Page 24 of Nugget

“It’s perfect.” Stryker held on to Gavin as he sank down. “This is nicer than I expected. I couldn’t really see anything from the cameras at the angle I had.”

“River designed it,” Gavin admitted. “I just let him do what he wanted.”

“River,” Stryker repeated. “Which one is that?”

“In charge of the construction here. Shawn owns the company, but River’s his right-hand man and manages our property. He’s a twin but Sebastian lives in the hell realm with his mate.”

“Who’s River’s mate?”

“Anton, who’s Axel’s younger brother, and Rainier, the king of the fae realm.”

Stryker’s eyes widened. “I think I missed something.”

Gavin crouched next to the tub. “There is only so much that you can learn from watching.”

“Hey! I talk to some of the guys too.”

“But even they will only reveal so much. They might like you, trust you on some level, but—”

“But I’m not one of you,” Stryker said.

“That isn’t what I was going to say.” Gavin hated the pain he’d heard in those words. Stryker was a master at pretending he didn’t care about people. It was obvious that Stryker cared more than he wanted people to believe. He’d kept tabs on Dean and Noah after they’d saved Stryker’s life.

“It’s true though,” Stryker argued.

“I don’t think it is.” The steam from the hot water made the air in the bathroom moist and warm. The protective side of him was pleased that his boy, his mate, was safe and relaxing in a hot tub. That Gavin was caring for him. Being a good mate.

“What?” Stryker’s face was flushed from the heat.

“I’m disagreeing that you’re not one of us,” Gavin told him.

Stryker snorted. “Sure, the human criminal fits right in with all you paranormals trying to save the world.”

Is that what the boy thought? “We’re not trying to save the world. Just our little piece of it.”

“It’s a nice little piece,” Stryker commented.

“We like it,” Gavin agreed.

“It rains more than I expected.”

Yeah, Gavin was going to have to explain more about his gifts and the entire paranormal world. Stryker thought he knew things. The boy didn’t. He had just enough information to get himself into trouble with.

“Are you hungry? I promised to make us some food,” Gavin offered.

“Well,” Stryker drawled. “If you stayed, are you going to remain out of the tub, or do you plan on getting in with me?”

Gavin chuckled. The boy did have a good idea. He rose. “I could join you if you’re sure you aren’t hungry.”

“There’s plenty of time for food. We’re not on a deadline, are we?”

“No, we’re not.” Gavin stepped closer to the tub. They had forever if Stryker would just stay without a fight. Gavin expected a fight.

“Pity you’re already naked. I wouldn’t mind getting another show.”

“You can have all the shows you want,” Gavin vowed. “Lean forward.”

Stryker grinned as he sat forward.

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