Page 33 of Nugget

“I didn’t like seeing you sneaking someone into the house,” Anton whispered.

River nodded. “I won’t do it again.”

Anton’s head snapped up. “What?”

“This is why you need to talk to me or Rainier instead of just closing off. If you don’t like when I do something, then I won’t do it.”

Anton wiggled in River’s arms. “Even if it’s stupid? I know you wouldn’t cheat on me or Rainier. I’m just being—”

“My mate,” River cut him off. “And you are my mate. How you feel is important. Remember we’ll tell you every day how much we love you. You’re perfect for me and Rainier.”

“Okay,” Anton said with a sigh. “I love you too.”

River hugged him hard before looking up at Stryker. He winked, easing some of Stryker’s anxiety. He’d just wanted his stupid energy drink and now look what had happened.

Gavin grunted before he crossed the room. Stryker had to push down the jealousy when Gavin kissed the top of Anton’s head. “You are important, Anton. Never forget that.” He turned to Stryker. “Let’s go.”

“Wait!” Anton grabbed Gavin’s arm. “Hi, Stryker. It’s nice to meet you. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

Stryker grinned at the little dude. Little being the key word. He’d been watching long enough to know that the littles in thefamily had big feelings. “I think we’re going to be great friends Anton. It’s nice to meet you too.”

“Really?” Anton’s entire demeaner brightened in front of Stryker’s eyes.

“Really,” Stryker replied sincerely. “And I like that you’re protective over your mates. If anyone fucks with you, just let me know.” Stryker would fuck with them back. Harder.

“Okay!” Anton looked up at River. “I have a new friend.”

“Yes, you do.” River kissed his cheek. “Everyone can see how awesome you are.”

Stryker loved how the men in this family loved one another unapologetically.

Gavin sighed. “Everything okay here now?”

“Everything is good,” Anton said. “I have a new friend. I have to go tell everyone else!” He kissed River quickly before he darted for the front door.

“Damn, he’s quick,” Stryker commented.

Gavin turned to them. “What were you really doing?”

“Nothing!” Stryker lifted his hands up to show he wasn’t holding anything.

“I wanted to meet your new man,” River said.

“I don’t believe either of you,” Gavin said. “And I don’t think the two of you should be spending time alone together.”

“Why not?” River cocked his hip and posed. “Jealous?”

“Boy,” Gavin growled. “I will call your Daddy and have him put you over his knee. And it won’t be one of those fun spankings either.”

“You wouldn’t!” River gave a fake gasp.

Stryker snorted. His new bestie was a riot.

Gavin turned to Stryker. “And you…”

“I’m just trying to get to know your friends. I mean, you carried me all the way here. Twice. Obviously, you wanted River to be my new BFF.”

Gavin’s eyes narrowed. “You are both terrible liars and nothing but trouble.” He closed his fingers around Stryker’s upper arm. “And I mean it. You two aren’t allowed to hang out without supervision.”

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