Heathens Ink Box Set, page 36
I reach for Zade’s hand as soon as we’re all outside, but feel completely off balance to only have one hand in mine.
“I don’t like pretending he’s not ours, either. We can’t push him though,” Zade whispers in my ear, no doubt having felt my discomfort.
I nod in agreement and then put on a brave face as we all head up to the house.
Betty flings open the door and greets us enthusiastically.
“I’m so happy to have my boys here,” she declares pulling Nash and then me into a hug. “And, this must be Liam.”
Liam blushes and gives Betty a shy wave, but she’s not having any of that. She steps forward and pulls my brother into a bone crushing hug.
“Welcome to the family.”
“Um, thanks?”
Zade chuckles behind me, clearly enjoying Liam’s discomfort.
“So good to see you again, Zade.”
“You too, Betty.”
With greetings out of the way we’re ushered inside and met with hordes of aunts, uncles, and cousins spilling out into the backyard where the real festivities are being held.
“Want a soda?” I offer Liam.
He nods so I put a hand on his shoulder and steer him through the house toward the backyard, in search of the cooler. I grab three beers and a soda for Liam and then we set about greeting people and introducing them to Liam.
He gets a few interesting looks from some of the more conservative distant relatives, but then again, so do I.
We play horseshoes and volleyball until we’re all feeling like we’re about to melt in the heat of the July afternoon.
I never realized how difficult it would be to not touch Nash. I’ve spent twenty-four years not touching him, how hard could one afternoon be? It’s not like I want to mount him in front of his relatives or anything. I just want to steal a kiss here or there, maybe hold his hand.
I think Zade’s feeling the same way because he’s touching me more than usual, not that I’m complaining.
“You guys want some water?” Nash offers. “I can run in and grab the ones I put in the freezer for us.”
We agree and Nash jogs off toward the house.
Nash
When I step into the kitchen my mom is there chopping vegetables.
“Need any help?” I offer.
“No thanks, sweetie,” she says with a smile. “I’m surprised Royal is still seeing Zane.”
“Zade,” I correct.
“Right.”
“Why are you surprised?” I ask. From where I’m sitting Royal and Zade are a perfect match, I don’t see what could be surprising about it.
“I know Royal likes to have his wild fun with men. I just wish he'd realize how much that girl needs a woman's influence in her life, and finally get serious settling down with a nice girl.”
“What are you talking about?” I bristle.
My mom sighs.
“You know I'm okay with Royal messing around and having fun. But he needs to put his sister first now.”
“His brother,” I correct through gritted teeth.
“Of course,” my mom waves off my correction.
“And he's not just 'having wild fun’ or 'playing around’ with Zade. They're in love. And, Zade is amazing with Liam.”
As if on cue Zade and Royal walk through the back door into the kitchen hand in hand.
“And there's something I need to tell you.” I glance back at my men and see the support written all over their faces. “Royal and Zade are my partners.”
“Partners in what, dear?” My mom smiles and cocks her head in innocent confusion
“Uh...In life. They're my boyfriends.” I struggle to explain. Zade and Royal are no help as they chuckle at my obvious discomfort.
“I'm not sure I understand.”
I let out an exasperated sigh. Then, I reach behind me and take each man's hand.
“Royal is my boyfriend.” I hold up our conjoined hands to demonstrate my point. “Zade is my boyfriend.” I hold up Zade and my joined hands. Then, I let go of both men and put their hands together. “And, Royal and Zade are boyfriends.”
“Oh,” my mother puts on an awkward smile and looks between all three of us. “I didn’t even know you were gay.”
“I’m bi,” I correct.
“So you might go back to women?” she asks hopefully.
“I really doubt it. I don’t see myself without Royal and Zade, they’re everything to me.”
“And this makes you happy?”
“Extremely happy,” I confirm. “I love them.”
I feel the presence of both my men at my back and I smile.
“Well, if you’re happy there’s not much I can say against it.”
Relief floods my chest. Part of me was sure she’d make a big deal out of this revelation. Then she gathers up the veggie tray she’d been putting together and heads out to the backyard without another word.
I sag back in relief, sure one of my men will catch me. It’s Zade’s strong arms I feel around me, without hesitation.
“You okay?” Royal asks.
“Yeah, it feels good to have it out there. No hiding or lying.”
“I love you,” Zade whispers against the side of my neck as his hands trail over my stomach.
“You do?” My voice wavers with the effort to sound neutral. I hadn’t realized until this moment how afraid I was that maybe I was falling in love with Zade and he would only ever love Royal.
“Of course I do,” Zade turns me around and looks into my eyes like he’s searching for something. “You really didn’t know?”
I shake my head and hold his gaze.
“Oh, baby, come here.”
He pulls me in and brushes his lips to mine in an achingly sweet kiss. Our tongues mingle in a slow, sensual dance and his arms around me feel like they’re keeping me tethered to the Earth.
“I love how kind and thoughtful you are. I love that you’re comfortable with yourself. I love that you take care of Royal and me, and that you jumped in with both feet to take care of Liam. You’re amazing, sexy, sweet, and absolutely perfect. How could I not love you?”
