A Lover's Decision

Chapter 26

Rhyn managed to find a ride home with a classmate so Rhys never got a chance to talk to him. He'd seen and heard the entire exchange between his brother and Myles's family. He hadn't stepped in because he'd figured his brother had it figured out. He'd looked strong standing up for what he believed in, but when he'd walked away without a fight, he'd known what Rhyn was feeling.

It had taken so much effort for his brother to come out of his comfort zone and admit he liked Myles. It had been another level for him to admit they were dating. Rhyn liked his comfort zone. He could easily be himself without fear if judgement. By allowing Myles into his sacred space - his heart - he'd allowed a little piece of himself to be free. He'd allowed himself to live another person freely and unashamedly.

Rhys had felt bad about trying to tell his brother what to do. He had really just been trying to protect him. When this had first started, he'd really thought Myles had just been tryin to get to him. But as everything had played out, he'd seen the mutual attraction between them. Myles had sought Rhyn out, and Rhyn had eventually stopped rebuffing him. When that had happened, everything had naturally developed.

Though he'd watched from the sidelines, Rhys had patiently and quietly guarded his brother. He had made sure he was safe. He's purposely done things to help him without him knowing he was doing it. He'd talked loudly on the phone about what brand and size condoms Myles liked. He made sure he knew what kind of lube to buy to go along with them. He had always made sure he was safe even though he'd hidden that he'd known the truth.

He hadn't been upset when he'd caught Myles and Rhyn having sex. At the time, he hadn't realized how active they were. To catch them in the house doing it had surprised him so he'd lashed out. It hadn't been his finest moment, and he felt bad about it even though they'd set the record straight.

The most growth had been in Myles. He'd gone from a playboy who could barely keep a lover for a month to a caring boyfriend. Rhys hadn't seen him talk to too many other people since he'd been with Rhyn. He had been doting and caring to the middle Easley brother that Rhys had felt it safe to leave Rhyn in his care.

Neither had thought about the resolve of Martin Dane however. Rhys had never known the extent the man would go to just to make his son do what he wanted. Humiliating Rhyn seemed to be his best way, and the worst part was he never had to lift a finger to do it. Braylin Connor was good at that. By claiming Rhyn was a gold digger, she had hit him where his pride hurt the most. Rhyn was the most financially dependent person he knew.

Rhys walked into the gym and looked around. His teammates were excited as they partied happily. The trophy sat on the table in the middle. It was the first conference championship in seven years so it was great to see it sitting proudly.

Myles sat with Ryan and John talking quietly while sipping his drink every so often. He looked fine, but his face was drawn. He didn't know what to do. If it was Rhys, he would have gone after Rhyn. On one hand, he may be worried how he would be received since he'd hurt him again, but he should still go after him. On the other, he wasn't sure if Rhyn was mad.

He strode over to him. He didn't know what he was going to do, but he knew Myles should not be partying while his lover was upset.

"So are you dating Rhyn seriously or is it just a fling?" John asked.

Ryan made a noise of agreement. "I'd like to know too, because what I saw earlier didn't look like you were in stable ground."

John laughed. "I have never seen Myles be super serious about anyone. As long as he got what he wanted, he was always content. The sex had to be good for you to stay for a while."