Chapter 1

The warmth of the sun shining over the bed through the small part in the curtains chased away the chill of waking up alone. In the hall there was laughter, then the sound of hushed voices, more serious tones. Danny frowned as he sat up, rubbing his hands over his eyes.

Today was the day Jacks was heading off to L.A. to discuss selling some of his designs to a few high-end brands that had shown interest since seeing his name in the credits of Danny and Jamie’s last music video. An amazing opportunity, but…

Everything was changing so fast.

Pushing out of bed, Danny stuffed his feet into the fluffy mouse slippers Shea had gotten him, padding to the door. His shin hit the edge of a heavy box and his eyes teared as he bit back a curse. He managed not to limp as he made his way to the kitchen, where Jacks was standing at the counter with Shea, gulping down coffee with one hand on the handle of his suitcase.

Goodbyes came in a rush, with sweet kisses that left Danny’s lips tingling long after Jacks hurried out to jump in the waiting cab. At the table, Danny poked at the yogurt and granola Shea served him, absently rubbing his hand over the center of his chest as his Dom gave him an expectant look.

Right. Eat. Don’t make him worry.

Danny brought the spoon to his mouth, stifling a sigh as his stomach gave an unhappy twinge. His appetite might not be much on a good day, but this was different. He already missed Jacks and his other Dom would be gone for weeks. Shea was taking on more security jobs as he helped Connor build up his client list.

And, with his and Jamie’s last album finished and ready for release, Danny was...starting to feel like he was floating aimlessly. After being kidnapped with Matt the things he used to do to fill his days weren’t safe anymore. More teachers had been brought in to the Arts Center, meaning he and Jamie didn’t have to be there quite so often. Jamie only went when Noah could go with him. Danny could join them, he’d gotten the offer a few times, but the one time he’d tried hadn’t gone very well.

One look at the dojo and everything came back to him. The pain of the knife cutting into his arm to take out the tracker that had made him feel so damn safe. The rough grip of the men who’d made it clear Danny’s only value was to keep Matt from escaping.

No dramatics, no terrifying overthinking situations in a way that he couldn’t help, but made things seem like they’d end in tragedy. He’d come very close to dying. To getting Matt killed.

The other man could’ve escaped if Danny hadn’t been there.

Like hell would Danny put anyone in that position ever again.

“Hey.” Setting down his coffee mug on the table, Shea held out his arm, pulling Danny onto his lap when he slid off his seat. His strong arms surrounded Danny, his solid chest the perfect place to tuck up against to hide away from unwelcome memories. The rhythmic motion of Shea’s hand up and down his back accompanied his deep, concerned tone. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay today? I could call Connor and have someone else—”

“No!” Danny lifted his head, his eyes wide. “No, sir. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell, but you can’t do that. Connor’s thinking of making you a partner in his new business. He won’t if you can’t put in the work and I won’t be the reason for that. Or for you being distracted and getting shot. I’m okay. Perfect even.” He rose up a bit, holding Shea’s gaze and flashing him a smile that would’ve made Jamie proud and the media go mad. “See?”

Shea gave him a level look as he smacked Danny’s thigh. “You’re a horrible liar, but nice try. Put away that fake shit before I get my belt out.”

Groaning, Danny lowered his forehead to Shea’s shoulder. “You can’t beat me for smiling, that’s a cruel and unusual punishment.”

“I absolutely can. Who makes the rules around here?” Shea’s tone was teasing now, meaning he probably wasn’t serious about the belt. He hugged Danny, then forced him to lift his head with two fingers under his jaw. “Eat a few more bites, then I’ll bring you to The Asylum. We’ll both feel better, knowing you're safe, and I’m sure something there will keep you distracted.”

True. There was a lot going on at the club with all the renovations. He gave Shea a genuine smile. “I’ve survived the roof caving in once, I can do it again.”