Lucky Boys (Il Fortunato #1)

30. Wes

CHAPTER 30

WES

I was feeling pretty light as I left Diego’s office. It was the most relaxed I’d been since Luca had left the country. Between my worry for all of them, plus the threatening note that Jay’s boyfriend Dakota had found, I’d been pretty stressed lately. I was a doer, and unfortunately in both situations, there was nothing I could do. All the signs were pointing to the letter being a prank, but something wasn’t sitting right with me. With no evidence, however, all we could do was wait.

Then, of course, there was concern for Diego. He wasn’t doing well here alone, and as much as it seemed my presence helped, he missed Brooks fiercely. I understood. I had the same ache when it came to Luca. I’d never had this emptiness in me before when one of us had been gone, but then again, we’d barely had a chance to revel in the relationship change before he’d had to leave.

Diego was easing the pain that hole left though. Every second I spent with him was precious and had my feelings growing for him even more. It was exciting to get to know him, to woo him. Fuck, that sounded cheesy, but it was also true. I wanted to woo Diego Foster.

It had been years since I’d planned a date for anyone. Hell, even longer than that since I’d actually wanted to. Things just felt different with Diego. I wanted to put in the work. He was worth it.

I checked the time. It was still early enough that Luca and his men were likely still up. They probably were all sitting around the house, waiting for the next step, much like us, so I doubted I was going to be bothering them. I hit FaceTime.

“Hello?” Luca’s face filled the screen. He was sitting on what looked like a sofa, a wooden plank wall behind him. He looked a little distracted, staring at something beyond the camera.

“Is this a bad time?”

“No.” His voice sounded strangled. “That’s it, trouble. You can take me a little deeper. Good boy. What a good little cocksucker.” He dragged his eyes up to me. “It’s not a bad time at all. What’s up? Is everything okay?”

I laughed, rolling my eyes. “Seriously? You didn’t have to answer, you know.”

Luca smirked. “What’s the fun in that?” One of his hands dipped under the camera angle, and then there was a gagging sound followed by a deep moan.

“Ahh, fuck. Your mouth is fucking perfect, sweetheart. Ease up a bit. Just hold it in your mouth so I can have a conversation with my boyfriend. Just like that. Keep it nice and warm for me. And try not to fidget so much.” Luca sighed like it was a deep hardship. “I’m feeling generous, so I’ll lower the vibrations.” Brooks whimpered.

“Is he plugged?”

“He’s impaled on a dildo suction-cupped to the floor. I have a vibrator attached to it. He was a little unsettled when he got home from the job.”

I whistled. “It’s in these moments, I’m really glad I’m not a sub.”

“Oh, he enjoys it. Do you wanna see?”

Fuck. Did I want to see Brooks impaled from both ends and stuffed with the man I loved’s dick? That would be a very strong yes.

“As long as he’s okay with it.”

Luca looked down. “You don’t mind, do you, trouble? You want to show Wes what a greedy cockslut you are?” There was a sound that must’ve been a yes because then Luca was changing the view of his camera, and okay, yes, Brooks was really enjoying this. I winced; he was so hard it must’ve been painful. Big blue eyes wet with tears looked at me. I wasn’t a weak man, but fuck, even I was susceptible to that. I adjusted myself in my pants.

“Very nice, babe,” I told Luca. “You’re a lucky man.”

He grinned. “I know.” Then he got serious. “Sorry. I hijacked the call. What’s going on?”

I waved away his apology. “I asked Diego on a date, and he said yes.” The was some kind of inhuman squeal, and then the familiar sound of a mouth popping off a dick.

“What! When? What did he say? Why didn’t he call me? He did tell you he’s aroace, right? I think it’s okay that I told you. It’s not really a secret. Which, obviously, he can still go on a date with you. I just don’t want you to pressure him into something he doesn’t want. Oh, and is he leaving the—mmmph.”

“Enough. I was having a conversation with my boyfriend. You are busy. You can talk to Diego later.”

Brooks whined but seemed to relent, because no more questions were blurted out.

“I apologize for the interruption. You were saying?”

