Chapter Three

        The seven of the guys were all lounging around the living room, the two that were previously missing having returned just half an hour ago. They arrived with gifts of alcohol and junk food for everyone to enjoy and they all dug in, well on their way to their limit as the seconds passed. The only two that managed to hold back were Ryker and Joshua, watching what they consumed in case there was a problem. Ryker was the leader of a gang and had certain responsibilities he couldn't ignore, and that was the reason he hid behind for not drinking as much as the others.

        'God, I think I'm wasted already,' Seth groaned, his body sagging further into the sofa he was laying on. Hayes and he were the two missing from their little circle of friends, having gone out to take care of some gang business. Being the oldest and best with money, the two were in charge of everything financial and had the power to make sure the gang was able to survive, no matter what that involved doing. They were both huge guys in terms of muscle mass, looking almost identical with their dark brown eyes and tattooed skin. They were more than capable of dealing with anything that came their way.

        They just didn't know how to keep their mouths shut.

        'You should slow down,' Ryker suggested, although his tone of voice portrayed how serious he was. He needed his members coherent in case something was to go wrong, not passed out on the floor. You never have a day off when part of a gang.

        'One more,' Seth pressed, sitting up slightly to appear more alert. 'Can you get me one, Josh?' he asked, directing his attention to where Ryker and Joshua shared a seat. Lucien and Roman had long since fallen asleep curled up on the opposite sofa, and Seth knew Gabriel wouldn't do anything for him, so he was the only option. Joshua was always willing to do anything for them.

        'Sure,' he agreed before unwrapping himself from Ryker's embrace, the heat from his boyfriends body seeming to be the only thing keeping him warm. He had left his hoodie upstairs after the incident with Roman and was too lazy to go and fetch it, so he had been glued to Ryker's side all night - not that he wouldn't have been anyway.

        His walk across the room seemed to catch all three men's attention as he was the only moving object in the room. Gabriel was well on his way to dreamland and didn't appear to notice anything, his head lolling back as he gave into temptation. It shouldn't be too long before the remaining two residents follow.

        A low whistle bought Ryker's attention to Hayes, his eyes following the tattooed man's line of sight as he tried to contain his emotions. 'Damn,' he muttered, eyes transfixed on Joshua's ass as he walked towards the kitchen. The skinny jeans he put on this morning in order to spite Ryker were really working for him. 'I know why you can't keep your hands off him now; he wouldn't be leaving my house for a month if he was mine.'

        But he's not, Ryker thought, not trusting himself to speak, he's mine.

        'I know what you mean, you must have some damn hot sex if he's as good as he looks,' Seth joined in, his voice quieting to make sure Joshua didn't hear. 'You're so fucking lucky, man, I would give everything to have someone like him,' he stated, his voice more sincere as his gaze moved to Ryker.

        'Yeah,' he agreed, his voice soft, 'I am lucky.'

-

        Ryker was not able to quiet his mind all throughout the night. Seth's words continued to eat at him no matter how many times he willed his brain to think of something else, it just wouldn't work. His inability to keep his mouth shut was the reason Ryker was having an inner battle with himself, the words uttered so meaningless to someone else yet managing to have such a profound impact on him. No matter how hard he tried to distract himself from his thoughts it proved futile, his distance affecting the others. Everyone but Ryker managed to survive a night incident free. He was starting to wish he drank a bit more, but he knew he never would when in the presence of Seth and Hayes. The two put him on edge when Joshua was around.

        It was just past one in the morning and Ryker was helping Joshua get into the car, having said their goodbye's just minutes before. His boyfriend was quite possibly drunk with the amount of alcohol he consumed after deciding to drink along with their friends, granted - he knew his limit and didn't exceed it. That didn't make him any more coherent, however; Ryker was still struggling to get him into his seat. All Joshua's mind was screaming was "sleep!"

        And that was exactly what he did as soon as the door closed.

-

        'Ryker?' Joshua mumbled sleepily, his face nuzzling into the crook of his boyfriend's neck as he registered the safe arms surrounding him. The motion of being lifted from the car had stirred him awake slowly, his words being voiced as he was carried through the doorway and into their home.

        'Shh, go back to sleep,' Ryker cooed gently, 'I got you.'

        He didn't bother to turn on the lights as he walked through the house, making his way to the stairs. They would only irritate Joshua and he didn't need them.

        'Are you okay?' the smaller boy asked, his face not moving from its spot against Ryker's neck despite his serious tone. It caused the other to pause his movements as he took in his words, verifying that they came from the boy he was holding and not something his wandering mind made up. The soft brush of lips against his neck as the words were spoken was enough verification, an uncomfortable feeling settling in his stomach at the touch.

        Despite being slightly drunk, Joshua was still able to notice Ryker's odd behaviour throughout the night. He seemed more distant and distracted - something Joshua told himself he would ask about as soon as he had the opportunity. He knew the chances of getting an answer in front of the other men would dwindle down to zero considering he barely got one when they were alone, and this was no exception.

        'I'm fine, baby,' Ryker said softly, not wanting to lie to his boyfriend but also knowing that he wasn't in the state of mind to process anything he said. The fact that he had asked was enough to make his heart warm up despite his thoughts warring. Joshua cared, and that reminded him of just how lucky he was.

        'You're so fucking lucky, man, I would give everything to have someone like him.'

        'Hmm,' he hummed softly against his skin, his eyes feeling heavy again. He knew Ryker wasn't telling the truth, but there was no way he would be able to ask him now. The more steps taken towards their bedroom, the deeper he slipped into sleep. 'I love you,' he whispered, his body going lax as they made it to the door.

        Ryker could only manage a sad smile at his words, placing a soft kiss to his head as his mind seemed to find a resolve despite how difficult he knew it would be. He wanted to show Joshua just how grateful he was to have him in his life by fulfilling the only wish he asked for, his stomach already tightening at the prospect.

        If Joshua was able to hold off for over a year, it was Ryker's turn to make the effort.

        I love you too, baby boy.

        He was going to try and give his boyfriend what he wanted.