Page 59 of Lane

It was time to move forward.

24

ALTON

Today was my Saturday to work at Jordan’s building and see any of his employees who needed me. Some I saw more regularly on a personal level like Lane and Raiden, even Reghan and Barrett. I didn’t need to follow up with them on anything unless they weren’t feeling well or if Reghan needed a refill on his migraine medications.

I went through the motions with my patients, did regular checkups. There was a sinus infection to be treated and another with an ear infection. The men worked in close quarters. It was bound to happen.

The whole time, my mind kept drifting to Raiden and how he was doing. I’d left him and Lane in bed this morning, with Raiden wrapped around Lane. He had done that to one of us every night since his father’s death. The only times he let go were when he had a nightmare or when he got up.

Lane and I were worried about him, me probably more. I was torn between doctor and lover. There was medication to help him. I could also refer him to Arden. It didn’t feel right though. If I did that, would he push me away?

I was putting my final notes in my tablet after the last patient left for the day. When I turned toward the door, Raiden leaned against the frame.

Placing the tablet on the exam table, I walked toward him. “Are you okay?”

He jutted his chin toward the table.

“You want me to examine you? Are you sick?”

He shook his head and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Raiden moved my tablet to the counter and sat on the table, his legs hanging off the end. He reached for me, his arm outstretched. I readily went, pushing the step on the bottom of the table closed as I was brought between his legs. Gentle hands cupped my face while his dark eyes held mine.

I squeezed my eyes shut, tears burning them. I would do anything for him. Anything to ease his pain. While I’d love for him to talk, I wasn’t going to urge him to do so.

Raiden lifted my hand and placed it over his heart. My eyes opened, tears slipping free. He patted my hand and then reached for the stethoscope that was around my neck. I didn’t remove my hand as he carefully placed the ear tips in my ears and slid the diaphragm under my hand. I took it as he lifted his shirt so I could press it to his chest. There was a steady beat in my ears. It was the most beautiful sound.

If the last week had taught me anything, it was I had to hold on to those I cared about with both hands. I was in love with Raiden and Lane. There wasn’t any doubt. The urge to tell Raiden was powerful but I refrained. When I did it, I wanted to tell Lane too.

I pulled away, removing the stethoscope as he let his shirt fall back into place. “You have a beautiful heart, Raiden.”

His hands moved my hips, bringing me closer. He dropped his forehead to mine. “I’m okay,” he whispered.

I let out a soft cry. “God, Ray, you scared me. I couldn’t heal you.”

“You did. You and Lane. Every day.” He kissed my cheek. “Thank you.” Then the other. “You waited for me to be ready.”

Leaning forward, I wrapped my arms around him and cried against him.

Before tragedy struck, I wondered where I fit, and if there was room for me with Lane and Raiden. This past week had taught me I always belonged, even though I didn’t see it. I’d spent my free time with them and took a few days off from work. Luckily, the other doctors in the practice covered for me.

I would have taken the whole week off if I could have. I made sure to return to Raiden and Lane every evening, where I stayed until the next morning.

Raiden would drift off first between Lane and me. Lane would reach for my hand, or I would for his. We’d hold on to each other while Raiden found a few moments of peace. Last night was the first time he didn’t wake screaming or crying. My heart was ripped out every time it happened. I couldn’t imagine what he was going through.

My parents were still alive and living in another state. We didn’t see eye to eye on many things, so I didn’t have contact with them. Neither did my sister.

“You’re perfect,” Raiden whispered. “Just who I needed and will need for a long time. You and Lane were patient and caring. I’ll forever be grateful to have had you both through this.”

“Always, Ray.”

He leaned back to look into my eyes again. “Jordan invited us for dinner.”

“Did you find anything out?”

Raiden shook his head.

They had leads, of course, a list of people who would want to harm them. With no concrete evidence, it was nearly impossibleto figure out who the enemy was when multiple people at the party had a list of them.

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