Page 98 of Vain

“Yeah, I think I am.”

“I’ll break the news to Greyson. That way he’ll be back to his usual calm self by the time you get back.”

I chuckle. “Sounds like a good plan to me.”

“Good. Now tell me about this house.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

AIDEN

“Fuck me, you’re a sight for sore eyes,” Arlo yells as he walks down the street toward me.

I grin, accepting his hug as the other guys turn up and greet me too.

“So these are the new digs, huh?” I step back into the street and look up at the fancy new black signage above the door, which says “Price Security” in gold script.

“What do you think?” Blake steps up beside me.

“I think the location is the shit. I’m sorry about what happened to the old place. But someone was smiling down on you when this spot became available.”

He slaps me on the back. “Don’t I know it. Come on, let’s show you around.”

Felix gets the door and we all pile in, shoving each other good-naturedly. Marcus sits on one of the sofas in the reception area, wincing when he straightens his leg.

“That still giving you grief?” I ask, sitting on the arm of the sofa.

“It’s better than it was, but yeah, especially on days when I have PT.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here. I feel like an ass?—”

“Fuck that, you were doing what you were supposed to be doing. It was a planned methodical attack. I say this with all the love in the world, but you being here would have made zero difference.”

“Still…”

“Don’t you think we feel the same way? You guys are all over the news, and we feel fucking helpless back here. At least we have each other’s backs. You’ve got no one and it doesn’t sit right with me.”

“I’ve got Tilly.”

Marcus smirks. “You guys are falling like fucking dominos.”

“Think you’ll be next?”

“Fuck no. I don’t see any of that shit in the cards for me.”

“Why the fuck not?”

“Because I’m set in my ways, Aiden. I’m older than you. I’ve had time to fuck around and find out what I’m into and it’s not for everyone. You think I’m gonna find someone in our little sleepy town who plays the same way I do?”

“You think this time last year, you’d have seen me in love with a fucking megastar? All I’m saying is don’t write yourself off just yet.” I lean in a little closer and lower my voice. “What kind of kinks are we talking about here? Not sure I want my woman walking in and seeing you in a gimp mask getting your ass whipped.”

Marcus looks at me for a second before he roars with laughter. “Oh fuck me, I needed that.”

“If you ladies are finished, get your asses over here,” Blake yells out.

I get up and wait for Marcus, just in case. I don’t offer him any help, valuing my balls, but that doesn’t mean I like seeing him struggle.

“I need a fucking beer,” Marcus grumbles before Banner appears with one in his hand, offering it to him.