Page 22 of The Rescuer

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“Hey, Signor Cavallieri.” Leon waved to the librarian as he headed to him. “I've heard you need men to guard the heirs. I'm volunteering.”

“Thank you for the help. It is much needed.” Brian let out a sigh. “Ardan reassured me of his entire support, but I hate the idea of relocating the guards who are keeping the eventual attackers away from dorms, school, and the other buildings forming the sanctuary complex.”

“I completely understand.” Leon reflected for a bit. “There's also my friend, Mister Parker. He's kinda shy but loves kids. He used to be my sons' personal bodyguard.”

“I remember Mister Parker.” Brian smiled at the distant memory. “He and Serge rescued me all those years ago and pointed me to The Base.”

“Yes, that would be him.” Leon gave a small smile. “He told me about the first time you met.”

“I intended to spend my last money on a bottle of vodka and was about to take a very bad path. I wasn't an alcoholic, but I could have become one if it wasn't for them.” Sadness clouded Brian’s eyes, but it was only for a moment.

“I guess some things are just meant to happen.” Leon gave the librarian a pat on the shoulder, his dark brown, almost black eyes filled with understanding.

“I agree.” Brian huffed out a laugh. “They said I better be glad I got them, and that you'd have dumped ice water over my head.” He examined the other man for a few seconds. “Is that true?”

“They are my best friends and know me damn well.” Leon grinned. “Who knows? Maybe I'd kick your ass, too.” He wrapped the librarian in a warm gaze. “I'm happy they found you in time.”

“Me, too.” Brian swallowed hard a few times. “I can't believe I went into the bar that day. After my twenty-first birthday, I hated drinking. That was the first time I’d stepped foot in a bar in five years.” He continued after a brief pause. “I remember Serge telling me you'd dump ice water on me. I told him that would be better than my dad catching me. He would have kicked my ass. I know it sounds mean, but he would have made me eat food until I got sick. That will make you not want to touch a drink for a while. He’s a no-nonsense kind of man.”

“Like most of us at The Base.” Leon nodded in understanding, then gave the librarian another amused grin. “The big bad boss, Ardan, would make you drink some more. I guarantee you wouldn't touch the stuff again if he'd catch you drunk off your ass.”

“I'm glad I don't have to worry about that.” Brian shrugged. “I rarely if ever drink. It's just not my thing.”

“Don Francesco didn't drink, either, and none of the older Council members do. Alcohol darkens one's judgment, they say.” Leon took the librarian’s hands in his. “Speaking of, I never thanked you for keeping Don Nicola safe from those who wanted to harm him.” The man swallowed hard, his eyes misted with tears. “I’m forever indebted to you.”

My life is exactly where and how it was supposed to be.Brian smiled at the thought as he watched Leon heading to his workshop.

CHAPTER 15

Arms folded under his head, Bart’s head on his chest, Brian was listening to his husband’s calm, even breath, a weak smile playing on his lips. “What a day,” he said to himself as the events from only a few hours earlier played in his head on a loop, frame by frame, like the scenes from a movie.All’s well that ends well, the librarian thought, relieved that Bart didn’t have the whole picture of what happened.

Keeping things secret from his husband didn’t make Brian happy, but it was for the best. Had the other man known all the dangers the librarian was exposed to because of his status a prominent member of the Old World Mafia, he would have found a way to convince him to abandon that life, even if so many people relied on him.

Brian wondered how much of his husband’s activity Edwin was aware of and what Reardon chose to let out when he told him about the organization he led. The librarian felt a pang of guilt when the name of his younger brother came into his mind; with the kidnapping attempt on Simon and Breanna and everything that followed, he’d forgotten to check on Edwin.

Brian also missed the conversations he and Reardon had; lately, his deceased brother-in-law wasn’t around as often as he used to be right after his death.Well, except today at the library, the man thought, grateful to his brother’s late husband for compelling Hennessy to take his men to his house and protect his children.

It suddenly dawned on Brian that Ottavio’s strange behavior when he’d acted like he didn’t remember their meeting from a few weeks earlier was the result of Reardon’s manipulations.He hazed the scumbag’s mind to prevent him from talking about his obsession with Luca, protecting my friend who otherwise would have blamed himself for the situation, the librarian thought.

From the corner of his eye, Brian saw the screen of his phone light up, Edwin’s name written on it. He quickly typed a message, telling his brother he would call him back in a couple of minutes, then left the bed, careful to not wake up Bart, walked out of the room, and went downstairs to the living room.

“Hey, lil bro, what’s up?” Brian started talking in a lighthearted voice. “Sorry for being absent lately, but things were a little crazy here. I know this is not an excuse—”

“You said I can call you anytime and you will listen.” Edwin cut his older brother short. “Last night, I made love to Reardon. I swear I did. He was sweet and caring but also fiercely passionate, and he kissed, licked, and marked every part of my body. I couldn't stop myself from coming, and writhing, and moaning just like he likes. You believe me, don't you, Brian? Or will you call me crazy?

For a brief moment, shock overtook Brian. “Can I come over?” He managed to make his voice sound normal.

“Yes.” Edwin swallowed hard. “Reardon left about an hour ago, but he was here, I swear.”

“You’re not crazy, but you might think I am.” This time, Brian’s voice was tinged with anxiety. “Have paper and a pen ready. I'll be there shortly.”

“Yes.” Edwin’s answer came right away. “I'm waiting for you. And, older brother…thank you for everything,” he added, then ended the call.

“Um... hi, bro.” About half an hour later, Brian was in his younger brother’s villa’s impressive salon.

Edwin threw himself into the librarian’s arms, smiling happily. “Hi. Thank you for coming in the middle of the night. My heart is filled with joy, and I felt the need to talk to someone about it. Again, you may think this sounds crazy.

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