Page 76 of The Cult

“What about you?” Abel lifted his head from my shoulders, and I swore he was staring at me. “You’ll need to rest too.”

“I’ll be fine,” I assured him, again thankful for the darkness between us.

“Can I lie here with you?” he asked, his sweet breath fanning my lips.

“Yeah.”

Abel lay on his side, resting his head on my lap.

I raised my hand, debating whether I should touch him. Fuck it, he can’t see me anyway. I ran my hand through his hair and placed my other hand on his shoulder.

“That’s nice,” he murmured. “Good night, Tobias.”

“Sweet dreams.” It could just be my imagination, but I swear I felt Abel plant a kiss on my thigh.

In this moment of solace, after the storm had passed and the moon was casting its pale silvery light through my broken window, Abel succumbed to sleep in my arms. There was an innocent intimacy in our position that was devoid of ulterior motives. It ignited a warmth within my heart that I hadn’t felt in ages.

Watching Abel sleep, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the rise and fall of his muscular chest. The soft sound of his breathing was a soothing melody in the quiet night. My life had always been filled with turmoil. I’d grown accustomed to the chaos and danger that followed me like a shadow. This time of tranquility was a rare gift.

As I gently stroked his buzzed hair, I reflected on how long it had been since I’d allowed myself to truly relax—to let my guard down for even a moment. I yearned to simply be present, unburdened by the weight of responsibilities of the world I lived in and the past that plagued me. But reality loomed ever closer, a harsh reminder that peace from the storm that was waiting for me outside these walls was temporary. I would have to return to the dangerous life I belonged to, where every step was fraught with peril and every decision could mean life or death for me and those around me.

Tonight, I’d give myself permission to cherish this moment with Abel. Storing memories and locking them in my heart so I could go back to this time when I took my last breath. Time passed and the world outside remained oblivious to the experience Abel and I had shared; an experience that might never happen again.

Thirty-Two: Abel

Ipulled Tobias’s arm across my chest when I woke up after almost three hours of the best sleep of my life. The comfort he bestowed was indescribable. His strength provided security. His warmth promised hope. My eyes fluttered open, landing on the broken window. The sky was still dark, but more gray than black, announcing the beginning of the new day. I could make out Tobias and everything around his small room. I squeezed my eyes shut, wishing I could stay this way all day. With him, pretending my life wasn’t at risk and forgetting the iron claw that controlled us in the cult was easy.

But this was The Creed.

“We better get going.” Tobias pulled his veiny hand back then patted my ass.

I sat up and blinked the sleep out of my eyes. “Did you get some rest?”

“I dozed here and there,” he said. “I wanted to make sure no one came in here.” He stretched his neck, the audible cracks giving him relief as he moved it left and right, back and front.

“Want a neck rub?” I asked, feeling guilty that he’d spent all night watching over me. Sitting for hours the way he did couldn’t have been comfortable.

Tobias raised an eyebrow and eyed me suspiciously.

“I know a little.” I’d only done it a couple of times, but how hard could giving a massage be? “I’ll be quick.”

He turned around, offering me his back. I counted dozens of scars of all shapes and sizes, some covered in ink. He jumped when my hand touched his warm skin and chuckled. “Your hands are fucking cold.”

“Sorry about that.” I rubbed my palms together for thirty seconds, blowing warm air on them before placing them back on his shoulders. I kneaded the muscles supporting his neck, my thumbs digging into his shoulder blades. “You’re tense.”

“My neck is always sore,” he said.

“From work?” I asked, applying more pressure.

“You could say that.”

I wanted to ask him again what he did for a living, but he’d already changed the topic.

“How did you learn how to give massages?”

“From one of the guys.”

Tobias stiffened; his shoulders pulled upward. “Boyfriend?”

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