Page 28 of Ride the Whirlwind

“You’re right, and I love Fabian for bringing so much light into it. My husband showed you kindness and understanding, and yet you are judging him. When did you become so bitter, Matthew?” There was a thinly veiled sadness in Lance's voice the other man detected on the spot.

“Well, usually, rich guys are assholes who think that just because they have loads of money, they can own you like you are nothing but a goddamn object. Oops, I did it again. Sue me,” Matthew sarcastically said.

“Rowan's ankles got swollen and climbing up and down the stairs is very difficult for him, so I thought to move him downstairs. The mattress you cursed is soft and comfortable, just what him and the babies need. As suspected, he will have twins,” Lance smiled tenderly.

“What about the mother? Isn't she going to live here, too? Or is she a surrogate who will give up on her parental rights as soon as the babies are born?” Matthew's face brightened as a smile played on his lips.

“That's complicated, to say the least.” Lance turned to the other man; the smile gone. “In fact, it is very simple, but your attitude towards my husband and everything that's related to him, one way or another, makes opening to you extremely difficult. He is a kind, loving soul who takes care of everyone around him.”

“Does he top you? He does because, well, the man can afford it, just like he can afford to take care of all these boys. Money gives one power over people. It's a lesson I've learned the hard way.” Matthew hugged himself, staring blankly ahead.

“I top most of the time because that's what Fabian needs and wants, but sometimes we switch roles. He is a gentle, considerate, but also very passionate lover.” Lance smiled again. “You'd be very surprised to find out where most of my husband's money goes, but I won't tell you.” Lance checked his watch, worry etched on his features. “Speaking of, he should have been home by now. I wonder what happened.”

“Well, I better go in the room your husband generously offered me,” Matthew became sarcastic again. “That is, if you don't need my help with decorating the nursery,” he gestured around the room.

“Gods forbid, don't even think about it, man.” Lance shook his head, a half-serious, half-amused expression on his face. “This is Elias' job. The kid would kill us with his bare hands rather than let us ruin his design.”

“If you say so.” Matthew shrugged. “Speaking of kids, since your husband is getting home late, how about I help you with cooking dinner? I can peel the carrots, slice, cut, and dice the veggies, and everything in between. Unless, of course, Fabian prefers to do these things himself.”

“Helping me with the cooking is one of my husband's favorite activities,” Lance said in a dreamy voice. “He enjoys every second of it because we do this for the kids you saw and others who happen to drop by. Cooking and eating together—that's what families do, and Fabian gave me a beautiful, loving family.”

Lance stopped talking and listened intently, the sound of a car stopping on the driveway making him dart out of the room, heading to the main entrance. A wide smile reached his light-green eyes, brightening his face at the sight of his husband stepping down from the vehicle. Lance examined the other man's face, the smile faltering when he saw the unreadable expression he knew all too well.

From where he stood, Matthew could see the couple very well, and he studied their gestures with great attention. Over the years he spent working for the CIA, he’d mastered the art of reading the body language, and was extremely surprised to discover nothing in Fabian's body posture spoke of arrogance or domination.

He was surrounded by an aura of mystery, but Matthew could feel a lot of warmth and affection radiating from him and wrapping around Lance, who gently caressed his husband's face. Without a warning, Fabian threw himself in Lance's arms, burrowed his head into the man's chest, and started to sob heavily.

Matthew looked at his former trainer holding his husband and comforting him, no questions asked, and something shifted inside him. The scene made him think of his former boyfriend, with his cold, controlling, dominating attitude, and he compared the bastard to the man crying his heart out in Lance's arms.

Fabian Bloom was anything but a rich, entitled motherfucker who thought money gave him the right to belittle everyone who didn't have the same social status as he. He wasn't afraid or ashamed to show his vulnerability, unlike those stupid alpha males who thought crying was only for women.

Feeling he was about to drown into the sea of despair again, Matthew shrugged the bad memories off, focusing on the two husbands. Fabian's sobbed ceased, and he was looking into Lance's eyes, a serene smile ghosting on his lips. The sudden change in the man's behavior took Matthew by surprise, and he wondered what caused it.

“Let's get inside, husband, I have wonderful news for all of us.” Fabian spoke as calmly as he could. “Will you please call the kids to come down?” He turned to the guest, a concerned expression on his face. “Good afternoon, Matthew. Have you eaten something other than breakfast?”

“Yes, I've had some...” the young man started, then lowered his head under Fabian's patient, kind gaze. “Actually, no, I didn't eat anything, sir. I'm sorry I lied to you.”

“Don't even try, buddy. Granddad here is a walking, talking lie detector.” A voice coming from upstairs made Matthew turn in that direction and stare in disbelief at the newcomer. “Yeah, I know, it's huge, I've been told before.” the blond, long-haired boy grinned, running his flat palm over his big, round belly. “I'm Rowan, by the way.”

“Look who came rolling down the stairs.” Fabian smiled, hugging the boy who melted into his embrace. “How was your day?”

“Good, for the most part. I've slept about three hours after Elaine left, then chatted a bit with hubby, and now I'm hungry, or, better said, they are hungry.” Rowan put his head on Fabian's shoulder, grinning in Matthew's direction. “Stop staring, new boy. Better come and touch it. The babies don't bite...yet.”

“May I?” The young man came close to the blond, tentatively touching his belly with the tips of his fingers. “I've heard some rumors about the existence of some men and boys who are able to conceive but never saw one myself. The Agency secretly financed a crazy fuck named Conroy Winter, who impregnated boys as young as thirteen.”

“It's all right.” Rowan smiled encouragingly. “The babies love when someone touches my belly. They also love to hear people talking to them.”

“Did you call us, Granddad?” Tarrin stormed down the stairs, his turquoise eyes shining triumphantly. “We small ones owned the big ones' asses again.”

“Only because we, in our great generosity, let you win every time,” Ira replied, hugging a giggling Abernathy from behind.

“Also, we let you small ones win because you are incredibly cute.” Elias winked in Tarrin's direction, making him blush.

Fabian wrapped the four boys in a paternal, affectionate gaze, and let out a content sigh. “Seeing you smiling makes me so happy, dear boys. Come to the library. I have some great news for you.”

“Here, let me help you.” Matthew offered Rowan his arm. “How far along are you? Do you still experience morning sickness, cravings, and mood changes?” The former CIA agent covered his mouth with one hand, afraid that he went too far. “Please excuse my curiosity. I didn't want to embarrass you, just...”

“Morning sickness is still a bitch, but it doesn't happen very often. I eat and sleep a lot, and I don't have mood changes. I'm the sweetest boy in the house, just ask Grumpa and Granddad.” Rowan grinned. “The swollen ankles are my biggest problem, but there is always a sweet soul around who helps me, just like you are now.”

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