Just a Bit Ruthless (Straight Guys 6)

“But it’s probably more hassle than it’s worth,” Roman said. “It’s not safe.” Yet.

“Oh,” Luke said, his eyelashes hiding his expression.

Roman stared at him. “You can’t seriously want children with me.”

Blushing a little, Luke met his gaze steadily. “Why not? Do you expect me to have children with some other man?”

“Don’t even joke about that,” Roman said, laying his hand on Luke’s nape. “You’re mine.”

An amused but pleased smile appeared on Luke’s face. “Hmm, I think it’s only the third time you said that today. You might need to say it a few more times.” The boy’s smile turned a bit sly. “Might need to piss on me or something.”

Roman gripped Luke’s chin in his hand. “You think I won’t?”

“Um. That’s…” Luke blushed bright red and glared at Roman. “Don’t derail the subject. We were talking about having babies. Like, together. At some point.” He chewed on his lip. “Don’t you want to? If you’re, like, serious about me?”

Roman almost smiled. It wasn’t the first time Luke had carefully avoided talking about feelings, as if Luke thought Roman was emotionally stunted and incapable of talking about them. It was amusing. Roman was a grown man. He was fully capable of owning up to his feelings once he had acknowledged their existence.

“But I already have a baby,” Roman said, touching Luke’s cheek with his thumb.

A strangled laugh left Luke’s lips. “Don’t be silly—I’m talking about real babies.”

“Are you saying you aren’t a real baby?” Roman leaned down and bit Luke’s earlobe lightly. “I could have sworn you called me ‘daddy’ just an hour ago.”

Luke slapped his chest. “Oh my God, I’m trying to have a serious conversation here!”

“Fine.” Roman propped himself on an elbow and studied him intently. “You really want it? To have a home with me? Raise children together?”

Luke nodded, looking flustered but eager. “At some point.”

Staring at him, Roman imagined curly-haired, dimpled toddlers running to greet him after he returned home from a long, stressful business trip. The idea wasn’t unappealing. It wasn’t unappealing at all.

“I can’t promise that it will happen anytime soon,” Roman said. “Before it can become possible, there are things to be set in motion.” And enemies to take care of. He supposed starting a family was a respectable reason to do a big cleanup. “It might take years.”

Luke gazed at him in disbelief before a bright smile split his face and he lunged forward to kiss Roman, grinning like mad and hugging him tightly. “I love you, love you, love you!” he said breathlessly between kisses. Luke froze, flushing, and laughed awkwardly. “You don’t have to say it back. I just wanted you to know.”

“You’re an idiot,” Roman said and Luke’s face turned adorably confused and a little hurt. Like a kitten. A little kitten with his claws sunk right into him.

“I love you, too, you silly boy,” Roman said, his voice gruff. When Luke’s eyes widened, Roman’s lips twisted. “I wish I didn’t. They say love brings out the worst in a man. I’m almost scared of what I’m capable of if anyone tries to take you away from me.” He stroked Luke’s cheek with his knuckles, holding Luke’s unblinking, misty-eyed gaze. “You should have told me to leave while you still could, sweetheart. I’m not a good man. Not good enough for someone like you.”

Luke shook his head slowly. “You’re good to me. Is it bad that’s all I care about?”

Roman chuckled. “You’re asking the wrong person, love.”

Luke was still staring at him unblinkingly. “Don’t you care I’m a guy?” he murmured, chewing on his lip. “You used to think it’s unnatural to want a family with a man. People are going to talk.”

Roman smoothed the furrow between Luke’s brows with his thumb. “If anyone has a problem with you—with us—they’re more than welcome to say it to my face.”

Luke laughed. “Right. But I’m sure your family won’t approve. Like, your mother. She’s probably...very traditional.”

Roman’s lips curled. “I’m a big boy. I can live without my mother’s approval. But I doubt she will care as long as I provide her with a brood of grandchildren. Besides, she’s about as intimidating as a wet sponge. She’s a nagging, spoiled lady with a penchant for pretty things.” Smirking, he pinched Luke’s cheek. “You’ll get along just fine.”

Luke’s bottom lip poked out in a pout. “You’re making fun of me,” he grumbled, but his eyes were radiant with warmth and happiness. He leaned his cheek against Roman’s and sighed in contentment as Roman started stroking his curls.

They fell into a comfortable silence, bodies pressed tightly against each other.

Roman knew it wasn’t going to be as easy as he made it out to be. There were things to be set in motion. He was going to make quite a few people unhappy with him. But with Luke in his arms, it all seemed insignificant. Irrelevant. Easy.