Page 178 of His Boys to Protect

“Sky,” Ward stopped him again. He bent down and looked him in the eyes. “Do you like it?”

Skylar tried to lie, but between the tone of Ward's voice and the firmness of his gaze, he knew he had to tell the truth. “I do,” he admitted. “I really do. I like looking in the mirror and seeing a man staring back at me. An obvious man. No question or ambiguity.” He paused. “It's kinda itchy, though.”

Ward laughed and nodded, like he knew what Skylar meant.

“But I don't even care about that,” Skylar went on. “I like it. I really like it.”

“Then I like it, too,” Ward murmured.

Skylar hesitated. “Are you sure? Does it feel weird? Be honest. If you don't like it–”

“I'll get used to it,” Ward said, his tone not allowing for any argument. “Besides, nothing matters more to me than you feeling comfortable in your own body. Okay?” He paused, a smile slowly taking over as he studied Skylar's face. “This is a really good look on you, actually. Very handsome.”

Skylar's chest swelled with joy.

Ward kissed him again. No hesitation. Then he pulled back and gave Skylar's hand a squeeze. “Let's go home.”

Skylar grinned as fresh tears of relief filled his eyes. He started to follow Ward out of the elevator car, then jerked to a stop. “Wait.”

Ward turned back, his gaze going wary.

“Nothing happened,” Skylar blurted out. “I need you to know that.” He stepped closer to Ward, desperately clutching his hand. “I lied and told Uncle Zeke that I'd just had surgery, so I couldn't do anything yet. Nothing happened. I swear. I haven't been with anyone since you and Charlie.”

Ward bent down. “Sky? It's okay. I believe you.”

Skylar's breath caught in his throat. “I'll get tested again if you want–”

“Sky, stop.” Ward gave him a kiss. “I believe you, sweetheart.” He smiled. “You're ours. You hear me? Ours forever.”

Skylar grinned with relief and started crying all over again.

Ward took his hand, gave it a squeeze, and led him outside.

They got into Ward's truck and fought holiday traffic on their way out of the city. Then all down the freeway. It was after midnight when they finally reached Paso Robles and made their way out the dark, empty country roads to Living in Zin.

Ward shut off the headlights as they pulled into the parking lot. They quietly got out, let themselves into the house, and locked the front door behind them before creeping upstairs. Ward found the room, and they tiptoed inside.

Charlie was fast asleep, sprawled out in the middle of the bed. Skylar covered his mouth, stifling a fresh sob. He was exhausted, but all that faded at the sight of his best friend.

Ward quietly set down Skylar's bag, then knelt to help Skylar out of his shoes before taking off his own, leaving them next to Charlie's right beside the door. Skylar was already in his pajamas, so he carefully slid under the sheets, trying notto disturb Charlie, then watched as Ward stripped down to his underwear before climbing in on the other side.

Skylar reached across Charlie, feeling the tug of the wrapping on his fresh ink. His breath caught in his throat. He couldn't wait to show them. But all that mattered in that moment was that they were together.

Charlie gave a sleepy groan, his face scrunched up in frustration. Then he gasped, clawing blindly at Skylar's shirt. Under the sheets, in the faint moonlight, Skylar saw Charlie's other hand do the same, reaching for Ward.

Skylar and Ward moved in close, trapping Charlie between them.

Charlie gave a long, quietsqueakof pure joy, then immediately settled back down.

Skylar looked across at Ward. It was hard to tell in the dark, but it almost looked like the big man had tears in his eyes. Skylar sniffed. “Ward?” he whispered.

“Yeah, kitten?” Ward whispered back, his voice thick with emotion.

“I love you.”

Ward beamed at him. “I love you, too. Both of you. So much.”

Charlie gave a sleepy littlechirp.

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