by Livia Grant
Chase’s heart swelled at the sight of the two people he loved most in the world.
Jaxson sensed his arrival. “She’s so beautiful when she sleeps.”
Chase came up behind him to kneel on the ottoman, placing his hands on Jaxson’s shoulders as the two men reverently watched over their shared love.
“We got so lucky finding her,” Chase added. “Do you ever wonder what we’d be doing if we hadn’t been in Nice that morning?”
“Sometimes, but usually when I do I end up wishing I’d beaten those punk kids that were threatening her to a pulp instead of letting them slip away.”
Chase chuckled. “Always our protector.”
He hated the quiet huff of incredulous laughter that followed. “Some fucking protector I am. I almost ruined our family by being a dumbass.”
Squeezing Jaxson’s shoulders as hard as he could to get his attention, Chase argued, “We are not going to do this.”
“Do what?”
“Play the blame game.”
“The hell we’re not.” Jaxson shot to his feet, pulling away from Chase’s comforting touch to pace across the room. “I’m the Dom of our family. You are my responsibility. I failed you both.”
Chase had known this conversation was coming. He said a prayer of thanks Emma would sleep through it. She had enough stress right now.
He crossed the room, stepping close to face his lover and friend. “I love you,” he promised.
“I don’t know why. I can be a real asshole.”
Chase smiled. “Yes, but that’s just one of the things I love about you. You are fierce. Protective. And you’re one of the most fair and honorable men I’ve ever met.”
“A lot of good that did Em.” Jaxson’s voice cracked as he added, “She needed me and I wasn’t there for her.”
A pang of guilt washed over Chase. “Yeah, you can’t take all the blame there. I fucked up right beside you.”
“Bullshit. I’m in charge.”
“Don’t do that.” He didn’t hide his aggravation with the man he loved.
“What?”
“Act like just because Emma and I choose to submit to you in the bedroom, and even in our everyday lives, we aren’t adults. We are grown-ups who choose to submit because it makes us happy, just like being our Dom makes you happy. But that doesn’t mean we check our brains at the door. You’ve lectured it a hundred times. The submissives are truly in control.”
“In a scene, sure. But what we have is so much more than that.”
“Exactly. You just proved my point.”
“You aren’t making sense.”
Chase reached to touch Jaxson, needing their physical connection as he continued. “All I’m trying to say is that I am submissive because you are dominant. I am the ying to your yang. You know I’d played around some before we got together, but I’d never seen myself as a sub. Not really. Not until my insides started melting every time you took charge. You’re the only one who’s ever done that for me. Ever.”
Jaxson looked away, but Chase could tell he still held his Dom’s attention.
“We all make choices, Jax. I chose you. I love you. But I also chose to take our Emma for granted right beside you. I knew she wasn’t happy, just like you. I let our daily routines that keep us so in sync fall to the wayside, right beside you. I let the interior designer and Brandi and even Lola disrespect our girl, right beside you. This is on us, not you.”
“But…”
“Let me finish…” Chase took a deep breath and barged ahead. “And Emma absolutely should have fucking told us about the baby. I’ve never been angry with her before, but she fucked up big as well. She can tell me it was because we were busy, and that may be true, but that’s a bullshit excuse. What if something had gone wrong with her health and we didn’t even know about the pregnancy? She hasn’t been to her doctor in eight weeks. She could be putting our baby at risk by not getting the prenatal care she needs. She should be changing her eating and sleeping, but she didn’t. Hell, knowing that she’s pregnant even changes the construction plans for the club. She should have fucking told us the night of Valentine’s Day after Roulette.”
“What do you mean this changes construction?” Jaxson looked alarmed.
“We can’t very well raise a baby above a sex club. At least in D.C. we have the townhouse. And our apartment above Runway has a private entrance we can lock down. Our planned apartment here is just a hallway away from the grand entrance staircase. I don’t think we’ll want our baby just feet away from guests in our public dance club.”
“Fuck. I hadn’t even got that far yet.”
“Well, unfortunately, that’s not even my biggest worry.”
“Great. What’s your biggest worry?”
“Emma’s father.” The men’s eyes locked. Chase knew Jax understood his concern even before he added, “He’s already put us on notice his baby deserves a ring on her finger.”
“She has better,” Jaxson argued. “She has a collar around her neck.”
“Yeah, well that makes him feel worse, not better,” Chase added.
“Robert knows how much we love his little girl.”
“Yes, but he is also an old-fashioned dad who is worried about his only daughter. Em may be our baby girl, but he isn’t going like this. He’ll lose his shit if she has a baby out of wedlock. He’s pretty much vowed that already.”
Frustration overflowed from Jaxson. “Well he’s gonna need to get over it, since we can’t all three get married legally — and there is no fucking way one of us is marrying her and leaving the other one out.”
The trio had already had this discussion in the past. It wasn’t a new concern for them. The stakes just got a little higher now that there was a baby involved.
“I get it, though. He loves her. He doesn’t want to see her get hurt,” Chase reasoned.
Jaxson ran a hand through his hair nervously as he countered. “He can’t possibly love her more than we do. I’d jump in front of a speeding train for her and I know you would too.”
