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Rian instantly relaxes, Ty’s words, his touch has that effect on him – soothing, healing, comforting. Ri rests his head on Ty’s shoulder. “I love you.”
The little one stirs between them shoving them apart, protesting at all this mushy stuff that was getting in the way of his playtime. They chuckle and Ty takes Bran in his arms, lifting him high, lightly bouncing him up, making him giggle again. “You wanna go to the beach buddy?” Ty’s cooing and making silly faces.
Rian murmurs, “Is it safe? What did Sullivan say?”
Ty glances at him, a little bit more serious. “I’ll tell you everything. For now, grab your stuff, and let’s enjoy the last of the good weather. It’s supposed to storm tonight.”
* * *
Ty has purchaseda mini-inflatable pool for Bran and of course, Rian’s imaginary ovaries are at it again, picturing his man buried under piles of babies.
How does he even know to think of this stuff?
It’s like he is considering Bran’s comfort and entertainment first and foremost and that is totally rocking Rian’s boat. One would consider that after his stressful conversation with Sullivan, he wouldn’t be able to think about much of anything else, let alone beach toys, but here they are. After sorting through bags upon bags of Costco crap, Bran is happy as can be, playing with a couple of rubber starfishes and dolphins in his miniature pool filled with ocean water, placed right under a big bright rainbow-colored beach umbrella.
His curls are tucked under a wide-brimmed dark-blue beach hat with a big red crab in the middle. It’s ridiculously cute and perfectly matches his navy-blue swimming shorts. Rian shakes his head when his eyes drift to the tiny Crocs with red crabs on them lined up by the rest of the beach toys near the pool.
Jesus.
He might be in full-on mating overdrive, but Ty’s got it just as bad, judging by the menagerie surrounding his son.
Ty tracks his gaze to the umbrella and sighs. “I wanted the UV-protected tent, but this lady practically bulldozed me with her shopping cart and grabbed the last one.”
Rian burst into laughter, shaking his head.Who is this guy?
“I love you. This is perfect. Look at him! He is so-o-o-o happy!” Ri rolls on his side and leans in to kiss Ty’s neck. His skin is warm and smells of his sweat, coconut-scented sunscreen, and the ocean. Rian can feel him shiver and teasingly runs his fingers over Ty’s chest, barely grazing his nipples with his nails. But even this light touch is enough to get his lover going. His breathing is already ragged. Ty gasps, “Rian,” then clasps a hand over his mouth, folding it in a fist and biting down.
Rian loves he does this to him – driving Tayida crazy with want from the briefest of touches. He loves it because it is exactly the same for him – Ty makes him forget about everything.
Ty turns to him on his side and they kiss slowly. Rian is caressing Tayida’s arms. His lover moves closer. The moment they share is quiet and sweet – the sound of rolling waves, the faint cry of seagulls, and the water splashing in the small pool Bran is currently playing in, babbling to his toys – the sense ofnormal, of safety, surrounds them.
They are two goofy idiots in love, relaxing on the beach with their son, enjoying a very lengthy vacation.
Only they’re not and Ri is reminded of that seconds later when Ty pulls away from him gently and cups his face, murmuring, “We need to talk.”
Rian swallows back his disappointment. He hates the reality check, but he adores Tayida for being on top of their safety and doing his best to protect their little family.
He tells him all about his phone call with Sullivan and the recent developments in the inner circle of Harris Kelly. Rick is still not under suspicion, but Rian can only imagine under how much pressure he is to keep up with his charade.
Sullivan has given them clear instructions on what to do next.
There will be no more hiding.
It’s time to set the trap and lure the monster right the fuck in.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
Rian, Ri, Ree-ahn
OCTOBER 2022
Rian closes the door of Bran's bedroom softly and with a tired,but satisfied sigh makes his way to the kitchen. Their day at the beach has been fantastic. His little boy has gone in the water with him today, and they have begun their swimming lessons by encouraging Bran to relax and float then kick his legs. Needless to say, he is out like a rock after his lunch and Rian won't mind going down for a nap himself, however his mind is restless, buzzing with thoughts about their immediate future.
They’ve been out and about for the past few weeks, as Sullivan has instructed them. It has been two weeks after his conversation with Ty, and they have done everything he has advised them to do. They have dined out, gone to all the touristy places, they have shopped – freaking Costco was a disaster – who needs a four-and-a-half pound bucket of Nutella? Rian didn’t think it would be them, but the aforementioned bucket is now in their small pantry, nonetheless.
The beach isn’t really one of the top locations Sullivan has advised them to frequent, but it makes them all happy to spend time by the water so Rian indulges in it for as long as the weather will permit it.
November is fast approaching, and Bran's and Ty's birthdays are coming up. Cyril’s too. It is a bittersweet event. They are nowhere near safe. Rian and Ty are stuck in this weird limbo between finally being together, while still trying to provoke Harris Kelly. They need to piss him off. So much so that he makes a mistake colossal enough to give Sullivan the evidence and witnesses he needs to get him convicted.
