Chapter Six

“Barrett!” Leon hugged him and slapped his back. When he pulled away, he held Barrett’s shoulders and eyed him. His uncle looked exactly like his dad. Big, blue-eyed and gray-haired. Since he was his father’s identical twin, it was hard to dislike him. “Your dad tells me you’ve been doing big things for the family.” He squeezed Barrett’s arms before finally releasing him. “I’m proud as hell to hear that.”

Barrett dipped his chin. He refused to show any pride. He knew better. It was supposed to be an honor to be in his shoes. “Thank you.”

Leon glanced around. “Where’s your man? I haven’t seen him in an age.”

Barrett nodded toward where Storm sat with Barrett’s sister-in-law. “Over there with Allison.” He fought a smile. Storm had a toddler on each knee. His open happiness warmed Barrett’s chest.

Leon headed Storm’s way. Barrett stayed right in step with him. Leon might be his uncle and a lot like his dad, but he could also be abrasive at times. He wouldn’t let Leon insult Storm.

Storm and Allison glanced up as Leon came to stand over them. “Leon. Hey. It’s been a while.” Storm reached over one of the twin’s head to shake Leon’s hand. Barrett still couldn’t tell his nieces apart. He didn’t know how Allison and Travis did.

Leon was just as loud and obnoxious with Storm as he had been with Barrett. “It’s good to see you, son. I hear you’ve been doing great things for the Junior A. There’s even been whispers of you getting scooped up by bigger and better things.”

Storm’s gaze slid his way before quickly darting away again. He laughed. It was a nervous sound. “I’ve been lucky.”

Leon rocked back on his heels. “Hell, I’d say it was talent and hard work. Where do you see yourself in five years? You can’t stay Junior A forever.”

Barrett’s hackles rose. “Storm doesn’t need to see himself anywhere in five years. He’ll be my husband. That’ll be his job.” Even Barrett heard the hard edge to his tone.

Storm kissed the back of one of the toddler’s heads, hiding a smile. Pride grew in Barrett’s chest. He knew exactly where they were headed. Barrett would always take care of them.

His dad’s birthday was a huge celebration every year. He supposed the party was always for Leon too, since it was also his birthday, but Barrett was there for his dad. All the family showed. It was tradition. Thankfully, Barrett still had a bedroom where Storm and he could escape if things got to be too overwhelming. Storm lasted five minutes after they dumped their things in Barrett’s room. He made it through exactly one round of hellos.

“I’m going to find Allison.”

A smile snapped to Barrett’s lips. “You just want to play with the kids.”

Storm hopped a little. “I want to squeeze the new baby.”

Barrett laughed and kissed him. “Go then. I’m sure she’ll be grateful for the break.” Storm scurried away. Barrett watched him disappear. His love for Storm never lessened. Over the years, certain people—people too dumb to know what was good for them—had chided Barrett for not playing the field. He had been teased for being obsessed with one person. For a while, his brother Tavey had seen his feelings as odd. None of that mattered. There had always been only one person for him. Barrett wanted everything with Storm. Marriage. Kids. Storm was so fucking good with Travis’ kids, and he adored them. Barrett knew Storm hoped they would have their own someday. Their relationship had just taken an unexpected and dark turn over the last few years. But Barrett hadn’t given up the dream of them. He wouldn’t start now.

With a sigh, Barrett put on his best stoic face and made the rounds again, doing his bit as his father’s son. As usual, Leon was already drinking. His dad, Len, wore a bright smile and basked in his day. Barrett’s other brother, and Travis’ twin, Tavey, had taken up his usual spot in the corner. He eyed the room and tried staying out of the way. Their gazes met. They exchanged a smile. He shouldn’t have favorites, but he liked Tavey better. They were less alike, but got along better than Barrett ever had with Travis.

Barrett mingled and found a drink. He spotted Storm on the floor with the kids and laughing with Allison. She was Storm’s favorite. They had always gotten along well since the day she started dating Travis. He had brought her home, likely to make out when he thought the house was empty, but she had met Storm. They immediately clicked. Since then, they had become joined at the hip at family gatherings. He supposed it was a case of outsiders united, even though they were both adored and seen as part of the family. Plus, Storm fucking loved kids and Allison had that in droves. Travis had married her two weeks after graduation and started immediately having children. They had started with twins. While those ran heavily in his family, their second pregnancy had also resulted in twins. Now they had a new baby. Secretly, Barrett hoped they were done. He was exhausted on Allison’s behalf.

