Chapter Five

Eric

Pacing, Eric listened to his brother over his cell, but he really wanted to be home. He trusted Brandon to care for Ezra and Annabelle but that was his job. Except Eric had a serious and time-sensitive case he was right in the middle of.

"Do you hear me?" Brandon demanded. "They're fine. Now get back to work so you can come home on time. I promised Ezra that we'd catch up on Love Island ."

Eric gasped. "You didn't!"

"Reveal your little secret to the man that caught your attention?" Brandon teased. "Would I do that?"

He growled into his cell.

"I didn't," Brandon said laughing. "I told little E that we'd be able to talk you into watching it with us. He has no idea that you're a closet reality-television junkie."

Eric smiled at the nickname that his little brother had given Ezra. Since Eric was E, Brandon had started referring to Ezra as little E. The two of them had hit it off and after a long night of fevered nightmares, they'd bonded. "I just need to have this meeting with Jesse and then I'll be home."

"I'll make popcorn!" Brandon said. "Ezra knows a recipe where we can add chocolate or caramel."

Just thinking about that made Eric's teeth ache. "Sounds good."

"Oh! Annabelle's calling for me! See you soon!"

His brother hung up before Eric could respond. Or ask to talk to Ezra. He'd been hoping if he'd kept Brandon on the phone long enough that Ezra might have woken from his nap. Could it be a nap if it was already eight at night? Brandon had called it a nap.

Turning, Eric straightened his suit jacket. He'd already been at work ten hours and still wasn't done for the night. Just one more meeting though to update Jesse Lambert and he could get home to his family.

His family.

Eric was getting ahead of himself, and he knew it. He couldn't help it. Ezra and Annabelle were the family that Eric hadn't even known that he wanted. With Brandon and Ezra becoming so close, Eric could picture a future where they could all live happily. Their own version of happily ever after.

It had barely been twenty-four hours since he'd brought Ezra and Annabelle home, but time didn't mean anything. Not when Ezra looked at him with warm brown eyes like he'd done at breakfast before Eric had left for work.

Standing in front of the private club Jesse Lambert owned brought another issue that Eric wasn't sure how to address. He wanted to explore a Daddy and boy dynamic with Ezra. He wasn't sure what Ezra would say about that though. There were many misconceptions about the lifestyle. If Ezra would give them a chance, Eric could see them really connecting. Building something strong.

Maybe once his case was over, Eric could bring Ezra and Brandon to the club. Eric had spoiled his brother rotten, trying to encourage Brandon to be little around him. Brandon had shared more and more as time had passed but he still refused to even discuss letting anyone else in.

If Ezra stuck around, there could be playdates, adventures, so much fun. Healing times for Brandon and quality time with Eric's hopeful future family.

His phone beeped, reminding Eric he had a meeting to make. He strolled across the wide hall and to the discreet front of the club. He smiled, approaching the bouncer of the Teddy Bear club. "Hey, Lake."

The big bouncer turned with a wide smile. Lake, the massive six-foot-four, two-hundred-eighty-pound guy was probably one of Eric's favorite people that he'd met while on this assignment. Excluding his boy, of course. The bouncer with a heart of gold and little tendencies proved to be an amazing person. So much so that if Brandon ever allowed it, Eric could see the two of them becoming friends.

Lake was one of the few employees of the casino that knew Eric's true purpose there. The exclusive club was run separately from the casino. Jesse Lambert trusted the employees of the club more than anyone else. Research done on all the employees didn't raise any red flags either.

"Eric!" Lake yanked him into a hug while pounding his back.

He tried not to wince as he pulled back. Sometimes Lake did not realize his own strength. "How are you?" he asked, honestly curious. While Lake appeared big and strong, he had the softest heart. He'd been the one to find the latest victim from a drug overdose in the employee parking garage and had cried for days.

Eric had been tempted to take Lake home just to make sure he would be okay. Luckily, Lake's roommates had come to collect him and had seemed to know what the big guy needed.

"I'm good," Lake told him. He leaned closer. "I must accept that people make their own decisions and sometimes that can lead to bad things. It's not my responsibility to save everyone."

"That's right." He patted Lake's shoulder. Before Lake had become a bouncer for the club, he'd been in the military. From what Eric had learned, Lake's time in service hadn't been easy. The man just couldn't handle the violence.

"Mr. Lambert arrived about ten minutes ago," Lake informed him.

