Page 82 of On The Run

I frowned but couldn’t really delve into all of that with Gray here. “Besides,” he continued. “It’s not that. I’ll tell you later.” Which meant it was something he didn’t want to talk about in front of Gray.

“Daddy . . . ,” Gray whined as he wiggled between us. “We need superheroes and ice cream. It makes everything better.”

I tickled his belly, causing him to wiggle even more. “Oh really? Does it?”

Aiden grinned, mischief in his eyes, and I was fucking thrilled to see anything besides that dead expression. “He’s right, Max. Ice cream always makes everything better.”

I knew Aiden didn’t even like ice cream that much, but it didn’t matter. He was doing it for Gray. Even with everything he’d gone through, he was still putting my son first.

“You’re right.” I sat up and tickled Gray one more time before cupping Aiden’s cheek and kissing him lightly. I kept it PG, of course, but the meaning was there. “How about you and Gray find a movie to watch, and I’ll get us some ice cream.” And those cookies Aiden liked.

“I think that’s exactly what I need,” Aiden said quietly, his voice rough. “I love you,” he whispered.

My heart rate increased every time I heard those words from him. Ever since he said them to me the other day after our first night together, he’d been saying it a lot. And every time, it gave me a jolt. I’d never get tired of it. Ever.

“I love you too,tokki.”

I climbed out of the bed and left the two of them to find a movie while I prepared some snacks. As I was downstairs, my phone buzzed. I pulled it out and saw a message from Kai. Once everything was settled and Aiden was released from the hospital, the group from RAM went home. They promised they’d help Aiden and Manny find a new place once they were ready and they would look into what happened to all of their stuff in their house. I hadn’t heard anything since they flew back though. I knew that Aiden spoke to Sage a couple times, but that was it.

I read the message and my heart fucking stopped. Now Aiden’s state made complete sense.

*text)

Kai: Just a heads-up, we found out what happened to their stuff. Santino hired a couple of criminals to clear it out. Most of the furniture and clothes have been sold to different thrift shops and online. Aspen can probably track some of it, but Aiden told him not to bother. Their photos and other personal items have been burned, including important documents, like all of Manny’s medical records and their identification. I already told A I’ll get new docs for them, but I can’t do shit about the memories.

I put the pint of ice cream down and gripped the counter, needing a minute to compose myself. If I could dig that asshole out of his grave and kill him again, I would. How dare he do this to them. It was like every time Aiden thought he was finally done with his sperm donor, the fucker found a way to twist the knife from the grave yet again. I just didn’t understand it. How could someone have so much hate in their heart? Especially for people like Aiden and Manny. They were two of the best people I knew, and they just kept getting hit again and again. They needed a fucking break.

I quickly texted Kai back as I tried to rearrange my plans with this knowledge in mind. Manny didn’t have much more time, but the conversation about his treatment may have to wait till tomorrow. I hoped I wasn’t making a mistake, but I didn’t know how much Aiden could handle today. Fuck, I was so out of my depth. I needed to talk to Aiden’s therapist. I needed some type of guideline on how to handle this.

Max: Thanks for letting me know. He’s not doing well.

The text bubble popped up immediately.

Kai: I heard about Manny. Don’t worry about his treatment. I’ve got it handled.

I wasn’t sure how to take that or what that meant. Still, that would be one less thing I needed to talk to him about.

Max: Will Aiden be ok with that?

I knew he wanted Manny to get better, but he was still struggling with accepting help.

The response was quick.

Kai: Better to ask forgiveness than permission. There was a pause and then another message. I don’t think Manny has much time, and Aiden isn’t in the headspace to make those decisions. Neither is Manny.

I closed my eyes and took deep breaths. Fuck. I needed to get myself together before I went back up to Aiden and Gray. Aiden would know immediately that something was wrong if he saw me like this. I needed to stay strong for him.

What am I supposed to say to him?I finally responded. I put my phone facedown on the counter while I got bowls of ice cream and the jar of cookies. I just needed a moment of space before I read whatever Kai was going to say.

Once the snack was all settled, I sucked it up and turned my phone over.

Kai: Nothing. I got this. You just take care of your boy.

I didn’t send a text back. I was done with this conversation now. I needed to focus on Aiden. Whatever happened with that would happen. I knew in the end that Aiden would do whatever he needed to do to make sure Manny was ok, and he’d be grateful for whatever probably illegal help Kai got for them. He might be pissed at first, but Kai was right. I’d rather deal with his anger and know Manny would live than the other way around. Aiden would see that eventually.

I put my phone on silent and shoved it in my pocket. I was done with it for now. I needed to get back to my boys.

Chapter36

---