Mickey.Yum. The satisfaction that roared through Edge was almost orgasmic. He had a name.
“Yep.” Mickey let the ‘p’ pop as if having the time of his life.
Field lunged. In a move so fast he didn’t see how it happened, Field was on his back with the guy’s heavy work boot on his throat. He didn’t lose a gun or look winded.
“Go get in the car, Mickey.”
Mickey popped from the chair. He tossed a wink Edge’s way and strolled from the house. Edge’s gaze never wavered fromhis confident swagger. Jesus. Edge’s mouth was the Sahara. He wanted to give chase. Edge craved more of this insanity.
Field ran his hand up the leg connected to the foot on his throat. He let out an obnoxious-sounding moan. “Hurt me, Zaddy.”
The new arrival didn’t look amused. He took a step back. “This isn’t a war you want. Beau Bosi sends his regards. He asked me to let you know, if you ever touch one of his again, he’ll wipe this merry band of bitches off the face of the planet. He’ll make the Russian government look like rent-a-cops.”
That explained a lot. Edge dipped his chin. He recognized he was in the wrong. “Let Beau know it was a case of mistaken identity. Mickey is in no danger from us.”
Field popped to his feet, smiling like the idiot he was. “You, on the other hand, you’re welcome to come back and hurt me anytime.”
The guy stuffed his guns in their hidden holsters. “Don’t flatter yourself, kid. I’m a lot more than someone your age can handle.”
The loud laugh that escaped Field made Edge smile. Damn, it had been one ridiculous morning. Not only did he have to explain his actions to his brothers, he had to beg them to keep this from Rain. Maybe one day he would stop acting crazy. Unfortunately, that day likely wouldn’t come before he destroyed at least one relationship in this house. He chewed his bottom lip and watched Mickey’s savior slip away. Edge had a name and a connection. He was willing to bet good moneysomeone like Beau Bosi would make a good client, putting him one step closer to a new green-eyed obsession. Edge had to admit he was a sucker for green eyes. After all, that was truly what had him acting crazy now. But Rain had never been his and he never would be. It was time to let go.
Austen:Mickey stopped by with a six-pack to apologize for pulling me away from you when he was sick.
Rain:Damn. That was like two months ago. Did he think you weren’t over it?
Austen:Apparently, he was much worse than I realized. I was too irritated that day. He didn’t get the care he deserved. One of the new physicians Beau found treated him, but he’s been down for a while. It looked like he had lost a lot of weight. I feel bad.
Rain:Oh, baby. I’m sorry. It’s my fault for keeping you from work. We’ll find our balance.
Austen:I know. That doesn’t mean I don’t miss you like crazy, though.
Rain:Same.
Rain squeezed his phone and stared at nothing. He was on his five-minute break between scenes. Ballet was ballet. He would learn his routine quickly. These performances had nothing on the steps he had to learn for his second career. Those were true dances. Beautiful art designed by Shadow and him. Rain leaned against the wall. Dancers stretched and twirled. Did he still love this place? Yes. Did he want another year-long run doing eight shows a week? No. As much as Rain hated to admit it, no. His gaze swept the room. When had he gotten so much older than everyone around him? He had survived this game way longer than dancers typically did. Honestly, Rain couldn’t believe they still hired him for these parts. Before his surgery, he had fully believed he would keep at this until they tossed him from the building. After six weeks of being nonstop pampered by Austen, he didn’t feel the same. There was something he loved more. Plus, it wasn’t like Rain would never dance again. He found music in everything he did. Not to mention, he had Shadow. If he wanted, he could call Kylo. He didn’t have to stop enjoying this thing he loved. Today, this didn’t feel like love or joy. It felt like an exhausting chore standing in the way of those things. Austen wanted to hold him every night. Rain wanted that too. He just wasn’t sure Austen was ready for what that might look like. Rain wasn’t sure he could leave his brothers. They would all be more vulnerable. He didn’t know what to do.
Music filled the air, signaling their return to rehearsal. Rain twisted his phone between his hands. It was now or never. If he stayed, Rain might never walk away. He loved this place too much. Rain needed advice. Yet he also knew he needed to makethis decision alone or he would have someone to blame if he regretted it. Goddamn it.
Rain:Are you home? I need to talk to you.
Edge:Yeah. You know I’m always here for you.
He knew. That was why Rain couldn’t leave his family, but he had heard the longing and fear when Austen admitted to never wanting to sleep apart. Austen would never bring it up again. Rain already knew that. That was who Austen was. He would never complain or guilt Rain. Austen would simply accept whatever scraps Rain gave him. Rain wanted Austen to have everything. He had said this was real, and he meant it. Now was the time to prove it.
Without saying a word or looking back, Rain grabbed his bag and headed for the door. He almost made his escape.
Shadow appeared at his side and linked arms with him. “So it’s over, huh?”
Horror raced through Rain. “No. You don’t have to go with me. You still have all the years of dance you want left in you.”
A sweet smile flashed Rain’s way. “No, I don’t. I’ve only stayed because you do. It’s always been us with you leading the way. Honestly, I’m ready to go home.”
It had never occurred to Rain that Shadow stayed on stage for him. Shadow was two years younger than him, but that was still old as far as dancers went. It seemed he had been selfish. That ended tonight.
“My feet hurt.”
A loud bark of laughter burst from Shadow at Rain’s admission. “Mine too.”
They shared a smile. It was time to go home. Rain had a feeling it was long overdue.
