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“You aren’t alone,” I tried to reassure him. “I’m here. The gym is here. You are never alone. I really don’t want you to ever feel that way. I know we aren’t your family, but we can be if you let us. I promise we won’t let you down.” I desperately needed to bring him around, but I didn’t think it was doing any good. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”
Lotto rose, made his way to Bones, and pulled him away from me so he could hug him himself. He didn’t say anything, but I had the feeling he didn’t need to for Bones to receive comfort. They both had a silent language, and it impressed me to see the connection.
“Jesus,” he said as he broke away and stared out the window. “I’m a damn mess. I’ve spent so long trying to fight for my dad that I really became a weak man.”
“You are far from weak,” Lotto said.
Bones let out a deep breath. “Maybe I’m strong in the cage, but it’s time I pull my shit together and get strong outside of it. Enough is enough.”
It seemed like hours passed before the mood lightened, but I soon got Bones to the position where he was telling me happy stories about his relationship with Cisco and sharing fond memories. Seeing Bones so sad and broken, his entire being falling apart, damn near killed me. But I knew this man, could see his inner strength rebounding, and it was a matter of time until he dominated in all aspects. He was Bones. It made me realize just how much I cared for him.
As we sat on the couch, his head resting back, I watched Bones drift off into a deep sleep. Maybe I should wake him so that Lotto and I could put him into bed, but he looked so comfortable I didn’t want to disturb him. I was sure he hadn’t slept well in God knows how long.
As his breathing became deeper, and a light snore came out of his nose, an overwhelming rush of love consumed me.
“We should all get some sleep,” Lotto said in a low voice. “The sun will be up soon.”
I stood and nodded. “You’re right. I should get going.”
“No, I’m not letting you drive home alone this late. You’ve got to be exhausted.” He reached for my hand. “You’re sleeping with me tonight.”
“What about Bones?”
“He’s out cold. He’ll be fine.”
Without a word, I let him take my hand and lead me to his bedroom. Once there, he pulled back the covers and gestured for me to climb in. I did so, scooting over to the far side of the bed to give him room.
Lotto didn’t join me right away. Instead, he went to the bathroom and returned a moment later with a glass of water. He set it on the bedside table and then finally climbed in beside me.
The bed was big, but not big enough to keep us from feeling each other’s presence. I enjoyed the heat of his body, and the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he settled in beside me.
For a moment, we lay there in silence, neither one of us moving or speaking. But then, Lotto rolled over onto his side and propped himself up on his elbow so he could look down at me.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he said softly. “I’m glad it was you to give us the news. As hard as it was. It was the first time in a long time I didn’t feel like I had to be the strength. The spine. It was nice to have someone else take that role. Even for a moment.”
“You don’t always have to be the strong one,” I said.
“Neither do you, and yet we both try.”
I smiled. “We have that in common. We have a lot in common.”
He sighed contentedly and settled back down beside me, pulling me close so that my head was resting on his chest. I could hear the steady thump of his heart beneath my ear, and I felt myself drifting off to sleep, safe and… appreciated in his arms.
Chapter 36
Lotto
“Go back to sleep, angel,” I said, kissing the top of Ari’s head. “It’s Bones. He needs me.”
She sat up, rubbing her eyes, blinking at Bones, who stood in the doorway, lit up from behind. He stood completely naked… waiting.
“Bones?” she said sleepily, lifting the blanket. “Come join us in bed.”
“He doesn’t just need sleep, angel,” I said, already knowing exactly what Bones needed when he spiraled. “He needs to cum.”
Bones didn’t respond verbally. Instead, he moved towards the bed, his movements fluid and deliberate. As he climbed onto the mattress, his body cast long shadows across the room, adding an extra layer of mystery to his already enigmatic presence.
Ari reached out to touch Bones’ arm, her fingers tracing a path up to his shoulder. He flinched slightly at her touch but didn’t pull away. Instead, he closed his eyes and leaned into her embrace, surrendering himself to whatever relief she could offer him.
