“Hey.” Joshua took her in his arms.
“He loves me, Joshua… or he did… I lost him.” Katiana cried.
“Look…” Joshua sighed. “Landon has always loved you, Kat, but you never gave him the time of day. You have a boyfriend. How long did you think he would just sit around and wait?”
“I know.” Katiana sniffed. “I just, I always thought he would wait for me. God, I sound like a stuck-up bitch. I like Bree, I really do, but my heart… God, I love him, Joshua.”
“You should have told him.”
“I know. Maybe part of me was scared to… now it’s too late.” Katiana cried and Joshua held her.
“I’m sorry, Kat. I really am.”
“God, listen to me.” Katiana sat up and wiped her eyes. “You’re in pain. What can I do?”
“Just… sit here with me?”
Kat took his hand. “I can do that.”
Bree backed up silently, walked to her room, and closed the door quietly. So Katiana was in love with Landon… and he was in love with her. Bree sighed and lay back on the bed. She knew Landon had feelings for her, could see it… feel it… but love? She didn’t think so. Landon’s heart belonged to someone else. Bree sighed and closed her eyes. She would have to think about what she was going to do, but it could wait until they got home. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
Hunter was getting ready for his date with Jesse. He fixed his shirt in the mirror. His eyes fell to the picture of him and Jensen — they were smiling and his arm was around him. Hunter picked it up and ran his fingertip over Jensen’s face. He liked Jesse — they had a lot in common and had fun together — but Hunter knew he loved Jensen. He always would. There was a knock on the door and Hunter opened it to see Jesse on the other side holding flowers. Hunter let him in and took the flowers when Jesse handed them over.
“Flowers, huh?”
“Too much?” Jesse asked.
“No, it’s cute.” Hunter walked over to the counter and put them in water.
“So, I got us reservations at that Italian place.” Jesse took his hand. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“I am.”
They talked over dinner and Hunter loved how at ease they were with each other. He listened to Jesse talking about his family life, and Hunter knew the conversation would veer toward him at some point. He had talked to his dad and found out Joshua’s girlfriend had dumped him after finding out about their uncles Vince and Andrei.
“Hunter?”
“Yeah?”
“I asked how your family is. Are you guys close?”
“As close as you can get. My dad was actually my other dad’s bodyguard for a while before they got together.”
“Bodyguard?” Jesse arched a brow.
Hunter sighed. Here we go. “Yes, my dad, Roman… is, well… he’s a hired assassin.” Hunter waited for the chair to fly over and Jesse to make a run for the parking lot.
“Awesome. I know your other dad is a doctor, what kind?”
“He’s a pediatrician.”
Jesse laughed so loud it scared Hunter. He almost fell out of the chair. Jesse looked around, putting his hand over his mouth. “Seriously?” Jesse leaned over. “Your dad’s a hired killer and the other one treats kids?”
Hunter thought about that and a smile formed on his lips. “I guess that is funny.”
“Ya don’t say?”
“He wasn’t a pediatrician to start out with, but when my dad kept beating up my doctors, he switched medical fields.”
“I’ll bet.” Jesse chuckled. “Anything else I should know?”
“Um… my uncle is Andrei Panchenko?” Hunter closed his eyes.
“Dude! The head of the Russian mob?” Jesse was whispering now. “No shit? So Vince Markov?”
“Yeah. Uncle.”
“Wow…” Jesse sat back looking at him.
“So… you’re still here.”
“Well, I’m hungry. After I eat, I’ll run screaming for the parking lot.” Jesse snickered.
Hunter kicked him under the table. “Ass.”
“Here I thought saying ‘I’m gay’ to someone would be the fastest way to make them leave. Now I know I can say, ‘My dad’s a hired killer, but don’t fret… my other dad’s a doctor for kids.’ ”
Hunter almost spit out his water. “Stop it!”
They talked for over an hour. Jesse was different, that was for sure. They walked around the harbor after dinner and Jesse pulled Hunter into him. They heard the waves hitting the beach and Jesse watched the slight breeze blowing Hunter’s hair.
