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13

RAIN

After that terrifying and tender night, things changed between them. It took a few weeks for Rain to return to his baseline and feel safe again but Mason quietly showed up the entire time, helping him along. It started with rides to and from The Pointe and if Mason had to work, then a cab was waiting for Rain at the end of the night, already paid for.

And then it morphed into so much more.

They began to eat all their meals together, telling each other small stories. Rain shared some of the tamer escapades from growing up with his mother while Mason opened up more about his Gran, whose name was Joyce, and he’d even shown Rain a few pictures. Stunning, with delicate features, she had the same clear-glass eyes that Mason did but hers were filled with kindness. Rain wished that he’d had a chance to meet her. He knew why it had taken so long for him to see her portrait and why there weren’t any photos of her in the house, because Mason already saw her everywhere he looked.

Despite the haunting emptiness of the upper floors, Mason had started hanging out upstairs, especially when Rain played with Mouse, who’d tripled in size and attitude, and he’d also become even more obsessed with candids. Hearing the click of the shutter while doing the most mundane tasks had Rain feeling like he was in a documentary, but Mason was an endless fountain of ideas and information, and the two of them spent a lot of time in the studio looking at edits of Mason’s work or printed photos from his darkroom escapades.

Between helping out with Mason’s business, drone lessons, modeling, and sometimes working a wedding together, if Mason wasn’t around, then Rain felt weirdly alone, as if he were missing a piece of himself. He guessed that was part of liking a person but what did that even mean? To Rain, it meant that Mason was a cut above everyone else, someone Rain wanted to spend his hours with, maybe give his heart to.

But to Mason, it could mean friends with benefits or that Rain was someone he could talk to, but Rain’s gut told him it was more.

He thought about calling Tommy for advice but things between them were complicated. They’d only been texting over the past few months and Rain had left the last message on read, becoming one of those people who ghosted their best friend over quality dick, but there was so much more to it than that. He’d been dealing with a lot, and he shouldn’t be talking to Tommy about this anyway. He should be talking to Mason.

But if he did, then it might wreck whatever had been building between them. Sticking to Emma’s advice and continuing to see where things went still seemed like the best option, but it felt like too simple of a solution for a complex set of emotions that were all new to him.

“What are you doing?” The shutter clicked a few times, interrupting Rain’s thoughts, and he flopped on his back, looking up at Mason with a smile.

“Studying for the drone license.” He gestured at the laptop next to him. “I know the test isn’t for a while but I wanted to get a head start.” People would probably think that Rain liked drones because Mason did, as if he were copying the first man who gave him true safety, imprinting like a baby bird, but those people would be wrong. Rain had always found drones interesting, along with many other things, but he’d never had the space or ability to nurture his interests. Now, he could explore whatever he wanted to and not only had drones been handed to him, but he also thoroughly enjoyed flying them around.

Mason let out a grunt that sounded like approval and pride.

“I don’t want to interrupt your studying.”

“It’s fine.” Rain sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the mattress. “What’s up?”

“Can you pose for me today?” Mason’s eyes flicked up to the long, narrow windows along one wall of the bedroom. “The weather is perfect.”

“Sure! I need a break anyway.” He closed the laptop.

“This will be the last shoot,” Mason stated and Rain froze, confusion washing across his face until Mason put up a hand. “For the exhibition.”

“Oh,” Rain sighed in relief. “Don’t you have a couple of months?”

“That’s barely enough time to choose the photos, print them, frame them, and design my display.” Mason already looked tired talking about it.

“That makes sense because you have so many great shots to choose from!” Flashing a cheesy grin, Rain flipped his hair back, acting full of himself, although most of it wasn’t an act.

“I do,” Mason deadpanned. “You’re perfect in most of them. It will be difficult to pick the best.”

Struck dumb in the middle of preening, Rain tried not to blush but failed.

“So,” he coughed after a few seconds, tilting his head so his hair covered his heated face. “Where is this last session?”

“The yard.”

Rain blinked in surprise but it made sense once he thought about it. Autumn had come in beautifully and the trees that lined the property shone in an arrangement of oranges and reds, but the crown jewel was the weeping willow. Standing at the back of the property, its bright yellow leaves glowed under the sun.

Excitement in his veins, Rain stood. “What should I wear?”

“Whatever you want.” Gracing Rain with one of his soft grins, Mason went into the studio and Mouse shot out of nowhere to trot after him.

For most of his life Rain hadn’t cared too much about fashion because everything looked good on him. Over the years, he’d built up a closet of favorites but it had all been decimated by Gage, and any funds to replenish had been dedicated to his savings account. So, he’d stuck to thrifting and had recently acquired a few gorgeous things that he knew he’d be able to keep. Staring at them, he smirked, picking the sequined white suit which had won by a mile.

