Page 52 of Lane

Raiden and Lane had been doing more to make me feel included. They didn’t come out and say it, but it was in what they did. They texted me more often, would call when I was on break if they were able to. We’d meet up most nights. I went to them, unless they were able to get away. The closeness helped me feel more a part of them.

Tonight, Lane and I were meeting Raiden’s parents. I wasn’t nervous, but I worried they might not like me being almost ten years older than their son. The age gap wasn’t huge, although it was still there.

The house we pulled up to was a sprawling ranch on a large plot of land. The setting sun allowed me a nice view of it before it became dark. The driveway wasn’t overly long, and there were multiple vehicles already parked in it. It was located on a quiet road where the mailboxes along the street were painted a variety of colors. It had a welcoming neighborhood feel.

“The gang’s all here,” Raiden muttered. “Get ready to be inundated with at least some of the Dremest royalty. And probably Jordan’s son.”

“I get to meet JJ?” Lane asked. “This could be fun.”

Raiden shook his head. “Interesting is more like it.”

I knew who JJ was but hadn’t spoken with him at length.

We exited the SUV and followed Reghan and Barrett inside. Only two feet in the door and a woman with dark brown hair had her arms around Barrett. She wore a pair of black pants and a white blouse that showed off her slim waist. “There you are. I’m so glad you could make it.” She kissed Barrett on the cheek. “Reghan, Raiden, come give me a hug.” They went to her while Lane and I stood behind them.

She looked me over then Lane when she was done hugging her sons. Pointing at Lane, she said, “You must be Lane. You look more danger than doctor, especially with that charming smile.”

“That’s me.” He extended his hand. “Lane Everhart, half of the men your son is dating.”

“Nonsense.” She bypassed his hand and leaned in to give him a hug. “That makes you Dr. Alton Keeley. I’ve heard a lot about you, not only from Raiden but Reghan as well. Word also gets around at the hospital. I haven’t seen you before, but people speak very kindly about you. I’m glad my son finally got his shit together and made a move with you.”

I forgot she was a nurse. I didn’t like gossip, so I wasn’t current on what others spoke about. I didn’t blush easily and rarely ever. Standing in front of Lily Sutton, my cheeks heated. “I’m not sure what to say. It’s very nice to meet you.”

“You get a hug too.” When she embraced me, she whispered, “You’re good for my son.” She leaned away, her brown eyes sparkling as she smiled. I returned it.

“Everyone is in the family room.” She led the way through the house.

I tried to take in as much of it as I could. There were photos on the walls of the twins, ones I’d love to look at closely sometime. A vase of fresh flowers sat on a slender table in the hall. Through an updated kitchen and dining area, we entered a large family room that must have been an addition to the house. People filled most of the space.

“Boys,” an older man who could only be their father greeted as he walked toward us. He was just as tall as them but not as wide in the chest. There was no mistaking his strength. His black T-shirt stretched over his large biceps. Tattoos covered both arms.

“Happy birthday, Dad,” Raiden said and leaned in for a half hug. Reghan did the same. “Did you get the gift we sent?” They had found something online, and we all pitched in for it.

“I did. Thank you, all of you.” He extended his hand to me. “Thane Sutton. You must be the doc.”

“I am.” I shook his hand. “Alton Keeley. Happy birthday.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you could make it. And you must be Lane Everhart. You need no introduction. Everyone knows who you are.”

“I’m not sure if that’s good or bad,” Lane said. He didn’t drop his gaze or act like he was ashamed. He shouldn’t be. He offered his hand first, which Thane shook.

“It’s not bad as long as you take care of my boys. One more than the other. I’d tell you not to bring danger their way but given what you do and for who, that’s not possible. Instead, have Raiden’s back like I know he has yours.”

“I will. Always.”

“Good. Grab a drink and a snack. Dinner will be ready in about an hour. Mingle. Maybe get Dom to stop flitting around like he’s hosting. I swear that man doesn’t have an off switch.”

I made a point of knowing who was who in Dremest. As I scanned the room, my eyes brushed over most of the Dremest elite.

Dominic Summit was a dancer at Untouchable, Dexen Dremest’s club. Dominic was also the partner of Perry Altair Jr., Jordan’s nephew, and Peyton Lynx, Perry’s bodyguard. Perry alone was half of the wealthiest in West Dremest. He’d inherited his father’s assets and wealth when he passed. Perry knew how to run a business. He was an Altair, after all.

Standing near them were Dexen Dremest, JJ Altair, and Greer Lynx. Dexen owned more than his club, where the wealthy went to watch men strip on stage and give them private shows. I’d been tempted on more than one occasion to join the club. There were other businesses in Dexen’s name, but Untouchable was what he was known for—that and being the namesake family of the city.

JJ needed no introduction. The man oozed power in a different way than Dexen and Perry did. JJ’s came from growingup the son of a mafia boss. While JJ distanced himself from his father for a long time, they were growing close again, at least from what I’d heard.

Greer Lynx was Peyton’s brother and the CSO at Perry’s company. He’d made a name for himself there, but also with the impressive security systems he designed.

It wasn’t only in Jordan’s building that I heard about the upper class of people in and around Dremest. The patients who came to my practice liked to talk. Some of them didn’t have many in their lives, so I was an ear for them to gossip to.

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