Macen gave everyone a kiss and a hug before he went off to bed to read a chapter of his book before lights out. "What's it like being a daddy?" Sammy asked.
"Mace is great. I couldn't have wished for a more wonderful kid to experience fatherhood with. His heart is just so big, and he has the capacity to love us all."
"Kayne said Teag called again?" Micah said.
Before he could speak, Kayne walked into the room and sat on the couch beside him and answered. "She's demanding things she hasn't got a hope in hell of getting. Remember me telling you how Mum gave me some advice about the whole Teags situation? What I didn't say was Mum made me start keeping records of everything. At the time I thought it was dumb. She even made me take it to their place and she kept it, in case Teag came across it at home. Now I'm just glad Mum had the forethought to me having a need for all this information. It's all in the hands of my lawyer now."
"Do you think she'll go for custody?" Sammy asked. He looked worried. "If you need it, I can ring Officer Travis and get his advice on what you should do?"
Sometimes Jacen forgot Sammy came from money. Not that it mattered, seeing as his family had disowned him when he came out as gay to them, paying him a large sum to just go away. Sammy's dad had been a bigwig in the pharmaceutical business, and Ranmore Pharmaceuticals was one of the largest in Australia. He'd also had many close ties with the government, and had been on several boards and councils. His mother, on the other hand, was merely human with the plain old moniker of Meredith. Not that it mattered now as both had perished in a suspicious car accident last year—and because they hadn't changed their wills, Sammy had inherited everything. It had always amazed Jacen how even though they had wiped their son from their lives, in their deaths they had still left him everything.
"Thanks for the offer, Sammy, but it won't be necessary as my lawyer is already one Des recommended when Teag kicked us out."
Sammy slapped his forehead. "How could I forget? I must be more tired than I thought. You have the same guy who looked after me when I was going through the whole Bradley debacle."
"Has he ever tried to get in contact with you since then?" Jacen asked. It had been a little over twelve months since the episode, and if it were him, he didn't think he'd have taken it as well as Sammy had.
"Travis informed Micah and me when Bradley died in prison after being in some kind of fight for dominance. I guess he lost. Blake, on the other hand, won't be due for parole as his charges have been upgraded. It seems he, in turn, murdered the guy who killed Bradley. He's now serving consecutive sentences for each victim he conned and the murder charges."
Micah pulled Sammy closer. "It couldn't have happened to a nicer person. I'm just glad they got caught when they did, and before they had a chance to rob some other sucker dry. I'm not saying you were a sucker, babe. Bradley lived a double life where you were concerned. Remember Emily told us Blake blamed you for screwing up their pattern. Maybe if they hadn't conned you, they would still be out there now causing havoc with the gullible female population."
"I still can't work out why Bradley changed their scam for me. Even at the trial he was claiming he wasn't gay and I was the one who was filled with delusions and lying. Up until the end he was still denying to be the one who shot at Micah and me. Travis never believed he'd done it. I don't know what to believe any more," Sammy said solemnly.
"Some guys can't admit what they really are. I tell you what I see, and I bet it was the same for him. You, Sammy Ranmore, are one sexy and good-hearted man—a man no one with any sense could ever resist."
Jacen knew he and Kayne were witnessing a very intimate moment and wasn't sure what he was meant to do. Should they get up and leave them alone, or should they say something to let them know they were still in the room?
Kayne made the decision for him. He stood and pulled Jacen to his feet. "The spare room is made up, guys. It's getting late. I think we all need some sleep, and as they say—tomorrow is another day."
"Yes, it's late," Micah said as he and Sammy stood up, "but I think I'm taking my beautiful and sexy lover home."
Sammy blushed as Micah led him out of the house and to the car.
"Come on, love. I think I need to take you to bed hold you for a while. I need to feel you in my arms and know we are real. Nothing can hurt us if we stick together."
Jacen grabbed hold of his hand as they walked around the house, making sure it was locked up tight. "You're right. Nothing will ever hurt us again as long as we're together."
