Chapter Six

Jarek convinced Luca to take a backpack full of toys and coloring books. Truth be told, Luca had mixed feelings. It had been a long, hot, fun day at the beach. He was kind of tired. Plus, as much as he wanted to meet people like him, he would be moving away soon. This trip to The PlayPen felt kind of pointless. Not to mention, Luca never fit in anywhere. He doubted this would be different.

He didn't know why, but Luca expected some sort of nightclub situation. Luca was more than a little surprised when they arrived at a place with valet parking and a golf course. It was like some sort of country club slash gentlemen's club. Not the strip joint kind, but the ones with men playing cards and smoking cigars. Luca kept his thumbs hooked under the straps of his backpack at his shoulders so no one could see the way his hands shook as they walked inside. Then, heaven.

There were indoor play sets and giant playpens where grown men in various fuzzy pajamas played together with tons of toys. Luca tried looking in every direction at once. There was a separate section for daddies. They sat, chatting with a drink in one hand and one eye on their boys. Luca felt how wide his eyes were. He couldn't reel it in.

"They're wearing their pjs." Luca didn't know why he whispered the observation. He simply didn't want to look as inexperienced as he was.

"I see that. We'll make sure you wear yours next time."

Luca looked Jarek's way. "I don't have any like that." The one-piece fuzzy pajamas in various animal styles were pricey. They were a luxury Luca never had.

"I'll buy you some."

Luca felt like he should probably argue, but he also desperately wanted to fit in. He spotted Boone. Just as he had been last time Luca saw him, he wore an expensive suit. He looked polished despite his thick beard. He also looked a little scary. Jarek hadn't explained why Boone was dangerous, but the way people seemed to tiptoe around him, showing him reverence, made Luca curious.

"There's Boone."

As if he heard Luca's whisper, Boone's dark eyes turned their way. His harsh expression sent a chill down Luca's spine until a kind smile touched the man's lips. Luca gave a little wave. He honestly seemed like such a nice guy. Luca didn't understand why everyone seemed afraid of him. It was rare for people to treat him with kindness. Luca would accept it and give it back until Boone showed him otherwise.

"Do you want to try to join that group over there?" Jarek pointed toward a group of people in pajamas playing what looked to be Go Fish.

Luca shrugged. "I guess." He didn't really, but he wanted Jarek to feel free to join his friends. Luca didn't see any people like him at the table, so he didn't think he would be welcomed there.

Jarek kissed his cheek and sent him on his way.

Luca fought the urge to glance behind him, looking for help. Instead, he moved to the group of boys. He shifted from foot to foot. "Is it okay if I join?"

All three heads turned his way. Thankfully, all three smiled. A blond one answered, "Sure."

Luca sat and took off his backpack. "I'm Luca."

They took turns introducing themselves. Again, the blond started as if he was the leader. "Jupiter."

"Soren." He had very pretty eyes.

"Kyson." He had a sweet smile.

Luca breathed easier. They dealt him cards.

"I've never seen you here," Jupiter said. The other two eyed him curiously.

"I didn't know this place existed until Boone invited us." The air changed at his comment. All three exchanged glances.

Soren nodded toward the table where Jarek sat with Boone. "Is that your daddy?"

Luca glanced over his shoulder. Boone and Jarek watched them. He met Soren's stare. "Yes."

Kyson's sweet smile returned. "That's nice."

"Is he friends with Boone?" Jupiter kept his gaze locked on his cards as he asked the question, making it seem as if he simply made conversation. There was something in his voice, though. Luca was afraid to give the wrong answer. He worried they wouldn't want to be friends. Maybe the fear of Boone spread to everyone the man considered a friend. As the thought crossed his mind, Luca's spine stiffened. He didn't know these people, but Boone had been nice to him. Luca had just vowed to give Boone's friendship a shot. He already felt like he knew Boone better than these people.

"Daddy says Boone isn't his friend. He's just his client, but I consider him a friend. Boone has been nothing but nice to me." Even he heard the challenge in his voice. His gaze never wavered from holding Jupiter's stare. If he was the leader, then Luca would deal with him first.

A huge smile exploded across Jupiter's face. "That's actually kind of badass. He's super scary. Everyone is terrified of him."

Relief had Luca's smiling and saying more than he should have. "I've noticed that, but I don't understand why."

All three were back to blinking at him. Once again, Jupiter was the only one who answered. "Boone Bosi is dangerous."

Luca found himself leaning Jupiter's way. Curiosity ate at him. "Why, though?"

Jupiter's mouth lifted in one corner in a wry smile. "He's the oldest son of Beau Bosi—the biggest weapons dealer on the west coast."

Kyson jumped in. "He's a crime lord," he whispered, as if afraid to be overheard.

Luca was stunned speechless. He didn't know what to say, but—oddly—he still had no plans to stop trying to be Boone's friend. None of that bullshit had anything to do with him. Luca was considered undesirable in some circles too. He wouldn't be the same judgmental ass as everyone else. Luca was better than that.

Jarek watched Luca talk and play with the group of boys. It warmed his chest to see Luca smile. He felt Boone's stare. Jarek turned his head and met the man's stare. Boone looked as if he saw too much. In his discomfort, Jarek cleared his throat.

"So, which of these boys belongs to you?"

A loud bark of laughter escaped Boone. "No one here is dumb enough to have anything to do with me."

Until that moment, Jarek had never truly understood what it must be like to be part of a crime family. It wasn't like Boone woke up one day and decided to be who he was. He had been born into the life. The choice had never been his. That didn't make him any less deadly, but still. Jarek wondered if it was a lonely life. Anyone brave enough to date him probably ended up dead if it didn't work out. His family would never chance anyone knowing too much.

Luca appeared at his side.

Jarek automatically wrapped his arm around Luca's waist, pulling him closer. "Are you finished playing already?"

Luca shrugged. "Kyson and Soren are leaving. Jupiter went to color. I'm not really in the mood to do that."

Boone unexpectedly stood. "Come on. I'll push you on the swing."

A surge of jealousy almost had Jarek putting his foot down with a firm no. Only Luca's open excitement stopped him. With a little bounce, Luca tapped the tips of his fingers together. "Really?"

Boone smiled differently when he dealt with Luca. It was honestly a bit unnerving. "Of course. After you," he said, motioning toward the nearby swing set.

Luca skipped toward it.

Boone chuckled as he followed. The sound sent a chill down Jarek's spine. He had a feeling he needed to keep an eye on things. Jarek didn't think Boone could be trusted under the best of circumstances. If Luca had caught his interest, that was a tad terrifying.

A loud squeal rent the air, followed by an evil-sounding laugh as Boone sent Luca flying. Several of the other boys looked the pair's way. All but one went back to their toys. The blond who had played cards with Luca stood. He creeped closer. After a few seconds, he finally got close enough to catch the pair's attention. Luca and Boone motioned for him to join them. In no time, Boone had both going as high as the swings would take them. Their laughter made Jarek smile. Luca had found a place here. Jarek would bring him back. Luca's happiness mattered to him. Jarek didn't know why things between them had bloomed so quickly and strongly, but Jarek had decided to keep him. This was the happiest Jarek had ever been. Jarek wouldn't relinquish that feeling without a fight. He couldn't let Luca go to Nevada. Jarek just didn't know how to stop him yet.