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him that we are all there to protect each other. I don’t see why not?”
    Aiden stood there watching Jake, biting his lower lip, obviously thinking hard. “That might work,” he finally said. “If we claim it would be easier for the whole protection thing until Max is caught.”
    Jake smiled and nodded.
    “Jake, are you sure?” Aiden turned to him with worried eyes. “I mean, it won’t be easy. It’s going to mean a lot of work. Cael is not some kid we can boss around.
    Legally, he’s an adult and will have a say in everything we do.”
    Jake pulled him close. “I know that, baby, but I think we could make it work.”
    Aiden studied his face for a moment, then smiled the Dream a Little Dream - 42
    same breathtaking smile Jake had first fallen in love with.
    “All right, then. I’ll go talk to the board of directors, you talk to your Captain, and we’ll bring our boy home,” he said, bouncing off toward the elevators.
    Jake couldn’t help but feel that Aiden’s words were some sort of prediction of their future.
    And he couldn’t seem to find himself really bothered by it.
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Chapter Five
    The next day, Aiden was anxious to see Cael. He had abided by hospital procedure and left the kid for observation over night, but he was worried the whole time. Finally, Jake had taken it upon himself to fuck him through the mattress so that he was too exhausted to worry, until he woke up this morning and the whole nightmare thing started over again.
    The hospital room was bright and almost cheerful; strange considering that the huddled form on the bed was strapped down at his wrists and ankles.
    Aiden scowled. The cuffs were completely unnecessary.
    It was common procedure with any patient under observation, but Cael wouldn’t hurt a fly. The kid was so timid and gentle, Aiden didn’t think he actually could.
    He walked over to the bed as quietly as he could, trying not to wake the sleeping boy. Still, the moment he reached the edge of the bed, Cael’s eyes flipped open and looked right at him.
    “Hey,” Aiden said gently, reaching out and lightly pushing the tumble of blonde hair out of Cael’s face. He couldn’t help but wince at the sight of large cuts and bruises, gentling his touch even more.
    Aiden was surprised that instead of flinching away, Cael moved his head to get closer to the feathered touch.
    Aiden felt a rush of warmth at the show of trust and cleared his throat.
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    “How about I take these off?” he said, gesturing to the straps holding Cael down.
    Cael nodded. “Please?”
    Aiden smiled, quickly unbuckling the straps. Cael sighed with relief, rubbing his wrists. Aiden unbuckled his ankles, rubbing them to help the circulation back.
    Cael gave him a shy smile, and Aiden had to fight the urge to pull the kid close.
    “There,” he said softly. “Much better.”
    Cael nodded, and then the small smile on his face faded.
    “Cael, what’s wrong?” Aiden moved to the head of the bed. He laid a gentle hand on Cael’s shoulder, feeling the fine tremor running through the small body.
    “I thought you left,” he whispered, looking up with luminous violet eyes.
    “No, kiddo, we had to wait until the doctors gave you the all clear before I could come see you.” Aiden explained.
    Cael nodded slowly.
    “Oh.” He seemed to accept that, but Aiden could see there was still something bothering him.
    “Cael? Is there something else? You still look upset.”
    “Do you hate me?” he asked in an anguished whisper.
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    “What?” Aiden was stunned, completely surprised.
    “Why would I hate you?”
    “Because I almost got you and your friend hurt,” Cael said, staring down at his blanket covered lap. “I wouldn’t blame you.”
    “Absolutely not,” a deep voice said from behind them.
    Both men jumped and turned toward the door.
    Jake leaned against the doorjamb. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he looked completely