Page 30 of His to Break

Ryker's scowl deepened as he tried to maintain his composure. "Behave yourself," he growled under his breath, but the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his enjoyment of their playful banter.

Caleb chuckled, releasing Ryker's arm and stepping back, his hands raised innocently. "Alright, alright," he acquiesced, unable to suppress a wicked grin. "But don't forget, you're stuck with me, old man. That means you'll have to put up with me."

As they continued to wander through the bustling marketplace, pretending to be nothing more than a family on vacation, Caleb couldn't shake a feeling of gratitude that settled warmly in his chest. For the first time in his life, he felt like he truly belonged somewhere, with people who cared about him. And for now, at least, he was determined to enjoy every moment of it.

Caleb's heart swelled as he watched Ryker kneel down to help Eli fasten the straps on his tiny sandals. The sun glinted off the older man's salt-and-pepper hair, casting a halo of light around him. Their makeshift family had taken over Caleb's world in the past two months, and he'd never felt so accepted and cherished.

"Alright, big guy," Ryker said, ruffling Eli's curly brown hair. "You're all set."

"Thank you, Ryker!" Eli chirped, his eyes bright with adoration as he wrapped his small arms around Ryker's neck, hugging him tightly.

Caleb couldn't help but smile at the scene unfolding before him. He'd grown up feeling like an outsider in his own family, always the black sheep who could never quite measure up to their expectations. But here, all three of them were outsiders.

With Ryker and Eli, he'd found a place where he didn't have to pretend or hide any part of himself.

Ryker glanced up, catching Caleb's eye, and it was as if he could read the thoughts running through Caleb's mind. There was a knowing look in those deep blue eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the bond they shared.

"Ready to go?" Ryker asked, standing up and brushing the sand from his knees.

"Absolutely," Caleb replied, reaching for the beach bag that held their towels and sunscreen. "I can't wait to show you guys my impressive freestyle swimming skills."

"Freestyle, huh?" Ryker raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "As long as it doesn't involve sinking like a stone, I'm sure we'll be impressed."

"Hey now, don't underestimate me," Caleb shot back playfully. "I've got some serious aquatic talent hidden away."

"Good to know," Ryker replied, his voice low and teasing. "Maybe later you can show me more of those talents."

Caleb's cheeks flushed at the suggestion, his heart racing with anticipation. The last two months had been a whirlwind of passion and exploration as he surrendered to Ryker's dominance, reveling in the intensity of their connection. "Deal," he agreed, unable to resist leaning in for a lingering kiss, their lips brushing softly before they pulled away.

"Come on!" Eli piped up, tugging at Ryker's hand with impatience. "I want to go to the beach!"

"Alright, alright!" Ryker laughed, allowing himself to be led by the eager kid. "To the beach we go."

As they made their way across the sun-drenched boardwalk, sand crunching beneath their feet, Caleb couldn't help but marvel at how far he'd come. He'd never imagined that happiness could feel so all-encompassing, so complete. And while he knew that their life on the run was far from ideal, he wouldn't trade these stolen moments of joy for anything in the world.

It couldn't last forever. He knew that.

But what in this world could?

The warm tropical breeze caressed Caleb's face as he watched Ryker teach Eli how to build a sandcastle, the tiny grains of sand sticking to their sun-kissed skin. The laughter of families and waves lapping at the shore filled his ears, creating a symphony of bliss. It was moments like these that made him forget about their dangerous past, allowing him to bask in the happiness they had found together.

"Hey," Ryker called out, noticing Caleb's distant gaze. "You're looking awfully pensive."

Caleb shook his head, trying to chase away the shadows threatening to creep into his mind. "Just thinking about how lucky I am to have you two."

Ryker smiled, a tender warmth radiating from his eyes, but it was clear he could sense Caleb's underlying melancholy. Caleb knew he couldn't hide anything from the older man; they were connected in a way that transcended words, each one able to read the other's thoughts and emotions with a single glance.

Despite the happiness that enveloped him like a warm embrace, guilt festered in the depths of Caleb's heart. He couldn't help but worry about his twin brother, Rowan.

Over the last two months, Ryker had used his web of underworld connections to look into Rowan's whereabouts. What he'd found wasn't good.

Rowan Colby had disappeared months ago, taken by Zane Thorne's men.

And no-one outside of the Thornes had seen or heard from him since.

"I'm just… thinking about Rowan," Caleb murmured.

Ryker's expression turned somber, understanding dawning on his face. "I know you miss him, Caleb. And I promise, we'll keep searching for him."

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