Chapter 9

At least an hour past, everything calm, Rhodey’s arm coming around his waist when he muttered that he must be getting heavy and tried to slide off. It seemed almost selfish to accept Rhodey’s comfort, but he needed it right now. After what had happened so far this morning it was hard not to wonder if his next step would lead to some new catastrophe.

Maybe, if he stayed still, he could avoid whatever fate wanted to throw at him next.

He’d almost managed to convince himself the worst had passed until the gym door opened. A man with sleek, black dreads hanging to the right side of his head, features smooth with youth, dark brown skin over perfectly sculpted features making him absolutely breathtaking with all those muscles under a snug white T-shirt.

The stranger’s presence wasn’t what threw Danny off. It was Shea, a step behind him, expression thunderous, that had Danny’s lips parting.

This time, when he tried to slip away, Rhodey let him go. The Dom gave Shea a lazy smile as he pushed to his feet.

And didn’t even blink when Shea strode up to him and threw a punch, aimed at his jaw.

Catching Shea’s wrist, Rhodey shook his head. “You get one attempt. Because I like you. Whatever you think you’re doing, I suggest you rethink it.”

Dismissing Rhodey with one last glare as he jerked away, Shea grabbed his phone from his pocket and stepped up to Danny, holding it up. On the screen was a clear picture of Danny and Rhodey kissing. Brow furrowed, Shea held Danny’s eyes, his own darkening with pain. “Is this payback or something? Damn it, Danny, I thought we’d gotten past...that shit with Kelly wasn’t…” He drew back, pressing his eyes shut. “What the fuck is going on?”

“Dude, how about waiting for some fucking context before freaking out?” Hopping off the bar between Danny and Shea, Reed forced Shea to take a step back. “This was a distraction. And you can fuck right off with the guilt trip. You come in here with him and you’re gonna accuse Danny of shit? Projection much?”

“Reed, don’t.” Danny latched onto Reed’s arm, tugging him back. He eyed the new man, his guts twisting at the idea of there being something between Shea and whoever this was. Which wasn’t fair after Shea seeing those pictures without any warning. He met his Dom’s eyes as Reed let out an irritated sound and paced away. “Sir, I should have called you right away. I’m sorry. Please...please don’t be mad. Rhodey was helping me.”

“I would’ve helped you. All you had to do was ask.” Shea turned away, exchanging a look with Connor as the other man came in from the front door. “I found him. I’m going up to the loft to take care of a few things. You mind watching him?”

Connor frowned, looking between Danny and Shea before shaking his head. “Not at all.” He went to the new man, who’d found Avery’s knives behind the dart board and was weighing them in his hand. “Justin, if you don’t mind—”

“I do mind. I’m twenty-three, not three.” The man, Justin, tossed one of the knives at the dart board. “Interesting place. Don’t worry, I won’t mind hanging out, but I have to go back to training in a bit. I’ll let you follow if you don’t get in my way.”

Reed stopped Danny from following Shea, shaking his head. “Give him a bit, he’ll realize he’s being an ass.” He huffed out a breath. “Do you know who that is?”

Blinking, Danny tore his focus from the door as it clicked shut. “His client?”

“Justin Rai. He’s the son of a newly elected senator who’s also been drafted for the Mets. No wonder he needs bodyguards.” Reed rubbed his hands over his face. “This is either the best or worst place for him. With the way he responded to Connor, I don’t think he’s a sub.”

“Definitely not getting sub vibes.” Danny shifted his gaze when Justin looked their way. But he couldn’t keep his focus on the conversation. He needed to clear things up with Shea. Now. “I appreciate you sticking up for me, but I know Shea. Letting him steam won’t help. If he thinks I thought this was okay because of what happened with Kelly… Just no. I can’t let that stick. Not for any amount of time.”

Reed squeezed his shoulder and nodded. “Okay, but I hate that you’re getting any heat for this. Come back down when you’re ready and let me know how it goes or whatever. I’ll cover your shift if it takes a while. No rush, got it?”

Nodding, Danny gave Reed his best ‘I’ve got this’ smile before starting for the stairs. He caught Rhodey’s eyes, smile still in place, shaking his head when the Dom looked like he might get up and follow. Whatever Rhodey might do definitely wouldn’t help the situation.

This was Danny’s relationship. With one of the men he loved.

If he couldn’t fix this…

Nothing else mattered.

Because Shea and Jacks were the reasons he’d stayed. Part of what he’d built his new life around. He had to believe what he had with them could survive whatever life threw at them.

That he was strong enough to fight for it.

Even when he didn’t feel strong at all.

His Doms had taught him a lot. Including that submission wasn’t just about giving up control. It was in being part of something.

In taking what they gave him.

And knowing he could give them just as much. Even when he was scared. When he doubted what he had to offer.

Neither of them would want him if he hadn’t proved himself. The uncertainty didn’t take away how far they’d come together.

Today was just...one of those days where the work he had to put in was a bit harder.

Not because he’d fucked up...okay, maybe that too. But life happened.

He reached the door to the loft and cringed at a loud bang. Like a wall coming down. Literally.

Life seemed to be throwing a whole sledgehammer at what had seemed to be pretty messed up. He could turn around and hide from it, that wouldn’t be unreasonable in most cases. Finding shelter, a safe place to hide.

Except...he didn’t want to leave Shea feeling like things were crashing down alone.

I love you.

Another crash.

Even when it’s messy.

He opened the door. His lips parted when Shea lifted the actual sledgehammer he’d been apparently using to take down the wall between their new loft and the one beside it that would expand their space.

Shea’s eyes warmed as his grip loosened on the heavy tool.

Which told Danny he might be able to earn forgiveness faster than he’d expected.

Also, his Dom might end up with some broken bones in his foot if he didn’t move fast enough.

He closed his eyes, holding his breath.

Tasting the dust of debris on his tongue.

Right before he tasted the warmth of his Dom’s lips pressed against his. Along with a rough laugh.

“My sweet little mouse.” Shea lifted Danny in his arms. “What am I going to do with you?”