Page 16 of Dead to Rights
While helookedfine, Finn knew he hadn’t imagined it. Noah’s heart rate had slowed from its frantic pace in the elevator, but it continued to beat a little faster than normal, and the stench of anxiety still clung to him.
Running a hand through his hair, Noah glanced to one end of the small apartment and back, then offered a wan smile. “Just not a fan of the elevators in his building,” he offered without more prompting. “That’s all.”
Finn detected a thread of truth in the explanation, but it wasn’t the whole story. Something about the elevator spooked Noah, something he didn’t want to talk about. Something that didn’t align with the usual suspects like heights, enclosed spaces, or mechanical malfunctions.
Though he didn’t like it—he couldn’t fix the problem if he didn’t have a name for it—he respected the unspoken boundary and let it drop. They were still finding their footing together. Maybe once Noah felt more confident in their relationship, he’d be willing to tell him more.
He followed Noah past the small kitchen, noting a few details that he hadn’t seen in any of the other units. For example, rather than chrome or steel, the fixtures and appliances all had a matte black coating. The countertops appeared dull, soaking in the light rather than reflecting it, and neither the microwave nor the oven had a window that allowed him to see inside.
Beyond a cubical shelf lined with an assortment of knickknacks at the edge of the living room, the rest of the spaceappeared to lack any personal touches. White walls. Gray sofa. Beige carpet.
It all looked very utilitarian, which actually tracked with the other apartments in the building.
Everyone said Hades himself had erected the Tower to house the souls who called the village home. At the same time, the units had never been meant for long-term habitation, designed more for function than style.
Still, most people found small ways to incorporate touches of personality into their apartments. Not Noah.
He also noticed that his mate’s place didn’t have any windows.
On these upper levels, residents wouldn’t be able to see anything beyond darkness through the glass, but the windows made the room feel less confining. At least, that was how he had heard it described by other people.
The way it had been explained to him, the Tower provided occupants with what they needed, not necessarily what they wanted. Food, clothing, bedding, and basic amenities like heat and running water came standard.
The changes he had seen in Noah’s place…did not.
Rounding the sofa, Noah settled down on one end and motioned for Finn to join him. “Can I get you something to drink?”
Finn lowered himself onto the middle cushion but left a bit of space between them. “No, I’m good. Thanks.”
“So, uh, I guess I don’t really know where to start,” Noah said with a nervous chuckle. He twisted around and tucked his feet under him, sitting cross-legged and folding his hands together in his lap. “Like I said before, I’ve liked you for a while now.”
Once again, he detected the unspoken “but” at the end of that statement. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
Noah shrugged. “I didn’t know if you felt the same way.”
“I do.” He’d been drawn to the guy from the moment they’d met, and his feelings had only intensified over time. “But I’ve always been afraid of losing control and hurting you.” He held his hand out, palm up, smiling when Noah took it without hesitation. “You make me a little crazy.”
“I’ve never done this before,” Noah admitted. “Been in a relationship, I mean. I don’t know if I’ll be any good at it.”
“Me, neither.”
While the desire had been there, he’d just never had the time. Relationships required attention and dedication, and all of his had been poured into his ranch.
Noah’s smile came immediately, bright and filled with hope. “I’m kind of high maintenance.”
“I know.”
“Hey!”
They both laughed, easing even more of the tension that had been simmering between them.
“I’m up for the challenge,” Finn promised. “If you’re willing, we can figure it out together.”
“Yeah, okay.” His tight set of his shoulders relaxed, and he swayed forward, leaning closer. “I’d like that.”
Unable to resist the magnetic pull, Finn inched closer, dipping his head, his gaze locked on Noah’s mouth. He moved slowly, testing the waters, giving his mate plenty of time to pull away if he chose to.
Instead of retreating, Noah closed the distance himself, bringing their mouths together. The kiss started tentative, the careful dance of a new relationship taking shape.