By the time they had showered and were in bed, Jacen was snuggled into Kayne's side and sent up a quick prayer to whoever was listening to keep their newfound family safe from harm.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"Honey, we're home," Kayne called out, and Macen's giggles soon followed. They found Jacen standing at the stove in the kitchen stirring what smelled a hell of a lot like pasta sauce. Kayne's stomach rumbled in appreciation. A grin formed on his face when he saw the frilly apron Jacen was wearing.
"How was your day?" Jacen asked as he tilted his face up for a kiss, and Kayne could taste the sauce. Someone had been taste testing as he cooked.
Kayne was amazed at how easy it was for Macen to adapt to Jacen being a part of their family unit. He smiled when Macen gave Jace a hug.
"How was school?" Jacen asked when they all pulled apart.
"Fun, we made volcanos in science today."
Kayne steered Macen towards the door. "Go and get out of your uniform and wash up for dinner." When Macen was out of earshot he spoke softly. "Teag tried to pull Macen out of school today. The school wouldn't let her take him. I arrived just as they were escorting her off school property. She screamed at me and called me a few choice names before saying the next time she came to call, she would do more than break your damn windows," Kayne said calmly. "I've already spoken to the police with the school staff as witnesses. Travis said they were going to pull her in for questioning. So we had to stop by the police station on the way home and give our statements."
"And?" Jacen went back to stirring the sauce, but Kayne could sense his underlying anger. They stood there close together as Jacen added the pasta to the rapidly boiling water.
"And, according to Travis, she was so ticked off at not having access to Macen, she started spouting anti-gay crap. In her rant she blurted out she had Chris do the damage, while she waited in the car at the end of the street. This is the part that gets me. I think she might have also had something to do with Micah and Sammy being shot. From what Travis told me, she said that if she hadn't messed up her chance at killing me last year, none of this would have happened. They've arrested both Teag and Chris, so they can't come near any of us again. They're also being charged with vandalism and wilful destruction of your property. Travis basically told me to seek full custody of Macen as soon as possible. They've given me a shitload of paperwork to show my lawyers. I think if he can prove it, Travis is going to charge her with the shooting. She may have been aiming for me, but she hit two innocent people."
"Are we going for full custody?"
Kayne nodded. "Yeah, I rang Thomas and made an appointment to see him Monday. He asked if you could come with me."
"Okay," Jacen answered. Even though they had really only been living as a family for less than a month, Kayne already trusted Jacen and wanted to share everything with him. He'd never trusted Teagan at all to include her in all of his decisions. He and his now ex-wife had lived two totally separate lives.
"Yeah, I think it'll all work out, now that everyone knows how vindictive and crazy she is." Changing the subject he added, "Dinner smells awesome, babe."
"Go and wash up. It'll be ready in about thirty minutes." Jacen smiled as he went about setting the table.
"Are we having garlic bread?" Macen asked as he walked back into the kitchen.
"Yes we are." Jacen laughed as Macen fist pumped the air. "Someone is happy."
"He apparently made a new friend at school today. Apparently, Luca
s has two dads as well."
"Oh wow."
"Exactly." Kayne put his arms around Jacen and pulled him close and said, over–dramatically, "Give me a kiss so I can bear to leave you for the few minutes it'll take me to wash up."
Jacen gave him a quick smooch before turning back to Macen and asking, "Are you ready for this wedding tomorrow?"
"I can't wait. Uncle Micah says there will be lots of cake."
Instead of going to the bathroom, Kayne washed up in the kitchen sink. "Are you looking forward to the wedding tomorrow, babe?"
Jacen nodded. "Yes, Sammy and Nancy have gone to a lot of trouble to make sure everything runs smoothly."
"Fingers crossed there'll be no major dramas."
Jacen groaned as Kayne claimed his mouth again. Kissing Jacen was one of Kayne's most favourite things to do in the world.
When they parted, Macen was standing there with his eyes covered. "Are you two done yet? The way you two are going, we'll never get to eat."
"Fine." Kayne huffed as he walked over and took his seat at the table and waited for his men to join him.
