24. Ryann
Ryann
W e make it to Declan’s within the hour, his high-rise silhouetted against the Aurora Bridge. Unlike my penthouse, Declan opted for a sprawling two-story unit on the ground floor, and the second we’re buzzed in, I’m pounding on his front door.
“Jesus, Ryann, what the hell—“ My twin starts, but I push past him, heading straight for the granite staircase.
“Where is he? The guest room?”
“Yeah, but I think he’s asleep.”
Ignoring him, I take the steps two at a time, bypassing a wide-eyed Paige before throwing open the guest room door.
Shilo squeaks in surprise, scrambling to sit up in the king-sized bed that swallows his small body. Rushing to his side, my heart breaks at the dark purple swelling across the bridge of his nose.
“Who the fuck hurt you?” I demand, my blood boiling as I gently cup his face, wiping away the tear tracks on his cheeks. “Who did this, baby?”
Christ, he looks terrible, and it’s all I can do to keep from vibrating with rage.
“S-some drunk assholes at a party,” he mumbles, taking hold of my wrists. “Carpenter, Kansas, Tina, and their girlfriend defended me.”
Goddammit. Remind me to give all of them raises. Hell, I’ll hire Tina and their girlfriend just to give them raises.
“Who was it?” Leaning in, I try to kiss him softly, but my hands shake with unspent violence “Give me names. I’ll fucking murder them.”
He lets out a wet laugh, crawling into my lap, his skin warm and clean from a fresh shower. “The cops have an ID. I filed a report.”
“You think I’m joking, but I’m not.” Wrapping my arms around him, I bury my face in his hair, hating myself for not being there when he needed me. For putting work first, again . I’m so fucking tired of always putting work first. He needs to know how I feel.
“What are you doing here?” he whispers, his breath warm against my neck as he clings to me. “Didn’t you have a meeting?”
“That’s not important. Nothing’s important tonight except you.” I lean back, taking a deep breath before saying what I desperately need him to hear. “I love you, Shilo. So damn much.”
His blue eyes fill with fresh tears, his lips parting just as Paige’s voice makes him jump.
“ What the fuck is happening?! ”
Shilo freezes, ducking his head as he grips me tighter, like he’s afraid I’ll let him go. Over his shoulder, Paige stands in the doorway, completely outraged, and I toss her a cool glance.
“I’m holding my boy. What does it look like?”
“Your…?” Her nostrils flare, dark eyes flashing as she marches toward us. “My brother is not your boy! He’s your employee! And too fucking young for you. Get away from him!”
“Paige, no.” Shilo slides off my lap, placing himself between us. “Leave him alone. It’s not what you think.”
“He’s almost as old as Dad, Shilo!” she snaps, and I bristle in annoyance. For the record, fifty is very far off, thank you. Not to mention, she’s dating my brother, who’s the same age as me.
“And I’m old enough to make my own decisions,” he counters, his chin jutting out stubbornly, fists clenched at his sides. “I know I’m… not normal sometimes. But that doesn’t mean I’m dumb.”
Paige huffs, folding her arms as she glares daggers at me. “I know you’re not dumb, Iggy, but this is wildly inappropriate—“
“I’m an adult, aren’t I? Old enough to know what I want?” Turning back to me, Shilo sits on my knee, threading our fingers. “And what I want is Ryann. I don’t care what you think about it.”
Her jaw works as she studies us, clearly irritated. Then her laser focus shifts to Declan, who’s lingering by the doorway awkwardly.
“Did you know about this?” she demands.
Dec’s eyes widen, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
“Oh, you and I are so having a conversation,“ she growls, storming over to grab him by the shirt before dragging him away. His bedroom door slams so hard I wince.
Fuck. I hope my situation didn’t just blow up his.
Olivia grimaces before stepping into the room, stopping a few inches from the bed. Her gaze lands on Shilo, and her expression softens. “Well, I’m glad to see you’re safe. Ry here was worried about you.”
Shilo ducks his head, hiding behind his hair. “Yeah.”
My shy boy.
I tilt his chin up, pressing another delicate kiss to his lips. “Why don’t we drop Olivia off at her apartment so I can take you home?”
He squints at me through swollen eyes. “Home? Like your condo?”