“Of course, so we’ll just have to convince him we’ll love her and our baby even more.” Joy filled his heart at the thought of holding their child. “I can’t wait to see our little peanut.”
He could see the unusual insecurity in Jaxson’s eyes as he answered. “I pray you’re the biological father.”
“Are you kidding?” Chase was shocked at his Dom’s assertion. “It doesn’t matter at all.”
“Of course it matters. I don’t want to pass on the asshole gene. My grandfather had it. My father has it in spades, and we’ve already established I’m a carrier.” At least a smile played at Jaxson’s lips at his observation.
Chase grinned. “I happen to love your asshole gene since you’re usually using it to protect all the right things.” His grin faded as he turned serious, trying to reassure his best friend. “You’re nothing like your father, Jaxson.”
Jax hesitated, looking a bit lost. “What kind of dad will I be with my father as my role model?”
“The absolute best kind, because you’ve seen firsthand what not to do.”
“What if I fuck up?” Jax had started to fiddle with a stack of paint color chips to avoid looking at Chase.
While Chase hated that his larger than life lover was feeling insecure, he actually treasured these moments when Jaxson peeled back his protective armor and let Chase see the soft side that he let so few people get a glimpse of. “You will fuck up. I will, too. And so will Emma. It’s what parents do. But we’ll figure it out. You know how I know?”
Jax shook his head.
“Because we have more love between us than a dozen normal couples.” He watched Jaxson open his mouth to argue again, so Chase added, “Yes, we got lazy. We got off track. But everything is going to be okay now.”
Jaxson reached out to pull Chase into a tight hug, clinging to him as his voice warbled out a soft, “I don’t deserve you.”
“Oh yes you do.” Chase melted into th
e loving embrace, reassuring Jaxson. “You deserve the world.”
“You guys are making me cry over here.” Emma’s voice broke the silence.
He heard rustling behind him and welcomed Emma into their embrace when she arrived next to the men. The threesome clung to each other, letting their love shore up the shaky foundation they’d been stumbling on for the last months.
Jaxson finally broke the quiet by asking Emma, “So how many other people have you told?”
Emma pulled back so all three of them could see each other. “No one. I didn’t tell anyone.”
“You mean other than telling Khloe.” Anger furrowed Jaxson’s forehead.
“I didn’t tell her either. She guessed and I’m a terrible liar,” Emma defended herself.
“That’s the truth.” Chase chuckled.
“So how the hell did Helms know to call me?”
“Because Khloe is a terrible liar too, which is sort of ironic considering she makes a living pretending to be people she’s not. And I’m sure it helps that Ryder is a freaking interrogation specialist.”
“Fair enough,” Jaxson agreed. “So, you haven’t even told Sam?”
Emma shook her head before adding, “I knew she’d tell Jonah, then he’d call you guys.”
“So, you were determined to hide the truth from us, the fathers of your baby?” Jaxson chastised.
“I said I was sorry. I really did think I was keeping it a secret for all the right reasons.”
“Your judgment was wrong.” Jaxson squeezed Emma tighter before he launched into a lecture she deserved.
“Never again, do you hear me? I accept Chase and I made plenty of mistakes too and for that, I’m sorry, but you need to put yourself and the baby first. No more secrets, no matter how busy we may seem, got it?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I want to drag you over my lap and light up that beautiful ass of yours to make sure you really do understand, but I’m not going to do that, at least not until I can talk to your doctor. I’m not gonna do anything that might put you or the baby at risk.”
“You plan on talking to my doctor about spanking me?”
“Damn straight. He’s gonna call the shots on what activities are safe and what needs to wait until after you deliver.”
Emma had just turned an adorable shade of pink at the thought of talking about their D/s relationship with her OBGYN when the sound of the front door opening just far enough to jam against the safety chain broke their intimate conversation.
“Jaxson! You left the chain on. I can’t get in.” Lola’s shrill voice poisoned their private space.
Maybe Jaxson had the right idea about going to hide out at a hotel where no one could find them.
Jax caught Chase’s eye. “Take our girl back to the bedroom. I’ll be there in just a few minutes. None of us got much sleep last night. I think today is the perfect day to lie in bed and snuggle. I’ll bring some drinks when I come.”
His best friend may insist he had the asshole gene, but Chase knew the truth. Jaxson Davidson was a romantic, at least where his lovers were concerned. He couldn’t resist leaning in to steal a kiss from Jaxson’s sexy as hell lips before he reached for Emma’s hand.
He called back over his shoulder, teasing, “Don’t be too long. I’d hate for you to miss any fun.”
He was just about to close the bedroom door when he heard Lola’s voice in the living room, bossy as ever. He smiled, knowing she was about to be taken down a few notches.
Chapter Eight ~ Jaxson
Jaxson exited his rental car, stopping to take a sweeping look around the grounds of the estate, anxious to see what progress had been made in the three days that had passed since he’d been there last.