Their family was getting into a routine. One that worked for them and it made Kayne happier than a pig in shit. Macen had opened up since they had gotten resettled. He was thriving on the attention Jacen smothered him with—something he'd never gotten from his own mother. Teagan was one woman who should never ever have had children, as her life revolved solely around her and her own wants. Kayne had learned long ago that she'd only stuck around because Kayne loved Macen and it gave her one more thing to hold over his head.
* * * *
Long after the dishes were done and Macen had gone to bed, Kayne was enjoying another of his favourite pastimes—showering with Jacen. He couldn't get enough of touching his lover's bare skin and knowing it was all for him. In the last month since they had truly become a couple, Jacen had taken him on so many exquisite journeys through the land of sexual bliss. He'd never realised before how just the slightest touch from the person he loved could give him such a raging hard-on. His world was about to shatter with pleasure and rain down all over him.
No matter what they tried, Kayne loved every single experience.
He'd never truly lived until Jacen.
No words were needed as they dried off and walked naked to their room. Kayne was just happy watching his sexy as fuck man do anything. It didn't even have to involve sex. Jacen was like a calming mechanism for Kayne.
"Are you coming to bed or are you going to stare at me for the rest of the night?" Jacen asked as he climbed into bed.
Smiling he answered. "A little from column A and a little from column B. Is there something wrong with me standing here admiring the view?"
"Not a damn thing, but I was hoping you would be doing rather than watching."
Closing the bedroom door for privacy, Kayne didn't have to be told twice. He turned and leapt the last few feet to the bed until he was straddling a softly squealing Jacen. "What did you have in mind, sexy?"
"I thought maybe you wanted to shove this"—Jacen's hand wrapped around Kayne's hard length—"deep inside my body as you fucked me through the mattress. I missed you today."
Kayne let out a soft moan as Jacen slowly stroked him. Kayne reached out and tweaked his lover's nipples, knowing how sensitive they were for Jacen. "I'm going to fuck you so hard you'll be blushing tomorrow at the wedding, all because it'll feel like I'm still buried deep inside you." Glancing to the bedside table and seeing condoms and lube sitting there, he smirked. "I see someone is prepared."
Kayne reached down and knocked Jacen's hand from around his manhood. Instead of complaining, Jacen thrust up into his grip as he held both their erections in his hand, giving them enough pressure to feel each other's blood pulsing.
"I need… Kayne, please."
Reluctantly Kayne let go. He knew he'd only been stalling, as he was still a little wary of stretching Jacen to readiness. The truth was he was terrified that he was going to be too rough in his eagerness and damage Jacen in some way. Jacen's breath hitched when Kayne grabbed the lube and coated his fingers. His lover had been so patient with teaching him how to pleasure another man, and Kayne wanted to show Jacen that he'd been paying attention.
Slow and steady was the name of the game as he circled his slicked-up fingertips around Jacen's puckered opening. It still amazed him that something so tight could loosen enough to let him in. When Jacen nodded, Kayne sank one finger inside his lover's body, relishing in the heat calling to him. Kayne especially loved all the little noises Jacen offered up as one finger became two then three. His attention came back into the moment when Jacen slapped the bed as he reached out searching for the condom. Someone was in a hurry.
Taking pity on the guy, Kayne pulled his fingers free and leant over to grab the condom. Tearing it free of its wrapper he rolled it down his length, making sure it was perfect before adding more lube to the outside. Jacen looked like a wanton mess spread out for his pleasure and Kayne gloried in the fact Jacen was his—his to look at and his to love on. His life couldn't get any more perfect.
Kayne moved until he was kneeling between Jacen's legs. He lifted his lover enough to shove a pillow under his arse to give him easier access to his prize. Lining up his cock with Jacen's opening and sinking deep into his body was like coming home. All the worries of the day disappeared for a fraction of time and all that existed was Kayne and Jacen. The way Jacen gazed at him heatedly as he moaned was simply intoxicating. This is what making love was supposed to be like and was at the opposite end of the scale from anything he'd experienced with Teagan. He shook his head to dislodge any thoughts of his ex-wife. She had no place in his happily ever after. She never had.
