With his and Luis’ fingers intertwined, Gerome concentrated on the street. He hadn’t turned his hand, only caught the fingers above his, but the contact still sent thrills through him.
He shouldn’t have admitted how much he struggled to let Luis make his own decisions, but then, his mate deserved the truth. With the damage he’d done before Sam called him out on it, he’d be better off remaining honest now. So far, it’d brought him only closer to Luis, who finally seemed to be finding his way back to his true self. They were a far cry from being truly happy, but he’d take their current situation over what they had before any day.
At this point, they talked, they laughed, and they shared some stories. And now, Luis was touching him, really touching him, and he wasn’t letting go. Gerome didn’t know what to think of it. It still didn’t make much sense because Gerome had made it clear there wouldn’t be anything between them, but it still felt right.
With Gerome’s foot firmly on the gas pedal, they flew over the highway. The Jaguar’s powerful engine purred beneath them, the sun shone way too intensely for February, and life simply couldn’t get much better. He’d cleared all his work for the day, something he hadn’t done in close to forever, so he could spend it with Luis. He should do it more often. He cast a quick glance at Luis who stared out the window. When he smiled more, as he recently had done, he looked more than handsome. His sparkling personality beckoned Gerome, and he yearned to see his mate happy every day..
When they’d mated, he’d stopped believing he and Luis would ever laugh again. Now, they could joke and laugh together. He couldn’t hear that sound often enough.
About thirty minutes later, Luis directed Gerome through run-down streets toward a big apartment block.
“I lived here as well. I wonder what they did with my apartment. I guess they simply assumed I vanished and gave it to someone else,” Luis longingly said as they parked in front of the building.
“I think your parents canceled the lease. It would have been the right thing to do. Otherwise, they would have had to pay the rent themselves,” Gerome said quietly. The pain in Luis’ voice ripped through his heart, and he wanted nothing more than to pull him into his embrace and comfort him, but he didn’t do that. He simply squeezed Luis’ fingers.
“That’s possible as well. Come on. Let’s see if we can find my friends. I’m so looking forward to seeing them again.”
“Do you want me to wait in the car? I don’t want to intrude—”
“No, why? I thought you wanted to meet them as well. Please, come with me. I want to introduce you. They’re curious about you. And I’m sure you’d like to know who I’m chatting with.”
“Yeah, I’d like to, but they are your friends. I don’t want to trespass on the time you spend with your friends.”
“You won’t. After all, you’re my mate. Please, come with me. Really.” Now Luis squeezed his fingers together in an encouraging gesture. “Let’s go. I’m sure they’re already waiting.”
Much to Gerome’s disappointment, Luis released his hand and opened the car door. Gerome followed, sniffing the air intently for threats. Shifters, vampires, and humans shared the house, so he had to be careful, although he didn’t pick up anything specific. Maybe it was better to stay close to Luis. After all, who knew what waited for them inside.
He followed Luis out of the car, and together, they made their way to the door. Luis reached over and took Gerome’s hand, linking their fingers.
“Is this okay? I’m looking forward to meeting my friends again, but it will hurt as well. Can I just hold on to you for a bit?” he asked nearly inaudibly.
Fuck. He hadn’t thought about that. It must be horrible for Luis to come back to where he’d been free and happy and see his friends who still had that life. Shit.
“Do you want to cancel? I never thought about it. I’m sorry. I thought it would be something special for you to see your friends again, but I never wanted to hurt you with my suggestion.” Luis met his gaze. The sad expression on his mate’s face robbed him of breath. Shit. He’d fucked up—again.
“No. I want to meet them. I just—I didn’t expect it to hurt so much, you know? Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have agreed. I really want to see them again, though.”
“I’m still sorry.” They stood side by side in front of the building and in the bright February sun. Gerome wanted nothing more than to bring a smile back to Luis’ lips. He shouldn’t be so sad to see his friends again.
“It’s not your fault.” Luis averted his eyes, and Gerome ached to take him into his arms to comfort him and show him he was there for him. Their hands were still joined, and without thinking any more about it, he pulled at Luis’ hand and drew him into his arms. Either Luis would kick him in the balls, or he’d accept the comfort.