I plopped down on one of the barstools. I’d never be able to be the kind of Dom Luca was. I was way too much of a softy. “For Brooks’s peace of mind, no, I’m not taking Diego off the property, and yes, he told me he’s asexual and aromantic. None of takes away from the way I feel about him. I care deeply about Diego, Brooks. I won’t hurt him. Actually, that’s part of the reason I called. I want to do something special, but I’m not sure what.”

“See, sweetheart? Wes will take care of Diego. You don’t have to worry.” Luca looked back up at me. “Oh, I have just the thing! What’s his favorite food?”

I blinked. “I know he likes Koren BBQ, but I don’t know how to cook that.”

There was more off-camera commotion and Luca huffed. “What is it, boy?”

Brooks was in view again, his lips puffy and spit-soaked. “There’s this Korean place a block from our house. It’s amazing. They know Diego’s order. You’ll have to pick it up, but it’s worth it. Also, strawberry soda. He can’t drink because of his meds, but he fucking loves strawberry soda. He’s not a big sweets person is all about the savory snacks. Though, he loves popcorn and M&Ms. Ohhh! Do an outdoor movie. Sir has that projector screen. He loves the Halloween movies. He’ll talk crap about them the whole time, but don’t let that fool you. That’s why he loves them.”

I was smiling by the time Brooks was done listing everything he knew about Diego’s likes and interests. I loved that they had each other. Their bond was special, and I hoped both of them understood I had no intentions of getting in between that. I didn’t think it was a concern, but I did want to talk to Brooks privately once they were back in the States.

“Thank you, Brooks. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you’re willing to help.”

Brooks’s expression got all soft. “Of course. Deigo is special, and I just know you’ll treat him right the way he deserves. I’d do anything to give him a chance to feel as special as he is.”

I met Luca’s eyes over Brooks’s head. He looked all lovey dovey, and I had to hide my grin. Luca fisted a handful of Brooks’s hair and tilted his head back before kissing him so intensely, I felt like I should look away. I didn’t because I knew neither man wanted nor expected privacy, but still.

“You are the best kind of person, sweetheart. I love your generous heart.”

Brooks’s cheeks turned tomato red, but he was beaming and shimmying happily.

I talked to Luca for another minute, learning where a few things I wanted were, then hung up. I had a lot of work to do.

…

The sound of Diego’s beach chair scraping against the patio had my heart beating faster. It was the third time he’d scooted closer to me. At first, I’d thought it was to reach the popcorn that was in between us. But then he’d put the bowl on his lap and brought the chair closer, close enough that the arms were touching.

Diego placed his arm on the rest, half on mine. I couldn’t take my eyes off that arm. Was it an invitation? I wouldn’t presume though. Not without Diego’s explicit consent.

“I just don’t understand why they had Jamie Lee Curtis in a fucking hospital the whole time. Such a fucking waste,” Diego grumbled as he shoved another handful of popcorn in his mouth.

Brooks had been right. He had been bitching about these movies since we’d started, but the way his eyes never left the screen and how he leaned forward, anticipating each scene, I could tell he really loved them. I guessed the running commentary was part of the appeal. It was fucking adorable.

The whole date had been amazing. He’d been shocked that I’d driven all the way to his old neighborhood to get his favorite food. I’d had to reheat it when I’d gotten home, but even that hadn’t taken away from how good it tasted or the smile on Diego’s face.

I’d also taken the opportunity to swing by their house. It bothered me that we couldn’t trace who’d hired their attackers. It was just one shell corporation inside another one. Eventually, Diego had to put it aside to work on the case and provide extra help with Dakota and Jay’s problem. He was only one person doing at least three people’s jobs, so of course some things would fall to the wayside. I had been making a few calls of my own, and I hoped to have answers soon. Diego might not have time to focus on who attacked him, but I sure as fuck wasn’t going to let it go.

I kept that part of my outing to myself. I didn’t want to ruin the date by stressing Diego out. We were pretty busy eating over on the picnic blanket I’d set out on the lawn by the gazebo. It was the perfect spot because you could see both the garden and the pool. I had gotten the fairy lights out of storage and the whole gazebo was covered with them. Luca had installed colored lighting in the pool, and I had it turned to purple, giving the water a unique vibe.