Travis materialized at his side. His dark expression had Barrett biting back a groan. He already knew what was coming before Travis spoke quietly against his ear.

“He’s here.”

Barrett dipped his chin, acknowledging he had heard. “I’ll go.” He set his drink aside and headed for the door. His mood darkened with every step. Since this party was a tradition that brought all the family together each year, another unspoken custom had begun four years ago, after Storm left town. His dad showed up trying to see him.

As Barrett opened the door, Jean Paul tried to see over his shoulder before Barrett pulled the front door closed behind him. “Jean Paul.”

Dark, crazed-looking eyes locked onto him. “Where’s my son?”

“You don’t have a son. That’s a privilege you lost a long time ago.”

Jean Paul’s eyes narrowed.

Barrett fought the rage building in his chest. Now that he knew Jean Paul had never stopped hurting Storm, the guy was lucky he could stand at all to challenge Barrett. Thankfully, the only trait Jean Paul shared with Storm was the red hair. That made it easier to hate him. He didn’t have to stare into the face of a mirror image of his man and dig too hard for his loathing. Barrett got to openly wear it on his sleeve. Honestly, hate wasn’t even a strong enough word. The things this waste of air had done to Storm… Barrett feared himself.

“I’m surprised to see you. Usually, it’s your father refusing to let me near my own blood.”

Barrett shrugged. “I’m meaner than him, so don’t consider yourself lucky.”

“You should let my son decide for himself if he wants to see me.”

Barrett’s eye twitched. “You don’t have a son.”

A smirk touched Jean Paul’s lips. He knew he was getting under Barrett’s skin. “Maybe I wouldn’t keep showing up here if you let me see him. That boy owes me everything he has. He’s lucky I haven’t sued him for skipping out underage, knowing that contracted money should be in my account. It’ll be easier on him if you just let me see my son.”

Even though Barrett knew Jean Paul baited him by continuing to unnecessarily use that term, he had chosen the right one. In a flash, and without thinking, Barrett had his gun against the center of Jean Paul’s forehead.

Jean Paul held his hands up in surrender.

Barrett’s voice turned to ice. “He’s not your son. Storm belongs to me. This is the last time we’ll have this discussion, or it’ll be the last time. You feel me, eh? I don’t give a fuck you’re a cop. No one in this house does. You can make all the threats of accidents happening you want.”

Jean Paul’s eyes widened at that one.

Barrett spoke through clenched teeth. “Yeah. I know everything. You’ll steer clear of me and mine or you won’t live to regret it.”

Barrett put his gun away and turned to walk inside.

Jean Paul grabbed his shoulder. “Just tell him—” Jean Paul’s head snapped back before he finished his sentence. Barrett swung without realizing it. But when his fist connected, and he felt a snap, satisfaction roared through him. It wasn’t enough. No punishment would ever be enough. Even when red poured between Jean Paul’s fingers from his nose, Barrett wasn’t happy. He swung again, connecting with Jean Paul’s eye before giving him two shots to the ribs and one to the kidneys. Only when Jean Paul hit the ground did Barrett walk away, leaving him where he dropped.

“Never again, Jean Paul.”

He closed the door behind him and went in search of Storm. Barrett needed his baby.

“Did you really just tell your uncle I’d be your husband?”

Barrett kept Storm pinned against the closed bathroom door, trying to seduce him. Storm wanted that, but he was still reeling from Barrett’s earlier claim.

“I did. You will.” He sucked Storm’s neck.

“You seem awful sure of yourself.”

A chuckle escaped Barrett. It vibrated against Storm’s skin and sounded wicked. He unbuttoned Storm’s pants. “I’m sure of us.”

Storm cupped his face, forcing Barrett to meet his stare. “I love you.” Barrett’s gaze held his stare and kept him mesmerized. “You have no idea how much.”

Barrett turned his head and kissed Storm’s wrist. His eyelids fell closed as he openly breathed Storm’s scent. Storm knew they felt the same. There was no one else out there for either of them. They shared the same soul. Barrett didn’t exist without Storm, and Storm couldn’t live without him.

Storm fought a laugh as Barrett dragged him to the bedroom. “We’ve been here less than two hours.”

