Chapter 12
Keeping close behind Aleck, Julen was happy to let his lover lead the way downstairs to the open plan living area. He peered over Aleck’s shoulder. As he’d said, everyone was there, and a familiar smell from the kitchen made his nose twitch.
Nic was the first to move, enveloping Julen in a tight hug. “Don’t ever scare me like that again, baby bro. You hear me?”
“I won’t. I promise.” Julen looked over to where Sam stood with an anxious-faced Hayden and reached out with one arm, Nic, clearly not quite ready to relinquish his hold. The four men hugged briefly, before Nic ushered Sam and Hayden to one side.
As Julen moved away from Nic, Cassandra and Wiley stood and waited. Gazing at them in turn, Julen was stunned to see the deep shadows under Cassandra’s eyes and the raw pa
