Chapter 26

“I’ve added this so I can communicate with everyone and coordinate with them. It’s usually just the two of us, when he’s working,” Reginald said as Aiden watched over the back of the couch. Paul shook his head as he rested his elbows on the counter and watched him from the kitchen. He was so focused and fast. Paul couldn’t look at Reginald’s screen as he worked, it was like looking at a strobe light. So many different windows opened and closed, almost simultaneously as his eyes flickered and darted. He’d nod along as people chatted around him or sing under his breath as if he was browsing for a new suit. Reginald created a surveillance web around the house and it was linked to explosives in the perimeter and Sage could monitor Robin’s temperature and breathing from his phone. He was absolutely incredible and Paul was mesmerized as he watched him.

“He’s also communicating with Paris and moved my investments before this recent plunge could touch me. He’s much more than a personal assistant, concierge, spotter or tech support, despite whatever it is he’s told you. He’s my backbone and my secret weapon,” Lavender said and Paul’s eyes narrowed as he looked over his shoulder at him. He wasn’t sure who Lavender was before or what he’d made himself from but he didn’t get it quite right. He wasn’t quite human. Everything was so perfect, he looked immaculate and artificial. Like a piece of plastic fruit. If a piece of fruit could be responsible for a massacre. Not that anyone with a reasonable amount of intelligence would make the mistake of thinking he was harmless. He was fascinating and charming but it was about as comfortable as standing next to a chainsaw while it was running, when he was in the room. He made it worse by hearing people’s thoughts.

“I can see why you put up with him,” Paul said as he turned and set his hip against the counter, facing him. Lavender shook his head.

“I wouldn’t put up with him if it was just a matter of skill. Denver is quite gifted. I don’t require someone with Reginald’s abilities as much as I used to but he understands me and fits into my world because of who he is. He’s refined and morally…vacant. When I found him, he was alone and mad enough at the world to devote himself to me. I’ve paid him millions of dollars and he’s done extraordinary things with that money. I don’t need him the way I used to but I send him on inane errands around the world because he gets very destructive and low when he’s left alone. I’ve crossed my fingers every time he mentions a new lover because I don’t want Reginald to be alone. I enjoy having an ocean between us but I consider him family,” he explained. Paul frowned as he looked back at the living room. Reginald was stretching his neck and shoulders, he was about out of patience and the few gentle manners he could muster. He glared at Aiden and scooted a little closer to the coffee table.

“Would you mind being in another room or at least over there?” He asked as he pointed at a chair by the window and Aiden’s lips twisted.

“I don’t want to be in another room and there’s nothing…” He stopped when Lane gripped his shoulders and kneaded them affectionately.

“Sage and Robin are playing with paint in the studio, wouldn’t you like to join them?” He asked suggestively and Aiden shook his head.

“Not even a little,” he said and Lane offered Reginald an apologetic smile as he put his arm around Aiden and led him away from the couch.

“Then you understand how Reginald feels,” he said and Aiden’s lips tightened as he looked back.

“It’s been almost twelve years. I forget that we even had sex, when we speak. I don’t understand why it’s an issue,” he complained. Paul cleared his throat as he studied his feet then looked up and counted the lightbulbs in the chandelier over his head. He waited for his ego to recover and his feelings to feel a little less bruised as Lane muttered a curse under his breath.

“You broke Cabbot’s nose,” Lane reminded him and Paul and Lavender exchanged curious glances. Aiden snorted dismissively.

“But he was a dickhead,” he said and Lane nodded slowly as he pointed.

“Yes. And you might end up with a broken nose before the day’s done,” he warned.

“Why? I’m not a dickhead,” Aiden said and Reginald grunted.

“You’re not nearly as smart as they say you are,” he stated then reached for his gin and tonic and whispered for patience and serenity before drinking. Lavender’s lips pulled into a smile and his eyes softened as they met Paul’s. It was subtle but his eyes were his only tell and you had to be quick, or you’d miss it.

“I do my very best to avoid other people’s lives but I’d like to offer you some…relationship advice,” he said and Paul’s face twisted as he leaned back.

“Or you could not. That would be super cool,” he said.

“You’re not at all what I imagined for him but I think you’re just what he needs. You’ll temper him just enough and you can protect him,” he said and Paul nodded.

“I can see why he’d need protection, he doesn’t care who he pisses off,” he murmured thoughtfully and Lavender hummed in agreement.

“He doesn’t give a fuck, Paul. He has very little respect for life, in general, especially his own. He intends to burn out, bright and hot, like a flare. I’d like to prevent that, he’s far too brilliant and important,” he said and Paul crossed his arms over his chest, as if it could stop it from hurting and beating too hard.

“Who is he?” He asked quietly and Lavender shook his head.

“I’m sure if you ask him again, when this is over, he’ll tell you,” he said and Paul stifled a whiff of frustration. Why are these people so fucked up? My mom was president of the PTA, how did I get here?

“What’s this advice?” He asked impatiently and Lavender’s head tilted apologetically, as if he’d read Paul’s mind again.

“This is all very absurd,” he said then leaned a little closer. “Do not propose to Reginald. If he asks, accept, if you wish. I think you’ll be fine, if he feels compelled to ask. But it will almost certainly, and quite quickly, be over if you ask him,” he promised and Paul’s lips pulled into an O as his head cocked.

“What? Why? What makes you think… Why would it… What?” He asked as he rubbed the back of his neck then looked at Reginald. He was doing his best to ignore Aiden and supremely irritated by Robin’s swaying baby seat. And Robin. I’m glad he doesn’t mind cats. He turned back to Lavender and his eyes twinkled as he watched him.

“You’re very well suited,” he said and Paul swallowed hard.

“Who did you imagine for him?” He asked and Lavender didn’t blink.

“A fascist,” he stated immediately and Paul laughed. Then paused.

“No. That makes sense,” he realized. “His ideal type would be a dictator.”

“Corrupt, lots of tanks, strong enough to tell Reginald no and the ability to turn off a country’s internet when he’s in one of his moods,” Lavender mused as his hand waved vaguely. Really? What the fuck am I doing? Paul wondered as his hand drug down his face.

“I need a drink.”