Chapter One #4
“Okay.” Nicky was already reaching for the door handle.
If the boy belonged to him, Law would have insisted on getting Nicky out himself, but he needed to slow his need to take control.
Nicky had no idea of Law’s interest, and he wasn’t even sure if Nicky would be up for starting something with him.
Law knew from Liam that Nicky was on dating apps.
Law was done with dating. He wanted a boy to be his forever partner.
After his last relationship ended, Law promised himself that he wouldn’t get involved with anyone that wasn’t looking for the same as he was. Even though Liam swore that Nicky was looking for his forever Daddy, Law needed to hear the words from the boy himself.
Nicky skipped ahead of him.
Law was pleased to see that the boy had rebounded quickly from the earlier events. He attributed it to Nicky regressing and being at his best friend’s house where he knew he could remain little.
They walked up to the front door and Law scowled. “How are we supposed to get in?” He had not thought this through. It was way too cold to hang out on the front porch. Nicky might catch a cold and get sick.
Nicky rolled his eyes. “Keys, please.”
Keys? Oh hell, Law had pocketed Nicky’s keys after locking up the boy’s car. He pulled the set from his pocket.
Nicky grabbed them before finding the shiny silver key in the middle of the ring. “Key!” He held it up to Law.
“Of course you have a key.” Law accepted it before getting the door unlocked for them.
“Besties forever!” Nicky sing-songed as he danced across the threshold. “Hades! Your favorite person is here.”
Closing and locking the door, Law followed behind Nicky, who’d raced over to the couch where the murder kitty was perched on the back.
Nicky continued to coo to the cat as Law approached.
Law crossed his arms over his chest when the beast allowed Nicky to pet and love him and didn’t attempt to swipe at the boy.
“Here!” Nicky straightened before handing over the mouse. “Give Hades his just dues.”
The mouse appeared much smaller in his larger hand. Law shoved the toy at the cat.
Hades hissed.
“Not like that!” Nicky huffed.
Law managed to yank his hand back as Hades whipped his claws toward his flesh.
“Give him a break, pretty kitty,” Nicky admonished the little demon. “He’s trying to be your friend. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you liked Law so he could rub it into Jude? Wouldn’t you like that?”
Law would swear that the cat looked from Nicky to him with evil intent in his eyes.
“Now,” Nicky said as he wrapped his fingers around Jude’s wrist. “Gently offer him the mouse.”
With Nicky’s urging, Law once again offered Hades the toy.
The cat sniffed before moving closer. When the boy tightened his fingers, Law would happily risk the loss of some flesh just so Nicky kept touching him.
“Come on, Hades,” Nicky said sweetly. “You know you want the mouse.”
Hades gave a massive sigh before bringing up both paws.
Law stiffened but Nicky giggled as he danced in place. “That’s it. Good kitty.”
Hades grabbed Law’s hand, bringing the mouse and his fingers closer to the demon’s mouth. When the cat began to chew on the end of the mouse’s nose and not on Law, he eventually relaxed.
“See!” Nicky said proudly as he petted Hades back. “Friends.”
Law wouldn’t go that far but at least the little monster wasn’t using him as a scratching post.
“Now you pet him,” Nicky demanded.
“I think I’m good,” Law replied, still eyeing Hades carefully.
“You have to pet him,” Nicky insisted.
“Fine.” Law used his free hand to run his fingers down the cat’s back. Hades continued to nibble on the mouse, not paying him any attention. The cat’s fur was sleek and soft. Law found himself enjoying the little monster’s low rumbles as well.
“Good job!” Nicky praised. “You’ll be friends in no time.”
The front door opened. Law pulled the mouse away to stuff the toy into his pocket. He had promised to keep Nicky’s secret. Plus, it really would irk Jude if Law could get Hades on his side.
“Bestie!” Liam called. “I’m here.”
Nicky bounced. “Me too! Me too!”
Liam ran into the room, nearly jumping into Nicky’s arms.
He had to catch Nicky’s shoulders to keep the boy upright as Liam clung to him. Not that either boy seemed to notice they’d nearly ended up on the floor.
The two boys hugged as Jude walked in carrying several large to-go bags. Law strolled over to help his friend as the two boys didn’t stop talking. They got louder and louder attempting to talk over each other.
Jude rolled his eyes as he passed over two bags. “Hey, man. Thanks for picking him up.”
“Of course.” Like Law would have let anyone be stranded. Especially not Liam’s best friend, whether Law was interested or not. “That’s a lot of food,” Law commented.
“The chef decided that we needed to try everything on the menu. Nice guy but I think he went a little overboard.”
From the aromas coming from the bags, Law was not going to complain. The Italian restaurant was already receiving rave reviews online and in the local paper. Their community depended on tourists to make their revenue, and a restaurant of this caliber would be a true asset.
“Let’s get these into the kitchen and set the table. Then we’ll see if we can get the boys to let each other go long enough to get them settled,” Jude suggested.
Law couldn’t help glancing over at Nicky. He’d hoped to have some more alone time with the boy. Maybe he could still salvage most of the night since it appeared that Jude would have his hands full with a little Liam.