Eric smiled. It was so obvious that Lake had a crush on the rich casino owner. When Jesse Lambert attempted any interaction with Lake, the big bouncer would fidget nervously and could barely talk. "Did you talk to him?"

Lake shook his head quickly. "No! I couldn't do that. He's such a busy man."

"That doesn't mean he doesn't have a moment to say hi."

"No, no," Lake said.

Eric knew he was not getting through to the other man. "If you say so. I better get in there for our meeting."

Lake smiled again. "It's puppy night! You could stay and play with them if you want." Lake always encouraged Eric to get involved with the club as if he could sense Eric's curiosity. Maybe after he had Ezra's permission, Lake would be someone that they could reach out to and ask questions.

"Not tonight," Eric told him. "I need to get home after this." He had two guys and a sweet little girl waiting.

"They sure are cuties." Lake glanced longingly toward the glass entrance.

"When's your break? Maybe you could take it with a few of the pups."

Lake nodded. "I might do that. I don't want to scare them though."

Eric cupped the right side of Lake's face. The puckered scars under his palm. "You are not scary. You are a beautiful person, and the pups love you. I've seen how happy they are when you have time to play." He wasn't lying. Eric might not have personal knowledge about the lifestyle, but he could read people.

Closing his eyes, Lake leaned into the touch before straightening up. "You're right. We had fun last time."

"Good." Eric brushed his lips over Lake's forehead. It was too familiar. Hopefully he wasn't crossing a line but since bringing Ezra home, Eric's latent Daddy instincts were riding him hard. "Be good."

Lake beamed. "I'm always good!"

"I know." Eric stepped away. "I'll see you later."

"I'll get the door," Lake offered.

"I got it. Thank you, Lake." His entire mood had been lifted with the small interaction with the big bouncer. Yes, he had to bring Ezra and Brandon sometime. They would fit right in here.

Eric strolled through the front entry of the club, spotting Jesse Lambert easily. The billionaire sat at a four-person table alone with a glass and a crystal decanter full of brown liquid sitting in front of him. Jesse Lambert frowned as he stared toward the front of the club.

"Mr. Lambert," Eric greeted before sitting next to the other man.

"I've told you to call me Jesse," Jesse said.

Eric nodded. "Everything okay?"

Jesse's gaze landed on him. "Fine."

That wasn't convincing at all. "Did something happen?" Eric had been working all evening and he hadn't heard of any disturbances. He'd spent hours in front of the security monitors looking over every inch of the casino floor.

"No." Jesse shook his head. "Sorry."

When Jesse's eyes went back to the front Eric followed his line of sight. Straight to where Lake stood talking to a male couple. The big bouncer in his baby blue lace camisole tucked into a pair of tight black jeans had caught Jesse's attention all right.

"Is it Lake? Did something happen with him?"

"He's…" Jesse looked back at him. "Do you know him well? You seem very familiar with him."

Eric did not laugh. Or smirk. Although he really wanted to. Jesse sounded like Eric felt on the inside. "I didn't know him before I started working here. He's a sweetheart though."

"He seems very well liked," Jesse commented.

"From what I've observed that's true."

"He talks to everyone. Except me." His gaze went back to the bouncer.

"I believe you make him nervous," Eric shared.

"Did he say something?" Jesse demanded.

Eric wouldn't break Lake's trust in him. "Just the impression I get. You're a billionaire and his boss. He's quiet and lacks confidence."

Jesse pressed his lips together as he reached for his drink. "Has there been any progress in the case?"

So, they were done talking about the big bouncer, huh. Interesting. Eric adjusted his thinking to get back on the business at hand. "Joey Collins is smart and careful, but we almost have enough on him to bring him in for questioning. If I can catch him in the act, that would go even further for our case."

"I thought he was a good man. His father worked for my company for a decade. Was with me when I started all this. I trusted his father's recommendations and see where that got me. It makes me sick."

"I know this isn't easy for you, but he is going to jail for a very long time. This isn't your fault."

"It is my people who are selling drugs. My people who took those drugs and overdosed. I feel responsible."

Which is one of the reasons that Eric liked the billionaire. They wouldn't normally run in the same circles, but Eric was glad he had met the other man. Eric respected the hell out of Jesse Lambert. He'd done his research on the casino owner as well. How he'd started in real estate and built his fortune through blood, sweat, and tears. Both Jesse and his twin Jacob were men that had struggled early in life but hadn't been satisfied with the station they'd been saddled with.

"Should I just fire him?" Jesse questioned. "I don't want any more of my employees getting hurt."

