Chapter 38 Jude
Iremove my hearing aids as soon as we get into the car, and the tension headache that’s brewing thanks me for it. Antonio plasters himself to my side, and I breathe a little easier being so close to my Boy after the intensity of that meeting.
I could see in Allesandro’s eyes how badly he wanted Lio back with him, and it worried me for him, and for the Boy at my side, knowing the sick, twisted hold he has on all of them.
It’s more than just the submission and command in the bedroom, or part of their kink, but the control over the air they breathe.
The thought has me throwing my arm around the beautiful flower at my side and holding him close.
“Okay?” Dima asks from his seat.
See-sawing my hand back and forth, I give him a maybe. “Better than Carter and Emilio, even Tennant,” I voice.
Dima grimaces. “Not a high bar to meet.”
“No,” I agree.
Dima looks to Antonio as he signs and voices, “We can teach you. My brothers and I are teaching Doc both Russian and RSL. It’s no hardship to teach you ASL. It’s always recommended to learn from a Deaf teacher, and Donovan will be happy to help.”
Pressing a kiss to Antonio’s hair, I breathe him in for a moment. “I’ll help you practice,” I tell my Boy.
Antonio sinks into me and I enjoy the feeling of him at my side. I’d enjoy it a hell of a lot more if we were home and had the twins with us, but this bit of time with just the two of us is nice as well. Especially, after forcing him into a room with his former Master.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I take it out, already knowing who it’s going to be. Sure enough, I’m not surprised by the text.
ROMAN
Was it as bad as it sounded?
I hesitate for a moment, not wanting to lie to him, but knowing the truth will crush him.
JUDE
Worse.
ROMAN
Fuck. I can’t wait until the four of you are here. How’s Antonio doing?
I grin, even if the feeling isn’t there. Roman cares so much for everyone. His heart is bigger than anyone would think, given his position.
JUDE
Okay. I’ve got him, he’ll be fine.
ROMAN
I know he will be, you’re the best. I just…worry about him, Lio, and Marcus.
JUDE
I know. But we’ve got them. *He* can’t hurt them anymore.
ROMAN
Damn right. Hurry up. I need snuggles.
I snort at that, making Antonio look up at me. I show him my screen, and he melts against me, his expression softening a little at the concern in Roman’s messages.
JUDE
Is anyone with you?
ROMAN
I’m in Hol’s office. But I can’t koala him because of my fucking ribs. So…snuggles. I don’t care what Dr. Ranlen says. You, me, Hol, Ten, Lio, and Antonio. Benjamin can join too, if he wants, but I need you three, and Lio and Antonio need us after all *that*.
JUDE
We’ll make it work, Tesoro Mio.
ROMAN
Yeah. Love you. Hurry up and come snuggle me.
JUDE
See you soon.
Putting my phone away, I hold my Boy even closer. “I love you,” I say into his hair.
Antonio leans into me enough that he’s almost in my lap, and if I didn’t care about his safety, I'd say fuck it and pull him onto my lap, but I can’t, not now. Roman’s idea of a snuggle pile doesn’t sound so claustrophobic, not when it has everyone I need in one place.