It was a woman’s suit but it fit him perfectly. Curving in and fastening under his ribcage with a single button, the tight jacket showed an enticing amount of skin and the pants clung to his ass perfectly, flaring at the bottom. Paired with white boots that had a bit of a heel, eyeliner, and spray to make his hair shinier, the ensemble gave sexy nineteen-seventies vibes and Rain couldn’t wait to show Mason.

Heading outside, it didn’t take him long to find the set. A bright blue accent chair sat in the middle of the lawn, surrounded by reflectors on stands and two tripods. Busy adjusting the largest reflector, which hovered close to the chair, Mason didn’t notice Rain until he stood next to him.

Halfway through twisting a knob, Mason stilled and turned, staring at Rain without speaking, but his eyebrows went up a full inch and his pupils dilated, telling Rain just how beautiful he looked.

Rain spun in a circle and curtsied, hearing the shutter sound within seconds. Blowing a kiss at the camera, he strolled to the chair, sitting on it as if it were a throne.

Squinting a bit at Rain, Mason finished turning the reflector, moved a tripod, and then changed settings on both of his cameras. Once he finished, he turned to Rain with a nod, his creative energy almost palpable, and Rain stared into the lens, ready to begin their dance.

Now that they’d been doing this for months the steps were more familiar and they were able to improvise and feed off each other, their unspoken bond guiding them to every shot. In a way, this was more intimate than sex because when Mason was behind the camera it caused Rain to bear his very soul, and after the first hour they needed a break.

“How do the pictures look?” Rain asked, standing and stretching his legs.

Mason sorted through the photos, stopping on one that made his eyes widen a bit. “Good.”

Coming over, he showed Rain a picture of him sitting staunchly in the chair, elbows on his knees, fingers steepled, and his gaze hypnotic. It stunned Rain into silence. He still couldn’t fully process the way Mason saw him but it touched his heart like nothing else had, making Rain edge along territory that he never thought he’d see.

A few more clicks brought him back to life and he stuck his tongue out at Mason, who captured that on his second camera.

“Let’s move to the weeping willow.” Rain pointed at it before joyfully skipping across the yard and disappearing under its branches. Streams of sunlight shifted and danced behind the yellow curtain, making it seem like Rain was in his own dimension, and he grinned up at the old tree before slipping halfway out.

Tilting his head, Rain let his hair spill to one side as Mason caught up, moving around him and using all the angles.

“You know, I read online that weeping willows are a symbol of flexibility and rebirth,” he stated, changing position.

Stopping, Mason lowered the camera, a crinkle in his brow. “Flexibility.”

“Yeah, like when bad things happen? You bend but you don’t break.” Swaying between the branches, Rain studied the bright blue sky, watching a distant airplane make its way across. “I like the rebirth one too.”

Mason quirked an eyebrow and resumed snapping away.

“I think both you and I have had a rebirth in this house. Does that sound silly?” Fiddling with a strand of hair, Rain stepped back behind the curtain and Mason followed.

“No. It’s not silly. The house is a refuge. A sanctuary.” Looking up, Mason took a few shots of the way the sun filtered through the branches, its golden hue making the air magical, and then he focused on Rain with eyes full of understanding. “That’s why I want to keep it. I’d rather burn it down than hand it over to my family.”

Rain gave him an impressed once-over. “I think that’s a felony but you’d look good in orange. And they let you have conjugal visits!”

Mason made a sound between a huff and his true laugh. “You’d look better in the jumpsuit.”

“You know that flattery will get you everywhere with me, right?” Rain flirted, sauntering over. Standing on his toes, Rain gave him a short but sweet kiss that left him tingling. Mason must’ve had the same reaction, because he touched his lips, wonder on his face, but then he snapped to attention, staring down at his camera.

“I have to take more pictures,” he stated, looking up with a grin, and Rain burst into laughter. This time Mason wasn’t going to run away but maybe Rain should hold him down, just to be sure.

“Do you?” Sobering, Rain popped the button on his blazer, sliding it off and carefully setting it on the lush carpet of yellow leaves that layered the ground. Flicking his hair back, he basked in Mason’s intensity, that sea-glass gaze like a spotlight as it took him in.

Slowly, Mason put both cameras down next to the jacket and his black T-shirt quickly followed. For a moment, Rain didn’t move, struck by how gorgeous Mason was, drinking his fill until a frown appeared.

And then he pounced.

