Chapter Thirty

Aiden

Despite the highly upset tone, Aiden couldn't help but let Blade's words sink in deep. He wasn't assigned a guard because he was the weakest, he was assigned a guard because he was special to them. Aiden let that feeling sink in for a moment before turning to face Rocky. Was he right? Would the club accept him if they knew what he was hiding?

He'd always heard that a family were the ones who stood by you no matter what. Though Aiden had never seen it personally, he was wondering if he'd finally found the family who would be that for him. How wonderful would it be to have a whole group of people who accepted every part of him? Daddy said they would, and Aiden was coming to believe it. Was he willing to chance it though?

So many things could happen if he took a risk, and it blew up in his face. He could lose the home he'd made over these last years. He could lose people who had become important to him.

I could lose Rocky.

No, not Rocky. He'd never lose his Daddy. He was sure of that now. Maybe, if he had Rocky with him, he'd find the courage to take the leap. Daddy would catch him; he was sure of it. But, if things went wrong, it wouldn't be just Aiden walking away from the life he'd built, it would be Daddy giving up everything to go with him. Aiden would have to think some more about it, but for the first time since he'd first decided to hide parts of himself, he felt hope he might not have to anymore.

Daddy hadn't exactly been very subtle about his feelings during the meeting so far, and not a single one of the other men had batted an eye. They'd known Rocky was gay for years and it hadn't affected their relationships. They didn't even seem to be surprised that Daddy had feelings for Aiden. It was definitely time to think about coming out to the club. But, for now, he needed to get this meeting finished and say his piece before Daddy managed to get him alone to forbid it.

"Okay, let's do it." He told Blade with as much conviction as he could muster. "It's probably the best way to end this." Aiden pointed his gaze directly on Daddy's furious stare as he continued, "It's not like it would be believable from anyone else. There were only bugs in my office. It has to be me."

Oh, that did not make Daddy happy at all. Nope, there seemed to be a vein pulsing in his forehead and Aiden was sure those crossed arms of Daddy's were flexed to the max. Talk about arm porn. Maybe he should take a picture because despite the fact they were flexed in temper they were still some mouth-watering arms.

Okay, I've really got it bad when the man's arms make me sex-crazed.

Crazy or not, there was no denying that an angry Daddy was hot as hell. Aiden trailed his eyes back up to Daddy's and realized a pissed-off Daddy was intimidating as hell, too. He almost took a step back before he stopped himself, holding his ground because what he'd said was true.

It was eerie how quiet everyone else had become, and Aiden wondered if it was because of the silent battle being waged between himself and Rocky. Rocky knew this was the best way, but he didn't seem to be backing down so Aiden made one other thing clear.

"I won't be in danger, because I trust Rocky to keep me safe." Aiden kept their gazes locked as he softened his look and tone so Daddy would know that he might be directing the words at others but they were meant for Daddy as he said, "I know Rocky would never let anything happen to me. I'll be perfectly safe."

Apparently, it worked as Daddy relaxed, his look softened and he gave Aiden a slight nod to let him know to continue. Everything would be just fine.

"My head is doing better so I can be back tomorrow to fix up my office and do a few things. I'll get back to working from my office on Monday, but I'll do all my legitimate work from Rocky's house. Everything I do in the club will have to be for the trap. I can't chance it."

"Agreed," the guys all said as one.

"I'll be working less in the clubhouse so I have time to do my real work but I'll make sure to spend enough time in the clubhouse to look legit."

"Okay, sounds good." Blade turned from Aiden to the others and said, "Anyone want to get a drink?"

"We've got some here in the fridge if y'all wanna just hang out for a bit." Stone indicated the many seats scattered around the patio. In unison, every man moved toward a seat on the deck. Everyone, that is, except Rocky and Aiden.

"I've got some work to do in order to make sure this works." Aiden explained, "Since I'm staying at Rocky's, he'll take me there to get it done. I'll see you guys tomorrow or the next day."

After a round of waves and goodbyes they started to make their way around the house to the side gate. Aiden could hear the guys laughing before Spike asked, "When're you gonna tell her she's yours?"

Blade growled something that Aiden couldn't hear before he was drowned out by the guys' laughter. It sounded like family, and after years of being in the middle of it, Aiden was now realizing he was a real part of this family. That was so much different. Scarier and yet, much more amazing.

Rocky

"I don't like it." Rocky said as soon as he'd closed himself into the car with Aiden. "I get it. I know why it needs to be you, but I don't like it."

Rocky rested his hands lightly on the steering wheel, focusing all his concentration on not gripping it hard enough to leave dents. He wasn't trying to keep Aiden from doing what he could to help the club, he wasn't even trying to say it wasn't needed because even he knew it was, but he didn't fucking like it one little bit.

Oddly enough, Rocky hadn't once considered the fact that falling for a member of the club meant he couldn't keep his Little boy away from any of the dangers. Why hadn't he considered this before now? It wouldn't have changed anything. He'd still be in love with Aiden, but maybe this particular scheme wouldn't have sideswiped him like it had.

"Daddy," Aiden's voice had gone a bit smaller, which suddenly reminded Rocky that he was a Little who was putting himself deliberately in the path of harm. Fuck . What was Rocky thinking? He knew damn well that being a Little didn't in any way make someone less capable, but damn if it didn't make Rocky more protective and want to shield Aiden from any chance of harm.

Rocky looked over at his boy, expecting to see a hint of worry or possibly a small semblance of fear. That wasn't what he saw when his gaze met Aiden's though. What he saw floored him. Shining back from Aiden's eyes was complete trust.

"I trust you. You'll keep me safe, and we'll find the person causing us all problems. We've got this. Together."

Shit. His boy was a miracle. Rocky knew he didn't deserve Aiden but there was nothing in this world or the next that would stop Rocky from keeping him.