Page 166 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

“I’m working.”

“You’re always working.”

Cassidy glanced at him, his gaze heated. “Not always.”

Warmth moved through Xander’s body so quickly his face heated. Cassidy’s lips curved as if he knew just what he’d done.

Xander stared in fascination. “I used to wonder if you ever smiled.”

Cassidy met his eyes.

“I also remember thinking how much I wanted to make you smile.”

Cassidy inched closer as if he were about to kiss him, when the elevator doors opened.

“Damnit,” Xander muttered.

They took the private hallway to God and Day’s suite. Loud male laughter carried through the door before they even reached it. Cassidy knocked once.

Free opened the door. His smile bright enough to light a room. “Awww, the lovebirds are here.”

Cassidy glared. Xander laughed and stepped inside behind him. The suite was full. Both lieutenants were on the couch. Day had his legs stretched out, reclining his back into God’s chest. Wes and Law were at the table near the window eating breakfast that looked like it came from the downstairs restaurant.

Tech sat opposite of them with two laptops in front of him and a half-eaten plate of fruit. Steele leaned over his shoulder, watching whatever he had playing on the screen. Ruxs and Green were playing a video game on the large television, which seemed to be the source of the raucous laughter.

In the chair on the other side of the couch, a younger man sat on the lap of a big, broad-shouldered man who favored God so much Xander did a double take.

Same powerful build, and intimidating bone structure. Same Godfrey energy, though he wore it with a less authoritative edge.

The young man in his lap was handsome in a sweet, pretty-boy way, with bright blue eyes, a soft mouth, and an open expression that changed the second Xander moved from behind Cassidy. He slammed both hands over his mouth and gasped so hard, it sounded as if he’d choked on something.

“You’re alive!” Wes shouted.

Law threw both hands up. “Didn’t we tell you we knew the best?”

Everyone laughed.

Xander smiled, agreeing wholeheartedly. “You did indeed. I had to come make sure I told you guys thank you again.”

God waved one hand, batting the words away. “You’ve thanked us more than enough.”

“No,” Xander said, looking around the room. “I haven’t. You guys did a lot more than just protect me. You made me feel like more than just a principle. I won’t forget it.”

Day’s expression softened. “You’re welcome, kid.”

God gave a single dip of his head.

The young man from the chair jumped up suddenly and took several stunned steps toward Xander.

Xander smiled. “Hello.”

The man waved. Still gaping.

Free came up behind Xander and draped both arms around his shoulders like they were already old friends. “Xander Vale, this is Curtis, Green and Ruxs’s son.” He pointed toward the broad man rising from the chair. “And this is Genesis Godfrey, his fiancé, and God’s little brother.”

Xander extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Curtis took it as though he was being offered a royal artifact. “I am such a huge fan. I mean, huge. I’ve seen all your stuff, but I watched What Breaks in Silence seven times in theaters and so many times at home when it dropped.”