“I love you, too,” I manage, even though his words have left me nearly breathless.
Royal’s arms wrap around me from behind and he buries his face between my shoulder blades.
“Dude, I thought your love of the D was supposed to be a secret?” Liam asks, stepping into the kitchen.
“Not anymore, I fessed up to my mom, and I don’t care how everyone else finds out.”
“Cool,” Liam says with a smile.
Finally, the three of us part, but I reach for their hands immediately.
“I’m starving, let’s go see how the food’s coming along,” Royal suggests.
This time when we head into the backyard I have my men on either side of me, hand in hand...in hand. And, it feels damn good.
Chapter 26
Royal
I’m manning the counter at Heathens when the bell above the door dings. I look up from the magazine I’m paging through to see a man heading toward the counter with a beard to rival Adam’s and enough ink on both his arms to make my inner artist drool.
“Welcome to Heathens Ink, what can I do for you?”
The man looks me up and down with a weary expression. I half expect him to turn around and walk right back out the door.
“I’m wondering if you guys might be hiring at all?” His voice is a low rumble, and his question is so quiet I have to lean forward to hear.
“Uh, maybe. Let me go grab Adam, he’s the owner,” I offer.
The man gives me a small smile and nods as I slide off the stool behind the counter and head down the hall toward Adam’s office.
He’s clicking away on his computer, no doubt doing the monthly spreadsheets, or whatever a person who owns a business has to do.
“Hey man, there’s some big bear of a dude here asking about a possible job.”
“Okay, I’ll be up in just a second, I need to finish this real quick first.”
I head back up front where the guy is still waiting, shifting from foot to foot and looking around at the art on the walls.
“Adam will be up in a minute if you want to have a seat.”
“Cool, thanks so much,” he gives me a nod.
The bell above the door dings again and this time I look up to find Madden and Liam walking in.
I greet them both and Madden starts telling me about a new tattoo he wants me to do for him. As he talks I notice Liam’s gaze roaming over the mystery job seeker with interest. I feel a frown tugging at my lips. Fuck, I’m barely ready to deal with raising a teenager, I hadn’t even accounted for the idea of dating. Damnit, I am so not equipped to deal with this. And, over my dead body does he need to be checking out a dude who’s got to be almost a decade older than him.
Luckily, Adam chooses that moment to emerge and breaks the spell and Liam looks away, blushing.
“Hi, I’m Adam, I own Heathens. You’re looking for a job?” Adam eyes up the guy, clearly taking inventory of the ink on his arms.
“Owen,” the man introduces himself, holding out his hand to Adam. “Yeah, I’m looking for a job.”
“Okay, let’s go talk in my office.”
As the two of them disappear down the hallway I catch Liam’s gaze following Owen again and I decide I’m going to need to consult with Nash and Zade about how to deal with the entire idea of Liam dating.
Nash
Something’s been bugging Royal all afternoon. I know him well enough not to push it though. So, when we get home from work Zade has dinner ready for us.
“Got this for you,” I tell Zade, handing him a bag of jelly beans I’d picked up for him on the way home.
“What’s this?” he asks, his voice laced with surprise as he takes the bag of candy.
“You said the other day you wanted jelly beans,” I say with a shrug.
Zade tosses the candy on the kitchen counter and shoves me up against the refrigerator, claiming my lips in a bruising kiss.
“I’ll bring you all the candy you want if you keep kissing me like that,” I tease, sucking his bottom lip.
“You’re sweet, and thoughtful. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I give his lips one more peck before Royal comes into the kitchen and gets his own chance to kiss our man.
Throughout dinner we keep conversation light, and when we’re done Liam offers to do the dishes while the three of us go to unwind with some video games.
“So, this guy came in to Heathens looking for a job today,” Royal starts.
“Oh yeah, I saw that guy. He’s kinda hot,” I say as I set up Call of Duty and hand Royal a controller. Zade settles in beside us, content to watch us play for a little while.
“Yeah, Liam thought so, too,” Royal gripes.
“What?”
“Liam was eyeing the dude up like he was made of chocolate.”
Zade makes an irritated noise in the back of his throat.
“How old is this guy?” Zade asks.
“At least like twenty-five. Way too old for Liam, without a doubt. I didn’t even think about Liam dating. How do we deal with this?”
“He’s sixteen,” I point out. “You and I were already having threesome’s with college chicks when we were sixteen.”
“Yeah but, what if people aren’t nice to him?” Royal’s voice is rough.
“Oh, babe,” Zade puts an arm over Royal’s shoulder and kisses the top of his head. “I know you want to protect him from the world, and I promise we’ll do everything we can to make sure no one ever hurts him. But, you can’t bubble wrap him. He’s going to date, and some of the people he dates will probably suck. Lucky for him he’s got three badass motherfuckers at home ready to bury any dude who fucks him over.”
“Damn right,” Royal agrees, turning his head into Zade’s neck and taking a deep breath. “What would I do without you guys?”
“Be sad,” Zade suggests, “and probably jerk off a lot.”
“True,” Royal agrees.
