Page 15 of Luka

Spencer headed outside, the cool night air a shock to his system after being so close to the fire. He walked around the yard, trying to sort through his thoughts. The idea of being Luka’s mate was both terrifying and exciting. He had never felt such a connection toward anyone before, and the thought of being bonded for life to Luka filled him with a sense of belonging that he had never experienced before.

“Fuck, I don’t know what to do.” Spencer’s parents had died when he was twenty. All he’d had left was his uncle. Lyle had fucked Spencer’s world up because of the abuse. He’d just gotten rid of Lyle, and honestly, Spencer had always dreamed of meeting the right guy. He’d dreamed of finding someone who would love him, who didn’t want to hurt him, who would make him feel safe and cherished.

And maybe Luka was that man, but he’d just met him. Still, Spencer had to be certifiably insane because he wanted to give this a chance. Maybe he wouldn’t turn out to be Luka’s mate, but a small part of Spencer hoped that he would be. He couldn’t deny the attraction he felt for Luka, the way his body responded to his touch. It was like all his senses were heightened whenever Luka was near him.

But it was more than just that. It was like… It was like every minute they spent together was comfortable, filled with an easiness Spencer had never known before. They just fit. And when he was around Luka, Spencer found himself smiling more often, laughing, and willing to share his deepest secrets, too.

Spencer was lost in his thoughts when he heard a sound behind him. He turned around and saw Luka standing there, his eyes fixed on him. They stood there for a moment, the tension between them causing the air to thicken.

“You’ve really got to stop sneaking up on me.”

Luka smiled. “Sorry. Habit.”

Spencer shook his head and chuckled. “You’re spooky.”

Luka stepped closer, his body language displaying a sense of peace and calm. “Just wanted to know if spaghetti was cool for dinner.”

That wasn’t what Luka had wanted to ask. Spencer saw it in his green eyes. He wanted to know if Spencer had come to a decision, though Spencer doubted Luka would push it.

Spencer hesitated for a moment before he finally said, “I know what you really want to ask me, even though you said you would give me time.”

“Am I that readable?”

Spencer chuckled. “Not at all. You’ve been a mystery to me since I first met you. I just see what you want in your eyes.”

“Just because I want an answer doesn’t mean I’m going to rush you.” Luka sat, stretching his long legs out in front of him. “I’ve learned patience, Spencer. I’ve learned to hone a lot of things when I decided to…”

“Pursue your career.” Spencer nodded. “I get it, and you don’t have to be ashamed to say it, but go on.”

“I normally don’t talk a lot. I don’t engage in idle conversations or go out of my way to make friends. I internalize everything, including my feelings, keeping things bottled up inside of me. For me to not only befriend you but bring you here, honestly, it’s a fucking miracle.”

“The lone wolf.”

Luka grinned. “Yeah, I guess.”

“But you’ve opened up to me, shared your secrets,” Spencer pointed out. “I’m honored, Luka. No, really, I am. I don’t take this friendship lightly, or your trust in me. If you want me to be truthful, I’m a bit of a loner myself.”

Maybe that was why they’d clicked. “But I’ve been giving this a lot of thought, and…” Spencer blew out a breath as he rubbed his palms on his pant legs. “I want to give this a chance.”

Luka’s face broke into a wide grin. “Are you sure?”

Spencer nodded, his resolve firm. “Yes. No. I don’t know. I’m not very good at making decisions. Hell, it took me two whole months to decide what couch I wanted in my apartment. I sat on a milk crate until I’d made a choice. If you let me, I’ll procrastinate about us for the next five years.”

“Can’t have that.” Luka slid his fingers down Spencer’s arm, sending goose bumps scattering all over his skin.

Without another word, Luka closed the distance between them and pulled Spencer into a deep kiss. Spencer’s heartbeat kicked up a notch as he felt Luka’s body press against his own. It was like he was meant to be there, in Luka’s arms, and nothing else mattered.

It was possible that the henchman had already beaten Spencer to a pulp. Maybe he was in a coma and none of this was real. Hell, Spencer didn’t know what to think. He just knew he was sick and tired of being alone.

He was ready to take a chance on Luka, to explore the connection that they shared. And who knew, maybe he really was meant to be Luka’s mate. But even if he wasn’t, he knew that he had found something special with Luka. Something worth fighting for.

Luka pulled away from the kiss, his eyes shining with something Spencer couldn’t name. “I promise to make this worth your while,” he said, his voice low and thick, like honey being poured in the sunshine.

Spencer felt his knees weaken. Everything he had ever wanted was right here in front of him, and he wasn’t sure he was ready for it.

Luka lowered his lips to Spencer’s neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin. Spencer gasped, his hands moving to grip Luka’s shoulders. Luka’s hands traveled lower, undoing Spencer’s pants and pulling them down. Spencer stepped out of them, his body shaking with anticipation.

“We’re outside.” Spencer gave the needless reminder.

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