CHAPTER 6

Lennox O'Donnell slowly shook his head as he looked at the solidly built, long-haired, bearded men guarding the massive iron gates separating The Base rescue center complex from the rest of the neighborhood. No chance they let me in , he thought, seeing the suspicious glances they cast in his direction.

In all honesty, Lennox didn't blame them; he was an ex-con, just released from prison after spending five years there for armed assault. Ardan MacNamara, the founder of the establishment, and Elias Bloom, the current leader of the organization running it, were famous for running detailed background checks on everyone who wanted to get inside The Base, and his conviction would pop up on their computer screens right away.

Back then, Lennox took the fall for his father, who was pushed against the wall and forced to act in a reckless way, so different from his diplomatic, calm self. Inside, he behaved exemplarily, and now that he was released, a steady job at the family's legit construction company was waiting for him. Of course, these things presented little to no interest for those in charge of the place. He was a potentially dangerous individual and had to be treated as such.

Lennox wasn't there looking for trouble, never was the type; just like his father, he didn't believe in violence as a way to solve problems, and only used it when all the methods of reaching an agreement failed. He had come to The Base to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding the fate of his favorite cousin, Ian.

The news of the kid's death came shortly after Lennox suffered another immense loss that left him devastated and filled with a rage he couldn't afford to let out. A few days earlier, his partner, a sweet intersex person whom he wanted to start a family with once both of them got out of jail, was murdered in the showers in a brutal, horrific way.

Lennox shoved those painful memories in the furthest, darkest corner of his mind, hoping they would never resurface, focusing on the reason he was there. Rumors had it his cousin Ian was alive and found sanctuary at The Base after his own brother, Eamon, beat him almost to death because of his sexuality.

Lennox, who cared deeply about his cousin, wanted to find out the truth from the very person who, according to what he heard from different sources, took Ian under his protection after that unfortunate incident: Brian Cavallieri. The man, a high-ranked mafioso, worked as librarian at The Base and it was said he had a great influence in the world the O'Donnell family also belonged to.

The weight of a hand on his shoulder made Lennox flinch violently; lost in thoughts as he was, he hadn't seen the guard coming next to him and didn't pay attention to what the man was saying. In a gentle voice, starkly contrasting with his imposing physique, the guy apologized and offered him directions to the library.

Lennox was surprised none of the men at the gates escorted him, but once inside The Base, he understood why the precaution wasn't necessary. Every square foot was covered by patrolling guards, who watched over the children and staff members, ready to protect them at the cost of their own life.

Lennox spotted the library, an imposing building with a tall tree in front of it, just like the guy at the gate told him, after a couple of minutes. He walked inside, hoping the librarian, who sat behind the desk and typed something at his computer, would offer some answers to his many questions about his cousin.

"Hi, my name is Lennox O'Donnell, and I was told my cousin Ian is here somewhere." His voice was respectful and had a hopeful note. "Can I see him, please?"

"I don't know…" Brian hesitated, casting a suspicious look in the other man's direction. "Who told you that?"

"I spent five years in prison." Lennox had nothing to lose, so he decided to be honest about his past. "One hears things in there."

"Give me a minute." Brian's voice softened, and so did his gaze. "You can wait over there."

"Look, my old man is the boy's godfather. His heart broke at the news of his death." Lennox desperately tried to convince the librarian of his good intentions. "Ian is my favorite cousin, too."

"I trust you, but I need a minute to call him." Brian looked into the other man's eyes. "Your cousin is an adult who isn't influenced by anyone in his decisions, so if he chooses not to get in touch, you'll have to respect that." He disappeared into the back.

Lennox plopped down on a chair, face buried in both hands. After what seemed like an eternity, an all-too-familiar voice made him flinch. "Cousin, when did you get out? Why didn't you tell me? Oisin and I would have come to pick you up had we known." Ian gave the sitting man a strong, warm hug. "I have so many things to tell you! I'm a married man now, and a father-to-be. How's Uncle Calhoun?"

"Easy, give the poor man a break!" Brian exclaimed, huffing a short, amused laugh. "He doesn't look like he wants to leave very soon. And take a break yourself. Remember to breathe."

Ian nodded and fell silent for a few moments, then started again, with even greater enthusiasm. "Cousin Lennox, this is the man who offered me a new life and kept me safe from Patrick's hatred. Brian Cavallieri, my hero, my father figure, my mentor and protector." He gave the librarian a tight, affectionate hug.

"It's an honor to meet you." Lennox extended his hand. "I'll be damned! An Italian who protects an Irish boy!" he exclaimed with admiration.

"Happy to meet you." Brian gave the extended hand an energetic shake. "Sorry about that, but I didn't know you. I have to protect Ian."

"And you did a hell of a good job, I see. This one is a man, not the skinny, pale kid I remembered." Gratitude, admiration, and affection were mixing in Lennox's voice. "Pa will be beyond happy to see the pics."

