Hide and Keep Series by K. Sterling

Aiden and Lane have enjoyed five years of clothing optional bliss when a quiet evening at home is interrupted by an unexpected guest. An intruder and an attack have Aiden and Lane examining their relationship and their future and an arson investigation takes its toll on Aiden. “This is all I need,” Lane murmured softly into Aiden’s hair and Aiden had never felt more content in his life. “Me too, you’re everything, Lane.” Aiden exhaled slowly and the last of his consciousness melted... moreAiden and Lane have enjoyed five years of clothing optional bliss when a quiet evening at home is interrupted by an unexpected guest. An intruder and an attack have Aiden and Lane examining their relationship and their future and an arson investigation takes its toll on Aiden. “This is all I need,” Lane murmured softly into Aiden’s hair and Aiden had never felt more content in his life. “Me too, you’re everything, Lane.” Aiden exhaled slowly and the last of his consciousness melted. A shrill cry cut through the cocoon of warmth and joy and Aiden’s eyes snapped open as his blood chilled. Lane’s arms tightened around Aiden as he shushed soothingly. Lane rolled them and groaned as he pushed off the mattress. His forehead rested on Aiden’s as he nipped at Aiden’s lips. “Everything’s fine. It’s Henry,” he said gently then backed off of the bed. “He probably needs another bottle,” Lane said more to himself as he pulled on his pants. “Why do people want this?” Aiden complained as he pulled the duvet over his head and burrowed into his pillow. He heard a soft chuckle from Lane. “I’m sure it’s different when it’s your own child. I’ve heard that the precious moments outweigh the times they make you want to pull your hair out,” Lane explained and Aiden shrugged as he tried to make his ears stop hearing. “I’ll take your word for it. I like when it’s quiet and just us,” he grumbled. “I agree,” Lane said as he pulled open the door and slipped into the hall. A few minutes later, the wails of tiny rage stopped and Aiden cautiously lowered the duvet. He rolled toward the dresser and his eyes went to the tiny screen on the monitor. He sat up and squinted in the dark as he leaned closer. Aiden’s head tilted as he watched Lane rocking from side to side as he held Henry in his arms. Henry’s chubby little hand pressed against Lane’s cheek as he drank from a bottle. Lane’s lips curved softly and he looked so relaxed and happy as he hummed a song under his breath. There was a faint ache in Aiden’s chest and something that felt a little like longing fluttered within him. Aiden’s hand trembled as he reached for the monitor and he froze. “No. To hell with that,” he whispered loudly as he turned away and pulled the duvet back over his head. less

K. Sterling invites you to return to Lake Cliff and catch up with Aiden, Lane, Lavender and Sage in this sequel to In The Kill and the Hide And Keep trilogy. Can you domesticate an international assassin? Can a criminal be reformed and play well with others? Happily Ever After doesn't always happen right away or as easily as you might imagine. Lavender must decide how much he's willing to sacrifice for love and if he can make peace with his past... moreK. Sterling invites you to return to Lake Cliff and catch up with Aiden, Lane, Lavender and Sage in this sequel to In The Kill and the Hide And Keep trilogy. Can you domesticate an international assassin? Can a criminal be reformed and play well with others? Happily Ever After doesn't always happen right away or as easily as you might imagine. Lavender must decide how much he's willing to sacrifice for love and if he can make peace with his past. Despite his hopes, fate isn't ready to let Lane West settle into his own Happily Ever After peacefully. A new threat comes to Lake Cliff and he's forced to team up with his worst nightmare. “You didn’t bring a vest,” Lane said and Lavender snorted. “I don’t plan on getting shot,” he said absently as he stared at the diner and Lane rolled his eyes. “Or it wouldn’t compliment your ensemble,” he muttered and Lavender shrugged. “What’s the point really?” He asked. “I can’t wear it under my jacket. Even if it fit, I would ruin the clean lines and proportions. And it would be ridiculous to wear it over my jacket,” he added and Lane raised a brow. “Because it would look stupid?” He asked and Lavender gave him an impatient look. “No. They’d see it and aim for my head,” he said and Lane winced in agreement. “Good point,” he said. “You can hang back with the rifle if I have to go in,” he said and Lavender sighed wearily. “How about you wear your vest because it keeps you from getting cold or jumping at loud sounds and I’ll make sure I don’t get shot?" less