“Yes, baby doll. That’s now your home because you’re staying with me.”
Shilo is quiet the entire ride home, his head down and his responses mumbled, even when Olivia wishes him goodnight. By the time we step into the elevator, he’s still hiding behind his hair, his emotions locked away.
I keep him pressed to my side, my thumb rubbing slow circles on the back of his neck as I fight the urge to demand words from him, to tell me what he’s thinking. After what he’s been through tonight, he needs patience. Not pressure.
“Sit, and I’ll make you something to eat,” I tell him softly, pressing a kiss to the top of his head as I guide him to a stool at the center island. He doesn’t argue, doesn’t push back, just rests his chin on his folded arms and watches me silently as I move around the kitchen.
Grilled cheese and soup is about the best I can manage. If my little doll is going to live here, I’ll need to learn how to cook a decent meal.
When I set the plate and bowl in front of him, the sight of his bruised face as he lifts his head sends a fresh wave of anger surging through me. My fists clench against my thighs when I slide onto the stool next to him, fury simmering beneath my skin. Once the cops find whoever did this, I’ll make damn sure they regret it, I swear.
Shilo barely touches his food, pushing the soup around with his spoon and ignoring the sandwich entirely. Sighing heavily, I reach out to gently pry the spoon from his hand.
“Open up, baby.”
He scowls when I lift the spoon to his mouth. “I’m not a baby.”
“No, you’re my boy, and I’m going to take care of you. Let me do this.”
His pupils dilate, blowing wide as his lips part in surprise. I take advantage by guiding the spoon onto his tongue, and he lets me feed him until the bowl is nearly empty, never dropping his gaze. There’s so much trust in his eyes that my chest physically aches.
“I’m still not calling you Daddy,” he grumbles around a piece of grilled cheese, finally breaking the silence.
I can’t help but grin. “You can call me anything you want. You’re still mine.”
His breath catches as he swallows, delicate throat flexing with a nod. “Yours.”
The word sends warmth flooding through my bones, stirring a fierce protectiveness in my soul. He’s mine. And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe.
“Let’s get ready for bed.”
After cleaning up the dishes, I find him in the bathroom, perched on the counter. Smiling in amusement, I grab a toothbrush and scrub his teeth for him, laughing at the horrified look he gives me when I use the same brush for my own.
“Need I remind you where my tongue has been?” I chuckle, spitting into the sink. “We’ve shared far more than mouth germs, baby doll.”
His face flushes pink, and he mutters something under his breath, making me smirk. Once we’re finished, I strip us both naked before we climb between the sheets in our bedroom.
“I’ve been thinking about this all day,” Shilo groans in relief, melting into my hold. “Would have rather been here than that stupid party.”
“The feeling is mutual,” I huff, ignoring my rapidly filling cock as I gaze down at him. “Tell me what happened today.”
He grimaces, burying his face in my chest before flinching when the action bumps his nose. “Ow, frick. This sucks balls.”
“No more hiding, Shilo. Talk to me. I want to know what’s going on in your head.”
Several moments pass as he gathers his thoughts, and then he scoots up slightly to throw a leg over my hip. “Okay, but c-can we…can you get inside of me first? I want to feel close…is that weird?”
Shaking my head, I kiss him softly, feeling his hardness poke at my stomach. “Not weird at all, baby. I need you.”
A whimper leaves his throat when I reach over to grab the lube from the nightstand, and I spread some over his pucker before working him open with my fingers. Our kisses are slow, barely touching tongues, his cries of pleasure soft and breathy. When he’s ready, I pour more over my cock before gently sliding into him, his tight hole so fucking warm that I have to force myself to stay still.
God, he feels so good, so right. Absolutely perfect.
With a contented sigh, he rubs his forehead against my shoulder. “Kansas dressed me up for my birthday. I thought I looked okay.”
“You looked so damn sexy.” My hips jerk involuntarily. “That picture had me hard in a room full of execs. I almost embarrassed myself.”
He snorts, making his hole flex around my cock, and I groan as my balls start to ache.
“Well, anyway, the party started off fine, I guess. Carpenter told me not to leave his side and not accept drinks from strangers.”
