Chapter 16

Nox

“I know something you don’t know,” I taunt, leaning over the front desk.

Dani’s eyes light up at the prospect of gossip.

“Oh, tell me, tell me.”

“Coffee for information,” I barter.

“Deal.” She grabs the ‘please yodel for service’ sign and comes around the counter, looping her arm through mine and steering me toward the door.

“Give me a hint,” Dani pesters me as we walk down the street toward the coffee shop down the street.

“It has to do with a really, really hot guy.”

“Ooooo,” Dani squeals. “Are you seeing someone?”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to brag so hard about dating Adam. Or at least going on a date with Adam and fooling around a bit. But that wouldn’t be fair to Adam. He’s not ready to deal with people knowing and I agreed to keep his secret.

“No. This very muscular, blue eyed treat seems to be the roommate and apparent fuck buddy of a certain bartender who has inspired obsession.”

“Shut up,” Dani gasps. “You met his roommate? Is he the most gorgeous man alive?”

The image of Adam’s naked body taut and sweat slicked sliding against mine as we writhe in pleasure comes to mind and I bite back a smile.

“He’s in the top five,” I hedge. “And I can only assume that when those two aren’t going at it they must sit around and argue over who’s yummier. You’ve gotta get on that girl, and take pictures for me when you do.”

“I’m working on it,” she assures me with a smirk as we reach the coffee shop.

We order two to go and I decide to get a cookie for Adam as well.

“That’s thoughtful of you,” Dani notes.

I shrug and force my expression to remain neutral.

As we walk down the street talking and laughing the hairs on the back of my neck stand up with the feeling of being watched, followed, hunted.

A shiver runs down my spine as I try to glance surreptitiously over my shoulder. I half expect to see Harrison following me, ready to attack. I don’t notice anything out of the ordinary, but I still can’t shake the feeling.

When we get back to the shop I run into Madden who takes one look at me and frowns.

“Come with me a second,” he says, steering me toward his work area.

I’m still feeling twitchy as he steers me toward the chair next to his computer, my heart is thundering in my ears and my skin continues to prickle.

“Hey, look at me,” Madden instructs. “Take a few deep breaths for me.” He demonstrates by holding my gaze and breathing in deeply, then holding it for several seconds before slowly releasing. “Just like that, come on.”

I obey, forcing my shallow breathing to deepen, drawing the breaths all the way in and holding them for a ten count before exhaling.

After a few minutes the slow breathing takes less effort and my heart rate feels like it’s returning to normal as well.

“There we go, that’s a lot better,” Madden praises, rubbing my back. “Have you had a panic attack before?”

“Uh, no.”

“That’s okay. I’m surprised you haven’t with everything you’ve been through. Did something trigger you?”

“I felt like I was being watched, followed. I thought it might be…”

“It’s okay,” Madden assures me. “It’s to be expected after a trauma like you’ve experienced. Maybe you should think about seeing a therapist?” his suggestion is gentle like he’s afraid I’ll flip out.

“Yeah, that wouldn’t be a bad idea,” I agree, rubbing my chest. I guess it’s better to think that I’ve got PTSD than that I’m being followed by Harrison.

 

 

Adam

“Thirsty Thursday, boss man,” Royal declares with a smirk. “Finish up your shit and let’s go get drinks.”

“I’m coming.” I wipe down my chair and log off my computer before following Royal to the front of the shop.

Everyone is waiting for me so we can enjoy our Thursday tradition of drinks at O’Malley’s.

I notice Dani is wearing a low-cut tank top and some hot high heels that make her ass look fantastic.

“Those men won’t know what hit them,” I assure her with a wink.

“That’s the plan.”

“Thane and Zade are already at the bar waiting for us, let’s go,” Madden urges.

I fall into step beside Nox as we head down the street. My hand twitches toward his but I pull it back at the last second.

When we reach O’Malley’s Zade and Thane are waiting, as promised, holding a table for us. 

“Is it just me or does he get sexier every day?” Nash asks Royal with a loving smile in Zade’s direction.

Royal joins in on his loving gaze, lacing his fingers through Nash’s.

“You’re both sexy as fuck,” Royal declares before dragging Nash into a sloppy kiss.

Zade spots them and watches with love and heat in his expression.

“I feel like the idea of a poly relationship is really hot, but I don’t think I could do it. I don’t understand how they don’t get jealous.”

“Those three are made for each other. But, I totally agree with you, I could never do it. I’d much rather have one person I can take care of and love for the rest of my life.” My voice gets heavy as the words fall from my lips, my eyes trained on Nox the entire time.

He shivers under my gaze but his eyes are filled with longing, with just a hint of disbelief.

“You shouldn’t be so nice, you’re going to spoil me. You’ll ruin me for other men,” Nox accuses. His tone is playful but a flicker of sadness passes over his face.

“You don’t need to worry about any other men.”

Nox gives me a half smile and there’s nothing I want more than to pull him into my arms and kiss away all his doubts. Instead I nod toward the group of our friends and Nox follows me.

 

“You seem exceptionally happy tonight,” Dani notes, eyeing me with suspicion.

“I am happy. Why do I feel like people keep saying that? Am I normally mopey and I never realized it?”

“No, but there’s something different about you. You’re like glowy happy. It’s weird.”

“Good weird?” I check with a laugh.

“Of course it’s good weird,” Dani assures me.

I glance around in search of Nox. I wish I could keep him plastered to my side all night. I want every one of his laughs and shy looks all to myself.

I head up to the bar for a refill and there’s a new bartender tonight I haven’t seen before.

“Hey, do you know if the cute guy with the scars is seeing anyone?” he asks after he hands me my beer.

My hackles immediately go up and I feel my previously happy expression morphing into a scowl. The bartender laughs and puts his hands up in surrender.

“Message received.”

I go to turn and trip over the outstretched leg of the man sitting at the bar.

“Oh god, I’m sorry,” I apologize. I glance at his face and a sudden chill falls over me. There’s something menacing and predatory in his eyes.

“It’s fine,” he says, his gaze lingers on me several seconds longer than I’m comfortable with. It’s like he’s measuring me and judging me.

I shake off the feeling and inch past him to return to my friends.