Page 35 of His Boys to Protect

“Good.” Vaughn started to turn back, then paused again. “But did you? Bang a bridesmaid, I mean? Actually, wait. No. I don't wanna know.” He shuddered and took a big gulp of his beer.

Ward laughed as the tension of the moment broke.

They sat around for another hour, watching TV and idly chatting. As soon as Vaughn went home, Ward got up and took care of some chores, making sure he was ready for the short work week. He had to clean up after his brother first—the man's boots had tracked in some dirt and grease, as usual—then started on his laundry. Ward stripped out of the clothes he was wearing, added them to the pile, and went to take a shower. He normally showered in the mornings, but he'd overslept and nearly missed check-out. There had barely been time to get dressed and pack.

The moment he stepped in under the hot water, he thought of Skylar. They never did get a chance to take a shower together.Maybe some other time?His dick stiffened at the thought. Ward took himself in hand and pictured the beautiful, slim body that had been all his for a few, short hours.Geez. Had that really been just last night? It seemed ages ago. Too long.

And Charlie…

Ward's dick twitched at the thought, turning to steel in his grip.Oh, fuck. Ward closed his eyes and stroked himself faster, picturing the two boys together, both of them naked. He imagined watching them kiss, then claiming their mouths for himself. Imagined running his hands all over their bodies. Every detail of Skylar seemed branded on his memory: the boy's scent, the texture of his skin, the firmness of his muscles.

But what about Charlie?

Ward cursed, feeling guilty for even thinking of the boys. Skylar and Charlie were dating. They were off-limits. Yet Charlie had sought out Ward for comfort, and Skylar had begged Ward to go upstairs. Try as he might, he couldn't stop the fantasy playing through his mind.

Both boys together. Naked. All his.

Ward moaned as he thought of being with Skylar again—putting his hands all over that precious, slender body—then imagined touching Charlie the same way. Kissing across his chest. Groping his ass.

Stroking his dick.

Ward let out a ragged shout as he came.

Chapter 15

________

SKYLAR

SKYLAR LOOKED up from his phone and glanced over at Charlie.

The two of them were sprawled out in comfortable chairs in the sitting room, taking advantage of having the space to themselves. Beau and Dakota were busy with chores and paperwork for the bed-and-breakfast now that they'd checked out their last remaining guests, leaving the house empty for the holidays. Their partners, Mav and Ryder, were both at work. Charlie's parents had run into town to get more groceries for the house since their party had descended upon it at the last minute. Meanwhile, Quinn and his fiancée had braved the chilly outdoors to go sit in the hot tub.

It left the sitting room quiet and peaceful. Skylar glanced out the windows. With the house situated on top of a hill, he could see for miles, other hills stretching off into the distance under a clear, blue sky. The landscape was dotted with houses, barns, and oak trees, to say nothing of the seemingly endless vineyards. Though, this time of year, the latter were nothing but dark brown lines cutting through light brown dirt. Not like the thick carpets of green they'd been in the spring.

Skylar smiled. It was almost perfect. He could do with a lot more trees and a little less open land, but the view beat that of the city, hands down.

Inside, it was even better. With the house all done up for Christmas, everything felt cozy and cheerful. Between the illuminated Christmas trees in the corners, the artfully draped garland, and the stockings hanging on the mantle, the house felt bright and colorful without being ostentatious. Skylar wanted to stay right there forever.

And the company was ideal. Charlie was quiet and undemanding. Other than when the boy needed sex—usually on a schedule, like everything else Charlie did—Skylar had no need to perform. No role to play. He could simplybe.

The only thing missing was Ward.

Skylar winced at the thought, feeling guilty for even thinking it. But it was true. He couldn't help picturing Ward sitting there with them, a quiet, steady, comforting presence. The man would probably be bored, though. It seemed like fewer and fewer people found contentment—let alone joy—in simply sitting and reading anymore these days, but Skylar loved it. He and Charlie could spend hours doing nothing but that.

It was like an idyllic dream. One from which Skylar never wanted to wake.

But, wake, he would. In nine months, these little moments would cease to exist. Skylar would be fleeing his life, never to see Charlie again. He'd no longer get to enjoy things like this.

Unless he got lucky and met someone new who was content to spend the day reading quietly, but Skylar wasn't holding his breath on that. This time next year, Skylar would probably be holed up in some tiny apartment somewhere, no furniture, no decorations, nobody with whom to celebrate the holiday. He'd be all alone, starting his new life. Trying to rebuild his financeslike a normal person while reinventing himself, running from the taint of his past.

He'd have to enjoy these moments while he had them.

Skylar turned back to his phone and tried to find his place. Across from him, Charlie was readingFor a New Libertyby Murray Rothbard, one of the paperbacks he'd brought along for the trip. Skylar had chosenPride and Prejudice, one of his go-to comfort reads, which he'd checked out as an e-book from the library. There was no way he could afford to buy e-books, let alone physical ones. Now that the library offered e-books, though, it made things so much easier. He no longer had to drive to the library to get a hard copy, saving him gas as well. He could do it all on his phone and instantly have something to read.

Though, he had to admit he was tempted by a paperback display right there in the foyer. Apparently, both Mav and Ryder were self-published authors, and their works were available for sale. Skylar had browsed the various titles, intrigued by the covers and the blurbs. For a moment, he'd considered snagging one off the shelf and handling it carefully while he read, then putting it back exactly as he'd found it so the book would look untouched.

He knew better, though. For one thing, there was no way he'd have time to finish whatever book he chose, so he'd always wonder how it ended. For another, it wouldn't be fair to Mav and Ryder, considering all the long, hard hours they must have put into those books. They deserved to be paid for the privilege of reading their words. Otherwise, it would be the equivalent of one of Skylar's own clients demanding a free blowjob.

---