Unknown (Hooked Book 3) (19 page)

The smile Ryan wore made everything better. “Okay.”

“Now, are you done for the day? Because I’d love for you to go with me to pick up Logan from work.”

Ryan dropped his gaze to his hands, unwrapping them as he answered. “Sure. Sounds great. Do I have time to drop my truck at your house? It seems crazy to take two vehicles to Jimmy’s.”

Malik nodded. “That’s what I was thinking too. I really loving having Logan working so close by. I can drop him off on the way to my morning workout and pick him up on my way home from my final workout each day. Plus, he’s sleeping normal hours and shit. It’s great.”

“That’s awesome news. Let me grab a quick shower, and we’ll hit the road.” Ryan glanced up, meeting Malik’s gaze. “I’m ready to have y’all to myself.”

Malik’s stomach muscles tightened in anticipation. Whatever the man wanted, he would let Ryan have it. First, he had something else to take care of. “The quicker you get in the shower, the faster that’ll happen. I need to pick up the weights I was using earlier and grab my bag, but I’ll be ready when you are.”

With a wink, Ryan headed for the locker room. Malik ate the man alive with his stare until he lost sight of him. Damn, the dude was sexy. He was also Malik’s and no way would Malik stand for anyone disrespecting him. Malik’s smile slipped away as he headed for the front office, going in search of Sam. When he found him, Sam was sitting behind his desk—alone. Another of the gym’s patrons followed on Malik’s heels. Malik kicked the door closed behind him before the dude had a chance to ruin his little chat with Sam.

Sam eyed the closed door before his gaze moved to Malik’s face. Malik didn’t bother tempering his fury. Sam leaned back in his seat. “Did you need something?”

“As a matter of fact, I do,” Malik said, hearing his sarcasm and incapable of stopping. “I need you to answer a question for me.”

“Okay,” Sam said, sounding wary. He fucking should have too because Malik’s rage ran deep.

“When Logan and I split up, did you ever try to convince him to give up on me?”

Sam’s expression cleared. It was more than obvious he was fine with discussing Logan. “Not once. I did everything I could to try to get the two of you back together.”

“So,” Malik said, far from appeased. “You’re saying, even though I felt fucked over when he left, you were never once disrespectful to him or my marriage?”

“I’m not sure where this is headed, but I would never do anything to hurt Logan. He’s the sweetest person on the planet. Plus, you’re my friend. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

Malik’s eyebrows rose. Sam had gone exactly where Malik intended. “Is that so? Then why is it okay for you lecture Ryan on our relationship?”

“That’s not the same,” Sam said, immediately pissing Malik off further.

“How so?”

Sam wasn’t backing down either. “Because you’re married to Logan. That’s sacred shit. You’ve let Ryan into the middle of it, and this will end badly.”

“Why will it end at all?”

Sam’s jaw ticked, but he didn’t answer.

Malik sat down. Sam was his friend. Maybe he was pissed off, but—more than anything—Malik wanted Sam to be on his side. “You love Holden,” Malik said, pointing out the obvious. “I’m sure the thought of anyone else touching him makes you want to kill someone.”

“Damn, right,” Sam said, sounding as angry as Malik felt.

“I’m the same with Logan.
This
is different. Until you’ve been there, just be my friend, okay?”

“I
am
your friend.”

“You’re not fucking acting like it,” Malik said, half way to yelling as he tried and failed to keep his rage out of his tone. “My friend would know that I would never do anything to hurt my marriage. Not a goddamn thing,” he added, needing Sam to see his earnestness. “Ryan makes us better. I can’t explain it, and I shouldn’t have to. A real friend wouldn’t make me.”

A tap landed on the glass door of Sam’s office. Malik glanced over, catching sight of Ryan. Malik pasted on his brightest smile and waved the man inside. There was no time like the present for him to learn who his real friends were. Ryan slipped inside and shut the door behind him.

“Hey, guys,” Ryan said, sounding as if he knew his presence was unwelcome. Malik’s temper hit the roof. He tried hiding it.

“Hey, babe. I got sidetracked chatting with Sam. I’ll grab my bag in just a second and we’ll head out.”