Pressing against Mason, Rain rubbed his cheek on the soft chest hair with a sigh, taking in Mason’s unique and addicting scent. But he was supposed to be seducing, not snuggling, and while it sometimes felt better than sex, right now he needed to be filled like a cream puff.

Pulling back, Rain dropped to his knees, dragging his hands down Mason’s stomach and dipping fingertips underneath the waistband of his pants before deftly opening them. The second that familiar girth was in Rain’s grasp his mouth watered and Mason let out a low growl, shifting as he glanced around, but the umbrella of branches blocked them from prying eyes; besides, they were at the back of the property with woodland between them and the neighbor. Only deer and squirrels could see them right now, and Rain was going to give them some tips.

Licking the head of Mason’s cock, Rain sampled the salty fluid that gathered there and then swiftly sank down with a hum.

All Rain heard was a sharp breath and suddenly Mason’s hands were on either side of his head, not forcing, just resting, as if he needed to touch. Rain enjoyed the way those fingers tangled in his hair as he rose and fell, going deeper and deeper until he pushed open the back of his throat. Relaxing, he choked a bit for effect and Mason’s cock got dangerously hard before he hissed and wrenched away.

‘You’re…” Mason wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, clearly frazzled. “You’re too good at that.”

“You have to stop flattering me.” Rain fanned himself with his right hand, proud that he’d brought Mason to the edge so quickly, leaving him shivering and panting. In a way, Rain was glad that he had more experience because he could give Mason the ride of his life, and today he had an extra special treat, something he’d never done with anyone.

Standing, he undid his shiny slacks and they fell to the ground, showing off his stiff, leaking cock.

“Oops,” Rain raised his eyebrows, putting a hand over his mouth in faux surprise. “I forgot to wear underwear!”

He wanted to turn and shake his ass, tease Mason a little more, but all he heard was a growl and suddenly he was in Mason’s hold, being lowered to the ground. Letting out a shocked and not-very-sensual squeak, he looked up into those feral eyes, which were pitch black and ringed with teal.

Wrapping his arms around Mason’s shoulders, Rain wondered if he was about to be swallowed, but when their lips finally met the kisses were slow and gentle. They’d devoured each other enough, now they were taking the time to taste, to give, and to feel .

Rain hadn’t made out with someone in ages. Kissing had usually been a means to an end but with Mason it became a sensual experience. He didn’t know how much time had passed but the intensity had ratcheted up as their tongues and bodies slid against each other, their hands exploring. Rain still couldn’t get enough of Mason’s stubble, running his thumbs over it before sampling the curves and dips of his muscles, sometimes tangling his fingers in Mason’s short waves and then venturing south to paw at the bulge in Mason’s pants.

Mason’s hands rarely left Rain’s nipples, tugging, pulling, and playing until he continuously whined into Mason’s mouth, a little too close to orgasm for his comfort. If he was going to come, he was going to do it with that majestic cock up his ass.

Giving Mason’s rippling tongue a final suck, he pulled back and Mason’s entire being seemed to rumble, his swollen lips chasing Rain’s.

With a small shake of his head, Rain gingerly pushed on Mason’s chest. “Lie down.”

It took a few seconds to sink through the haze of lust but Mason rolled onto the yellow carpet of leaves, shedding his pants and tossing them aside. Their make-out session had left his cock drooling, and Rain wanted nothing more than to taste the drops that fell to Mason’s stomach and then lick everything he could find, but his hole pulsed, reminding him that he was empty, and he reached into the pocket of his discarded slacks, taking out a packet of lube.

When he’d thought of this surprise, it had seemed like a slam dunk, but now that he was about to reveal it, doubts whispered in his ear.

Mason must’ve noticed because a comforting palm rested on Rain’s shoulder, spreading calm through his system.

“We can stop.” Mason had reeled himself in and concerned lined his pinched brows. The consideration was so lovely that it took Rain a moment to answer.

“We don’t have to.” Rain gave him a self-deprecating grin. “I have a surprise.”

“Is it a good surprise.” Mason’s brows narrowed a bit more.

“Depends.” Rain cracked his neck, forcing himself to blurt it out. “I got tested last week and I’m clean, but I’ve always been careful. Tristan told me ‘ never without a condom ’ and I lived by that rule. Until now.” With a sweep of his arm, he handed over the packet of lube.

Mason stared down at it for a few seconds and Rain could tell when understanding dawned because his head snapped back up and he gave Rain a downright demonic look. “I’m clean too.”

Rain knew that Mason would be, but he still needed to hear the words out loud.

“Good.” This time he didn’t have to push on Mason’s chest because he fell back, scattering leaves around him, and Rain couldn’t help but admire once more, his eyes following the trail of dark hair from Mason’s stomach down to the thatch of curls around his cock, which bobbed when Rain laid eyes on it. “Because I want you to come inside me.”

