Ian (Unbreakable Bonds 4.5)

“What’s that look for?” Lucas suddenly inquired, lifting one eyebrow.

“You’re happy.”

Lucas opened his mouth and then closed it. Ian suspected he’d just swallowed back the first sarcastic comment that came to mind. “You’re right. I am happy. You?”

“Very.”

“I think you’re going to be even happier to hear that I found the best place for your next restaurant.”

“Shhhh!” Ian hissed, waving his hands in front of Lucas and glancing over his shoulder at the open door. “I haven’t told Hollis yet that we’re scouting for a new place. I work long hours now. I haven’t figured out how I’m going to balance running two restaurants and a boyfriend.”

Lucas chuckled and clapped a hand on Ian’s shoulder. “I’m going to teach you the most important thing you need to learn when it comes to managing a business: delegate.”

“You don’t.”

“I do. A lot more now than I ever have.”

“But…”

“There are a lot of smart people dying to do amazing things and learn from other talented people like you. You’ve got to hire them and give them a chance.”

Ian pursed his lips and glared up at Lucas. “I might have also learned from you that I like to be in control.”

“More than spending time at home with Hollis?”

“Okay. Fine. You’ve got a point.”

“What do you like to do more than spend time with me?” Hollis asked as he stepped into the room.

Ian turned away from Lucas to grin at the tall, sexy man that was now a huge part of his life. “Not a damn thing.”

“Good answer,” he said in a near growl then looked over at Lucas. “You seen Jude? We finished with the upper cabinets and he slipped away to get something. We’re ready to start on the bottom and we can’t find him.”

“Oh hell,” Ian said. “I bet he followed Snow down into the basement.”

“That would explain why Snow hasn’t turned on the electricity yet,” Lucas said, looking over at the floor lamp he was using as a gauge for when the electricity was turned on. Right now, the light was still out.

“Someone has to go down there. We’ve gotta get the kitchen done. The appliances are supposed to be delivered in the next hour.”

“Not it!” Ian and Lucas shouted at the same time.

Hollis leaned back into the hallway and shouted, “Hey, Sven! Can you go down to the basement and fetch Jude?”

“Sure,” he replied before his heavy footsteps echoed through the suddenly quiet house. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, waiting. Andrei poked his head into the bedroom behind Hollis.

“What’s going on?” he asked slowly.

“Sent Sven down to the basement to get Jude,” Hollis innocently said.

“So?”

“Snow is down there too,” Lucas filled in.

“Oh hell,” Andrei muttered.

A second later they could all hear fast, heavy footsteps coming up the stairs and the door being thrown open. At the same time, Snow’s voice echoed from below them, shouting Jude’s name and begging for it harder.

“You guys can fucking get him,” Sven grumbled. “He’s busy.” His words were followed by a slamming of the front door.

“He quits and I’m fucking kicking your asses,” Andrei snapped and ran after Sven.

“Crap,” Ian said, wincing. “He wouldn’t really quit, would he?”

“Hopefully not,” Lucas said evenly. “I’m sure he’s just embarrassed. It doesn’t help when it’s your boss’s friends.”

“Should I talk to him? Apologize?” Ian offered, anxiety twisting in his stomach. He didn’t want to run Sven off.

“No, let Andrei handle it.”

A minute later, the Romanian returned, looking relieved even if he still gave Hollis an evil look. “He’s embarrassed but not too pissed. I sent him on a run for food, drinks, and more paint supplies.”

“We don’t need more paint supplies,” Hollis said.

“Then I guess you get to take them back later this week,” Andrei replied with a smirk.

“Who’s going to help with the cabinets?”

“I’m done painting,” Ian quickly said. “I can help Lucas with the fans. You can have Snow and Jude in the kitchen with you.”

Hollis muttered curses under his breath as he stomped off toward the basement door to round up the downstairs deviants. Andrei winked at Ian and Lucas before disappearing back toward the other bathroom, whistling to himself.

“Why do I get the impression there’s nothing wrong with Sven, and Andrei just sent him off so Snow and Jude would torture Hollis?” Ian asked.

“Because you’re a smart man,” Lucas said with a chuckle.

“You guys are so evil.”

Above their heads, the light on the ceiling fan flicked on and the blades started to lazily turn. “But at least we’ve got one fan installed. Let’s go tackle the next one. I don’t want Snow manhandling my ass.”

Ian shook his head as he helped Lucas gather up their supplies and move to the other bedroom. His family was twisted and he wouldn’t change a damn thing.Chapter 6“Banner, hold up a second.”

Hollis, on his way toward the basement, halted and turned around when Snow called out. “I thought you left with Jude to grab more drinks for the cooler. Surprised you could pry yourself from his side after what I heard from the basement earlier.”