settling in?”
“Good. I’m grateful you gave me the chance to prove myself.”
“Mal says that you’ve been doing well.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Have the other guys been treating you well?”
“They accepted me right away.”
“You never felt like they were upset that you were with the Hellhounds?”
“No, sir.”
“Tell me honestly, what do the men say about Rory?”
“They all think he’s sweet, and he relaxes you. Which is good because they were all worried you were going to work yourself to death.”
“I’m not that bad,” I grumble.
“But seriously, none of the soldiers I’m with have issues with you being gay.”
“Was I being too obvious in my questioning?”
“No, sir.” His breath hitches just a bit. “It gave me the courage to come out too.”
I turn so I can see his reaction. “And the men have been good to you?” If not, I’ll kill those fucks.
“Yes, sir.” Mateo smiles, and the corner of my lip curls up.
“You let me know if you hear anything or have any trouble… with anyone,” I order.
“Yes, sir.”
“Dismissed.”
Rory screams as Tag throws him over his shoulder and runs around the ring.
“Drop him, and I kill you,” I shout over the laughter, and Tag pretends to drop Rory who screams.
“Help me, Boss Daddy!”
I smile at the easy way Rory calls me Daddy and enter the ring to take back my boy.
“I’ll fight you for him.”
Tag takes one look at me and hurries to put Rory in my arms. “Here you go!”
“I saved you, rabbit.”
“My hero.” He swoons, and Mal shouts at the men to get back to work as we exit the ring.