“You are so beautiful, Hunter.”
“You are too. You want to come to my room?”
“Yes.” Hell, yes, he wanted to be alone with Hunter.
They barely made it through Hunter’s door before clothes were flying off. Jesse picked Hunter up and took him to the bedroom. He stood at the end of the bed. He smiled as Hunter crawled over to him. His hands ran down his chest and he unbuttoned his pants. Jesse ran his hands through Hunter’s hair, feeling his pants come down. He pushed Hunter down and licked his stomach on his way up to Hunter’s mouth.
“Jesse…”
“God, the way you say my name. It’s so fucking sexy.”
Hunter ran his hands around to his ass and squeezed. He spread his legs out, gasping at Jesse’s erection on his hip. Jesse’s hand was on his ass, gripping it tightly as he moved against him. Hunter moved his hand and found Jesse’s erection. He pulled it free of the boxers and liberated his own. They were rubbing skin on skin now and he arched his back as Jesse thrust into him, their erections sliding over one another.
“Jesse, oh shit…”
Jesse sensed his orgasm was imminent. He grabbed Hunter’s erection along with his own, jacking them off together. The loud moaning was making him want to come hard and fast. He sped up his strokes and Hunter came with a loud cry. Jesse lost it seconds later. His orgasm hit him with force and he kissed Hunter hard as it ripped through him. They lay there kissing for a long time.
“You’re gorgeous and amazing,” Jesse whispered.
Hunter closed his eyes. Only the face he saw wasn’t Jesse’s. It was Jensen’s. He opened his eyes and saw Jesse searching his face. “I have to tell you something.”
Half an hour later Jesse sat on the end of the bed running his hand through his hair. “So, he’s straight.”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
“Well, he dated Vikki, so I would say yeah.” Hunter sighed. “Look, I just wanted to be honest, I really like you, Jesse. I just thought you should know.”
“I appreciate it. It’s always good to know the guy you have a crush on is in love with his best friend.”
“God, I’m sorry. I just... I want us to be honest.” Hunter put his face in his hands.
“Hey, let’s just see where this goes, okay?” Jesse took his hands.
“You’re not mad?”
Jesse smiled. “No, I’m not mad. We kinda started this thing pretty fast, so let’s just slow things down and date, okay?”
Hunter let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks Jesse.”
“Welcome.”
Conner was running around the football field. He had been watching Melanie for almost a week now, making sure Braden stayed away from her. He hadn’t tried to kiss her, not once. He wanted her to know that wasn’t all he wanted from her. He rounded the bend and watched Braden come out with four other guys. Conner chuckled.
“Greystone.”
“Asshole.” Conner stopped. “This is your posse, huh?”
“I think you deserve to get your ass kicked after what you did to me.”
“Where are the rest of them?” Conner looked around Braden.
“What?”
“You mean this is it? Five of you?” Conner shook his head.
“I don’t believe the stories, Greystone.” Braden snapped. “I think it’s bullshit.”
Conner stripped off his shirt and bounced up and d
own, stretching his arms out. “Okay then, bring it.”
Braden moved forward and one of his friends stopped him, shaking his head. Braden pushed him back and lunged for Conner. Conner sidestepped him, kicking him in the ass, sending him face-first into the grass. Conner let out a loud yawn.
“Son of a bitch!” Braden got up and wiped his shirt off.
“I’ll tell you what. I’ll just stand here.”
Braden let out a growl and threw a punch. Conner grabbed his fist. He twisted Braden’s wrist almost upside down and Braden let out a loud scream.
“Ouch. I could keep going. It will break.”
Conner saw them coming at him out of the corner of his eye. He let go of Braden and twirled around, hitting the first guy in the back of the neck. He went down and Conner elbowed the next guy coming at him from behind. He swept the next guy’s legs out from under him and did a back spring out of another punch. He landed on his feet a few feet away from them.
“Round two?” Conner asked.
There was loud clapping and Conner turned to see his dads walking onto the field. Conner smiled and ran to them.
“Exercise?” Paul arched a brow.
