Page 19 of Perfectly Leashed
“Only with you. The meds just turn off the filter.” Luca tried to wink. Though it probably came out weird and crooked. It didn’t matter. The male was at his bedside, watching over him. It was more than he’d expected. He thought he’d blown his chance with the gorgeous human, but Darcy was full of surprises. “Don’t leave. I like you watching me sleep.”
Darcy picked at a bone on his plate, brows drawn like he couldn’t tell if Luca was joking or serious. “I can stay. For now.” He looked up, still frowning. “What happened after we split this morning?”
Luca made a soft popping sound with his lips, like he wasn’t sure they still worked. He let out a breath. “Can’t believe those damn hyenas set me up. What the hell did I ever do to those mutts?” His head lolled a little as he turned toward Darcy. “Anyway, they ruined our date. Do I get pity points for having a really good excuse for being late?”
“Points for thinking wild animals shot you?” He gave a shaky laugh and set his plate aside. “That pain medication’s really scrambling your brain.”
“No, no. Shh.” Luca held up his hands like he could physically stop Darcy’s thoughts from trying to logic through this. Even with the pull in his shoulder, he couldn’t make his arms drop. “Not wild animals, gorgeous. Men who can literally turn into hyenas. Like I can turn into a wolf.”
Darcy’s nose scrunched, lips tight but quivering, as though he was trying not to laugh.
Luca paused, a grin spreading. “God, I want to kiss you so bad right now.”
He tried to lick his lips, but his tongue just poked at his teeth.
The male studied him, ignoring what he’d just said. “You really believe that, don’t you?”
Shit. He needed to shut up, but the words kept coming. “I might be tripping balls right now, Darcy, but it’s the truth, and I’m sorry I’m blowing your mind, and I think I’m channeling Jamie right now because I’m word vomiting and can’t stop.”
He’d never been on pain meds before. Thank fuck he wasn’t in enemy hands, or he’d spill everything.
Like you’re doing with Darcy?
His dog walker was going to think he was a lunatic and never talk to him again.
But he stayed, even after seeing the blood.
True, but there was a huge difference between a bullet wound and sounding psychotic.
“You…really believe what you’re saying.” He stood and started pacing at the foot of the bed. “I saw your eyes glow. Thought I imagined it.” He motioned vaguely with one hand. “Your friends’ eyes glowed, too, when they carried you in here. They also growled a lot.” Pausing, he covered his mouth. “Oh god. I’m actually believing you instead of rationalizing what I saw and heard.”
Luca scrubbed a hand over his face. “You’re freaking out. Come here, cariño. Te mantendré unido mientras te desmoronas.”
“What?” Darcy squinted at him. “You know I don’t speak Spanish, Luca.”
“Eres tan adorable cuando estás confundido.” He chuckled, holding out his arms and wiggling his fingers. “Ven aquí guapo.”
“You’re doing it again,” Darcy complained.
What were they talking about? Oh yeah. “How’s Meatball? Tell me he isn’t eating more tires.”
“I have a better question.” Darcy moved slowly around the bed, those green eyes locked on him. “Why is everyone so shocked about you having a date?”
Luca finally lowered his arms. His shoulder throbbed harder now. He tried to sit up using his good arm, but the room spun, sending him flopping back down.
Darcy rushed over, slipping a thin arm under Luca, straining to lift him. “A little help? You weigh a ton.”
“You just wanted an excuse to hold me.” He curled an arm around the gorgeous male and tugged him down onto the bed. “You don’t need an excuse.”
Darcy glared at him. “I was trying to help you sit up. Now either help me or let me go.”
The warning in his voice startled Luca. Even high, he heard anger in Darcy’s tone and saw the pain in his eyes. Something had been triggered.
Easing his arms away, Luca gave a small nod. “Help me up, please.”
But Darcy didn’t move. He stayed frozen in whatever memory had surfaced.
“Darcy.” Luca cupped his cheek, brushing the soft skin with his thumb. “Look at me, cariño.”