Another point in Carpenter’s favor. Turns out, the useless PA isn’t so useless after all.
Shilo continues. “But then it got hot and too loud, so I went to find the restroom for some air, and that’s when those assholes found me.”
As he recounts what happened, my anger builds with every word, softening inside of him. I have to bite my tongue to keep from snapping when he shares the things his dad said. It’s official—I hate Mark Reed more than I hate my own father.
“He said I deserved it because of how I dressed,” my little doll whispers against my neck, his voice catching, and I press a soft kiss to his temple.
“No one has the right to hurt you, Shilo. For any reason. You’re allowed to feel comfortable in your own skin.”
“I know. I’ve just…” He swallows hard, his blue eyes searching my face. “I’ve been teased my whole life about how I look, but this time it was for my sexuality. Feels like it’ll never end sometimes.”
My heart breaks as I pull him closer, wishing I could take all of his pain away. “I want to tell you it gets easier, hearing the comments and slurs. But it doesn’t. People will always have opinions about how we live and who we love. But those opinions are about them, not you.”
I cradle his face, making sure he’s looking at me. “Don’t hide away or try to change, baby. You’re perfect just as you are.”
He nods slowly, chewing on his thumbnail thoughtfully. “Are you gonna get in trouble for leaving your meeting early?”
“Very much so. Ronin fired me on the spot.” Blowing out a breath, I run a hand through my hair. “But it doesn’t matter. Nothing matters but you.”
His brows slam down as he tries to wriggle away, the movement bringing my cock back to life. Letting out a low groan, I grab his hips to keep him still.
“No. Y-you can’t do that, Ryann, this is important! You gave up your dreams to work at this company. You can’t throw it all away for me.”
“I’m not throwing anything away, hush.”
He continues to struggle in my grasp, but the way his teeth sink into his bottom lip tells me that he’s doing it on purpose, the naughty boy. His dick is leaving a sticky mess all over my abs.
“Shilo, listen to me. Nothing is more important than making sure you’re safe. I promise I’m not going to lose my job over it.”
Those beautiful eyes widen as he gently rolls his hips against me. “But you said Ronin fired you.”
“He did.” Meeting his rhythm, I thrust into him slowly, already close to spilling my release. “Don’t worry about me. The only thing I want to focus on tonight is making you come so you can sleep.”
The tip of my length tags his prostate, causing him to cry out as his fingers dig into my biceps. “Doctor said I’m not—oh, god. Mmm. I’m not supposed to do any strenuous activity. C-concussion.”
“We don’t have to be rough.” Kissing the top of his head, I continue to slide in and out of his slick hole, keeping my pace as soft as possible. “Just close your eyes and let me make you feel good.”
“Ry, please,” he whimpers, and I reach between us to stroke his cock.
“I’ve got you. Always.”
Our lips touch in sensual, heated kisses, the moans coming from his mouth drawing me closer and closer. When I lightly suck on his tongue, he comes apart, walls clenching as his cum splashes between us, and I follow him over the edge.
Neither of us moves when I’ve filled him completely, our kisses slowing as my little doll grows warm and pliant against me.
“So what are we gonna do now?” He murmurs, barely conscious enough to form the question.
Wiping us down with a discarded shirt, I tuck the blankets around him. “One day at a time, baby. We’ll take it one day at a time.”
He hums lightly, nuzzling into me. “I love you too…”
My breath catches as I freeze, my arms instinctively tightening around him. His soft, quiet breathing fill the room, and I swallow hard against the lump rising in my throat.
Besides Declan, no one’s ever said those words to me. Not since my mother died.
Clearing my throat, I press a tender kiss to his forehead, careful not to bump his nose. Shiloh deserves the world, and I’m going to make damn sure I give it to him.
Ronin’s sharp gaze holds mine from behind his desk, both of us staring each other down. Early morning sun streams through the windows, the clear break in weather as positive a sign as any. To my right, Declan shifts uncomfortably while Olivia sits confident and poised to my left. Tension thickens the air.
That’s right, asshole. I brought backup.
“As previously stated,” Olivia says again, tapping the folder sitting untouched on my father’s desk, “these are our terms over at Sentinel Solutions. You’ll find a revised contract and statements from my lawyer. I can have him here in five minutes if need be.”