Ryan nodded. His hair was still wet from his shower and his gaze looked wary. Malik wanted to make everything right in Ryan’s world, the way Ryan had done for Logan and Malik. A fake smile passed over Ryan’s features. “Did I miss anything good?”

Malik pushed to his feet and moved to Ryan’s side. He took Ryan’s hand and brought it to his lips before answering. “I was telling Sam about how Logan’s parents are coming over this weekend, so they can meet you.”

Sam laughed behind him. Ryan’s features went blank. “Okay.”

A coughing fit started from behind the desk before Sam got himself under control. “You’re in for a real treat,” Sam said, doing nothing to help Ryan’s obvious discomfort. “Logan’s parents are… unique.”

Ryan cleared his throat. “Um, okay,” he repeated. “Did I miss any other life-changing events?” It was more than obvious Ryan wasn’t happy about not being included in the decision to meet any parents, but really, he didn’t know Karl and Annabelle. They would love Ryan because they loved Logan.

Sam chimed in, saving Malik from Ryan’s death stare. “I was telling Malik I plan to ask Holden to marry me this weekend.”

Malik had to temper his reaction since he supposedly already knew. Plus, he recognized Sam’s announcement for the olive branch it was. If the man had been truly angry with Malik, he would’ve left him twisting in the wind with Ryan.

“That’s awesome,” Ryan said, stealing Malik’s words. “Good luck. Do you have anything planned or you just gonna spring it on him?”

Sam chuckled. “I’m thinking about starting a conversation about all the married folks I know and see how long it takes him before his eyes glaze over. When he’s good and zoned out, I’m going to spring it on him.”

Malik shook his head. “Y’all have a seriously fucked up relationship.”

“Hey,” Sam said in mock outrage. “He loves the sound of my voice. I live to please him.”

With a small start, Ryan grabbed his pants pocket a half second before digging out his phone. He checked his messages. “Logan is looking for us.”

Malik pulled a face. “Shit. My phone’s in my locker. We’re going to be in so much trouble.” Ryan laughed, just as Malik hoped. He tossed a wave in Sam’s direction. “Catch you later. Our man is waiting.”

Sam’s smile said more than Malik thought he meant to show. Their friendship would survive this. Malik wasn’t giving Sam any other choice. He planned to rub this three-person relationship in the man’s face at every turn until it became the norm. Malik couldn’t see any other plan because no way in hell was his giving up Ryan or Logan.

For the most part, the ride to Jimmy’s was a silent one. Even after their talk, it was obvious Sam’s words were eating at the back of Ryan’s mind. This went beyond his skill set. He needed Logan’s input.

“You want to run in with me to get Logan?”

At the question, Ryan glanced away from the window he’d been staring out for the past fifteen minutes and focused on Malik. He pasted on a fake smile. “Nah. There’s no sense in both of us going in. I’ll wait here.”

Malik bit back a sigh. At least Ryan was trying to seem unaffected. This shit had to stop. Seeing Logan eased some of the burden weighing on Malik’s shoulders. The man’s smile lit up everything. There was no better feeling in the world than watching Logan brighten from only the sight of him.

“Hey, baby,” Logan said, leaning in for a kiss. “I’d ask how your day has been, but you’re wearing your angry lines between your eyes.” Logan reached up, smoothing them out with his thumb. “So what’s wrong?”

Malik stole another kiss before answering. “Seems Sam has been lecturing Ryan on his relationship with us. I don’t know exactly what was said, but when I confronted him about it, I got a good look at his disapproval.”

Logan’s shoulders fell, and he sucked in a deep breath the way he always did while trying to keep his temper in check. “I see.”

“Yeah,” Malik said. He knew Logan would understand. “I tried talking to Ryan about it. He seemed okay for about five minutes, but now he’s back to sulking. I’m at a loss.”

“Let’s go get him,” Logan said, heading for the door.

Malik pulled him to a stop. “He’s already in the truck.”

Logan nodded, looking angry. “Good.”

“We need to step up our game.”

At Malik’s pronouncement, Logan’s eyes lit. “He needs to meet my parents.”