Barrett didn’t seem to care. He pulled Storm into his childhood bedroom and closed the door behind him. Nostalgia washed over Storm, the way it always did when he stepped inside the place where he had spent a majority of his life hiding. Not much had changed. The mattresses were new, but the headboard was the same. A curio cabinet that hid a mess of gaming systems inside still sat across from the bed. Storm’s trophies lined the dresser next to Barrett’s math awards. Pictures of them together throughout the years clung to the mirror. Maybe there had been times when Storm forgot Barrett loved him. This room said otherwise.

Heat flashed in Barrett’s eyes as he crowded Storm’s space. He maneuvered him to the bed. Barrett urged Storm to sit. When he did, Barrett went down on his knees between Storm’s feet. He stared up at Storm. Storm’s heart sped. All it ever took was one look and Storm would do anything.

“Do you remember this spot?”

A chuckle that sounded wicked even to him slipped from Storm’s lips. “I remember a lot of spots.”

Barrett’s expression had the laughter dying in his throat. This was important to him.

Storm licked his lips. “This is where I sat the first time you told me you loved me. Then you went down on your knees and blew my world. It was the happiest day of my life.”

“Good. I worried you wouldn’t remember, and this wouldn’t be as special.” He held up a ring. “I shouldn’t have waited this long. But I guess I thought we’d do what Travis and Allison ended up doing and get married as soon as you graduated.” Storm couldn’t breathe, but Barrett kept talking. “Then you left before twelfth year. You were gone, and I didn’t know how to accept the way my plans had changed.”

Storm knew that. Barrett had always been the type to have a plan he didn’t deviate from. Any change would send him spiraling. Storm had always suspected Barrett might be autistic, but he had never been tested.

Barrett swallowed. “I wish I had figured things out sooner. Found a way to come to you faster, but those years are gone. This plan hasn’t changed, though. I’ve always known you would be my husband, or no one would. We would have a home and kids and the white picket fence. I don’t want to share my life with anyone else but you. Will you marry me?”

In a single moment, Storm fully understood why he couldn’t let go of Barrett. This was why no one else would do. He loved Storm in a way no one else could or would. They were soulmates. “Of course. I would’ve married you when I was eight if I thought I could. You’ve always been mine.”

A blinding smile lit Barrett’s face. “I love you.” He slid the ring on Storm’s finger. It fit perfectly because, of course, it did. It was Barrett. No one knew him better. When Barrett’s mouth covered his, Storm fought back tears. They had struggled so much the past few years, limping along. Now Barrett wanted to live with him and get married.

“I thought we’d never find our way back.” Storm’s voice broke as Barrett kissed his neck. “Everything I’ve done has been for nothing. It’s all useless and empty.”

Barrett pulled away. He looked furious. “That’s not true at all. I’m incredibly proud of you. Maybe I’ve been angry about you leaving, but you deserve every wonderful thing that’s happened to you. You worked your ass off to be where you are. I think you’re amazing.”

“Your dad is probably looking for us.” Storm had never been good at receiving praise. It didn’t seem to happen often.

“He’ll be your dad too soon.”

Storm smiled. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” A wicked smile touched Barrett’s lips. “One more kiss.”

Storm nearly groaned. He knew better. They were experts at getting each off as fast as possible to avoid getting caught. He knew that look.

Barrett kept moving closer until he had Storm on his back. Then he kissed a path down Storm’s body, unbuttoning his pants as he went. Storm clutched the comforter beneath him and held on so he wouldn’t grab Barrett’s hair. Barrett didn’t waste time. In seconds, he had Storm’s dick in his mouth. Storm fought the moans rising in his throat. Barrett gave no mercy. He sucked Storm exactly how he liked it. The moans vibrating around his cock let Storm know Barrett stroked himself. He tilted his head, wishing he could see. Barrett was sexy as hell when he pleasured himself. Just the thought had Storm getting closer to the edge. He bit his bottom lip and held his breath. Pressure climbed his shaft. His muscles tensed. Barrett bobbed faster. Despite his best efforts, a tiny cry left his lips as he pumped Barrett’s mouth full of cum. Barrett kept sucking as rhythmic moans escaped him. Storm was transfixed. He cried out, muffling the sounds against Storm’s skin. Storm gasped for air. Tears filled his eyes. He had come so close to throwing away his life. Storm might have lost this.

A loud bang landed on the door. “Quit hogging Storm.”

Barrett laughed against Storm’s skin at Allison’s demand, making Storm smile. Everything he had been born with sucked, but he had found a family here. They were worth every nightmare he had survived. He wouldn’t change a thing.