If he didn’t know that Mason was a gentle soul he would’ve been scared, because that intensity became a sort of pressure, almost knocking Rain back. Opening the lube packet with shaking hands, Mason tried to smear some on his fingers, but Rain straddled him, putting a leg on either side of his hips and loving the feel of that long cock against his balls and perineum. Grasping Mason’s wrist, Rain plucked the lube from his hands and slid back to Mason’s thighs, slicking up the luscious cock that sat in front of him.

“Nnnn.” Eyelids fluttering, Mason grit his teeth.

“See, the thing is, I’ve been wanting you to fuck me for hours ,” Rain said conversationally, making sure that Mason’s dick was nicely coated. And he wasn’t lying, he’d woken up with a hard-on that could break concrete, but Mason had been in the darkroom all day. “So, I decided to stretch myself in the shower to save some time.”

Turning until he faced away, he pressed his chest to Mason’s legs, reached back, and spread his cheeks, showing Mason his hole.

“Does it look like it’ll fit?” he asked in a soft, breathy tone, sliding in three already-lubed fingers. He’d never get over how warm he was on the inside, but he didn’t have room for thought as Mason shifted and another finger slid in with his, pushing his limits beautifully. “ M-Mason! ” He didn’t realize he had cried out until his voice echoed back to him.

A low growl surrounded Rain as the finger pumped, dragging his along for the ride, and he began to rock his hips, enjoying the sensation a little too much because he felt particularly empty when it left. However, that was just the appetizer; now it was time for the main course.

Taking out his fingers, he faced Mason again and that gaze held worship and wonder, as if Mason couldn’t believe any of this was real. Rain could relate. He thought he’d been having good sex, but then he met Mason, who was leagues better than anyone Rain had ever been with, and he still couldn’t believe his luck.

Sitting up on his knees, Rain reached behind him. Holding Mason’s cock and gaze steady, he slowly lowered himself, loving the pressure and stretch as Mason slid in impossibly far, sealing him up tight with a mutual groan.

“How does it feel?” Rain rasped, seeing the strain across Mason’s brow as he opened his mouth and then closed it. Instead of words, he grunted, putting one hand on Rain’s waist and fisting Rain’s cock with the other.

“Shit,” Rain arched in pleasure, far too riled up. He better start riding because neither of them were going to last long.

Clenching, Rain circled his hips a few times, grinding the head of Mason’s cock into that perfect spot, and then he rose, almost passing out from the bliss once he dropped down. Taking a long breath, he did it again, sliding Mason’s cock out and pushing it back in, and this time he managed to keep his soul in his body. Slowly establishing a rhythm, Rain undulated like a temptress and the fingers around his waist pressed in deeply, hanging on.

But then the hand on Rain’s cock squeezed and Rain stuttered in his dance, his movements going jagged as electricity shot through him, bringing him close to the edge again. He tried to slow his hips and gain some control but in one swift motion, Mason sat up, keeping them together as he shuffled toward the tree, resting his back against its trunk.

All that shifting around had Rain’s spot singing and his cock leaking like a faucet, and the new position gave him no respite because now Mason had leverage. Tilting his pelvis up, Mason began to bounce Rain in his lap and all Rain could do was hold on for dear life because somehow that cock was going deeper .

“M-Ma-son!” He managed to gasp out, and he would’ve fallen backward if Mason hadn’t been holding him by the waist, keeping him steady as he rode that cock like a pogo stick, his eyes rolling up into the back of his head when a hand wrapped around his shaft, jerking him in time to the bounces.

He’d fucked in a lot of unique places but it was a spiritual experience being under the branches of the weeping willow, draped in yellow-gold light as the autumn air caressed his body, and he ascended into the heavens when warm wet suction pulled on his right nipple. Mason’s teeth nibbled and tugged, causing Rain to whine and shake in sheer pleasure, and Mason must’ve heard his plea, for he released the nipple, slowing the speed of their thrusts and tenderly threading fingers through Rain’s hair, bringing him close.

Chests heaving, they stared into each other’s eyes. Even though Rain’s mind had been reduced to scrambled eggs, he could easily see the adoration and reverence in Mason’s gaze, along with the odd interest that Rain was beginning to put a frightening name to.

But as their lips met, all of Rain’s thoughts vanished, his entire being narrowing down to their passionate kisses and the way Mason nipped at Rain and swirled his tongue.