We kept things light over dinner, mostly talking about the latest episode of the show. Once we slowed down, Diego started to get a little awkward, so I suggested the movies. Like Brooks had said, I set up an outdoor movie theater. There were plenty of blankets, more fairy lights, snacks, and, of course, strawberry soda. There was so much I wanted to talk about, but I didn’t want to push him or make him uncomfortable.

Diego kept on watching the screen, and I kept watching Diego. If he realized how much I was staring at him, he’d probably be creeped out, but I couldn’t help it. I was captivated by him, wanted to memorize every inch of him. To understand what made him tick. I wanted to be able to plan dates and just know I had it perfect without Brooks’s input, even if I appreciated it. I wanted to be part of Diego’s life, however that would turn out.

Eventually, the end credits rolled, and I realized I hadn’t watched a second of it.

Diego’s head snapped toward mine, like he suddenly realized that I was watching him. He ducked his head sheepishly.

“Do you, um, want to watch the next one?”

“I was hoping we could talk a bit, if you’re okay with that?”

“Yeah, okay? About what?”

I sighed and took a breath. I very much wanted to drag Diego onto my lap and hold him to me while we had this discussion, but I doubted he would be okay with that. Instead, I asked, “Can I hold your hand, angel? There’s no right or wrong answer. I won’t be angry or upset if you say no.”

His breath hitched a little and he stared at my hand for so long, I started to regret asking, but finally, he nodded. “Y-yeah. I think I’d like that.”

I hoped I didn’t look too overeager as I placed my hand palm up and waited for him to put his in mine. He only hesitated for a second before doing exactly that. It felt perfect, like that was exactly where it was meant to be.

I could tell he was still stiff, so I decided not to bring extra attention to it and just got started. “As I’m sure you know, Luca and the others are kinky and engage in a BDSM dynamic.”

It was a weird way to start, and by Diego’s expression, he thought so too, but I wasn’t sure how else to segue into this.

“Yeah . . .”

“Well, I wanted to talk to you about what it means to me.”

Diego flinched, but he didn’t pull away. “I guess I should’ve realized you weren’t completely vanilla.”

I smiled. “I’m not, but I’m not into the lifestyle the way Luca and his men are, or it seems Brooks is. It’s something I enjoy very much, and I tend to fall into the role even in a vanilla relationship, but I don’t need it the way Luca does. I can be very happy and content in a more vanilla dynamic. I can absolutely love someone without needing that in any type of formal way.”

Diego frowned. “Can you just spell it out plainly please?”

I huffed, a little frustrated with myself. I had been having this conversation in my mind for days now, but when I was finally having it with the person it needed to be with, I was fumbling it all up.

“Yes, sorry. I consider myself a Daddy Dom.”

Diego tilted his head. “I need a little more than that, Wes. I know a lot about it. I did a shit ton of research with Brooks when he was first discovering he was a sub. And even before that, when I realized I wasn’t having crushes or the same desires most of my classmates had, my mom and I looked up pretty much everything.” He shook his head, a small, amused smile on his face. “I just want to know what being a Daddy means to you. Do you like age play? Or is more of a caretaker thing?”

“Caretaker. I’ve played with a few littles before, and it’s fun but not something I’d want long-term, I don’t think. I like to be in charge. I like making sure my partner knows they’re loved and cared for. I like making sure they ate dinner, and got enough sleep, and helping provide that for them. I like praising my boy, telling him how good and special he is. What that means exactly would depend on my partners.”

Diego was quiet for a while, picking at a thread on his shorts. “And this is something you’d be into, even if it never gets sexual?”

“Yes.” Without a doubt, I wanted this with Diego. I didn’t care about not having sex with him. I wanted him as a person. “But like I said, it doesn’t have to be anything formal. We’re already kind of drifting in that direction. Can we continue like this and see how it goes? If it develops naturally, then that’s great. If it doesn’t, well, then that’s okay too.”

He nodded. “Yeah, I’d like that. I like us. This. It’s so new and confusing and has me questioning some things. But I like that you planned this for me, and I like when you make me drink water or step away from the computer.” I’d been trying to do small things like that since the guys had left without overstepping boundaries. I was thrilled that he was okay with it.

