Page 45 of Unlocked Dive

“Hon,” Shilo says, beaming up at her son. “This is Echo. He’s the one working with Byrd on his NCC evaluation. Echo, this is my oldest, Gemiah.”

The two give each other a classic alpha-pup once-over, and I can’t hide my smile. Echo may have met his cocky match with this one. Another rock star accustomed to being adored and getting his own way. Whatever insecurities were birthed by the trauma of Echo’s accident, I’ve yet to see them temper his brash mouth.

“Josha told me about you,” Gemiah says by way of greeting, something curious and not quite friendly in his smile.

“He likes having another hot young gay guy on the lot.”Here we go.“Byrd’s too old, and anyway, he’s terrible at flirting.” He gives me a sidelong smirk, but I refuse to take the bait.

“And you’re a master, I’m guessing?” Gem arches a brow, and Echo shrugs.

“Always happy to share my skills with a twink in need.”

“Is that what you’re doing now?” Gem asks. “Flirting?”

“Do you want me to be?” There’s no mistaking the challenge in Echo’s voice, but Gem shakes his head.

“Sorry, man,” he says. “I like tits and ass.”

Shilo smacks him. “Don’t be crude.”

Echo stares him down a second longer, then slides a hand down the back of my jeans and leans in. “Ass is the gateway drug,” he says to me in a mock whisper, giving mine a squeeze.

“Brat,” I reply in an actual whisper, tugging his hand free and swatting him with it. The man is shameless.

Shilo groans. “Play nice, children.” Who she’s talking to at this point is anyone’s guess.

Unconcerned that it was recently shoved down my pants, Echo offers his hand. “Nice to meet you, Gemiah the prodigal.” He grins. “I like your ink.”

“Nice to meet you, Echo the flirt.” He turns Echo’s wrist over to study his broken wings. “Yours too.” Despite the apparent sincerity, my hackles rise when his gaze lingers on the long scar beneath the black lines. Ignoring the unspoken question, Echo casually retrieves his hand before turning to Shilo.

“So where’s my birthday shot?”

“Waiting for you inside. Ready for the gauntlet?”

“The what?”

“You didn’t tell him?” She shoots me an accusing look as we move into the tent.

“You wanted him to come, didn’t you?”

“Should I be worried?” Echo asks. His fingers find mine, and I give them a reassuring squeeze.

“It’s a Big Top birthday tradition,” Shilo explains. “You get one drink, and then you have to do a battle on your primary apparatus before you’re allowed to let loose. It’s a chance to show off and let us celebrate you.”

“Who am I supposed to be battling?”

“Byrd, of course.” Shilo pokes him in the ribs. “He’s the only one who might actually give you a run for your money.”

“And you knew about this?” he asks me. I can feel the nervous energy radiating from him, but there’s an undercurrent of excitement running through it, and I relax a little.

“I did. I told them it would be okay.”

It was a risk, letting Shilo go through with it and not warning Echo. But I’m hoping this might be the catalyst he needs to break through the last of his reservations. I want all these peopletoseehim, and to give him a chance to bask in the recognition of his peers.

“You’re ready,” I murmur, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and hugging him close. And then, because I know it will push the right buttons, I bite down on his ear and whisper, “I’ll go easy on you.”

“Easy on me?” He tips his head back to look at my face and grinds his hips against mine, letting me feel his cock thicken against my thigh. “I think you should be worried about keeping up with me.Mr. Baardwijk.” The last is a whisper full of dark promise that has my own dick twitching in response.

There he is.