The house felt empty as hell without Rain. Austen had made a few house calls. He had paced the floor. His mind never stopped stewing over what Rain did at every given moment. Likely, he worked himself to death. He overdid it like he hadn’t been down for six weeks. Austen felt that in his spirit. There was nothing he could do, though. That was just Rain, and Austen loved him exactly as he was.
The phone Austen held like a lifeline finally buzzed. Austen raced to open his messages. He smiled at the sight of Rain’s name. Relief poured through him. Maybe it was foolish, but a small part of him half expected to never hear from Rain again. If that happened, he knew Rain would be out of his reach with his brothers looking out for him. That wouldn’t stop Austen. He would just likely end up dead. It was possible Austen shouldn’t have mentioned Rain staying in his bed every night from now on. Admittedly, he had danced around saying the actual words that he wanted them living together. Still, Rain wasn’t dumb, but he might have run scared. That had been a genuine fear the entire day.
Rain:If you’re bored and/or not too busy, you should come to the dance studio.
Austen didn’t need to be told twice. He was on his feet in an instant, grabbing his keys and finding his shoes. The drive to where Rain’s small private dance studio was on the other side of town felt like it took forever. He didn’t even realize he had forgotten to turn on the radio until he pulled into the parking lot. Only a black van sat outside. Austen tried not to race to the door like an over eager idiot. It was hard, but he measured his pace. He was more than a little grateful when the door easily opened. Austen resented anything between him and Rain. His steps slowed the moment he stepped inside.
In the middle of the dance floor, back-to-back, Rain was in all white while Shadow wore all black. They each wore virtual reality glasses. Austen couldn’t look away. They moved perfectly in sync. Whatever Rain did, Shadow did in reverse. It looked as if Rain ducked, slipping beneath whatever he saw insidehis glasses. Shadow bent over backwards, staying perfectly glued and mimicking every move. They were amazing. He was enthralled. The talent they possessed was unlike anything he had ever seen. Whereas Rain was blond and light in every way, Shadow was dark. They were the same size. Almost identical. They each used the other’s back for balance and strength. It also helped to keep time with each other and maneuver their virtual world. He didn’t want to look away, but he couldn’t ignore the rest of the room.
Tracker sat behind a laptop, giving the occasional order. He looked up and saw Austen. Tracker gave him a quick smile before going back to staring at the screen. Pairs of the brothers sat around the perimeter with their heads together, going over what looked to be schematics.
Edge appeared at his side with his own set of plans. “Hey there. Feel free to speak. You won’t bother them. They’re wearing noise-canceling earpieces. All they hear is Tracker.”
Austen shook his head. He couldn’t look away from the pair on the dance floor. “They can’t even hear each other?”
Edge’s dark gaze stayed locked on the papers he held. “They don’t need to. They can feel each other. Now, Rain tells me you two briefly discussed living together.” That brought Austen’s head whipping around. Edge still didn’t look his way. “It’s not safe for Rain to leave the family.” Edge finally focused on him. “He would. Rain would leave us for you. But I’m asking you to consider an alternative.”
Austen was so blown away, he didn’t know what to say or how to react. He couldn’t believe Rain had told Edge they talked about moving in together. They hadn’t, but that was what Austen wanted. It was obvious Rain didn’t intend to ignore Austen’s hints.
Edge kept talking like Austen wasn’t reeling. “Obviously, we can’t have patients showing up at our house. That’s a security nightmare. However, we have a few supply buildings.” He moved even closer and showed Austen the paper he held. “This one is the closest and easiest to convert to an office slash surgical facility. We could have it finished in no time, if you’d be willing to live with us instead. Let us keep Rain safe. You safe. He loves you. That’s a weakness that can be exploited. Just think about it.”
Austen had nothing. He had never considered leaving his home behind to live in a compound with a bunch of professional assassins. Hearing Edge say Rain loved him was hard to see past. He couldn’t think of anything else. Not only had Rain admitted to loving him, but he had told his family too. It was humbling in a way he had never experienced. These people were dangerous. His gaze slid toward the dance floor. In perfect harmony, a knife appeared in both hands of each man. They spun in flawless time, taking down invisible targets. It was the first time he had seen Rain as the killer he was. He didn’t know what it said about him that he thought that shit was sexy as hell. Definitely nothing good, he was sure. That didn’t stop him from seriously considering Edge’s suggestion. He didn’t know if he could give up the quiet privacy he enjoyed now. His gaze followed Rain’s every move. He didn’t know what to do, but he knew he couldn’t lose Rain. No matter what it took.
Chapter Nine
Watersloshedovertheedge of the tub as Rain scooted closer, making him glad they’d had the forethought to put down some towels. His tongue played with Austen’s. The hot bubbly water surrounded them, easing Rain’s tired muscles even as his body burned for Austen to take him. His heart begged to get closer. He could never get close enough. Rain tilted his head back as Austen sucked and bit his neck. He was in his version of heaven.
“I need to tell you something.” Rain dug his fingertips into Austen’s shoulders as he gasped out the words.
“Mhmm?” Austen licked his chin.
“I quit the ballet tonight.”
Austen froze. He leaned away and met Rain’s gaze. “Okay. Why? You love ballet.”
A flush rode high on Austen’s cheeks and his lips were swollen from their kisses. There was no missing how hard Austen was for him. Yet Austen obviously cared more about Rain’s happiness than his body.
Rain’s eyes burned. His nose stung. Every moment he spent with Austen proved he had made the right choice. “I love you more.”
A deep line appeared between Austen’s eyebrows. “I would never ask you to give up something you love for me.”
Rain nodded. “You’re amazing. I know you wouldn’t. But the thought of spending the next year doing eight performances a week while I could be like this instead is too much for me.” Rain took a breath. “And I’m tired, baby. Everything hurts. Today, I was standing there, and I realized I don’t want it anymore. Not like I used to. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll never stop loving dancing. But the exhausting performances and dancing through the pain, I don’t want that anymore. I want to be like this with you.”
Austen leaned his head back against the rim of the deep tub and held Rain’s stare. His closed expression gave nothing away. “There’s nothing I crave more than to live my life like this, but I need to know you’re happy. If you miss it or change your mind, then go back. I need to know you feel fulfilled.”
A smile tugged at Rain’s lips. He rocked forward, teasing himself. “I’d like to be filled, please.”
Austen’s expression never wavered from serious. “Let the water out.”
Rain didn’t hesitate to flip the lever, releasing the water from the tub.
Austen pointed at their waiting towels. “Dry off. I want to watch.”
While Austen sat in a draining tub, Rain stepped out and did as told. He moved slowly, giving Austen the show he wanted. The way Austen’s heated gaze stayed locked on him had Rain nearly panting. He had never felt so desired.
Finally, Austen stood. He climbed from the tub and took Rain’s waist. Instead of pulling him close, the way Rain expected, Austen spun him to face the bathroom mirror. He urged Rain to lean over and hang on to the vanity.
“I want you to see what I do when I make love to you.”
