Page 9 of Demented

Lazarus:It’s literally your gym and you’re saying eww. I want a kiss.

Noir:Sigh. Just a kiss?

Lazarus:Maybe.

Noir:I’ll be there in a minute.

Lazarus didn’t leave the next day or the next. He dipped out a few times for errands and to grab his stuff from the beach house, but he kept returning to Noir. When Noir had meetings, Lazarus made himself scarce. The way his guards closed ranks around those meetings let Lazarus know exactly how important they were. He assumed they were royal business, and he wasn’t interested in politics. It was no wonder Noir had looked so fucking bored when they met. Lazarus couldn’t think of anything worse than attending those sessions.

All of Noir’s free time went to Lazarus. Even when he worked on his books, he did so with his feet in Lazarus’ lap. Lazarus was content with those quiet times together. He had never felt this at peace. For the first time, he no longer cared about the hunt. He had been in town for nearly a year for a mystery he hadn’tthought about in months. Life was all about what kept him here now.

Noir drew.

Lazarus read. He had picked up the first book in the series, hoping to get some insight into Noir’s mind. Now he couldn’t stop. With one hand, he rubbed Noir’s foot. He held the book with the other, engrossed. He paused and glanced Noir’s way to find him quietly watching him. A smile immediately snapped to his lips.

“What?”

Noir shrugged. “Just enjoying the show.”

Lazarus set his book aside. “What kind of show would you like? I’ll entertain you.”

Noir laughed.

Lazarus loved that sound because he knew no one else ever heard it. They were different together. There was something between them that was just for the two of them. He shifted to his knees and crawled up Noir’s body. “I’ll do anything you want.”

Noir’s eyes flashed with interest. “Anything?” He snagged Lazarus' shirt and hauled him down. Their lips met.

“Pardon the interruption, Your Highness. It’s time to dress for tonight’s dinner party.”

Noir groaned. “Fuck. I forgot.” He looked defeated. “Are you sure you don’t want to go with me?”

Lazarus shuddered at the idea of wearing a tux to a country club and surrounding himself with dignitaries. “I don’t clean up well. I’m more than happy to watch you dress, though.” He waggled his eyebrows.

Noir didn’t smile like he hoped. His gaze moved over Lazarus’ face, looking concerned. “You know I’m not ashamed to be seen with you, right? I’d proudly walk in there with you tonight.”

Yeah. There was definitely something here. Noir wanted to be with him as much as Lazarus wanted to be here. In the end, they were still from two different worlds. Lazarus would never belong in Noir’s sphere. “I know. Don’t worry about me. I should get some shit done I’ve been avoiding. Enjoy your dinner. I’ll be here when you get home.”

“Okay.”

A wicked smile lit Lazarus’ face. “One kiss, though, before you leave.”

“No.” Noir laughed and shoved his way out from underneath Lazarus. “I know your ‘just one kiss’ trick. This isn’t something I can be late to.”

Lazarus shot to his feet and chased Noir to the bedroom. Guards tried to pretend they didn’t watch as they passed. Lazarus overcame him just inside the bedroom. With his arms wrapped around Noir’s waist, he hauled Noir back, holding him against his chest. He squeezed. His lips found Noir’s temple.

“Behave while you’re gone. No flirting with any of these rich dicks.”

Noir relaxed into his hold. “What about you? Will you be out flirting with some biker dude?”

“Dude.” Lazarus chuckled. “That sounded wrong in your accent. You have nothing to worry about.” Noir’s body felt too good against him. He took a step back. “But I’m definitely going to bounce. You’re too tempting and you’re about to be nude. I can’t promise I’ll behave with you.”

“Fair.” Noir moved as if he meant to leave Lazarus behind.

“Nope. Not so fast.” Lazarus snagged his shirt. This time, he spun Noir in his arms and claimed his mouth. He savored every second of the way their tongues played. Lazarus breathed his air. He turned away and headed out without looking back. Lazarus hadn’t been joking. Noir was too much temptation. He had to put some distance between them.

As he headed for the door to the garage, someone handed him his helmet. “Good day, sir.”

Lazarus nodded. He hadn’t learned everyone’s names yet. Lazarus still wasn’t sure if he should bother. His home was still in Arizona. Noir was still leagues above him. But goddamn it. Sometime, in the past few months of staying here, Lazarus had gotten attached. It was stupid. But after Noir’s observation, Lazarus had sought a doctor’s opinion. He knew it didn’t really matter at this point in his life, but Noir was right. Lazarus was autistic. That realization had led to a million more. He wasn’t incapable of getting close to anyone. There was so much more to it. A huge part of it had been his upbringing. He shielded himself from others, terrified of being made to feel the way his parents had. Noir was the healthiest relationship he had ever had in his entire life. For the first time, he wasn’t scared to love someone. Someone genuinely seemed unafraid to love him back.

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