"Thank you." Brian gazed over his young protégé, eyes shining with paternal affection. "I love both Ian and his husband like they are my own kids."

Lennox slowly nodded; it took everything in him to not let himself be overwhelmed by his emotions. He turned to his cousin. "Where is that man of yours? Don't tell me you keep him locked away."

"No, Oisin is still at work, at the vet clinic, about half a mile from here. We…" Ian stopped, facepalming himself. "Oh, shit, I have to call one of the guys, they went grocery shopping, and I forgot to tell them about the pears and cherries."

Brian chuckled, shaking his head. "You better, or you'll be in trouble with Oisin." He gave the young man a sympathetic look.

Lennox waved his hand dismissively. "Nah, treat him to ice cream, and all your sins will be forgiven."

"No way!" Ian vehemently shook his head. "Cravings are serious business, cousin."

"They really are. If I didn't have bacon, eggs and radishes for Bart, I was a dead man." Brian spoke in a serious voice but smiled at the precious memory. "I'll keep in mind to have cherries and pears at the house." He turned to Ian.

It was a new opportunity for the young vet to thank the librarian and express his affection by giving him a big, warm hug. When, a few moments later, his protector returned to his work routine, Ian gestured to the desks in the reading hall, heading to one of them and taking a seat. Lennox imitated him and, in low, but warm voices, the two started to talk about anything and everything.

The older of the two O'Donnell cousins showed a great interest in male pregnancy, asking a lot of questions about the changes Oisin's body went through from the very early stages, his diet, the vitamins and other medicines he took, if the mood shifts were random or provoked by some external factor. It was like the man wanted to be as prepared as possible for when he was going to have a pregnant boyfriend or husband around.

Ian answered Lennox's many questions as good and detailed as he could; Oisin was only about three months along, so their journey as expecting parents just started. Most often than not, the young man said with a cute grin, they both were at loss, but Brian and his husband Bart, who carried seven from their eight children, were always a source of valuable advice.

The library's door opened, and the sound made Lennox turn his head and let out a loud gasp. A well-built guy in his mid-thirties, most likely one of the guards, served as support for another, much smaller and younger, with a delicate face and beautiful eyes clouded by pain and sadness, and shadowed by long, silky lashes.

With the care and affection of an older brother, the big guy helped the smaller one, who, Lennox noticed, was limping visibly, sit. Then asked him something in a low, barely audible voice. A couple of books in hand, the librarian went where the two were and exchanged a couple of words with them, making the petite one smile.

Noticing the looks Lennox was giving the beautiful newcomer, Ian squeezed his hand and whispered-shouted in his ear to stop staring; not only was it very rude, but the young man could feel embarrassed or even threatened. The library was his safe haven, and everyone wanted him to feel as comfortable as possible.

Lowering his gaze, Lennox apologized and asked Ian if he knew the story of the beauty, how he called the smaller man in his head from the very first second he walked through the library's door. The young vet was more than happy to provide some basic information; the pretty guy's name was Bailey, and he lived with his sister, Stephanie, The Base's supply manager, in one of the houses from the small town built around the rescue center and sanctuary.

Ian stopped and, for a long moment, looked into his cousin's eyes, carefully choosing his words before voicing them. Bailey had a very difficult period, and he was still scarred, both physically and mentally. The young vet let out a long sigh; he wasn't saying Lennox shouldn't pursue the subject of his interest, just that he should take it really slow.

The older of the O'Donnell cousins nodded in understanding. He knew what grief, under its many forms, could do to someone, as he experienced it firsthand in prison. The man believed in second chances, and he was willing to wait as long as it would take for the other one to heal and open up to him.

This was the Lennox he loved like a brother, the one he remembered, Ian said, eyes shining with admiration and affection. He was pleasantly surprised to discover that living among human-faced beasts for five years didn't make his cousin lose his innate kindness. On the contrary, he gained a wisdom and serenity he hadn't possessed before.

However, Ian warned Lennox, before pursuing Bailey, he had to talk to Brian, who took the young man under his protection. He was the one who, together with Luca, found him in critical condition on the street and took him to the hospital the first time, and did shifts with his sister, Stephanie, the second time, when the situation was much worse.

Lennox nodded in understanding again and promised his cousin to do everything by the book, then continued to cast glances in Bailey's direction, trying to be less obvious than before. However, in spite of the great efforts he made, the younger man noticed he was the center of his interest and lowered his gaze, innocently fanning his arched lashes.

From his seat behind the counter, Brian watched the scene, a smile of satisfaction forming on his lips. If Lennox was made from the same material as Ian, he would be a perfect boyfriend for Bailey. Judging by the look of things, the librarian said to himself, my younger brother already reacts to the guy's discreet glances. And it won't be long until he will completely forget Grant ever existed. When this day would come…payday, figlio di cane!