Page 56 of Jordan

I was about to press a kiss to his lips when I heard Hartley’s shoes on the stairs. “Vail, it’s great to see you again.” Hartley had told me he hadn’t heard from him since they were last here.

Turning, I saw the genuine smile on Hartley’s face. My eyes dropped to his blush-colored, long-sleeved shirt that moved in tiny waves as the air rippled around him when he walked. The V in the neck didn’t plunge low, but enough where I could see a smattering of hair on his chest. His slacks were a slim cut, hugging his thighs and ass, which I certainly stared at as he stepped just past me to hug Vail.

“Hey, Hart,” Vail said softly. He brushed a piece of Hartley’s hair back, letting his fingers trace behind Hartley’s ear and down his neck. Hartley shivered and leaned forward like he couldn’t help himself. I knew the feeling all too well.

“Sir,” Raiden interrupted. “Your son and the others are on their way up.”

I nodded. Hartley and Vail both looked my way, waiting for direction. I wasn’t sure how this night would go. The last time Jordan saw me with a partner was his mother, and that ended in death. Vail and Hartley both wanted me, but what were we? It felt so childish to even think about. I had to introduce them as something.

Before I could say anything, the elevator chimed. Vail stepped to my right while Hartley stayed on my left, shoulder to shoulder, we faced the elevator.

Jordan was the first to exit, Dexen and Greer flanking him, always watching over my son. Dexen knew better. I wouldn’t hurt Jordan. Greer was still a prick and thought I gave a shit what he thought of me. I did not. He could fuck right off down to the garage for all I cared. The only reason I tolerated him was for Jordan.

“So, Dexen filled me in,” Jordan stated. “I guess you’re part of the double dick club.”

“Eloquent, JJ,” Dexen muttered.

My son shrugged. “Vail.” Jordan reached out and they shook hands. “It’s nice to see you again. You’re not cooking tonight. I know why, but damn, I love your food.”

“Irene’s cooked for us this evening,” I said.

“Old man.” Jordan nodded in greeting. It was amazing I hadn’t chipped teeth given the way I clenched my jaw when my son pushed my buttons. His eyes moved to Hartley. “You must be the designer I’ve heard good things about. Tristan mentioned you in one of the group calls we’ve had.”

“You have group calls with Tristan?” I asked.

“We’re friends.”

“Plus, JJ likes to fanboy all over Dash, Slater, Reed, and Cas,” Dexen added. It was no secret my son was a fan of Ruined & Relinquished. I didn’t understand being so enamored with a band. If it made my son happy, good for him.

Jordan elbowed Dexen but kept talking to me. “They’re due home next week. We were making plans to get together.”

“Tristan told me when they’re scheduled to arrive.”

“He mentioned you were working with Hartley, though I see it’s more than a working relationship.”

“What you should see is Hartley and Vail are my…” Shit. Fuck. What the hell was I supposed to call them? Being at a loss for the right word wasn’t normal for me. I always knew what to say. I could throw out threats as easily as I could breathe, yet right now, I wanted to scream at the fact I didn’t know what the fuck to say.

“Partners,” Vail answered for me. “We’re his partners.”

“That’s new,” my son said.

“Boyfriends didn’t seem right. We also haven’t hashed out the details yet.”

“Partners works for me,” Hartley added. “I’m living here so it sounds better than boyfriends. Although, I wouldn’t object to that either.”

“Wait,” Jordan cut in. “You live here?”

“Mmhmm. Jordan swooped in, saved me from my heatless home, and the next thing I knew, I lived here.”

“Heavy-handed much?” Jordan cocked an eyebrow at me.

“If you weren’t my son,” I growled. Greer took a step forward, as did Raiden.

“Okay,” Vail said, turning his back to Jordan and his men, so he filled my line of sight. “No violence, all right?” He didn’t need to say more. His eyes begged me to calm things down. I had to remember how Vail felt about this kind of thing, though I wasn’t about to harm my son. Greer on the other hand…

I nodded. “We should eat.”

Vail’s shoulders relaxed, and he leaned forward to press his lips to mine in a far too chaste kiss. “Thank you,” he mouthed.

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