“Little misunderstanding. Hi, Dad.”
Mark hugged him tight. “Your uncles are coming.”
“To what do I owe this little visit?”
“We were here.” Paul narrowed his eyes at the five boys standing around checking each other’s faces. “Did you not get the memo?”
“Huh?” Braden looked at them. “Mr. Greystone.”
“Yeah, don’t Mr. Greystone me. My daughter told me all about you. I wouldn’t call her a liar. I’m not as nice as Conner.” Paul narrowed his eyes.
“So, hungry?” Mark asked his son.
“Yes, starving, but I have to keep an eye on Melanie.” Conner watched the guys leaving the field. “Braden’s going to go straight for her.”
“We have that under control.” Paul winked. “She’ll meet us at the restaurant.”
Conner arched a brow. “What are you up to?”
“Us?” Mark tried to look innocent.
“Oh, shit.” Melanie peeked out her door. Seeing the hallway clear, she made a run for the stairs.
“Good morning, Melanie.”
Melanie turned to see Braden smiling at her. She moved slowly against the wall, trying to get to the stairwell door. “Conner’s not here,” Braden sneered.
“No, but I am.”
Melanie turned at the voice behind her. She looked up — way up. The man had to be six-foot-four, blond hair, had the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen, and was huge.
“I suggest you keep walking.” Luka arched a brow. “I am not in the mood.”
“Who the fuck are you?”
“That would be Miss Hoffman’s bodyguard for the day,” Vince purred, walking up behind Luka.
“Holy shit.” Braden’s jaw dropped.
“Oh, good! I don’t need to introduce myself. I believe you know my husband.”
Andrei walked over to Melanie and took her hand. “We are to take you to breakfast with Conner. Will that be all right?”
Melanie nodded. She knew who he was. Who didn’t? Andrei pointed to Braden.
“You do not ever look, talk to, or touch Miss Hoffman again. I have a very large property. No one will find your body… parts.” Andrei smiled wide.
Braden ran and Vince chuckled, looking at Melanie. “Sorry. We just love having fun.”
“Mr. Markov.” Melanie put her hand out. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“She is very sweet. It is no wonder young Conner has taken a liking to her.” Andrei smiled.
“Shh!” Luka held a finger to his lips.
Andrei covered his mouth. “Ooops.”
Melanie giggled. “Thank you, for protecting me.”
“Luka will take you to the restaurant. Vince and I are going to go have more fun.” Andrei took his husband’s hand and started to follow Braden’s direction.
Melanie smiled, watching them walk hand in hand down the hall. She turned and looked up at Luka. “Thank you.”
“You are very welcome.”
Melanie blushed. “So… breakfast?”
“Yes.” Luka put his hand out. “May I?”
Melanie took his hand. “Sure.”
Luka walked her out to the car. They both got in and Luka took that time to study young Conner’s crush. She was very cute, maybe seventeen at the most. He had heard what had happened and he had wanted to crush the kid. Trying to force yourself on a woman was disgusting.
“You’re staring.” Melanie blushed.
“Sorry. I was just remembering what Miss Phoebe told us.” Luka looked out the window.
Jesus, he was huge. He filled almost the whole seat. “Oh…”
“It’s not your fault, you know.” Luka told her. “Don’t ever think it was, men like that…” Luka shook his head.
“Thank you.”
The car came to a stop and Luka got out, putting his hand out to her. She took it and he escorted her inside, taking her to the table.
“Well, good morning,” Paul said. “I take it you didn’t have any problems?”
Luka laughed. “Nope.”
“Hi, Melanie. I’m Conner’s father, Mark.” Mark shook her hand. “And this is my husband, Paul.”
“Nice to meet you.” Melanie shook their hands. “So I guess I owe you guys thanks for my bodyguards this morning.”
“Nah. Vince and Andrei love screwing with people’s heads.” Paul laughed loud.
“Hey, you!” Conner took her hand. “You okay?”
“I’m just fine.”
