“Do you? Really?”
“Yeah, kinda. I’m glad we talked.”
“That’s what adults do, dear Noah. There’s no sense in allowing any ill feelings to fester.” Alistair took Noah’s hand in his. “Tell me what else I can do to ease your mind. Another party, hmm? Some sort of exciting sexual perversion?”
Noah laughed.
“Some more cooking lessons perhaps?”
“Only if you’re doing the teaching and we’re both naked.”
Alistair chuckled. “I might be able to make that happen.” He pulled Noah close and kissed him. “Mm, but seriously, my sweet boy. Tell me what you want.”
Licking his lips, Noah replied carefully, “What if I wanted to go out?”
“Out?”
“I think part of why I feel so crazy is that I’ve been locked up in here for days,” Noah said earnestly. He remembered what Roger had said about going out later tonight, and he still had every intention of trying to find that Odie guy. “Getting some cabin fever, you know?”
“Mmm, is that so?”
“Yeah.” Noah grinned. “I know that Roger and all of them wanna go out to one of your clubs, and that’s okay. I just… I need some fresh air. Something.” Noah squeezed Alistair’s hand.”We don’t have to stay long. Maybe have a few drinks, okay? I won’t get shitty, I promise.”
“Was there a specific club you had in mind?” Alistair asked knowingly.
“Uhhh… Kiss the something?”
“Mmhm.”
“Okay, full disclosure.” Noah cringed. “I maybe heard that’s where this Odie guy works, and I thought—”
“Thought you could play detective and figure out something about your uncle that I don’t already know?” Alistair cut in.
“Yeah, that.” Noah wondered if he should have kept lying.
Alistair brought him up for another kiss. “I appreciate your honesty.”
“Does that mean we can go?”
“After dinner,” Alistair replied sternly. “I will dress you, I will order your drinks, and you will be on your absolute best behavior. Do you understand me?”
“Yes!”
“Yes, what?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And you will not speak to Odie unless I’m with you.” Alistair held Noah’s chin. “Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.” Curiosity nagged at the back of Noah’s mind, and he couldn’t help but ask, “Uh… is he dangerous or something?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, great.” Noah barked out a quick laugh. “Do you know anyone that isn’t?”
“Mmm… you?”
“Hey!”