"I love you, Jacen Ives," he said in all honesty—putting his heart out there for the world to see.
Again Jacen moaned in pleasure as Kayne pulled out until just the tip of his cock kept them joined then sank back inside of him. The warmth wrapped around his cock made it hard to think properly. Kayne knew he'd quite happily remain inside Jacen's body for the rest of his life if he could.
Jacen reached up and cupped him around the back of the neck, encouraging Kayne to come down for a kiss, and Kayne went willingly. The kiss was long and thorough, and had Kayne hornier than ever.
"I've always loved you," Jacen whispered against his ear when they parted. "My heart has always been yours, whether you knew it or not."
At those words Kayne's rhythm faltered. He stared at Jacen in shock for mere seconds before the driving force to pleasure Jacen came back with a vengeance. He plunged in and pulled out of Jacen at a frantic rate. Sweat ghosted over his skin, prickling all his senses into life. Kayne changed the angle of his thrusts enough to give Jacen even more of him.
Kayne loved the way Jacen alternated between twisting his fisted hands in the sheets, and digging his finger into any part of Kayne he could reach. He also loved the way Jacen didn't lie there like a wet noodle. Instead he met Kayne thrust for thrust, making everything so much better in the process.
"Harder, love. Give me everything you've got. I won't break. I promise."
Jacen's words were almost enough to send Kayne over the edge of his desire in a landslide. He needed to rein it in if he had any hope in hell of lasting.
"Your wish is my command."
Kayne may have slowed minimally, but he drove deeper into Jacen, grinding his hips into Jacen's welcoming apex. The effect had Jacen's eyelids fluttering for all they were worth as moan after moan escaped him. Each and every time he was buried to the hilt, Kayne leant in and placed a soft kiss on various parts of Jacen's face, loving the taste of the man as much as the actual fucking.
The way pinpricks of pleasure, desire, or whatever the hell it was played over Kayne's body was both exquisite and excruciating, all at the same time. His balls wanted to release their ever-building load into Jacen while his brain was fighting for dominance and saying, "Not yet—we can handle a little bit more."
Toni
ght this was all about showing Jacen just how much he meant to Kayne without needing the words to explain what he was feeling. He needed Jacen to understand he was worth more than he had endured in the past. Jacen was a man of worth and Kayne was determined to prove it
"I'm so close… God!"
"Nope, just Kayne." Kayne bit back a chuckle as Jacen tried to glare at him and failed.
Jacen arched his back and gasped at the same time Kayne felt his lover's release flood the space between them. Heat danced the length of his spine as Kayne buried himself deeper than he thought possible, moaning Jacen's name over and over as he filled the condom. Jacen held him in a death grip and Kayne was willing to stay as close as his lover wanted and for as long as he needed. Right then Jacen was his whole entire world.
* * * *
The music was soft and low, and Kayne's arms felt so right wrapped around Jacen as they danced to the slow song playing.
"It was a beautiful ceremony."
"Yes, it was." Jacen hummed against his ear.
Taking a breath Kayne stated clearly so there was no mistaking his words. "When we get married, it will be just as beautiful."
"Hmmm… Wait…what?" Jacen stepped back and stared at him in obvious shock.
Kayne leant closer and kissed his cheek. "Once my divorce is finalised, I'm going to get down on one knee and ask you to marry me. What do you think about that, Mr Ives?"
"I-I… Really?" Jacen eyes filled with tears.
He wrapped his arms tighter around Jacen until they were once more flush against each other.
"Really! One day you're going to be my husband." Kayne kissed him again. "Mum and Dad have asked to take Macen home with them tonight. We have the whole night to ourselves for me to convince you to say yes."
Jacen shook his head then blurted out. "You don't need a whole night to convince me. I love you. I've always loved you. Of course I'm going to say yes."
Kayne stepped away from him and cupped his hands around his mouth and called across to where their families were sitting.
One Last Kiss Goodbye (Hidden Hearts #2) Page 12