Page 41 of Lane

The thing was, Raiden and Alton voiced concerns about the three of us being together. Alton worried he didn’t fit. Raiden would be jealous if he wasn’t included. Me, well, I took everything in stride with them. I was flexible, willing to bend while also maintaining who I was.

Vincent and I talked more as we worked out. We kept the conversation light, joking about the guards, laughing at how Barrett still squirmed sometimes under Jordan’s glare. We also talked about Barrett being the PR person for the mafia boss. That was something I couldn’t get over. It made sense, but it was funny as hell.

I was wiping the sweat from my forehead with my shirt when Hartley entered the room, his rottweiler puppy behind him. “There you are. I was looking for you.”

“You found me.” He was my family, my blood. He and Forest were all I had left who I cared about. Sure, there were aunts, uncles, and cousins I hadn’t talked to for years upon years. They wanted nothing to do with my pretend father. It was no loss for me. I didn’t know them then, didn’t want to now.

“Come up when you’re done. I want to take your measurements.”

“Why?”

“Jordan said you need to dress better if you’re to stand by his side.” I should have seen this coming. The man lived in suits. With Hartley being a fashion designer and making Jordan’s clothes, this was par for the course. There was no point in fighting it.

“Can we make some modifications? Maybe no tie? I don’t like the way they feel on my neck. At least I can keep the top of the shirt unbuttoned and let this bit of hair free.” I rubbed my bare chest.

“You’re my family. I don’t need to see you doing that.”

I laughed. “Fine, but no tie.”

“Deal. I’ll see you upstairs in a bit. Vail’s making dinner. You can come too, Vinny.”

“Nah, I’m good. I told Sheldon I’d take him out tonight. That man needs some air. He stays cooped up in here too much.”

“Good idea.” Hartley turned, calling his dog as he did so. She trailed along behind him out the door.

While Vincent kept going, I finished working out and took a shower. There was only so much I could do. Besides, I wanted to get the whole suit-measuring thing over with. I wasn’t a suit guy. Maybe I could sway Hartley into sweaters or knit tops versus a button-down. No jacket either. It was worth a shot.

I hit the button for the elevator when I exited the gym. There was no way I was taking the stairs with my leg in the shape it was. Even I knew when not to push it.

The ride up was quick, the doors opening into the home Jordan shared with Hartley and Vail. I was aware Raiden was on duty tonight since he was with Alton and me this morning. Raiden and I had driven back to the building and shared a few kisses before going our separate ways. I understood him wanting an all-or-nothing type of deal in regard to sex. That didn’t mean I spent my shower when I got home simply cleaning myself. Ofcourse, I had to fist my dick at the memory of our first time together.

“Hi,” I said and grinned at Raiden when I stepped off the elevator. I glanced around, not seeing anyone but Vail in the kitchen. My lips brushed Raiden’s in a quick kiss, not willing to push my luck.

“Hey,” he whispered, his fingers skating over mine.

Hartley descended the stairs, cutting off any conversation between Raiden and I before it started. “Ready?”

“Yes, but I had an idea. I really don’t like suits. Can’t I just wear slacks and a gorgeous sweater or something? Or anything other than a button-down? It’s not me.”

“We can do that. If Jordan asks, I’ll say it was my idea.” He winked.

“You’re a good nephew.”

Hartley groaned. “Don’t call me that. It’s still weird. I’m older than you.”

“Ah, yes, your uncle is still young and agile while you’re old and moving slowly.”

He cocked his eyebrow. “Really? I’m not the one limping because I was shot.”

A growl came from behind me. We both turned to stare at Raiden, who said nothing.

“Easy there.” I patted his chest. “I’m fine.”

Hartley laughed. “Let’s go upstairs in the spare room so I can take your measurements.”

I followed behind him, saying hello to Vail along the way. The stairs were slightly challenging, but I made do. I was surprised Raiden didn’t rush to lift me like he did at Alton’s. I had to say, it was pretty damn nice having all that muscle and sexiness holding me like a feather.

Hartley walked into a spare room where he had what he needed laid out on the bed. “This won’t take long.”

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