Page 36 of Lost Boy

“There was this man,” Mitch said.

“Who?”

“I don’t really know. I was…taking a breather around the corner of the courthouse and he spotted me. He knew me.”

“How?” Byron demanded. If someone was threatening Mitch because of his father Byron would not let that go. It was his job to protect his boy.

“I guess he’s been following me-"

Byron growled.

“All of us, really.”

“Us?”

“Our group,” Mitch explained. “Grant and Caleb. I think Jace and Avery as well. You and me for sure. He even asked if he should call you for me.”

Byron was up and out of his chair. He yanked out his phone.

“What are you doing?”

“Calling Grant. This guy threatened you! Is watching us!”

Mitch shook his head. “I don’t think it’s like that. He was following me because of something my father did to him. Once he determined that I wasn’t involved I think he’d stumbled on the rest of us.” Mitch stood as well. “I think he’s a Daddy.”

“A Daddy?” Byron repeated.

Mitch rubbed his palms up and down Byron’s chest. Calming him for once. “I had pretty much the same reaction. I think he has his eye on a boy. Not any of us,” Mitch added quickly. “He said he had to clean up some messes before he could claim his boy.”

“How long did you talk to him?” Byron demanded.

Mitch laughed. “Not that long. But he was talkative. More talkative than I’d expect from a hired killer.”

“Fuck!” Byron spat.

Mitch nodded. “I believe he’s also responsible for getting rid of the drug dealers from Grant’s last case.”

Byron shook his head. “And he told you all of this?” What the fuck was wrong with the guy?

“I think he’s lonely.” Mitch wrapped his arms around Byron. “Trust me, that is something I know intimately. Until I met you, I was so lonely. I think this guy sees sort of a kindred spirit.”

Byron kissed the top of Mitch’s head. He was still going to talk to Grant but he wouldn’t pressure Mitch for more. Not yet. He’d get the detective to look into this guy.

“Why don’t you go clean up the living room floor while I clean up in here. Then we’ll watch a movie. I need to calm down.”

“Are you mad at me?” Mitch asked tipping his head back.

“Of course not,” Byron assured him. “Fuck baby, I’m so fucking proud of you. You are such a good man that even a killer saw that. We’ll figure it all out. I just need a few minutes. Then some cuddle time on the couch with my boy.”

“Okay.” Mitch brushed his lips over Byron’s before walking out of the kitchen.

Byron shot off a quick message to Grant that they needed to talk to the next day before putting his phone back in his pocket. They’d figure out a way to keep his boy safe. All of their boys.

5

Mitch

Mitch woke to a warm hand rubbing over his hair. He grumbled and buried his face into the pillow. Byron had made love to him slowly and thoroughly the night before. His body hummed pleasantly. He didn’t want to get up to face the world. He just wanted to stay in his Daddy’s bed forever.

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