Rialto (Unbreakable Bonds 8)

“I know. But I still don’t want a bodyguard.”

Noah took a step forward, one hand outstretched toward Ian. “Would you at least consider letting us look at the security system? See if there’s something more we can do or add to make sure you’re better protected?”

“Yes, that would be fine.” Ian could at least agree to that for both of them. While Ian might be the ultimate target, he wouldn’t put it past this person to threaten Hollis with harm if it meant hurting Ian.

“And maybe stop back in for a refresher on self-defense.”

Ian narrowed his eyes on Noah. “You’re pushing your luck.”

“If not for yourself, then do it for Hollis. The poor guy is just starting to enjoy married life.”

Ian groaned. “Fine. Two self-defense sessions at Ward Security just to brush up.”

Hollis tightened his arms around Ian and lowered his head, brushing his lips across the edge of his ear. “Thank you, baby.”

Ian closed his eyes and pushed down a sigh. Anything for Hollis. If it made Hollis happy, he’d do it. And it probably was a smart idea to knock some of the rust off his skills.

“So the plan is to let you follow up your leads, and we’re going to wait until you need us?” Lucas asked.

“Yes. We’ve got this for now. Oh! And Snow needs to plan his own damn wedding. I’ve got enough to do.”

Snow’s mouth dropped open while Rowe and Noah nearly fell into each other laughing.

“What? Jude and I are totally planning the wedding on our own,” Snow argued.

Lucas placed a hand on Snow’s shoulder. “You’re texting all of us. Even me. I’m sure Ian’s getting the most. You’re outsourcing your wedding and afraid to commit to any decisions.”

At least Snow had the good grace to blush a little.

“Go! Get out of my kitchen while I cook,” Ian said with a laugh. “Go figure out Snow’s wedding while I make food.”

With some grumbling, the quartet relocated to Ian’s living room while Hollis lingered behind.

“Do you have to return to Shane and the case?”

“I should. I hate to leave him shorthanded and without backup, but I had to hold you to make sure you’re fine.”

Ian lifted up on the tips of his toes and lightly kissed Hollis again and again until his lover grabbed him and deepened the kiss to something desperate and hungry. When they parted a minute later, Hollis hummed and gave him a slightly wicked grin.

“Oh, you’re so fine,” Hollis purred.

“And I’ll be happy to prove how fine I am to you later. For now, go back to Shane. I’ve got plenty of company to keep me safe tonight.”

Hollis cupped the side of Ian’s face, rubbing his thumb across his cheek. “I know you find it annoying, but they really are trying to keep you safe.”

“I know.”

Hollis kissed the tip of his nose. “Sometimes it sucks to have so many people love you,” he teased and then left through the door again.

Ian smiled to himself, instantly missing the feel of Hollis against him. The smell of his cologne lingered in the air, and Ian wanted to wrap himself in it. His husband was right. He might chafe under their overprotectiveness, but it all came from a place of love.Chapter NineHot water pounded down on Hollis’s head as he closed his eyes and leaned into the stream. He braced both hands on the tile and rolled his shoulders, hoping the water would take away some of the stress eating him alive. He’d spent the evening in a surveillance van with Shane when all he’d wanted to do was be home with Ian. He needed to find out who was out to get Rialto.

No, that wasn’t quite right anymore.

Someone was out to get Ian. Tonight’s attack had been intensely personal. His hands closed into fists as he thought of how much worse it could have been. What if that person had hit him more than once? He imagined Ian lying alone and dying on the kitchen floor. His heart clenched, panic clawing at his insides. Ian was his whole damn world, and the thought of losing him terrified Hollis.

And all this right on the heels of seeing one of Jagger’s enforcers.

Ian wasn’t completely safe.

While Hollis understood Ian’s frustration with everyone treating him like a kid, he couldn’t help but want to take care of him. He’d liked the idea of a bodyguard, dammit. But he also understood how Ian felt, and he had the utmost respect for those feelings. Still, he was walking on a fine line here and he hated it.

He growled and turned under the spray, opening his eyes when a gust of cool air hit him as Ian stepped into the shower with him, naked.

“I’m okay. Wanna see?” His smile was warm but his brown eyes held concern. He brought his slim body close, his hands on Hollis’s hips. “I figured you’d be in here, worrying. You tend to take extra-long showers when you do.”