Page 10 of Demented

Unfortunately, there was an unhealthy side to things too. On Lazarus’ side anyhow. Even though he brushed off tonight’s dinner, it highlighted everything Lazarus could never be. No matter what Noir claimed, he couldn’t walk proudly into that dinner with Lazarus. So Lazarus had to suck it up while countless men and women fawned all over Noir, begging to be in Lazarus’ shoes. Lazarus wasn’t sane. He didn’t know how to cope with this simmering jealousy in a way that wouldn’t destroy them. So Lazarus leaned into the crazy. He went straight for his storage locker, packed up his high-powered rifle, and set out to scope out the best vantage point to watch this party. He wouldn’t shoot anyone. Just watch. Maybe.

The lush wooded areas surrounding the posh club had several spots for Lazarus to hide. He found one and settled in to watch for Noir’s arrival. He put his eye to the scope and studied each new face. Three cars in, Lazarus went on high alert. His planstook a sharp turn. Andreas stepped from the back of a black SUV.

“Son of a bitch. There you are, you motherfucker.”

Lazarus quickly broke down his rifle and changed course. He would likely never get another chance like this one. Tonight, he would end this.

The ride to the country club was unusually quiet. Maybe it just felt that way without Lazarus’ huge presence. Noir fought a smile just thinking his name. God, what had happened to his life? It had been absolute hell keeping his business dealings in the dark with Lazarus always under foot. It was worth every aggravation.

They were ridiculously alike. So much more than even Lazarus knew. Noir felt like himself in Lazarus’ company. He didn’t have to keep his shoulders squared and his chin up. Noir could relax and simply sink into his own world. He wasn’t a prince with Lazarus. Noir was just a man, savoring the time alone he shared with his man. He was Noir’s man. Noir would kill him before he shared him. That was why he had two of his guards tailing Lazarus tonight. He tried to work up an ounce of guilt, but he had no shame. Noir’s jealousy was an ugly thing. He didn’t want Lazarus to see it. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Lazarus. Theyhadn’t truly defined their relationship yet. That left Noir feeling like he was on shaky ground. He had no clue how to handle things in a healthy way. For now, subterfuge it was.

“I’ve never seen you like this.”

Noir’s gaze slid Ajax’s way. “What way do you mean?” He knew. Noir just wanted to hear Ajax’s observations.

“Happy. I can practically hear you thinking about him.”

It was damn hard to keep his face expressionless. He wanted to smile and gush like an idiot. “I don’t know how to respond to that. It would be unbecoming of me to admit to any sort of unhappiness.”

A sad smile touched Ajax’s lips. “To anyone else, maybe, but I’ve known you your whole life. I know your dad. Your upbringing. To anyone else, you look like you have it all. I’ve been right here, seeing the real you.”

Noir couldn’t deny it. He spent a moment measuring his words before he spoke. “He is amazing, though, right? This isn’t in my head. I’m not just seeing what I want to see, am I? I’ve never been sure how much I can trust my mind.”

“It’s real. That man cares for you. Your dad will hate him.”

A smile exploded across his face. “Maybe. When has that ever mattered to me?”

Ajax shook his head. “It’s good to see you smile.”

The car came to a stop in front of the club. Noir took a breath and arranged his features into the bored royal. Press waited, the way they always did. “His Royal Highness, Prince Noir Antonsen.”

Noir stepped from the car and headed for the door. Lights flashed, and he kept his gaze straight ahead. He didn’t move too fast or too slow. Noir had to look unaffected in every way. This was it. This was the thing that had him fucked in the head. He wasn’t real to anyone. Why would he believe he was real himself? He could do anything. No one cared. Not only did he have diplomatic immunity, no one would dare insult a prince. This entire existence was suffocating. Yet he should be grateful for drowning. He should appreciate every breath this life stole from him. No one saw him… except maybe Lazarus did. That was where he wanted to be.

“Noir. You’re looking extra annoyed tonight.”

Noir accepted a glass of champagne and focused on Heath. They had known each other for years. Heath’s family were the largest oil stockholders in the U.S., and he shared in the list of the top ten most eligible bachelors in Atlantic City with Noir. That fucking list. It sucked to be that wanted.

“Heath. I’m surprised you’re here. Don’t you usually skip these things?”

Heath’s gray eyes flashed with devilry. “Well, rumor is you’re dating ‘gutter trash.’” Heath did the full air quotes. “Bets weremade if you were brave enough to bring him tonight. I, for one, was rooting for you. What these assholes consider trash makes for the best lovers, or so I’ve found.”

Noir was furious. He would be damned if he showed it. “I asked him to come, but he had another engagement. It’s also rather funny to me these people think of a millionaire as gutter trash. I can’t imagine how they must hate themselves. Most of them can’t even claim that status.” He knew it was wrong to expose Lazarus’ wealth. Noir didn’t care what people thought of him, but Lazarus didn’t deserve their disdain. While he had made his money in the dirtiest way, no one made that much money ethically. That was just life. Noir also knew Heath got drunk and told everything he knew. He wouldn’t hesitate to use that to his advantage.

“I hadn’t heard that part. What’s his trade?”

An evil smile pulled at the corners of Noir’s mouth. “He’s who people call when they need someone to downsize their company.”

Heath nodded, looking thoughtful. “I imagine that is a lucrative field. Companies would pay a lot to have someone else face the wrath, but it’s a job that must be done sometimes.”

Noir nodded. Heath had no idea.

After a moment of looking around, Heath made his excuses. “I suppose I should find my table.”

Noir knew he couldn’t wait to spread his new piece of gossip. “Of course. It was good to see you, as always.”

Heath flashed him a final smile and was off like a shot. Noir chuckled under his breath. This night might turn out to be more interesting than he expected. He never tired of stirring the pot.

Chapter Six

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