Page 45 of One is Never Enough

I’ve seen Leland fall into depression more than once while we were growing up. He seems fine on the outside because he’s gotten good at hiding it. I’ll just make sure Oliver checks on him, and we have him at the house more, with or without the sex party. Losing Leland would kill Oliver.

I’ll do anything to make sure that never happens.

Chapter 18

Jace

Aiden might have been done with his father, but I’m not. I told him all those years ago what would happen if he ever contacted Aiden again. I let his outburst in Aiden’s office when Oliver was there go because Oli handed his ass to him. But this has gone too far.

So, first thing this morning, I called Vince and decided to take a trip to Aiden’s hometown. If I knew where to find Oliver’s dad, I’d take care of that too. At least Oliver’s dad doesn’t continuously shove himself in Oliver’s face. I pull up in front of a two-story house and put my car in park.

“What’s the plan?” Vince asks.

“It’s time I remind him that I don’t appreciate him fucking with my family.” Aiden’s dad has blamed me for years that his son doesn’t want anything to do with him, unable to admit his own faults. I shove the car door open, and Vince does the same. I walk straight to the door and ring the doorbell.

A guy who isn’t Aiden’s dad answers the door. “Can I help you?”

“We’re looking for Mr. Powers,” I answer.

“And you are?”

I look into the camera above the door. “I know you’re here. Come down, and let’s talk.”

“I think you need to leave,” the little guy huffs, but his eyes dart between Vince and me. The two of us make for an intimidating package.

“I think we’ll wait,” I reply.

“It’s fine, Henry,” Aiden’s dad says. “Let them in before they cause a scene on the front lawn.”

Henry steps back to let us in and shuts the door behind him. I cross my arms over my chest and lean against it. “Kind of like the one you caused at Aiden’s office?”

“This is just like him. He still can’t fight his own battles.”

I push off the door and walk further into the foyer, making Henry scramble out of my way. “He doesn’t even know I’m here. He’s enjoying the day with Toby and Oliver. I told you once to leave Aiden the fuck alone; that he doesn’t need your bullshit in his life anymore. I also told you what would happen if you did contact him.”

“He’s my son!”

“You lost that right years ago!” I yell, the thread on my temper snapping in two. “You made him feel like shit for who he was because it might embarrass you. You don’t give a fuck about him. You need to take a long, hard look at the person you are. Aiden is one of the most successful, high profile real estate agents in New York. He did that without you. Take a minute to let that sink in.” I pause, waiting to see if he’s even listening to me. Something in his expression changes, and I soften my voice. “You shut him out when he needed you the most and made him feel worthless. You know who showed him he wasn’t? Me and Toby. Oliver is the one who finished showing him that he’s worth something. If you don’t plan on making amends and admitting that you were wrong, do us all a favor and stay the fuck away from Aiden. My next visit won’t be as cordial, Mr. Powers.” I spin on my heel to leave before I pull a Toby and punch this fucker in the face. Once we’re inside the car, I have to take several calming breaths.

“You good?” Vince asks.

“I will be.” I stab the start button on the ignition, shift into reverse, and back out of the driveway. When I’m about to drive away, I notice Mr. Powers standing on the front porch. I pull away, wondering if what I said will sink in. No matter what Aiden says, I know everything that his dad has said still bothers him. I’m still damn proud of him for finally standing up for himself. When I first met Aiden, he was so far in his own head—and closet—that it took Toby and me months to get him out. I’ll be goddamned if his dad shoves him back in.

“Have you talked to Oliver?” Vince asks, and I snort.

“You aren’t asking about Oliver, Vince. I’m surprised you’ve waited this long to ask about Leland.”

“It’s not like I have a way to contact him unless you want to give me his number.”

“Fat fucking chance, asshole. I think you need to give him some space.”

“If space was what Leland needed, I wouldn’t have pushed that night. He was all in, man.”

“And you know how scary that first encounter is with another guy. You’re experienced. Leland’s never even experimented until that night.”

“We can take care of him.”

“I know you can, or I would have crushed your skull by now. But just remember, he’s best friends with the love of my life. If you hurt Leland, you’ll hurt Oliver. I won’t stand for that.”

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