"You could," Eric said carefully. "That would severely cut back our access to him and his network. It also doesn't mean your employees will be safe. He already had contact with them."

"This is a fucking mess," Jesse stated. He lifted his drink and drank down the liquor.

"If it hadn't happened here, I believe that we would have more casualties. You got involved, brought us in, because you care about your people. Let us work this case."

"I will." Jesse reached for the decanter before he shook his head.

Eric pushed the liquor to the center of the table. "Why don't you go spend some time in the playroom?" He wouldn't normally speak so familiarly with the man, but he could see how upset Jesse was. Jesse didn't need alcohol. He needed something more.

Jesse narrowed his eyes.

With a laugh, Eric shrugged. "Lake told me he might take his break in there later to play with some of the pups. He really likes them."

That brought a smile to Jesse's face. "This is always a popular night. You know you're welcome to stay," Jesse told him.

"I appreciate the offer," Eric said sincerely. "I need to get home tonight, but I think I'll take you up on that invitation another time. Maybe on a little night."

"My absolute favorite night," Jesse told him. "I'd thought I saw some interest in your eyes."

Eric nodded. He was motivated by Remi's confession. "I don't have any practical experience, but I have done my research."

"You have a boy in mind?" Jesse's gaze went back to the front of the club.

"I do. I need to find a way to talk to him about this though. Not sure how to bring it up."

"My advice is to be honest," Jesse said.

That was Eric's plan. He cleared his throat.

"Is there something else?" Jesse asked.

"I don't want to cross a boundary," Eric admitted.

"Is this about your boy?"

"More in general terms," Eric replied.

"Then go ahead."

"I have a friend that has a mentor. He's into a little heavier dynamic than what I'm looking for."

Jesse nodded in encouragement.

"Do you…have you ever…"

"I would be more than happy to help introduce you into the lifestyle. I can't say that I would make this offer to many people, but I'm trusting you with my entire life. I would be happy to pay you back for that with this."

"I appreciate that," Eric said sincerely.

"You have my number. Use it for more than just work."

The relief that he had backup in his new lifestyle choice was overwhelming.

"You really don't have anything going on with Lake?"

"I have a boy of my own," Eric said. "As soon as he agrees."

Eric chuckled.

"As far as I know, Lake is completely single." Eric knew that for a fact. "We're just friends. I do care about him though." There was a warning in the words. Eric didn't think Jesse would screw Lake over on purpose, but Lake was a gentle soul.

Jesse grunted. "I may spend some time in the playroom tonight. Thank you."

Eric nodded as he rose. "I'll give you an update in a few days."

"Sounds good." Jesse held out his hand. "And call me anytime. About anything."

"I'll do that." He left the other man sitting at the table, staring toward the front door as Eric made his way out of the club. Lake was busy checking in other patrons, so Eric waved but didn't stop to talk.

The elevator took him to the parking garage where he could hurry home.

* * * * *

Ezra

Brandon leapt up from the couch and ran over to the front window. "He's home!" There was audible relief in his voice.

Ezra had noticed a few things about his new friend that worried him. Brandon had been a wonderful nurse, but he often looked overwhelmed before calming himself. With Ezra's experience growing up, he wondered about the signs of PTSD that he was picking up.

Being a guest in the house and not knowing Brandon well, Ezra didn't want to cross a line, but he was curious. He'd never want to purposely trigger Brandon, so he kept his questions buried.

He wanted to jump up and follow Brandon to the door but was that really his place? Damn, he was going to do it anyway. Ezra rose from his nest on the corner of the couch. He had to step over Annabelle where she was playing on her tummy in front of the television.

Ezra reached the door just as Eric stepped inside. His breath caught at the sight of the attractive older man. Eric was easy to crush on but as Ezra got closer to him, he was falling even harder. Eric was nearly too good to be true.

Brandon stopped hugging his brother, but Eric kept one arm around him as he looked up and spotted Ezra.

"Hi." Eric sent him a beautiful smile.

"Hey." Ezra didn't know what to do with his hands. Pockets? Behind his back?

Eric settled his dilemma by catching his hand and bringing it to his lips. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." Ezra curled his fingers around Eric's palm. "Maybe not one hundred percent but Brandon assures me that I won't get as sick as Annabelle was."

"Your immune system was down from being so worn-out caring for the little one," Brandon said. "Sleep, nutrients, and some vitamins and you should be past the worse of it."