I kick Royal’s ass at Call of Duty then the three of us climb into bed and fall asleep wrapped around each other.
Chapter 27
Royal
“I hate wearing suits, I’m sweating like a whore in church,” I complain as we wait for our case to be called.
“You look fucking sexy in a suit,” Zade whispers in my ear.
“My balls are sweaty,” I challenge.
“You think sweaty balls are a turn off for me?” Zade arches his eyebrow.
“Would you guys please keep the balls talk to a minimum?” Nash admonishes in a harsh whisper.
“Case 453, King custody,” a woman calls out.
Liam and I rise from the uncomfortable plastic chairs and make our way toward the courtroom, catching up with Jim halfway there.
The severe woman who did the home visit is there as well, and gives me a barely concealed look of disgust. There’s no doubt in my mind that this decision was based solely on my relationship and over my dead body am I letting them hold that against me.
Zade and Nash couldn’t be better with Liam. They’ve stepped up in every possible way when it was never their responsibility. Hell, they could’ve run off together and left me to deal with this alone. But they’ve been here every step of the way, never wavering, and doing things for Liam I never would’ve thought of.
As we enter the room I’m surprised to find it’s not a courtroom as much as a large office. The judge is sitting behind an impressive looking desk. He’s a middle age man with a friendly smile that puts me mildly at ease.
As soon as we’re seated Jim launches into pleading his case.
“Your honor, the denial of custody in this case is a clear violation of discrimination laws in the state of Washington. Ms.Karver was openly uncomfortable when my client mentioned offhand that he is in a domestic relationship with two other men. There was absolutely no basis for denial of custody other than prejudice. As you can see based on the paperwork I sent ahead to you, my client earns a very comfortable income, he has a stable living situation, and he doesn’t have so much as a speeding ticket. Not to mention, the minor in question has entered a written statement of preference to remain with my client. If you have basis to deny custody I’d be interested to hear it.”
“I agree with you,” the judge says as soon as Jim concludes.
My mouth falls open in shock.
“With all due respect your honor, I’m concerned about the effect living with three men engaged in debaucherous behavior will have on an impressionable, young girl.” Denise argues in a haughty tone.
I bite my tongue against telling her to get fucked or correcting her for misgendering Liam.
The judge frowns at her.
“The relationship my client is engaged in has no bearing on this custody hearing. As I’ve stated, there is only one person seeking guardianship and the person is more than capable of supporting his sibling.”
“Frankly, this is an open and shut case for me. I’m concerned that custody was denied in the first place, based on the evidence you’ve shown me and I’m going to make a point of checking into the judge who signed off on this initially. Washington state grants protection under the law to same sex couples seeking to adopt. This is no different than adoption, and the number of sexual partners this man chooses to have is a private matter.”
“So you’re granting me custody?” I blurt before I can stop myself.
“I am,” he confirms with a smile.
“Oh thank god.”
I grab Liam in a tight hug and let out a relieved laugh.
After that there’s just a bit of paperwork to sign and then we’re able to leave.
Once we’re outside I turn to Jim and pull him into a hug.
“I can’t thank you enough.”
“I didn’t have to do much, but I was happy to help.”
Nash and Zade rush over to us, expectantly studying my expression.
“We got it,” I announce and they both cheer.
The three of us surround Liam and join in a giant group hug that has Liam laughing and pleading to be freed.
“I feel like this calls for a taco celebration,” Zade declares.
“Tacos!” Liam cheers, and we all head out, a new lightness in the air.
Nash
The following day we heard from our realtor that our offer was accepted on the house and we’d be able to move in two weeks.
“We can get a dog, right?” Liam asks as soon as we tell him the good news.
“Yeah, please daddy can we get a dog?” Royal pleads.
“Ugh, it’s up to Zade,” I declare, not wanting to be the one to make the decision.
“Yes,” Royal cheers before turning to Zade and giving him puppy dog eyes. “Please, please, please?” Royal and Liam beg together.
“Fine,” Zade agrees with a sigh. I don’t miss the little smile he’s trying to hide, though.
Royal and Liam start jumping up and down with excitement.
“Listen,” Zade cuts in with an authoritative tone. “Dogs are a lot of work, you have to feed them and walk them, and it’s not cheap to keep them healthy. Do you guys think you’re ready for that?”
“Yes, I promise I’ll take such good care of it,” Liam vows.
“We can go to the shelter this weekend and take a look,” I suggest, which earns another round of cheers from the King siblings.
While Liam and Royal argue over what breed of dog we should get, Zade puts his arms around me from behind and whispers in my ear.
“Feels like a celebration is in order,” his voice is a low rumble in my ear, sending a heated pulse directly between my legs. “Do you think Royal would be opposed to a little bondage?”
“Oh Jesus,” I mutter at the image of Royal splayed naked before us, hands restrained to the headboard as we have our way with him. “Time for bed,” I say over the sound of Royal and Liam’s bickering.
Royal turns to look at me with surprise and intrigue.
“But I’m not tired,” he argues in a teasing tone.
“That’s good, because we’re not sleeping,” Zade adds before leaning down and hoisting Royal over his shoulder.