“Really? So you don’t mind if I keep doing that? I just want to make sure you’re eating and caring for your own well-being.”

“I-I don’t mind. It’s nice.”

“I’m so glad, angel. And remember, even if it’s not sexual, safewords always apply. If at any time you need me to step back or stop something, tell me.”

“I will. Can we, um, talk about Luca and all them?”

I tried not show my concern. “Of course.”

He took a deep breath. “I, um, I don’t mind you being with them. Sexually, I mean. I know you and Luca are a done deal, and of course I’m good with that. But even the others. If you wanted to have sex with them, I’d be fine with that. Just, can we keep it between us six? No one outside the dynamic?”

Fuck did I want to kiss Diego right now. I wanted to show him everything I was feeling through my touch. But he was just starting to trust me, and I’d never do something without permission and violate that.

“Absolutely. Until very recently, I always assumed I was completely monogamous. It was why I held off with Luca for so long. Also, just so everything is clear, I don’t desire having a romantic relationship with Mav, Skye, or Brooks. As long as you’re comfortable with it, if it happens organically, I wouldn’t mind having a scene with them, sexual or otherwise, but it’s only you and Luca I want more than that with. And definitely no one outside our little polycule.”

That seemed to relax Diego and he leaned into my arm just a little bit. “I-I like that. I don’t know what I might want sexually. I always kind of figured I was pretty close to the sex adverse side of the ace spectrum, but recently—” He swallowed and looked down. “Maybe I’m more demi? I don’t really know.”

“Hey, angel, can you look at me please?” He shrugged but eventually looked up, “Good boy, thank you. It’s okay to not know. It’s also okay if it changes. Sexuality is fluid. Things might change as you get older or gain more experience, and that’s completely fine. It’s also fine to never label it. You’re Diego Foster. All that other stuff is just society’s way of trying to understand it and fit people into boxes.”

“Okay, thanks. That makes me feel a little better. I still don’t think I have any interest in participating. But, I, um, maybe would like to watch.”

Oh fuck, he was going to kill me.

“You want to watch, angel? What would you like to see?”

“Well, we kind of witnessed Luca and Brooks, um, reuniting, and it did things to me I never experienced before.”

I grinned, enjoying watching my boy squirm. “What did it do to you, angel?”

He blushed, a lot. “I got hard. Like, not all the way there, but I think it turned me on some. Which was weird because it was Brooks.”

“That’s not weird. Brooks is the person you feel safest with, right? The person you trust the most?”

“Yes.” He answered without hesitation, but I expected that. We were still getting to know each other, so of course he trusted Brooks more. But I did feel like we were getting there, and I hoped that maybe one day I could at least be close to Brooks’s level.

“So it’s understandable that seeing him with someone he also trusts and has very strong feelings for may turn you on. It’s not some random stranger in porn or even a club. It’s Brooks.”

“I-I hadn’t really thought about that.”

My answer might have been different a year or two ago, but seeing my son with Beckett had changed my perspective on that. I’d seen the unbreakable connection they had. There was no bond stronger. Diego and Brooks had something similar, and it would be cruel to judge or try to stop that.

Diego’s eyes drifted down, toward in between my legs where I was starting to thicken. I didn’t think he could see it, but either way his eyes seemed to home in on my crotch. I had a feeling he’d never express what he needed, so I had to probe, just a little bit.

“What is it, Diego? Is there something you need?”

He startled, like he’d completely forgotten I was there. Finally, he dragged his gaze back up to my eyes. “Yeah, um. I’m just wondering if it’s only watching Brooks that gets me hard.”

Well shit. Keep it together, Hayes. Do not scare your boy .

“Is that what you’re wondering, angel? You want to know if watching me with give you the same reaction?”

His pupils dilated as he chewed on his lip. He still hadn’t let go of my hand.

“Y-yes. Is that okay?”

Of fucking course it was. “Yes. It’s more than okay. Just tell me what you want and I’ll do it.”

Diego hesitated again and his fingers flexed in my grip. Finally, he said, “Can I see you naked?”