"Good," Eric grunted out. He walked them both to the living room before finally releasing them. "There's my girl!" He bent, scooping Annabelle up. He held her high before nuzzling her belly, making her giggle.

It did his heart good to see someone other than himself doting on his baby girl. It also made Eric even more attractive. Tough men with soft hearts were sexy as hell. Eric cuddled Annabelle to his chest.

"I heard we were having a veg session?" Eric asked.

Was Eric really going to watch trash TV with them?

"Yep!" Brandon walked over and stole Annabelle from him. "Go change. Did you eat?"

"I—"

"Eat anything other than fast food?" Brandon interrupted.

Eric sighed.

"Ezra made salmon and rice," Brandon said. "We saved you a plate."

"Yes!" Eric pumped his fist.

Ezra laughed. "I'll get it and a beer for you."

"I'm changing." Eric strolled out of the living room.

He couldn't help but watch Eric go. That ass. Ezra was nearly obsessed with that ass.

"You're drooling," Brandon sing-songed as Ezra passed.

"Am not." Ezra would not wipe his mouth. Not until he was in the kitchen anyway.

Brandon settled on the couch with Annabelle, offering her a sippy cup of flavored water. Continuing to the kitchen, Ezra walked to the oven where he'd placed a plate to keep warm. Eric's kitchen was magic to cook in. The large gleaming countertops, new industrial appliances, and more food than Ezra bought in a month. He could get used to preparing meals in a space like that. Even though Ezra knew he shouldn't get too used to it. He didn't live there. He and Annabelle would have to leave in a few short days and Ezra couldn't afford to buy a house in a neighborhood like this. Not quite yet.

At least he knew what kind of home to strive for in the future. Everything about the house was perfect. It wasn't his and Ezra needed to remember that. He grabbed a beer from the fridge before picking up a hand towel. Going to the oven, he opened the door and pulled out the plate. He used his hip to close the door before powering off the oven for the night.

With his offerings for Eric, Ezra headed back to the living room.

He returned at the same time Eric strolled into the living room wearing a thin gray pair of sweatpants and white T-shirt. Ezra about dropped the plate and beer bottle. Holy. Hot. Daddy!

"Is that for me?" Eric strode forward, relieving Ezra of both the plate and beer. "Thanks so much."

The brush of his lips over Ezra's forehead was barely there but Ezra still felt the electric tingle down his spine. He hurried to the corner of the couch he'd claimed earlier as his own. He dropped down, yanking the soft fleece blanket over his lap. Seeing Eric in those sweatpants and feeling the soft touch of his lips. Yep, Ezra had a hard dick that he needed to hide. How embarrassing.

It was even worse when Eric sat close enough to Ezra that they could touch if one of them moved a couple inches.

Brandon grinned and winked as Ezra caught his eye. At least Eric was bent over the plate, stuffing his face. Brandon had complained earlier about Eric's eating habits and by the way he was inhaling the food, Ezra didn't think Brandon hadn't been wrong.

Brandon picked up the remote. "Everyone ready?"

Eric grunted with his mouth full.

Ezra nodded.

The show they planned to view was already q'd up. Brandon hit Play and lay back with Annabelle still on his chest. Ezra watched Eric from the corner of his eye to see his reaction to what he and Brandon had picked.

He was shocked when Eric's attention went to the screen.

Brandon had assured Ezra that Eric wouldn't mind their choice, but Ezra had his doubts. Except Eric didn't appear upset.

It was so easy to get caught up in the ridiculous and hilarious reality show. Ezra could stop worrying about anything as men and women argued, stabbed each other in the back, not literally. Some of the betrayals were truly epic.

Eric finished his food and drained his beer before sitting back. The movement caused Ezra to shift on the cushion. Before he knew what he was doing, Ezra leaned against Eric's arm.

Two commercials later, Eric had his arm around Ezra's shoulder as Ezra rested his cheek against Eric's wide chest.

He was a total fan of this position.

Another episode started as Ezra yawned. Even though he was feeling better, Ezra hadn't quite caught up on his sleep. Being warm, feeling safe, he allowed himself to drift while being held tight.

He'd had fantasies like this.

Back before he had Annabelle and when all that Ezra cared about was finding the man that he was meant to spend his life with. Having a Daddy to love and care for him. Ezra had to give up on those needs when he'd become a father himself. For one moment, just a short amount of time, Ezra could pretend that Eric belonged to him. That his Daddy was watching over him.

It was a nice fantasy.