Three of the best, and yet most stressful days of his life. Being sequestered with Emma and Chase had been a slice of heaven, especially after the rough couple of months they’d had building up to their mini-break. They’d used the time to get used to the idea that they’d be parents soon. His lovers had somehow managed to convince him he was going to be able to handle fatherhood with flying colors.
Now, away from their calming influence, and the distracting sexcapades, self-doubt was creeping in again. He knew he had to get up to speed on all of the construction and interior design updates first, but he had made up his mind to give Jonah ‘Cash’ Carter a call as soon as he could get a few minutes of privacy later that day. Cash hadn’t been prepared to be a father either, but he had somehow managed to pull off the whole parenthood thing pretty well — at least from the outside looking in. If anyone would understand what Jax was going through, it was Cash. Considering the trio had still not told anyone else, not even their families, making the call to Jonah would be a big step.
Forcing himself to focus on work, at least for a few hours, Jax resumed his inspection of the grounds. The monumental fountain in the middle of the circular driveway was shooting water high in the air. The plumbing contractor had gotten it fixed and the landscape crew had already repaired the green lawn and shrubs surrounding it.
Continuing his inspection of the grounds, he was pleased the lawn and surrounding landscaping he could see from the front carport was all neatly manicured and trimmed. Colorful flowers now replaced weeds in the beds. In the distance he could see the groundskeeper directing the full-time staffers they had hired to care for the extensive property.
Pleased that things seemed to be under control outside, Jaxson headed towards the grand staircase that led to the two-story double doors that served as the entrance for Runway West. In the distance to his right, he noticed the concrete had been laid to expand the parking for the many cars they were expecting. The valet shed had been constructed per his instructions, just to the right of the main entrance. It would help camouflage the long handicap ramp they had installed to comply with building code.
He took a calming breath before opening the front door. A gust of air-conditioned air welcomed him along with the scent of the six-foot-high fresh flower arrangement on a new grand entrance table. They’d discussed needing something to help drive the traffic pattern of arrivals and departures and seeing it in place he agreed with the solution the interior designer had come up with.
“Oh good, I’m glad you got here before I left.”
Jaxson turned to see the security contractor, George, headed his way along with two of his installation crew. When the men stopped just in front of him, he reached out to shake their hands. “Hey there. How are things going?”
“All done. We just finished programming the surveillance cameras and setting up the back-up schedule for the system this morning. I left a manual and a bunch of other paperwork for you, including my six-figure bill, in the security office with Miguel.”
“That’s fine, but I’m afraid you aren’t done yet.”
“Now wait a minute here, Davidson…”
Jaxson held his hand up like a stop sign. “I’m sure you completed the contracted work. That’s great, and I appreciate how you were able to meet our aggressive timeline. I’ll be happy to write the check for your bonus.”
“So, then what…”
“I have another job for you.”
“I don’t know. We’re behind on other projects.”
“I’ll make it worth your while.” He had the guy’s attention with his promise, so Jax continued. “I’ve decided to flip-flop our personal living quarters and the planned guest rooms.”
“Wait. You mean you’re moving into the pool house?”
“Yep. For the most part, everything you’ve done in both locations is still needed. I just want you to put an extra level of protection around the pool house, more surveillance and…” Jax lowered his voice and leaned in. “I want a fortified panic room installed as soon as you can manage it. You’ll have direction over the construction crew for any heavy lifting you need.”
George stroked his beard as he thought through the request. “If you can give me a few days to wrap up some other projects, we can be back over he
re in a week.”
“Sounds good. Thanks.” Jaxson felt better already just getting things in motion to protect the West Coast home he would share with his family at least part of the year. He suspected pushback from their fellow investors on the change, but he was prepared to spend extra capital to make it reality if it came down to it. There was no way he would bring Emma and their child home from the hospital to a room above the dance floor. Where every time they left their rooms they would be subject to running into strangers.
The men had separated, about to go their own ways when George called back to Jax. “I’d watch out if I were you. Ms. Garcia is in rare form today.”
Jax nodded with a grin. “Thanks for the heads up, but she is about to meet her match.”
“Now that I believe. Later.” George barked a laugh.
Jaxson proceeded through the open spaces that would soon be filled with paying patrons. Unlike the wide-open glass and modern lighting in the original Runway, the Beverly Hills club’s decor was more intimate. Patrons would be able to move between different themed rooms as they mingled, making it harder for them to be seen by the entire club, as was the case in D.C. It would also make it easier for patrons to slip into hidden nooks and crannies for privacy.
He made a sweep through the grand foyer, walking through the great room with its showcase fireplace and several seating options, and then through the mammoth library stocked with thousands of books patrons could enjoy during daytime events.
Just past the library was the game room. Guests would be able to mingle while playing billiards, foosball, any number of board games, and of course several friendly poker tables.
They had converted a second living room space into a dining room where intermediate-sized groups could gather. In essence, they were becoming a banquet hall of sorts. The upscale industrial-sized kitchen would be offering gourmet menu items as well as providing appetizers when the club was open. They had hired a full-time chef who would also book dinner parties up to twenty in the dining room and parties up to two-hundred could be accommodated by setting up banquet tables and chairs on the dance floor for special occasions.