They said their goodbyes to Mark and Paul after breakfast and Conner walked her back to her room. As always, he did a check of the room before coming out and giving her the okay. Melanie watched him make a sweep of the room. He had one hell of an ass in his jeans and she giggled.
“Something amuses thee?”
“I was just thinking: it’s been a week and you haven’t even tried to kiss me. Are you scared of me?”
Conner backed her into the door. He leaned down, putting his hands behind her on the door, blocking her in. “I wasn’t sure I should.”
Melanie looked into very green eyes. His lips were inches from hers and she could feel his breath on her face. She tilted her head and caught his lips.
They were kissing against the door, and Conner broke the kiss, looking at her flushed face. “Um, I should go. I’m a little turned on.”
“Yes.” Melanie fixed her shirt. “Me too.”
“But maybe later?”
“Count on it.”
Evan was looking around the room. What a difference a month made. Cameron had cleaned the whole room again without even being asked. Evan smiled and walked into the bedroom. Cameron was sleeping on his back with one hand behind his head, one leg out of the sheets. Evan sat on the edge of the bed. He kissed his stomach.
“Hey.” Cameron opened his eyes. “How was class?”
“Shitty. I kept thinking about you in boxers.”
“I’m naked.” Cameron waggled his eyebrows.
Evan got up, Cameron grabbed his hand, and then he was flat on his back with Cameron on top. Evan cupped his face, looking into his eyes. He had Ryan’s eyes. He closed his eyes, thinking about Ryan. It was happening more and more often now.
“You okay?” Cameron ran his hand up Evan’s shirt.
“Evan?”
Evan’s eyes went wide. “Ryan?”
“Dude, where are you —” Ryan walked in the bedroom and stopped. “Holy shit.”
“Oh, fuck.” Evan closed his eyes.
Cameron looked from Evan to Ryan. “I would introduce myself, but I’m kind of naked.”
“I’ll just… wait in the other room.” Ryan walked out.
“Oh, God.” Evan put his hands over his face.
Ryan sat down, shocked. He hadn’t known Evan was gay. He looked at Toby and closed his eyes. “He’l
l be right out.”
“Are you okay?” Toby asked.
Ryan had brought Toby with him for moral support. He was going to tell Evan he was gay. He felt as if he should do it as soon as possible and in person. So, next thing he knew, he was on the Santorno jet making a quick jaunt to jolly old England.
The image of Evan with a guy on top of him wouldn’t leave his head. His heart was breaking into a million pieces. “He was… a little busy.”
Cameron came out first and almost tripped over his feet looking at the guy leaning against the wall. Holy hell in a hand basket. If he thought Evan was good looking, this guy was breathtaking. There was something familiar about him as well. He put his hand out. “Now that I’m dressed, Cameron Dalton.”
“Toby Strong, but I think that’s the one you want to meet — Evan’s best friend.”
Cameron looked at Ryan. He looked like he was going to puke. “Cameron —”
“Yeah, I heard. Ryan Cannon.” Ryan put his hand out.
“Ryan, let me explain…” Evan came out looking at Ryan. His eyes caught Toby leaning against the wall. “You are?”
“His friend.” Toby pointed to Ryan.
It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Cameron was sweating bullets. He looked at Toby with an eyebrow raised. “Maybe we should give them some privacy?”
“I’ll just be going with him.” Toby pointed to Cameron.
“Okay.”
“I’ll take him to the chow hall, Evan.”
Evan sat down with his face in his hands. Ryan hadn’t said a word. He just stared at the wall. God, he looked even better now. His blond hair hung slightly in his eyes but the rest of it was short. He had gotten a lot bigger too. The biceps were flexing in his shirt.
“Please, say something.” Evan broke the silence.
“You’re gay.”
“I — yes — God, I’m so sorry, Ryan. I wanted to tell you a thousand times. I just… God, I don’t know.” Evan put his face in his hands again.
“I’m gay, Evan.”
Evan’s head shot up. “What?”
“Toby is my… well, I can’t say boyfriend. We’ve kissed and stuff, but it’s not like that…” Ryan looked at Evan’s face. It was complete and utter shock, and then he busted out laughing.
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