At some point, Mason began to lightly bounce him again but their lips stayed firmly locked together, and Rain cried out into Mason’s mouth as a sure hand worked his cock, everything layering together to spiral him up and up until he didn’t know who he was or what he was doing. All he wanted was release, which bore down on him like a freight train.

Their rhythm stuttering, Mason let out a small grunt that vibrated against Rain’s tongue, and it sent him over the edge. Jolting hard, he pulled away from the kiss, relying on Mason to hold him up as he arched back and came so hard his vision went blurry.

Fingers sinking into Rain’s skin, Mason froze, following Rain over the cliff as his cock swelled, pushing against Rain’s walls and prolonging the ripples of pleasure as it filled him to the brim. It felt more intimate and sensual than expected, and Rain rocked his hips, trying to make it last as he slowly floated back down to reality.

Opening his eyes, he found Mason staring as usual, but his features had softened, the light leaving a pattern of golden leaves on his face, making it shine. If Rain didn’t know any better, he’d say that Mason was pretty damn happy.

Rain cleared his throat. “I guess this was a good surprise then.”

Rain expected a grin, maybe a huff at most, but all of a sudden Mason graced him with the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen.

“The best.”

Dumbstruck, it took a moment before Rain could form words. “Um, if you keep smiling like that, you’re gonna make me hard again.”

Biting his lip, Rain clenched around the cock in his ass, and slowly slid off, enjoying how slippery everything felt. Still on hands and knees, with leaves stuck to his lower legs, Rain reached for his clothes, squinting as his phone chirped. Fishing it out of a pocket, he checked the screen.

babeee you better call me back i want my rainy.

He heaved a sigh. To be honest, he’d been deluding himself. Since his mother hadn’t reached out until now, he felt like he’d already gone no contact, but he hadn’t taken any of the necessary steps to really sever ties. He hadn’t even blocked her number because once he did that, then he was crossing a line that he couldn’t come back from. A line that would have consequences.

However, there would be consequences either way, and cutting all contact with her meant a better life for him in the long run.

Rain heard the leaves shift and Mason loomed over his shoulder.

“I ran out of Gage’s a month ago and she texts me now .” Rain gestured at his phone, sick of his mother in so many ways.

“You’re helping me because I can’t block my family.” Mason’s voice was still low and growly. “But you can block her.”

It sounded reasonable. Simple. But it was far from that. Even so, Rain had to remind himself that she didn’t know where he lived or worked. And even if she did? He was acting like she could burn everything down around him but that would never happen. Even if she did come to The Pointe, then she’d embarrass herself with a public meltdown because that didn’t scare Rain anymore.

He’d become his own person and Mason had his back.

Clinging to that logic, he took in a deep breath, and as if he were expelling her, he exhaled and pressed block .

Too busy checking over his cart for setup, Rain didn’t notice Bryce sneaking up on him.

“Hey Rain, how are things?”

Rolling his eyes, Rain took a page out of Mason’s book and grunted at him, which meant leave me alone .

“I miss C, does he ever call you?” Bryce and Caden’s on-again, off-again relationship had been short-lived; a couple of months ago Caden left The Pointe because he’d gotten a better job and because Bryce had become uncomfortably clingy. Rain knew the feeling.

“Nope.” Turning his back on Bryce, Rain tossed the checklist onto the cart, deciding to go upstairs and wing it, but of course Bryce didn’t take the hint.

“I guess you wouldn’t know,” Bryce sighed, tossing back his floppy bangs. “So, are you still shacked up with the crankiest photographer ever?”

Rain took a deep breath, trying to control his rising fury. Already on thin ice for telling everyone that Mason and Rain were living together, Bryce wanted to push his luck by insulting Mason on top of that?

“What the fuck did you say?” All threat, Rain’s voice echoed through the kitchen and all of a sudden you could hear a pin drop.

Bryce’s face dropped, his eyes going wide and scared.

“You know I didn’t mean it that way.” He took a step back as Rain’s anger filled the air around them. Mason was working today’s wedding which was probably why Bryce was mentioning him. Thankfully, he was out back doing the pre-ceremony pictures, so he wouldn’t have to witness this.

“Then how did you mean it?” Rain crossed his arms as Kate stepped up beside him.

“Yeah, Bryce, tell us.” Her tone sounded friendly but her smile was dangerous. “I know I’m interested.” She dramatically placed a hand on her chest.

“Well…come on, we all know that he’s…” Bryce fumbled, too stupid to apologize. Rain rarely regretted sleeping with someone but he wanted to slap himself for having Bryce in his body count.

“That he’s what , Bryce?” Rain took a step forward but stopped, feeling Kate’s hand on her arm.

“How about this?” She stared Bryce down, her voice pitched so that only the three of them could hear it. “How about you apologize now and I won’t tell Marci that I saw you making out with one of the guests last night.”

