Page 2 of Demented

Noir eyed his personal guard. Ajax had been with him since Noir was a child. Not once had he treated Noir like he had watched him grow up. Noir was his prince. Always would be. “Put a tail on him and send Andreas on a trip. I think he needs a tropical vacation somewhere off the map.”

Ajax nodded. “I’m on it.” He pulled out his phone and started typing.

Noir stared out the window. He had been rejected. Noir wanted to laugh. Lazarus was nearly twice his age. He definitely looked as if he had seen some things. Not once had Noir been accused of slumming it. Lazarus was definitely not his usual style. The hardbody, scars, and tattoos. The facial hair with just a touch of gray. Damn. He was intrigued. Lazarus looked intelligent. He had to be to have gotten this close to Noir. Of course, he didn’t know it.

The phone in his hand rang. Noir didn’t recognize the number, but not just anyone could call him. He answered. “Yes?”

“I think I was a little hasty turning down your offer.”

Noir froze. His gaze slid to Ajax. “How did you get this number?”

Ajax immediately went on alert.

A sexy laugh rumbled through the phone. “I’m very resourceful.”

Noir hummed. “Perhaps you can tell me about these resources over dinner? You choose the place.”

Another delicious laugh caressed Noir’s ear. “Where does one take an entire security team for dinner?”

A smile snapped to Noir’s face. “In my experience, any damn where I want. Don’t worry. You won’t even know they’re there.”

Ajax stared at Noir with a puzzled look.

Noir ignored him. “So what do you say? Do you plan to turn me down again?”

There was a pause.

Noir held his breath. He was more intrigued than he cared to admit.

“There’s a restaurant called Alexander’s on Ninth.”

Noir curled his nose but didn’t argue. He had never eaten there, but Noir was accustomed to more upscale places. “I’ve seen it.”

“Meet me there at seven.”

“I can do that.”

“Good. I’ll see you then.”

Noir tried not to smile again. Ajax already looked suspicious. “See you.” He disconnected the call. “I’m to meet him at Alexander’s at seven.”

Ajax dipped his chin. “I’ll set up everything. Someone with no background is dangerous. I’d say this is a terrible idea, but this is the best way to determine his motives.”

Noir nodded. “Agreed.” He kept his tone bland and his thoughts to himself. There was no way he would admit to being interested in someone so beneath him. Then again, the guy didn’t exist on paper. Maybe they weren’t that different after all.

Chapter Two

Lazarus arrived ten minutesearly, hoping to watch the door to see if he could track a pattern for Noir’s security. Noir was already seated at a table, looking relaxed and unbothered by everything. He was stunning. People looked his way constantly. If Noir noticed, he gave no clues. Lazarus watched Noir take a drink of ice water from a wineglass. He winced. Lazarus chuckled under his breath. He had intentionally chosen a place where Noir would be out of place. Lazarus wanted him unbalanced.

As Lazarus headed his way, Noir’s light green gaze landed on him. Hunger punched Lazarus. He had a driving need to shake up Noir’s boring existence. Lazarus wanted to twist him. Sully him. He brought out the darkest of Lazarus’ needs.

Lazarus slid into the booth across from him. “Is it odd I’m surprised you showed?”

A hint of humor touched Noir’s features. “Do you get stood up a lot?”

Lazarus shrugged. “I don’t date.”

“Hmm. Doesn’t date and has the resources to find me. Interesting.”

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