Page 13 of Devoted Sinner

They made it home by five pm and Bryson headed straight for his office. King stayed on his heels, as always.

“I just need to catch up on my emails.”

“Of course.”

Bryson flashed him a smile. He brushed the back of his knuckles against King’s as they stepped through the door of his office. King drew a steadying breath as Bryson made his way behind his desk. That touch meant something. Maybe not that Bryson would openly claim them, but at the very least, they weren’t done.

“Dad!” Kylian burst into the office before Bryson was fully seated. “I heard you were back.”

“Hey, baby. I didn’t think you’d be home.”

Kylian circled the desk to hug Bryson. “I missed you.” His gaze moved between them. “Why are two still so pale? Did you go outside at all?”

King could practically feel Bryson trying not to look his way. Instead, Bryson smiled, keeping his expression innocent. “Some of us believe in sunscreen and don’t brown as lovely as you do.”

Kylian rolled his eyes. “Please don’t lecture me about sunscreen again.”

“I’m just saying you’ll wish you’d worn it when you get to be my age.”

An adorable-sounding snort burst from Kylian. “Anyway, I only came home to grab some stuff. I’m headed back to Cheyenne’s so we can finish making a list of everything we need for our graduation trip.”

Bryson nodded. “Okay. Take a guard with you.”

Kylian headed for the door. “I always do. Love you guys.” He didn’t wait for a response before slipping away.

They exchanged a glance and a smile. Bryson shook his head. King was certain they shared the same thought. It must be nice to be young.

Sean strolled in before either of them could say a word. The lanky red-haired guard stayed completely professional, as always. “Welcome back, Mr. Long. Everything was quiet while you were away and all the repairs from our little incident have been completed.” His light green gaze swung King’s way. “You received several packages a few days ago. They were left outside your bedroom door.”

“Thank you.” Again, King fought the urge to look Bryson’s way.

Bryson left him no choice. “You should unpack, King. No doubt you have things to catch up on too. I’ll let you know if I need anything.”

King dipped his chin. It was hard, but he did his best not to give them away. He didn’t have time to say a word. He got rushed through the door by Sean’s exit.

Sean’s professionalism broke the second they were alone and headed in the same direction. “How was the trip? I’ve heard it’s beautiful there.”

“It was nice, and the island is beautiful.”

Sean either didn’t hear or chose not to hear the disinterest in King’s voice. “I wish I’d get picked for tropical vacations. Not that you didn’t deserve it after the badass way you saved Mr. Long, but that’s never the jobs I get. I usually get stuck going to Cheyenne’s house with Kylian. Then I have to listen to them talk about hot guys while they experiment with various makeup tutorials with me as their canvas.”

That surprised King. He looked Sean’s way with a smile. “That honestly sounds fun. At least they’re including you. You could get left standing in the corner, completely ignored while suffering a migraine from the chatter.”

Sean shrugged. “That’s true. I did find out I look pretty fucking amazing in eyeliner and at least there’s always wine.”

King snorted and shook his head.

Apparently, that was all Sean needed to keep going. “I know. Kids these days, right? When I was nineteen, I would’ve been ripped a second asshole if I went out drinking with friends. But Kylian’s a good kid. He honestly never does anything wrong.”

King nodded. Kylian was a good kid.

Sean headed toward the front door as they reached the living room. “It was good chatting with you. I have to get back to patrol.”

“Have fun with that.”

Sean’s chuckle followed him out the door. King headed for his bedroom. Sean hadn’t been exaggerating. Several packages were stacked outside his door, along with his luggage. He was positive there were way more than he had seen Bryson order. King unlocked his room and carried everything inside. It took a few trips.

He unpacked first, separating his dirty clothes into piles. The men’s clothing, he sent down the laundry chute. The women’s clothes, he tossed into a laundry basket to hand wash later. With everything put away, he took a long, hot shower before wrapping a towel around his waist and settling into open boxes.

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