Bryce blinked, confused. “B-But I didn’t make out with a guest! I swear!”

“I know.” Her tone implied that he was simple. “But everyone believes me .”

It took an embarrassing fifteen seconds for Bryce to understand exactly what was going on and Rain spent that time staring at Kate in awe until Bryce gasped and glowered.

“I’m sorry,” he ground out, opening his mouth to say more, but Marci cut him off.

“Everyone strap in because John’s here!” she shouted from the doorway, the statement rippling through the already-quiet kitchen.

“Fuck me ,” Angelo shouted.

“Not interested!” someone yelled from the back, but no one laughed because John the Jerk was infamous. Rain had only heard stories, mostly from Kate, but Emma, Ollie, and Marci had also regaled him with crazy tales.

According to what he’d compiled, John had good hair plugs and a better dentist, as well as a wife who could barely tolerate him, a mistress, and a few exotic cars that he liked better than the women in his life. He also owned several businesses, one of which was The Pointe, and while he never had an inside thought and dressed like a nineteen-eighties rodeo pimp, a few whispers said that he had a heart of gold.

Rain couldn’t wait to meet him.

Giving Bryce a look , Kate went back to her station but Rain couldn’t help himself. He stared Bryce down until he slowly slinked away.

Breathing deeply, Rain left the kitchen, managing to stamp down his anger by the time he reached the foyer, where some of The Pointe’s staff had gathered around a woman wearing chef’s whites and an overly tanned man in a magenta pinstripe suit and cowboy boots who was definitely John.

“I can’t believe I’m here on a fucking Sunday! I should be on the golf course!” Unlit cigar between his fingers, John gestured at everyone. “Anyway, I’ll get right to the point. I’m adding another sous chef to the roster. Everyone, say hi to Suzie.”

“Is she starting today?” Marci didn’t seem fazed but a few of the others looked surprised, and Suzie’s sunny expression slowly transformed into mortification.

“John didn’t tell anyone about my first day either, so we should all be used to this by now.” Smiling warmly, Owen shook Suzie’s hand. “Welcome to The Pointe.”

“Happy to be here,” she beamed, some of her discomfort draining away.

“I poached her from Evergreen!” John tugged on his lapels, downright proud of himself. “Angelo’s been bitchin’ that he needs more help so I stole Suzie right out from under them.” Shaking his head, John scowled. “Those bastards, with their glass room and fountain, I have half a mind to remodel-”

Rain tried not to giggle as John spotted him and lost all train of thought, ogling with interested shock, an expression Rain often saw on older straight men, and they always needed to be reminded of one thing.

“Hi, I’m Rain.” Holding out a delicate hand, he choked on his laughter as John carefully took his fingers and shook them. “And I’m a guy.”

“Damn.” John looked Rain up and down, and then turned to Finn and Owen. “Sometimes you fellas make me wish I was gay.”

Owen and Marci seemed to be the most used to John because their expressions didn’t change; however, Suzie stared at him in open horror, Dylan snorted and turned away, Finn bit his lip, and Ollie provided the comedic relief by dropping his phone and scrambling to catch it before it hit the floor.

“Okay,” John clapped his palms together, his cigar still between his fingers. “I’m gonna stop by my office. Someone show Suzie around, let her get to know the place.”

He gave Rain one last glance and Rain winked in return, causing John to twitch before he turned and strode upstairs, Owen tailing him. Too many people started laughing once the staff door closed and it turned into a group shush that only made the laughter worse.

“Oh my god, Rain, he is going to have one hell of a sexual awakening.” Marci wiped a tear from her eye, patting Rain on the back. “Come on, Suzie, I’ll give you a tour and introduce you to Angelo.”

“Great.” Clearly unsure, she followed Marci downstairs but Rain knew she’d fit right in by the end of the day.

Playing with his braid, he turned to Ollie and Finn, who leaned against each other, snickering.

“Ollie, do you have Liam’s number? I want to ask him something.” Rain had never stopped trying to find another lawyer; unfortunately, he hadn’t made any more progress.

“You’re in luck because he’s stopping by in a half-hour,” Ollie told him. “I’ll let you know when he gets here and we’ll hang out in my office.”

“Cool.” With a nod, Rain dove into setup until his phone buzzed and he darted upstairs, knocking on the door next to Owen’s.

“Rain!” Liam greeted him with a bright smile and a hug, and Rain returned them both.

“Wow, I’ve never been in here.” Rain glanced at the desk and chairs that took up most of the room. “It’s…cozy?”

“You can say small.” Ollie raised an eyebrow as Liam chuckled.

