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101 " I brought you something,” I said as I ignored the twitch of embarrassment that I hadn’t thought to buy actual wrapping paper for the present, choosing to use newspaper instead. “Merry Christmas, Matty.” His already big eyes went even bigger as he took the present and then he was looking up at his grandfather. “Can I open it, Pop-pop?” Magnus "
― Sloane Kennedy , Atonement (The Protectors, #6)
102 " I studied my king-sized bed, all I could imagine was Dante bent over the side of it, his hands fisted in the bedding as he begged me to fuck him. “Jesus,” I bit out. Magnus, please… The "
103 " What do you want from me, Magnus?” he whispered in an agonized voice. I didn’t dare move because I feared he’d run. “You,” I said truthfully. “I just want you, Dante.” He "
104 " We waited several long moments and I was sure it hadn’t worked until I saw Aleks come out of the greenhouse. I’d warned him not to look in our direction since he’d be in view of the security cameras, but as he headed towards the house, he cast a glance over his shoulder and scanned the fence line. When his eyes came to rest on us, I froze and I swore my heart stopped beating. The encounter lasted mere seconds, but it was enough. And even if I hadn’t been certain that he’d seen the note, his slight nod just before he turned and went into the house would have told me all I needed to know. My brother knew I had finally come for him. "
105 " It’s Magneto!” Matty cried out happily as soon as enough of the paper had been cleared away to see the doll. Pleasure went through me at the pure joy I saw in his gaze as he lovingly clutched the box to his chest. “I heard you really wanted him to add to your collection.” Matty nodded and said, “Thank you,” as he threw his arms around me for a brief moment. "
106 " The sound of Dante’s soft whisper had me closing my eyes and reaching for my cock. “How "
107 " I stared at the proof of my release, not caring that what was on my hand was now dripping onto my pants. Because there was just no more denying it…the proof was literally in my hand. I wanted Dante and I wanted him badly. "
108 " Why’d you want him? Isn’t Magneto the bad guy?” “Nah,” Matty responded as he cleared off a chunk of tape and newspaper. “He’s really a good guy, but sometimes he just does bad things.” I stilled at that as my insides clenched up tight. I pushed back the insane need to ask the little boy if he really believed that…if he could ever look at someone who’d had a lifetime of bad choices under their belt and still see a hero. "
109 " But I want the real you,” I continued. “Not the version of you who you want everyone else to see.” I risked stepping a little closer to him as I spoke, though there were still half a dozen feet between us when I stopped. “You wouldn’t want the real me,” he said dully, the emotion fading out of his voice. “Try "
110 " Pain slammed into my entire body as I remembered another little boy who’d hugged like this…with everything he was. I felt tears sting the backs of my eyes as I was transported to the past and I automatically dropped my mouth to kiss the boy’s head like I always did, but reality hit me hard when there was no lush dark hair to greet me and there was no whispered “Meu melhor...” My best... I "
111 " Try me,” I suggested as I took a few more steps toward him. “The "
112 " His name was Marcus Parks and he was one of the wealthiest men in Chicago…and one of the most well-known. The man was a prolific philanthropist and moved in powerful social circles that included politicians and all sorts of pseudo celebrities. He was also married with four young children. The "
113 " The biggest irony was the man’s esteemed reputation as an advocate for children. Dante hadn’t had time to do in-depth research, but everything we’d seen showed the man had no secrets in any of his numerous closets…only we knew better. The "
114 " There wasn’t even a shard of pleasure as I shot Magnus a grin and said, “See you soon, Pop-pop,” before turning my back on him and heading for the door. I could feel his gaze burning into my back as I left and that was the only thing that kept my stride slow and even, though all I really wanted to do was get the fuck out of there. I wanted a drink. I wanted a fuck. I wanted another chance… I "
115 " And when I saw Aleks standing next to a man I already knew as Parks because of the pictures Dante and I had seen of him in the society pages, I knew how we’d ended up fucked. Because Aleks had told them we were coming. * "
116 " The Feds must know you’re back in town…why didn’t they offer you a protective detail or something?” “They did,” Magnus answered as he took another long draw of his beer, emptying it. “I declined.” “Why?” I asked, incredulous. He studied me for a long time before quietly saying, “Because I already have a bodyguard.” I "
117 " Parks straightened and held out the note Dante had written. He glanced at it and began reading. “I’m here, baby brother. I’m taking you home. When you come out of the greenhouse, don’t look for me, but know that I’m here. Leave a light on in your room tonight so we can find you. Você é melhor. Dante.” “Very sweet,” Parks murmured as he flicked the note onto the desk. "
118 " And if you ever go into a situation without adequate back-up again, not only will I fire your ass, I’ll hire you back just so I can kick your ass and then fire it again!” I "
119 " I’d been horrified as I’d watched him strip and bend over that desk like he was nothing more than a plaything for Parks, but in that moment, I’d realized that was exactly what he’d become. At some point in the years after he’d been taken, he’d learned to focus on one thing and one thing only. Surviving. And "
120 " He’s like family?” he finally asked. I nodded. “They all are,” I said. “This is Ronan. That’s Memphis and over there is Magnus.” “Você ama ele,” he said as he nodded in Magnus’s direction. “I love him, yes,” I said softly, not caring that Ronan and Memphis were around to hear me admit it. I hadn’t talked to Magnus about what his plans were for telling people about us, but a quick glance at him showed he wasn’t upset in the least. "