Hide And Keep by K. Sterling Read Free Book Online Page B

Aiden’s.
    “What’s his name?” Lane’s shoulders tightened. Aiden found that interesting.
    “Paul Sloan.” Aiden said and they became tighter.
    “Why aren’t you and Paul in a relationship?” Lane asked. It was Aiden’s turn to be surprised.
    “Is that a real question, or a joke?” He asked and Lane frowned.
    “Why would it be a joke?” His eyes were steady as they held Aiden’s.
    “No one would want to be in a relationship with me.” Aiden stated. Lane’s mouth opened and closed several times before he shook his head.
    “That’s stupid. Why wouldn’t someone want to be in a relationship with you?” He asked. Aiden laughed softly.
    “Aside from the fact that I have no filter and eat like a toddler?” He gave back Lane’s pointed look. Lane rubbed the back of his neck as he cringed.
    “Ok, but as far as faults go, those aren’t the worst. And you’re pretty upfront about your flaws. I can think of much worse.” Lane offered and took a long sip of his drink. Aiden stared out the window as he considered Lane’s point.
    “I suppose but it’s never come to that with anyone. Definitely not with Paul. We’re sexually compatible but we have very little in common and have no desire to spend time with each other.” Aiden pictured Paul and reviewed everything he knew about him. “I don’t find him very interesting or enjoy talking to him. And I don’t think he really likes me. We respect each other professionally and the sex is enjoyable but that’s it.” Aiden admitted. “Also, I don’t want to be monogamous with Paul. I occasionally come across someone I’m attracted to when I’m traveling.” Aiden winked at Lane and his fingers trailed slowly up Lane’s neck and he shivered as he stared at Aiden.
    “So, you’re kind of a slut?” Lane smiled and Aiden understood he was teasing.
    “I don’t think so. Four partners in the last year doesn’t seem too unreasonable. And I’m always careful.” Aiden said and Lane nodded.
    “No, that’s not as bad as I was expecting. And everything’s easy and everyone’s happy? No nightmares in your past?” Lane asked. Aiden felt a reflexive tightening in his chest as he pictured the text message he’d received that morning.
     
    Unavailable
     
    Enjoying Lake Cliff?
     
    “Just one but I don’t want to ruin the mood.” He said as he let his fingernails scrape up and down the back of Lane’s neck. Lane sighed as he leaned closer. “Can we talk about Cabbot now?” Aiden asked. Lane frowned.
    “Why are you so interested in Clark?” Lane asked as he searched Aiden’s eyes. Aiden held his gaze.
    “It doesn’t make sense to me. I can’t understand what you saw in him or why you thought he was good enough for you.” Aiden said softly. Lane snorted as he raised his drink to his lips. He drained his glass and set it down before he got up and went to the window.
    “I didn’t see anything in Clark. He was there and I knew it would never get complicated. I didn’t have time for feelings or obligations. We understood that we both had more important things in our lives and it was just sex, whenever it was convenient.” Lane pressed his arm against the glass and set his chin on it as he stared out. Aiden got up silently and crossed the room. Lane sighed as he rested his forehead against the glass. “I’ve been tired of it for a long time. But I didn’t have any other prospects and I don’t have time for the dating scene.” He mumbled.
    Aiden stopped behind Lane and slid his hands up his back. He felt Lane tense for a moment before he sighed and relaxed. Aiden sent his hands around Lane’s waist and pushed them up his stomach. He felt the hard ridges of Lane’s stomach and firm, flat pecs beneath his t-shirt. Aiden angled his head as he leaned against Lane and bit his neck, dragging his teeth along Lane’s skin. Aiden knew Lane liked that and wasn’t surprised by the soft moan that slipped from Lane’s throat. It made Aiden feel hot