Luis didn’t say anything but followed willingly and rested his head on Gerome’s shoulder. His breath left him in a deep sigh, and his shoulders fell as the tension left him.
Gerome wrapped his free arm around Luis, intending to keep their fingers entwined, but Luis released his hand and wrapped both arms around Gerome’s waist, then pulled him even closer. Gerome breathed deeply, catching Luis’ unmistakable, delicious scent. Keeping him tightly wrapped in his arms, he tried to comfort the man who had endured so much pain because he’d been mated off and now hurt even more over a simple visit to friends. He didn’t understand how Luis could ever forgive him and form a friendship with him. Although he was caught in this mating as well, so maybe Luis now understood that and had forgiven him. In any case, having his mate in his arms sent strange emotions rushing through him.
He closed his eyes and pressed a kiss to Luis’ hair. He never stopped to think about it, and he didn’t question his actions. It just happened, even though it sent his insides into a tumult—something he didn’t want to examine any further.
“Thank you for being here with me. I couldn’t have done this without you. I think I would’ve turned around halfway here,” Luis murmured into his jacket.
Gerome tightened his arms around Luis, pressing another kiss to his hair. “I didn’t think it’d be that hard for you. Otherwise, I would have suggested we come back later or ask them to visit us.”
“Neither of them owns a car. And going by train would’ve been too expensive,” Luis mumbled.
“That’s why I have a reliable staff. But I think it would’ve been uncomfortable for your friends if my driver picked them up.”
“Most likely, yes.” Luis hugged him tighter. “Anyway, thank you for being here with me. It’s good the way we did this, and I think it will get easier the second time I see them.” Luis slowly raised his head, and Gerome opened his eyes again and stared at Luis. Even though Luis didn’t smile, he didn’t need to wipe tears from his eyes, and he didn’t look like his world had just ended.
They were so close like this they nearly reached the same height, with Gerome standing a tad taller. Luis’ eyes were level with his, and they didn’t let go of his gaze. Time stopped as Luis leaned forward, his lower lip caught between his teeth. Frozen within the moment, Gerome didn’t even breathe. What the fuck were they doing here? They stood too close, their chests pressing together, their eyes locked. Luis’ lips were only inches from his, and they beckoned him, called to him to kiss the worry away from them.
He shouldn’t be thinking this. Luis didn’t want him like that. He should step back, put some distance between them, and keep up the barriers he had erected.
But why? He didn’t need them. Luis knew him. He’d seen him.
That still didn’t change the fact that they were too close. Luis caught his lip between his teeth again, reddening the flesh. He’d nicked it, the arousing aroma of blood mixed with Luis’ scent, and Gerome swallowed hard to keep his lust in check. Even though he probably didn’t know what he was doing, Luis tempted him, seduced him.
Luis leaned forward, his lips stopping just shy of Gerome’s. Why couldn’t he step back? Were they close to crossing a border, or had they already stepped over it?
Luis kissed him—full on the lips. Not too soft, not too hard. Gerome closed his eyes, welcoming Luis by wrapping a hand around his neck. With a deep sigh, he opened up, meeting Luis’ tongue halfway.
When he’d kissed him months ago, it’d been wrong and just a way to get Luis to mate him. Now, they both wanted it so much, and Gerome couldn’t stop himself from holding Luis possessively against his body while their tongues danced. Luis’ fingers clutched his shirt and held him equally close.
Breathing hard, Luis finally pulled back a bit. “What the fuck are we doing here?” he whispered.
Gerome opened his eyes to slits. “I have no idea, but I like it.” Luis’ eyes were still closed, and Gerome did the only thing he could think of: he leaned forward, claiming Luis’ lips again. His mate accepted willingly, his tongue meeting Gerome’s instantly.
They could deal with whatever just happened between them later, but for now, he’d simply go with his desire. Luis seemed all too happy to go along with him.
This time, they weren’t pressured or scared. They both knew what they were doing—hopefully—and Gerome thoroughly enjoyed it.
He’d merely go with the flow and examine what happened later. With this last thought in mind, he lost himself in the kiss.