Page 40 of His Boys to Protect

There was something right about the three of them—Charlie, his best friend, and the stranger who made him feel oddly safe—all standing there together.

Though Charlie had no idea why.

Chapter 17

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WARD

WARD'S HEART raced as he stood there, staring at the boys.

Geez, they're so beautiful.Beautiful, fragile, and both clearly wary. Ward even felt that last one himself. He'd spent the past couple days trying to drown himself in work, determined to stay focused. He'd already let his personal issues distract him from his duties over the summer, but he'd promised John he wouldn't let that happen again. So Ward had forced all thoughts of the boys from his mind and tackled every single task he could put his hands on, both wanting to make John proud and needing to keep himself busy. He'd even stayed late each night, knowing that once he was home, alone, all he'd do was sit and dwell. Wonder and fruitlessly dream.

Everything that happened over the weekend had completely thrown him for a loop. Ward still hadn't fully processed it all. And after Charlie's angry outburst on Sunday night, Ward had no idea how things stood between them.

And did that even matter? Was there even athem? Even the tiniest possibility of it? Ward shook his head. He was getting way ahead of himself, but hope was one hell of a strong force. Thesecond he'd seen Dakota's name on caller ID half an hour ago, Ward had been on his feet, ready to run out the door.

Ward took a step forward and opened his mouth to say something, but got interrupted when someone else strode into the room.

“MonsieurFreeman?” Beau asked. “To what do we owe this pleasure?”

Ward cleared his throat. “Hey. Um. Hi.” He rubbed the back of his neck, then waved his hand vaguely. “Dakota called…”

“Ah. He did not interrupt your plans for the evening, I hope?” Beau smirked. “Do I need to give him a spanking?”

“Oh! Yes, please,” Dakota exclaimed, bounding into their midst. “It's beenages. Actually, can we do that thing where you and Mav both spank me while I'm fucking Ry? Because that washot.”

Ward felt his cheeks turn bright red.

“Behave,” Beau murmured, his eyes dark with arousal despite the warning tone in his voice.

Dakota gave Beau a teasing grin, then turned to Ward. “You made it! You are staying for dinner, right?”

Ward blinked. “Uh…”

“Charlie's already set a place for you, it looks like,” Dakota went on, “so you might as well. Come on.” The boy twirled around and headed for the tasting room.

Beau chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Oh, my sweet brat. But you are very welcome to join us, if you would like.”

Ward glanced at Skylar and Charlie. Both boys stood there silently, watching him, clearly waiting for his answer.

How could he possibly saynoto having more time with them?

“Thanks,” Ward told Beau. “That's very kind of you.” Ward took a step forward, but Charlie strode up and stopped him. The boy tugged on Ward's jacket, then pointed at the coat rack in thecorner of the foyer. Ward took off his jacket and hung it up. He looked to Charlie, who eyed the jacket before giving a littlechirpand a nod.

Then Charlie took Ward by the hand and pulled.

Ward's heart clenched, and his breath caught in his throat at the simple, innocent contact. It was almost as good as holding the boy in his arms.

Charlie grabbed Skylar with his other hand, and they all headed for the tasting room.

A flurry of activity ensued as people emerged from the kitchen, laying out dishes on the tasting room counter. Ward got bombarded with greetings and handshakes, then had to explain again why he was there. Everyone seemed to take it in stride. Like it wasn't out of the ordinary for Ward to be there amongst them all, taking part in what was clearly a family dinner.

Charlie began silently directing everyone where to sit, and nobody batted an eye. People moved about, filling their plates at the counter and then taking their seats. But Charlie came up short when he got to the end of the table, with just himself, Skylar, and Ward remaining. He reached out and touched a framed photograph, rocking on his feet as he eyed the last three chairs.

Finally, he gestured for Skylar to sit at the place beside the picture frame, then directed Ward to the chair across from him. Charlie himself took the seat next to Ward, directly across from the picture.

Ward picked up his assigned plate and followed Charlie to the counter, wondering what the boy was thinking. Did Charlie not want him sitting next to Skylar, where the two of them could touch? Or did Charlie simply want to be able to see Skylar from where he sat?

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