Order (Tattoos and Ties Duet #2)(85)

Alec’s heart hurt hearing that story.

“Even after I explained how things should be, the boy still hid a backpack behind one of my porch chairs with a change of clothes and a blanket for when it was cold outside,” Clyde continued. “At ten years old, he’d spent so many nights on the front porch that he had already gotten into survival mode. Key’s life has been all about surviving. He’s never owned more than he can fit inside a duffel bag, and I’d venture to say, he’s saved as many dollars as he possibly could. He knows what it’s like to be hungry and abused and sick with no medical care, yet he still turned out to be a man who could display a deep pride in something as simple as having a small puppy.”

A lump swelled in Alec’s throat as those words broke his heart. The wonderful man caring for their small dog outside that door had been through hell. Alec hurt for the man he loved. His gaze moved to the big window in the living room. Key was there, walking slowly along with Nash. He was such an unassuming man. His hands were in his pockets, his ball cap turned backward. That was a new look that Alec loved, especially when his hair was loose and flowed down his shoulders. It occurred to him he hadn’t seen Key pile his hair on top of his head in a good while. He actually couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Key do that.

“I only want to make his life better. If he would leave with me, I’d take us far away from here. I’d make a life for him that he deserves. I love him with all my heart.”

Clyde was silent, and after several moments, Alec lifted his gaze back to Clyde who pleaded for Key. “Please don’t jerk him around. He’s come a long way and deserves an easier life.”

“He’s brought me a long way. Given me something to work for.” Alec gave a small smile, knowing no truer words had ever been spoken. They both looked over at the front door when Key came through, talking to Nash in his version of a baby voice, giving the dog encouragement for doing his duty. Alec’s gaze snapped back Clyde’s way, who had lifted his brows at what he was seeing, a small smile touching the uncle’s face.

Key looked at both of them in confusion. His brow furrowed as he fixed his gaze on Alec, but spoke to Clyde. “I was hopin’ I could go show Alec the shop. Maybe take him for a ride back there.”

“Do you want me to watch him?” Clyde offered as he went for Nash.

“Yeah, if you don’t mind.” Key carefully handed over Nash then went to an entryway closet and pulled out two leather jackets.

“Of course not. Take your time,” Clyde said, putting Nash on the floor. The puppy promptly leapt toward Key, face planting in all his eagerness to get back in Key’s hold.

“He likes his daddy,” Alec teased, the moment going a long way in relieving some of the anxiety Clyde had managed to instill in him. Key handed him the coat and scooped Nash up again to give him back to Clyde. “And he doesn’t walk much when Key’s around. He’s a bit spoiled.”

“He’s little,” Key justified as if there were no other reasonable explanation, never once admitting to the notion he might be spoiling Nash. “Wear this. We’ll walk.” Key left him standing there as he started for the kitchen but stopped abruptly in his tracks and turned back to look past Alec’s shoulder to Clyde. “I forgot to tell you, my old man died.”

That was news to Alec. His stomach sank as his gaze darted to Key, studying the way he looked at his uncle. Alec turned back to Clyde who remained stone-faced and didn’t offer a pretend apology or condolences. Neither spoke. Finally, the older man only nodded. Alec could feel the finality in the way Key returned the nod.

Whatever passed between the two men was over and done in an instant. Key showed no emotion. Alec, on the other hand, wasn’t sure how to feel. When had this happened? Why hadn’t Key said anything to him? Had he been a bad boyfriend because he hadn’t asked?

“Take your time,” Clyde said and settled back in his rocking chair with Nash. He lifted the remote, but Alec noticed he didn’t turn on the television. Instead, he watched as Key came back to help button Alec’s jacket. Those were the little things Key did for Alec all the time. He took care of Alec even in the smallest details. Those thoughtful assists were becoming more and more prevalent with each passing day. Alec finally dropped his hands to let Key finish fussing over him.

Key didn’t say anything as he took Alec’s hand and led him through the kitchen and laundry room and out the back door. They trotted down a set of steps, Key walking with purpose, pulling Alec along behind.

“Where are we going?”

“Watch where you’re steppin’. There’s ruts and shit out here.” Key didn’t answer his question. The man didn’t waste his words. Alec had been with his biker long enough to know he would eventually get the answer he sought.

“You didn’t tell me about your father.” Direct was the best way to approach the subject. Alec picked up his steps, matching Key’s long stride in order to keep up with the brisk pace.

“I thought I mentioned it.”

Alec shook his head and looked over to say he hadn’t when he stumbled over the raised edge of a rut. Shit! His heart sped up as he almost lost his balance. He tightened his hold on Key to help keep him on his feet. When balanced again, he added, “You didn’t.”

“Probably because I don’t care. He hated me. Didn’t want me there…at the funeral, you know.” The callousness of Key’s words weren’t convincing. Alec didn’t press it, especially after hearing what Clyde had to say about Key’s childhood. The man was gone, and hopefully, the pain of Key’s childhood could die with him. When Key was ready to talk, he’d be there for him.