“And what if CalTek were to reject these terms?” Ronin asks coldly.
I toss him a smile to match his tone. “Then your sons and AVA will do business elsewhere. Namely, with Olivia.”
Dec’s breath stutters a bit, but he sits up straighter, squaring his shoulders as he nods in solidarity. It didn’t take much convincing for him to agree to help me, but it did take a massive amount of bribing to get him to face off with our father at my side. The two have never had a close connection, and Ronin downright intimidates my brother, if I’m being honest. The fact that he was even given a position at this company was mere courtesy, at best, which makes my request outrageous, I’m sure.
“Your grandfather and I built this company from the ground up,” Ronin nearly snarls, lips curled in distaste. “I won’t sit idly by and watch this nonsense tear it apart.”
“It’s not nonsense,” I counter through clenched teeth. “Declan has shown he’s more than capable, and it would allow us to expand in ways we can’t if the company remains under a single leader. We each have our strengths—“
“And your brother’s strength is wasting time on frivolous projects while you handle the real work. CalTek needs a single, strong leader. Not a divided front.”
Declan reels back in his seat, taking offense as he should. “Those frivolous projects have brought in significant revenue and innovation. I’m just as invested in the company’s success as Ryann. This isn’t about division, it’s about playing to our strengths and ensuring CalTek’s future.”
“I’ve always trusted you to lead this company, Ryann,” our father interjects, not even glancing at his other son. “You were raised for this. Declan lacks discipline and focus. He’s too impulsive.”
Years of lies burn on my tongue, and I try to keep from lashing out in my twin’s defense. “That’s why we balance each other out. I’m asking you to consider what’s best for the company’s growth, not just what fits the traditional mold. We’re stronger together but in different ways.”
Ronin’s eyes narrow, and for a moment, I think I see a flicker of consideration. But it quickly vanishes, replaced by familiar dismissal.
“I won’t allow it,” he states flatly. “This company needs stability, not an experiment in shared leadership. If you can’t see that, perhaps you’re not ready to lead.”
Fuck. But who can say that we didn’t try?
“Then this conversation is over.” Olivia picks up the folder calmly, her movements graceful as she rises to her feet. She offers me her arm, and I follow her lead, Declan trailing silently behind us.
But before the door closes, I stop.
Because if I don’t say what’s burning inside me, this moment will replay in my mind every night that I close my eyes. And I refuse to waste any time in bed thinking about anything other than Shilo.
Turning back, I hold my father’s gaze steady. “I gave up everything for this company. My social life, years of freedom, my college dreams. All at your behest. No one has been more dedicated to CalTek than I have. All I’ve done since I was fifteen is strive to make you see my worth. But I’ll never measure up to your expectations. Neither will Declan.”
“Either make your point or get out of my office,” he growls, his eyes already back on his monitor.
And that’s when I realize I’m done. Done with the lies, the hiding, the fear.
It’s now or never.
Taking a deep breath, I glance at Declan, who gives me a small, unsure nod. Then I pull tight the final thread we should have tied years ago.
“Declan wasn’t the one who started the fire. I was.”
That gets Ronin’s attention. His gaze snaps back to mine, but I don’t back down.
“He took the blame because he knew how important your approval was to me, and it ruined our relationship for years. I’m done putting you above him, above myself, or anyone else. Perhaps you’ll think about that kind of loyalty the next time you consider handing this company over to strangers.”
His glare hardens, his eyes flicking back to the screen, but I’ve already said what I needed to say. I take one last look at him—not as a father, but as a man I never hope to become.
Then I turn and leave, stepping into the elevator with Declan and Olivia.
She squeezes my arm reassuringly while Declan lets out a shaky breath and leans heavily against the wall. As the elevator descends, I feel lighter than I have in years.
Like I’m finally free.
“I hope we just made the right choice,” Dec murmurs, running a hand through his unruly curls.
I smirk, clapping him on the shoulder. “Give it a week, and we’ll be back at our desks. Dad was calling our bluff.”
His green eyes swing to mine, wary. “How do you know?”
“I was raised by the man my entire life. I know how he operates.”
