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CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

“Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today’s mighty oak is yesterday’s nut that held its ground.”

~ Rosa Parks

Saros

What was my life right now? Fucked up was what. I wanted more than anything to only have to concentrate on Em. I wished I had endless hours to talk with him, kiss him, make love to him. Instead I had necks to break and empires to crumble.

I’d left Em in my bedroom so I could do rounds and talk to everyone. Most wanted to know what was going on, so I called them into the ballroom. It was the largest area.

Uncle Andrew stood off to the side, Aunt Penelope in his arms. Cosmo was sitting with Dafni and the kids. I wasn’t lying when I’d told Em he’d given my family something we’d desperately needed. We had answers, and as soon as every person paid for what they’d done to my parents and Em, the hole would be buried.

“Thank you all for being here,” I started. The room quieted. “I know you’re all wondering why I’ve asked you all to remain under my roof for the time being, and I will give you whatever information I can at this time.”

In the back of the room, leaning against the doorjamb, was Em. Hands in his pockets, he nodded at me in silent support. It was adorable. I’d commanded rooms, and had no fear of anyone in here, but he still felt the need to show he was there for me.

“Early this morning, right before closing, The Vine was set on fire.”

There were some hums and gasps.

“I believe my territory and power are being challenged, and the best way to dismantle a kingdom is a brick at a time. I have no doubt that each of you would be targeted; therefore it’s my duty to make sure you’re all protected. Under this roof, you will be.”

“What about the kids? They have school,” Lenora, the wife of one of my guys, asked.

“I’m asking for this week if you can all call your children out of school. I know this is a disruption, but a few absences is a small price to pay for their safety.”

No one argued—they wouldn’t dare. I was sure some were not happy being here and would much rather be in their own homes, but they obeyed me.

“Martha and my Aunt Penelope have worked out sleeping arrangements. No one will have to worry about food or anything else. Any issues you have, please feel free to address them with any of my people, or Dafni.” I gestured to Martha. “One at a time, if you can tell them all where they’ll be staying?”

Martha nodded and started informing everyone. I moved through the crowd and over to Em.

“I thought you were staying upstairs.”

“I was, but then I got bored and curious.”

I smirked. “Well, feel free to poke about.”

“Saros,” someone called out.

“Duty calls, I’ll see you later.”

I watched as he went off to see if he could help Martha with anything, then I went to deal with my people.

I made it up to my room around ten in the evening. I was exhausted and if I were being honest, looking forward to an Em in my bed.

I opened the door and smiled when I saw he was sitting on the couch, the light beside him giving off a warm glow, a book in his hand.

“I thought you’d be in bed.”

He closed the book and placed it beside him. “I would have been, but I didn’t know which side of the bed you liked to sleep on.”

“While thoughtful, it wouldn’t matter. I tend to sleep in the middle.”

“Oh.” He snickered. “That actually makes sense. I mean why do people choose a side if they’re alone?”

“No idea.” I slipped off my suit jacket and tossed it over the footrest.

“Well, then which side would you prefer?”

I really didn’t care, but it was obvious that Em wanted me to choose. “Left is fine.”

I moved into the bathroom to quickly shower off the day. By the time I returned to the bedroom, Em was in bed and deeply enthralled with whatever book he was reading. I cocked my head to the side to read the title.

“Where’d you find that?”

He jumped, obviously having not heard me approach. “You scared me…um, your sister gave it to me. It’s a romance.”

I quirked a brow. “If my sister gave it to you, I know exactly the kind of romance it is.”

He chuckled and rested it on his lap. “Smut can be great literature.”

“Is that right?” I pulled the covers back and slipped into bed. I had boxers and a T-shirt on. Normally, I slept naked, but I didn’t want to make Em feel uncomfortable.

“Sure. There are only so many ways you can write sex, and honestly, there aren’t a lot of words for cock.”

I laughed. “Oh, I don’t know about that. I’ve seen some creative ones.”

He turned on his side and faced me. “Enlighten me.”

“Well.” I matched his pose. “There are the usual: cock, dick, penis—though penis should really only ever be used in a professional way.”

He snorted. “I agree. What others?”

“You get the occasional shaft, rod, pole, sausage.”

Em’s laughter was shaking the bed, and I loved his happiness. “Oh, God, stop.” His hands pressed his stomach. “It hurts.”

“Ding dong, schlong, wiener, johnson, willy, pecker—” Em’s hand came up and covered my mouth.

“No more. I can’t breathe.”

I let him have his way for a second; then I started licking his palm.

“Eww!” He laughed. “You’re like a kid.”

“Oh, no, no, no, I assure you I am not a child.” Em placed the book to the side and I rolled over, careful of his hand and ankle, and hovered above him.

Em’s laughter died, and his smile softened. “No, you’re all man.”

I leaned down and captured his lips in a searing kiss. When my tongue dipped inside his mouth, it was as if I were drinking in his light, his happiness. This by far was my favorite place to be.

“I want you,” Em whispered the words.

Em was a virgin; this wasn’t a secret between us. He deserved soft, sweet, memorable in the best way.

I lifted up and looked into his eyes, so desperate and joyful. “Are you sure?”

“I’m positive, Saros. I wished for you every time the chance arose, and here you are. My prince, my savior. There’s nobody else in this world I want, only you.”

Damn, that was the most passionate thing anyone had ever said to me, and for a beat I couldn’t respond. I wanted Em, so much that I often had to pull away and take a deep breath. But here he was, begging me, and I’d be a fool to deny him.

“I want you too.”

“Please, Saros.”

Gently, I rubbed my thumb over his cheek. “There’s nothing I’d deny you, and if it’s me that you want, it’s me you can have.”