Page 68 of Free Me

“Miko.” Omi wiped his hands on a towel and wrapped Miko up in a tight, comforting hug, and Miko squeezed back. He loved his omegin’s hugs, and it helped chase away the remnants of his bad feelings over the attack. “You should have called me right away.”

“I know, but the cabbie was really nice. He stayed with me until it was over. Man, I’m such a jerk, I never even asked his name.”

“It’s okay, you had other things to think about. And you had no reason to think seeing a taxi would trigger a panic attack. I’m sure you’ve seen them around town.”

“I have, and I even rode in them up in Ampshire without a problem. I’m not sure why it hit me today. Probably the color association and being home?”

“Probably so, and it sounds like you handled it. Did you at least call and talk to Linus?”

“No.”

“Miko.” Omi pulled back and gave him a familiar, exasperated stare. “Why not?”

“Because tonight is so important to him, and I don’t want to bring down his mood. I’ll tell him tomorrow or something, but I will tell him. Just not tonight.”

“Okay. You know he’s going to be upset that you waited.”

“I know, and I will accept his anger. But it’s my choice to wait.”

“All right. I may not agree with it, but I do respect your decision. I won’t mention it.”

“Won’t mention what?” Dad asked as he strolled into the kitchen.

Miko sighed and had a nearly identical conversation with his sire, right down to the hug and exasperated look. Dad also agreed to keep it to himself. With that behind them, they all helped assemble dinner and were just sitting down to eat when Peyton breezed in with Miko’s pants. He didn’t linger, though, because he had to go home and get dressed.

“Who’s watching Caleb tonight?” Omi asked.

“Babysitter,” Peyton replied. “Someone Khory recommended to us.”

“Wonderful. You boys will be able to enjoy yourselves for a couple of hours.”

“That’s definitely the plan. See you guys there, okay? Later!”

Peyton’s enthusiasm for the gala fed into Miko’s, and he was even humming later when he finished getting dressed. Nervous anticipation fluttered behind his breastbone, and he could barely sit still waiting for Linus to pick him up. He expected them to ride to the gala with Linus’s parents, so he was shocked when a white limousine pulled up to the curb.

Miko stared out the living room window, positive it was for a neighbor—until the driver opened the rear door and Linus stepped out with his walker. He wore a heavy winter coat, so Miko couldn’t see his outfit, but Linus looked good in anything. His heart fluttered with love for his bondmate, and he didn’t wait for Linus to knock. He yanked open the door and grinned.

Linus beamed at him, cheeks already rosy from the cold. “Hey, gorgeous.”

“Hi.” Miko let Linus come inside before kissing him. “I am so excited to go to the gala with you tonight. We finally get our first dance.”

“Yeah, we do.” He briefly sucked on his lower lip. “I’m nervous, Miko. I’ll be so embarrassed if I trip. Or if I trip you.”

“It’s okay to be nervous, but no matter what happens, we’re doing it together.”

“We are.” Linus kissed him again. “I did buy us matching boutonnieres, but I didn’t want to crush them with our coats. Plus this thing.” He gently shook the walker. “Needs both hands.”

“Makes perfect sense. Also, a limo?”

His bright smile went adorably shy. “I wanted us to go as a couple, but I couldn’t make myself call a taxi. And the splurge was absolutely worth it for the look on your face when you opened the door.”

“I love the surprise, and I don’t blame you for not wanting to call a taxi here.” The panic attack confession dangled on the tip of his tongue. “It wasn’t as awkward in Ampshire, because we were so far from home. Here? I get it, believe me.”

Something must have showed in his expression, because Linus’s eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“We can talk about it tomorrow.”

“No way, I know that tone of voice, Tovey. Something is bothering you. Did something happen today?”

---