“It was my office first, then it got handed down to Ollie.”

“And I barely use it. But we have more important things to discuss.” Ollie leaned in with a sly expression. “So, how is it at Mason’s?”

“Amazing,” Rain sighed in happiness. “That house is ridiculous, it’s like a dream. I’m so glad I didn’t rent one of those hellholes across town.”

“Hellholes across town? Not the apartments on Eastmont?” Liam asked, a sour expression on his face.

Rain blinked at him, slack-jawed. “Are you psychic?”

“No, but I had the awful experience of living there.” Cringing, Liam shook himself.

“Oof.” Rain shuddered along with him. “That place was made of depression and grime.”

“Agreed.” Nodding, Liam folded his hands, placing them in his lap and fixing his pretty hazel eyes on Rain. “Ollie said you needed to ask me something?”

“I do. I know you’re going to go to law school so I was wondering…” Rain hoped against hope. “Do you know any good lawyers?”

“I do.” Concern lined Liam’s brow. “Are you in any trouble?”

“No, but Mason is,” Rain sighed.

“Is this about the house?” Ollie chimed in, confused. “I thought he had a lawyer.”

“He did,” Rain shrugged, “but the guy was pretty useless.”

“What’s going on, exactly?” Liam’s gaze flicked between them.

“Mason’s grandmother left him the house when she died two years ago but his family wants it. They’re saying he took advantage of her, but he was the only one who loved her. They never visited or helped, and Mason took care of her until…” Rain shook his head. “They’re being greedy pigs.”

Liam’s expression went dark and he stood, his chair rolling back. “Give me a few minutes.” He went out into the hallway.

“What did I say?” Rain asked, but Ollie stared after Liam, looking just as shocked.

“I actually don’t know.”

“Wait…” Rain sniffed the air. “Do you smell smoke?”

“John lit that cigar in his office.” Pursing his lips, Ollie made a face. “It’s super gross and totally a fire hazard, but he owns the place so…”

“How come the sprinklers don’t go off?”

Ollie shrugged. “I think he blocks it somehow. He never stays more than an hour so he’s gone by now. I’ll ask Dylan to unlock it and open the window in there.”

They snapped their gazes to the door as Liam walked in, phone to his ear.

“Can I have Mason’s information? I got you an appointment with the best estate lawyer in the business. She helped me with my parents’ will and I’m interning at her office next year. She’s ruthless.” While Liam seemed sweet, his grin had attorney written all over it.

“That’s amazing!” Rain’s excitement fell fast. “But I’m not sure if he can afford it.”

Liam’s smile stayed put. “Don’t worry about that, just meet with her, see what she says.”

Bolstered by Liam’s confidence, Rain smiled.

“Okay. Sure. Thanks, Liam.” He sent Mason a bunch of excited texts as he returned to the kitchen, and Kate grabbed him the second he walked in.

“I need you for the bananas Foster tonight.”

“And you will have me,” Rain grinned, feeling particularly optimistic and not just because he’d gotten Mason a potential lawyer. He’d been in better spirits overall since he’d gone no contact with his mother. Rain hadn’t realized how destructive the calls and texts were. Now that he’d been without them for a few weeks, he felt like he could breathe for the first time.

“Is this the pan you were looking for?” Suzie butted in, flushed with new-day jitters but also smiling more broadly now that John wasn’t around.

“Not that one, the handle gets too hot. I don’t wanna burn myself,” Kate declared, trading it out for another that looked practically the same.

Bryce scurried out of the corner, avoiding both of them, but Rain still glared at his back, wondering if he’d been spying on them when a strange noise filtered into the kitchen.

Was that distant screaming? And why did it sound familiar?

Cold sweat broke out across Rain’s skin and his stomach twisted, his subconscious telling him things were wrong even though he couldn’t pinpoint how, and he jumped as Dylan burst into the kitchen, his head on a swivel until he locked eyes with Rain.

“Thank fuck you’re here. You gotta come with me, dude.” He beckoned Rain over.

“W-What’s going on?” The kitchen went silent again. Wiping her hands on a towel, Emma rushed to Rain’s side, Kate right behind her.

Glancing at everyone, Dylan bit his lip and then jerked his head to the corner, where they congregated in a huddle. Taking a breath, Dylan gave Rain a sorrowful look and said four words that brought his nightmares to life.

“Your parents are here.” Even though his voice was hushed it rang like a gong in Rain’s mind. “They’re pissed and causin’ a ruckus.”

Mortified, Rain started to shake, his fight or flight duking it out. Sure, his mother had threatened to show up to his workplace but he’d given her the wrong name. Had she gone to The Evergreen Club first? Had she been hitting all the catering halls in the area until she got the right one?