Unfortunately, I used to operate the same way. But not anymore. I’ve learned there are more important things than work.
Like my little doll, who’s currently chatting with his sister at the security desk, completely unaware of my presence.
He looks relaxed, his nose less swollen, and absolutely edible in a sweater that hangs off one shoulder. The marks I’d kissed into his skin last night are on full display, faint but unmistakable.
I want to scoop him up, press him against the nearest wall, and make more. But he’s on the clock, so I’ll have to wait. It doesn’t stop my mind from running rampant with visions of sitting him on the security desk and worshiping his cock, though.
“So, this is real, then?” Declan asks quietly, following my gaze toward Shilo. “You and him? Is it worth it?”
My throat tightens with emotion as I watch my little doll throw his head back in laughter at something Paige says. He ducks behind his hair, flushing awkwardly when the other security guards glance his way. A shy smile crosses his lips before he turns back to his sister, and my breath catches.
He’s beautiful. Bit by bit, he’s coming out of his shell.
“Oh yes,” I murmur. “Very real. And very worth it.”
Olivia chuckles beside me. “Once he graduates, let me know. I’d love to have him join my team.”
“You’re poaching my workforce now?” I throw her an annoyed glance, and she grins back.
“He’s not technically yours anymore, right? You no longer work here.”
Well, that’s just ridiculous. “He’ll always be mine.”
Always.
Paige’s cell goes off, blaring the Bee Gee’s once again before she answers. Her expression falls when she glances up, catching sight of the three of us standing there. She says something into the phone, her tone clipped as she rounds the desk to approach us, and Shilo’s eyes light up when he notices me. He follows his sister curiously.
“I’m so sorry about this,“ Paige groans with a grimace. “The big guy upstairs just called to ensure I escort you three out.”
Declan scoffs, incredulous. “Wow. I shouldn’t even be surprised.”
He really shouldn’t, and neither should I, but it stings all the same.
“What happened?” Shilo asks, searching my face with a frown, and I lean down to kiss him—just because I can.
He gasps in surprise before chasing my mouth when I pull away, his wide eyes locked on mine. I swipe my thumb over his lip, unable to stop the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
“I’ll tell you at home over dinner.”
Home . Where Shilo will sit beside me on the couch, curled up in my arms. Where he’ll sleep next to me in bed. Where he belongs.
“Okay.”
We map each other’s features in silence, neither of us willing to break the connection, until an irritated sigh interrupts the moment.
“Stop defiling my baby brother and get out,” Paige growls, her nostrils flaring.
My lips twitch as I fight the urge to smirk. She hasn’t warmed up to the idea of Shilo and me, not since he admitted I was the guy he picked up in August. I’m sure she thinks her brother deserves better, and she’s probably right. But I’ll spend the rest of my days proving her wrong.
With one last heated glance at my little doll, I brush my fingers over his as Paige ushers us toward the front doors. She plants a quick kiss on Declan’s cheek before waving us on our way.
Once we reach my car, I turn to my brother and pull him into a sudden hug, catching him off guard.
“Thank you, Dec, for standing by me. For helping. I know you’ve always offered it, but… I’ve been a stubborn ass.”
Declan laughs, returning my hug tightly. “You are a stubborn ass, and it’s about time you noticed.“ He pulls back, studying me with a severe but affectionate look. “I know things were rough between us starting out, but I’ll always stand by you, Ry. I’m sorry there was ever a time when I didn’t.”
Emotion clogs my throat, and I clear it with a rough cough, clapping his shoulders before stepping back. “I’ll give you a call if I hear anything from Dad.”
We say our goodbyes, and as I settle into the driver’s seat, I take a moment to assess my mental state.
I feel… surprisingly optimistic for someone who’s just been fired. Almost giddy, even. It’s a strange, foreign feeling, but not an unwelcome one.
“So, you said to give Ronin a week.” Olivia’s voice breaks my thoughts as she pulls a tablet from her bag, her fingers flying across the screen. “What will you do in the meantime?”
“Good question.”
For the first time in years, there’s no work waiting for me. No reports to write, no conference calls to attend, no endless deadlines to meet. My week is wide open—my entire life, actually.
And I know exactly what I’m going to do with my freedom.