Page 92 of Our Blood, Our Pain

“It’s the effect you have on me, you annoying asshole.”

I walk over to his side of the car and open the door.

“Keep it up. I don’t plan on going gentle on you. The more snarky you are, the harder I’ll go on you,” I say, and the cheeky little shit stands out of the car and faces me head on.

“The harder the better,” he says, and if it weren’t for Aaron and Seb who are jogging over to us like excited spaniels, I’d pick him up in my arms and take him to bed.

“Kai, so happy you’re back, man,” Seb says, grabbing Kai into a bear hug.

“Can I see the scar?” Aaron asks as Seb releases Kai.

“Uh yeah,” Kai says, about to take off his jacket.

“No,” I say.

“Why?” Aaron asks, completely confused.

Lev and Dima appear at the door and start to walk over. Fucking hell, I wasn’t expecting such a welcome party.

“Lev, tell your man to back away.”

“No. I’m not giving him attention today, he’s been a fucking asshole since I got home,” Lev says, avoiding eye contact with Aaron, who is on the verge of producing steam from his nostrils as he stares Lev down.

“I don’t need you. Kai’s here now.”

“Fucking watch it, doe. I ain’t in no mood for your games.”

“And Kai is not here for you to play with, Aaron. He needs to rest.”

“I do?” he asks.

“No, Jules wants to fuck him,” Dima says as Seb smacks him in the chest.

“What? It’s true. If you’d been in the hospital I’d be like a beast in heat.”

“How charming,” Seb mumbles.

“You saying you don’t like my attention, beautiful?” Dima says, clutching Seb’s hips from behind, and Seb melts into him.

“I never said that.”

“Can we go inside? It ain’t getting any fucking warmer out here,” Lev moans, stomping off back into the house with Aaron running after him.

“I know you two lovebirds want to be alone, but we need to talk first,” Dima says, and I grab Kai’s hand and pull him along with me, following Dima back into the house, making his way to the office. As we walk inside, Lev joins us and closes the door, before we all take a seat.

“When you’re feeling ready, Kai, Lev has suggested that you take on dealing with the books for the club and bar. Simon vouched for you. You won’t have to take part in the messier side of things, unless of course, you change your mind.”

“Oh, thanks. I don’t think I’ll change my mind, but I’m definitely up for the other work. Thanks, and I’m sorry for bringing trouble.”

“It happens, Seb and Aaron did the same thing. It’s like a fucking ritual,” Lev says, and I have to agree.

“Does this mean you’re staying?” Dima says, now focused on me.

“Yes.”

“Good. The architect we’ve hired is visiting tomorrow afternoon to go over plans for the properties in the back. I assume you’ll be wanting to live together?” Dima says.

“Yep.”

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