Wait. Dylan said parents . That meant she wasn’t alone. Was Gage here too?

All the peace he’d been working so hard for dissolved as he sank in the quicksand of his cluttering mind, barely hearing the conversation around him.

“Hun, do you want to go out the back? We can get rid of them for you.” Emma’s voice felt like it was far away. He needed to hide his expression or they’d know everything - how his mother had abused him, how she’d let others abuse him, why he had to live with Mason, and maybe even his stint in the storage room.

And they’d judge. He wouldn’t be a budding competent adult anymore, he’d be the sum of his past, and he didn’t want their pity. He had his own strength.

Maybe it was time he used it.

“Where’s Marci?” Kate asked as the distant yelling got louder, everyone in the kitchen staring at either the door or Rain’s group in the corner.

“Running the ceremony out back. She can’t leave.” Wiping his forehead, Dylan sighed.

“Can Owen cover for her?” Emma stood in front of Rain as Dylan shook his head. “Where are Ollie and Finn?”

“Handling Rain’s parents in the foyer,” and by Dylan’s expression it wasn’t going well.

That last sentence made everything sharp, real, and Rain held back a wave of nausea. Not only were his mother and Gage ruining Rain’s job, but they were about to terrorize a wedding, and if they didn’t get what they wanted, they might try this again, catching more innocent people in the crossfire.

He had to put a stop to this. Now.

“I’ll handle it.” Rain didn’t realize he’d spoken until the other three stilled, staring at him in shock.

Clearing his throat, he said it again, for good measure.

“I’ll deal with them.” Before he could change his mind, he left, hearing his mother’s shrieking voice as soon as he walked into the hallway, and he shivered down to his core. Gritting his teeth, he took one jerky step after another.

“Get Mason!” Emma barked before she appeared next to him, Kate catching up to them.

“Don’t worry, hun.” Emma patted his back. “You have us and everyone else in this building, okay?”

Realizing once again that the people he worked with were his actual family, not the trash that showed up to punish him for having boundaries, Rain grasped onto Emma’s strength. This time he wouldn’t fold to his mother’s tantrum. He’d set a precedent that her cries would never be answered by him again, and while this was frightening, he felt bolstered by his new family.

Pushing forward, Rain patted the pocket where his pepper spray was hidden. He probably wouldn’t have to use it but it made him feel secure, especially as he turned a corner and emerged into chaos.

A few servers lingered in the foyer for close-up seats but the rest were hiding in the main room, watching Ollie and Finn face off against Rain’s mother and Gage. A few feet away, Liam texted furiously, worry across his face.

“ I want to see my Rainy! ” His mother’s voice echoed through the hall. “I know he works here. I’ve seen you before!” She pointed a finger at Ollie.

“That’s because I’m Tommy’s brother.” Ollie stared at her as if she were mud on his shoe. “You know, he always said you were messy and here you are proving it! You two need to leave.”

“No!” She stomped her foot in fury before noticing Rain and her expression morphed into one of joy, as if he’d been kept from her and she’d finally been able to rescue him. “Babeeee!” Spreading her arms, she started moving toward him. “You haven’t been answering my-”

“ Stop! ” Rain put up his hand, and she halted a few steps away, dropping her arms, fury spreading across her face again. “What’s wrong with you? Coming here to embarrass me won’t-”

His head twisted to the side, his cheek stinging, and it took him a moment to realize that she’d darted forward and slapped him. By then, all hell had broken loose. Emma and Ollie were shouting at his mother, about to throw hands, while Finn and Dylan tried to keep Gage away from her, blocking his every move.

“Has anyone called the cops?” Kate yelled.

Liam darted over. “We’d like to avoid a police presence at someone’s wedding. Marci will be here in a second. She’ll handle it.”

Rubbing his cheek, Rain gathered himself, ready to push past his protectors and put his mother in her place, when a voice cut through the room like a sword.

“What the hell is happening here?” Marci’s authoritative tone brought everyone to a halt, even Rain’s mother, and when Rain turned he had to blink away tears because Mason was standing behind her. Even with the horrible situation, Mason’s presence brought relief, as if he were a beacon of safety, and Rain didn’t realize how much he needed Mason beside him to lean on until this very moment.

But Mason didn’t hurry over, he didn’t even glance Rain’s way. He was shaking, his eyes wide in fear, his expression so open that people began to look between him and Gage, who stared at Mason with a wicked smile on his face.

“Holy shit.” Putting his hands in his pockets, Gage rocked back on his heels, sneering. “It’s Gayson Hart.”