Law had been sure that Nicky would be all for his idea. The boy had a bit of a wicked streak to go along with his little side. While Liam was often quiet and reserved when regressed, Law had heard stories about the two boys together.
There had been a few times that the four of them had managed dinner, but Law hadn’t been around for playtime. It was a shame that he only had Jude’s hilarious tales to go off of when he hoped to coax Nicky into relaxing with him for the evening.
It had been too damn long since he’d had a boy of his own.
Law’s Daddy instincts were meshing with his protectiveness and the attraction he already felt for Nicky. This might be his one and only chance to see how much he was willing to risk in getting to know Nicky better.
He slowed as he approached Liam’s house.
Their friends weren’t living together although Law didn’t think it would be much longer until Jude was officially moved in with Liam. He could understand Jude’s reluctance as the house he owned had been purchased for his previous boy who’d died on a mission that Jude and Law had been on with him. Sam’s death had devastated Jude. It had taken ten years for Jude to open up to anyone, including Law and their own teammates.
Every time that Liam called him Uncle Law, the empty place in his heart was filled a little more. The past ten years had been hard. Liam was who they needed in their lives to make everything just a little better.
The plans that he, Jude, Brody, and Angelo had made when they’d first formed the team didn’t just get broken up when Sam was killed, they went up in flames. Josh had joined the team just before Sam and had been closest to Sam other than Jude. Josh had struggled with the loss of their friend and teammate but at least he had allowed the team to be there for him.
Jude had refused to even talk to them for ten fucking years.
Law was still angry with his best friend but was doing his best to push past it. He and Jude were starting anew and with the help of Liam, Jude was finally beginning to live again.
He turned his car into the drive of Liam’s house.
Beside him, Nicky leaned forward. “They decorated.”
His voice was soft. An edge of hurt that most wouldn’t recognize. “They did. I helped Jude hang the lights up outside.”
Nicky sighed. “I was supposed to help but I had that damn business trip.”
“You’re here now,” Law told him. “That’s what matters.”
“I know. This year was supposed to be different. Better.” Nicky gave a quick shake of his head. “I’m glad Jude was able to help.”
And the boy might be a little jealous as well. Law turned off the engine. “If it makes you feel better, murder kitty has knocked the tree down twice already.”
Nicky cackled. “I knew he had my back.”
“Come on, let’s get inside and see if I can convince the little monster to like me better than Jude.”
“Okay.” Nicky was already reaching for the door handle.
If the boy belonged to him, Law would have insisted on getting Nicky out himself, but he needed to slow his need to take control. Nicky had no idea of Law’s interest, and he wasn’t even sure if Nicky would be up for starting something with him. Law knew from Liam that Nicky was on dating apps. Law was done with dating. He wanted a boy to be his forever partner.
After his last relationship ended, Law promised himself that he wouldn’t get involved with anyone that wasn’t looking for the same as he was. Even though Liam swore that Nicky was looking for his forever Daddy, Law needed to hear the words from the boy himself.
Nicky skipped ahead of him.
Law was pleased to see that the boy had rebounded quickly from the earlier events. He attributed it to Nicky regressing and being at his best friend’s house where he knew he could remain little.
They walked up to the front door and Law scowled. “How are we supposed to get in?” He had not thought this through. It was way too cold to hang out on the front porch. Nicky might catch a cold and get sick.
Nicky rolled his eyes. “Keys, please.”
Keys? Oh hell, Law had pocketed Nicky’s keys after locking up the boy’s car. He pulled the set from his pocket.
Nicky grabbed them before finding the shiny silver key in the middle of the ring. “Key!” He held it up to Law.
“Of course you have a key.” Law accepted it before getting the door unlocked for them.
“Besties forever!” Nicky sing-songed as he danced across the threshold. “Hades! Your favorite person is here.”
