Safe and Sound Read Online Free Page B

passage. He felt Lane’s legs and arms pulling him closer and tighter and Aiden groaned as he collapsed onto Lane. He was so solid beneath Aiden, his entire universe shrunk until the only thing left was the rise and fall of Lane’s chest and the large, strong hands that splayed against his back.
    “This is all I need,” Lane murmured softly into Aiden’s hair and Aiden had never felt more content in his life.
    “Me too, you’re everything, Lane.” Aiden exhaled slowly and the last of his consciousness melted.
    A shrill cry cut through the cocoon of warmth and joy and Aiden’s eyes snapped open as his blood chilled. Lane’s arms tightened around Aiden as he shushed softly. Lane rolled them and groaned as he pushed off the mattress. His forehead rested on Aiden’s as he nipped Aiden’s lips.
    “Everything’s fine. It’s Henry,” he said gently then backed off of the bed. “He probably needs another bottle,” Lane said more to himself as he pulled on his pants.
    “Why do people want this?” Aiden complained as he pulled the duvet over his head and burrowed into his pillow. He heard a soft chuckle from Lane.
    “I’m sure it’s different when it’s your own child. I’ve heard that the precious moments outweigh the times they make you want to pull your hair out,” Lane explained and Aiden shrugged as he tried to make his ears stop hearing.
    “I’ll take your word for it. I like when it’s quiet and just us,” he grumbled.
    “I agree,” Lane said as he pulled open the door and slipped into the hall.
    A few minutes later, the wails of tiny rage stopped and Aiden cautiously lowered the duvet. He rolled toward the dresser and his eyes went to the tiny screen on the monitor. He sat up and squinted in the dark as he leaned closer. Aiden’s head tilted as he watched Lane rocking from side to side as he held Henry in his arms. Henry’s chubby little hand pressed against Lane’s cheek as he drank from a bottle. Lane’s lips curved softly and he looked so relaxed and happy as he hummed a song under his breath. There was a faint ache in Aiden’s chest and something that felt a little like longing fluttered within him. Aiden’s hand trembled as he reached for the monitor and he froze.
    “No. Fuck that,” he whispered loudly as he turned away and pulled the duvet back over his head.

Chapter 4
     
    “Wow. You really like this,” Lane said softly as Henry did his impression of a baby bird and held his mouth open as he bounced in his seat. He collected a spoonful and was about to aim it at Henry’s mouth when he spotted Aiden peeking at the top of the stairs. “I made you breakfast too,” Lane called and he heard a loud sigh. “Your pancakes are getting cold,” he warned and Aiden cursed under his breath as he slowly stepped down the stairs. He frowned as he watched Lane waving the spoon in front of Henry.
    “What is that?” Aiden asked and Lane laughed as Henry grunted and spluttered.
    “Oatmeal and bananas,” he said and Aiden frowned.
    “I don’t think he likes it. He’s spit out more than he’s eaten,” he said and Lane shrugged.
    “That’s how babies eat. He hasn’t gotten the hang of it yet, so it’s going to be messy,” he explained and Aiden shook his head as he scooted farther away from Henry’s mess radius.
    “I don’t think I was ever that uncivilized,” Aiden muttered and recoiled as Henry stuck his fingers in his mouth then whipped them out, sending an arc of spit and paste across the table. Lane wiped Henry’s face and hands and when he turned back to the table, Aiden was gone. So was his food. Lane stood up and pulled his lips in to keep from laughing as he leaned over the table. Aiden’s plate was on his seat and he was sitting on the floor, quickly cutting his pancakes into neat squares.
    “You probably weren’t. I think you’ve been thirty your whole life,” Lane said as he sat down. “He’s almost finished. I think it’s safe for you to come up,” he said