Page 49 of Destruction

I glance at my phone again, checking the time. Nodding to myself, I quickly jog to the gym, as I know that’s where he’ll be. The door bangs open when I enter and Ignacio startles, staring at me cautiously.

“Did you need something, Boss?”

Considering his ass is most likely still hurting, I understand his hesitation. Too bad, I’m going to teach him yet another lesson. I gesture for him to stop the treadmill he’s on, and once he steps off, I toss my phone to him. He manages to catch it, despite being sweaty.

“Press play on the video. And don’t say anything until it’s finished.”

I take in every facial twitch as he watches the video, from confusion to rage, to devastation. By the end, his face is pale and tears drip from his eyes. His whole body shakes as he looks up at me.

“Why did you show it to me?” His voice is thick, clogged from the tears he can’t hold back.

“Because I need you to know what’s happening. And what could happen. They’ve obviously connected. You know that love has to be tended to, and it goes both ways. You’ve shown lately that you don’t have much faith in Benjamin. I don’t want to lose my best friend and Second because your relationship is fucking us up. Right now, he could walk to the Amatos. So this is where you tell me what the fuck is going on, and what your plans are for the future. And yes, your feelings on this matter as well.” I plop down onto the floor, thankful for the training mats.

He pinches his nose as he drops as well, leaning against the treadmill. “Alright, I screwed up. I’ll be honest about that. After Jax…I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to protect him, so I kept him a little more sheltered than I should have. I wasn’t lettinghim in as often. And then when Il Padrone was kidnapped and he stepped up… I didn’t take that well. You know that. I tried to put him in his place, and while he may have enjoyed it, we clearly didn’t resolve the issues. It’s not something that’s easily resolvable with one conversation after months of confusion. I don’t blame him for connecting with someone else. Plus, you know none of us are sexually exclusive. I just never imagined he’d have such a very obvious connection with someone else. Especially Tennant.”

The last words are whispered, and I do feel for him. I don’t get why he didn’t trust my best friend, but I do feel for the fact he’s in pain. “Do you still love him? And think carefully, don’t just give me a knee-jerk answer.”

Swallowing, he stares at the floor, and eventually, he raises his eyes to meet mine. There’s a fire and determination in them, and I almost melt with relief. “Yes, I do. And I’ll do whatever I need to do to prove it.”

“Even if it means having to share him? With more than just us,” I clarify quickly.

Ignacio swallows roughly, tightening his hands into fists before relaxing them. “Even if I have to share him with that fucking psychopath. I want Benjamin to be happy. Preferably with me, but yes, I know what I saw in that video. He may no longer choose me.”

Thank fuck I don’t have to point that out. I’m about all emotioned out. “Then we’re on the same page. I want you to be very careful on how you approach Benjamin when he comes back. If you start immediately with accusations, you’ll lose him.”

“I understand. Thanks. I know this isn’t your typical thing.” I grumble at his appreciation. I hope to fuck he never expects this again.

“I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for my best friend. There’s no way I’m losing him to the fucking Amatos. He kidnapped me as a friend, he can’t leave me now.”

Ignacio gives a startled laugh and shakes his head. I relax when he smiles slightly. He stands up and offers me his hand. I let him pull me up, even though I don’t need the help.

“One thing…” he says, and I gesture for him to continue. “I hope you know that I’m going to punch Tennant. He didn’t need to knock Benjamin out.”

I stare at him, unable to speak, before slowly looking up at the ceiling, praying for patience. None comes.

Giving him my attention, I speak slowly. “You... You want to take on Tennant? Their strongest asset. Who, yes, fought dirty, but that’s how you should fight. You taught me that.”

“He deserves it.” Ignacio thrusts his chin up, rolling his shoulders back. I know this isn’t a fight I’m going to win, so I just wave it away.

“Whatever. Good luck. Maybe he won’t kill you. Just make sure you don't fuck up your chance with Benjamin.”

With that, I spin on my heel and head for the door. Now I need to track down Marcus and Jenna. Oh, and call Hollis. That first. I want to make sure our records are safe, and most of all, I want to know what the hell he thinks about all of this. He’s got a harem of his own, and that includes Tennant. I want to make sure he hasn’t killed my Second…

When Roman goes back to work, he drags Jude with him, leaving Tennant and me alone, which I very much take advantage of.

Gripping his hair tightly, I pull his head back, exposing his throat to me. “I’ve changed my mind,” I say simply. “I want you to show me how much you belong to me.”

Tennant’s eyes darken, the icy blue turning molten. “Whatever you want, Tesoro. I’m yours.”

I hum. “You are, aren’t you.” Leaning down, I lick up his throat, before biting it in the same spot where he bit me once.

When I taste blood, I bite a little harder, enjoying the way Tennant’s breath hitches. Finally releasing him, I admire my handy work. Unlike when he almost tore my throat out—literally—he won’t scar, but the mark will be a prominent feature on his throat for a while, letting everyone know who he belongs to.

“Undress and then get on the bed. I want you spread out for me.”

As soon as I release him, he does as ordered, not hesitating in the slightest. My cock pulses at the sight of this man doing as I command without any hesitation. I know how dominant Tennant is, how much he likes control; I’ve seen it be exerted on both our lovers, and now his new pet.

But with me…he’s been nothing but conscious and considerate of my needs. Even when he restricts my air until I pass out, or bites me until I scar. Tennant has given me everything I’ve ever wanted, and never asked for anything in return. The least I could do was gift him a boyfriend.

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