An evil smile pulled at the corners of Malik’s mouth. “I’ve already told him they’re coming to visit this weekend.”

“No,” Logan said, taking Malik by surprise. “That gives him time to make up an excuse not to be there. We need to just go. I talked to mom earlier. They’re home.”

And that was one of the many reasons why Malik had fallen for Logan, his evil genius matched Malik’s. “You ready to be all bossy and take over his life?”

“Always,” Logan answered without missing a beat. “Let’s go make everything better.”

*

Staring into the darkness did nothing to clear Ryan’s head. He would get over this, but probably not tonight. It wasn’t that he thought there was an ounce of truth to anything Sam said. As a matter of point, everything Malik said was spot on. No one knew them. Ryan just didn’t like drama of any sort. His life had been to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows already. That’s not a ride he wanted. Ryan craved the peace of a quiet and steady love.

The driver’s side door opened and Logan slid in. He kept coming until their thighs met, and then their lips did as well. The knot tightening his chest loosened. These men, they were worth it. They were worth everything.

“Where’s Malik?” Ryan asked against Logan’s lips.

“Jimmy caught him on the way out the door. He’ll be out here in a minute.”

At Logan’s answer, something dark rose in Ryan. He deepened their kiss, taking everything he could. Their tongues brushed. Realization hit. He’d missed Logan. In all honesty, it hadn’t been that long since he’d last seen the man in his arms. Really, only a few hours. But goddamn, Ryan had missed him.

“I’m ready to get you home,” Ryan said, chewing on Logan’s bottom lip. He felt like he’d crawl out of his skin if he didn’t get Logan out of his clothes soon. Ryan needed to hold Logan—skin on skin.

“We have a stop to make first,” Malik said as he climbed in beside them.

Ryan thought to ask where they were headed, but really, he didn't care. He had Logan and Malik with him. The night was already fucking perfect.

Half an hour later, Ryan rethought his sentiment. He was trapped in hell. This was hell. He'd died, and no one had said a thing. When they'd first pulled into the drive of a mid-size yellow home, Ryan had only been mildly curious. As Karl and Annabelle invited them inside, and Ryan lowered himself down on the loveseat, Ryan had considered making a run for it. He had a phone. Taxis ran in this town. All he had to do was leave. No one could make him stay. The desire doubled when Malik headed for the kitchen with Annabelle, abandoning him.

“This is Ryan,” Logan said, introducing him, before sitting on the floor. With his ass planted between Ryan’s feet, Logan leaned back against the couch between Ryan’s knees.

Karl snagged the chair closest to Ryan without ever taking his gaze from him. “Who are you?”

Ryan tried smiling. “I’m Ryan.”

Karl frowned, as if Ryan was trying to be a smartass. “There’s nothing wrong with my hearing. My son already said your name is Ryan. That’s not what I asked. I asked who you are.”

“Um,” Ryan said, unsure of what to say. “Just Ryan.”

“He’s with us,” Malik said, reaching over Karl’s head and handing him a beer.

Biding his time, Karl waited until Malik claimed the empty spot next to Ryan on the loveseat before making any further inquiries. “With, with?”

Ryan wondered if the floor ever opened and swallowed people whole, saving them in their time of need, or if it was a pointless hope. Malik, on the other hand, didn’t look the least bit put off by Karl’s line of questioning. He took a pull from his beer before dipping his chin in way of answer. It was a bit impressive the way Malik didn’t blink or seem at all ashamed.

Karl shook his head. “Damn, son,” Karl cursed, switching his attention Logan’s way. “I really did curse you by passing these amazing looks on to you. Now, there’re two of them.” He focused on Malik once more, hardening his voice. “And I still know people. I don’t intend to repeat myself, so I expect you give this one,” he said, nodding toward Ryan, “the rundown on what happens to people who hurt my son.”

Malik’s dimples made an appearance. “Yes, sir.”

Ryan didn’t know how to react. As usual, his mouth ran away without his brain. “I guess it’s true what they say. Awesome people come from awesome parents.”

Annabelle giggled as she climbed into the chair with her husband. “Oh, he’s a smooth one. Good for you both. Everyone needs a silver tongue in their lives.”