The massive wave of longing that washed over Ajax scared the hell out of him. He was really in trouble. “I’d love that.” Even Ajax heard the honesty in his voice. He stopped himself before he offered Lucas the world. Unfortunately, he couldn’t fully control his tongue. “You should probably move to my room, though. That way, you could have your own kitchen and all that.”
Lucas’ gaze moved over Ajax’s face. “Everyone will know about us.”
Ajax shrugged. “As long as you’re saying there is an us, nothing would make me happier than everyone knowing you’re mine.”
Lucas’ intensity didn’t waver. His hand ran down Ajax’s side. “I already told you, you’re mine. Never think anything I say when I’m inside you is heat-of-the-moment shit. I’m always in control.”
A shiver ran through Ajax. He had a feeling he should take that as a threat. Ajax wanted more of this all-consuming ferocity. He was invested.
“Kiss me again.”
Lucas’ piercing stare never softened as he lowered his head, giving Ajax what he wanted. Ajax would have to let Lucas go back to sleep. He needed his strength. Plus, it was the middle of the night. But for a few more minutes, Ajax’s heart demanded attention. It was possible Ajax had fallen at some point over the years. Lucas wasn’t known for sticking around. That was fine. Ajax had known he would grow old alone. His position with the royal family meant his first responsibility would always be to the crown. He couldn’t expect anyone to understand that. For him, there were much worse things than a life of service. He had already lived that life. Ajax would never go back again.
Chapter Eight
Lucas:Isawyoutraining with your men this morning. That’s hot.
Ajax:I have to keep them sharp.
Lucas:When you’re finished, you should definitely bring that sweaty ass to me. I have plans for it.
Ajax: I’ll see you in five minutes.
Ajax:How much longer will you be gone?
Lucas:Probably thirty to forty-five minutes. Why? Do you need anything?
Ajax:No. I just wanted to know when I should start worrying.
Lucas: LOL! I’m a big boy.
Ajax:Trust me. I know.
All it took after moving to Ajax’s room was one month. Lucas had graduated to a cane. With his hands gripping the wheel, Lucas savored driving around town. It was a taste of freedom Lucas had wondered if he would ever experience again. He took full advantage. Lucas took more turns around town than necessary before finally heading for his destination. When he pulled into the driveway of Dr. Kace and Jamison Brightly’s house, he took a calming breath. It wasn’t like Lucas to be nervous. Truly, he wasn’t. He couldn’t describe how he felt. Kace had saved his life. That same doctor had married Lucas’ ex—the only one Lucas had actually cared about. Of course, like most everything in his life, Lucas had screwed that up. Funnily enough, he had also had sex with Kace. It seemed he brought people together. Not that any of that shit mattered any longer. He had Ajax.
Just thinking Ajax’s name made Lucas smile as he used his cane to struggle from the car while hanging on to his reason for being there. It took a lot longer to make it to the door than he cared to admit. He also had to do some shuffling to ring the doorbell. Thankfully, he didn’t have to do so twice.
Kace answered. He looked more than a little surprised to see Lucas, but his light green eyes were still lit with happiness. “Wow! Lucas. You’re upright and getting around.”
His smile brightened everything. Fuck. He was beautiful. There had been a time when Lucas regretted not trying harder to win Kace’s heart. He supposed everything worked out for the best.
Lucas laughed. “Barely.”
Jamison appeared behind Kace. He was just as big and cuddly-looking as Lucas remembered. He smiled like he was genuinely happy to see Lucas. That was a mind fuck. “Hey. I thought I heard your voice. Come in.”
Lucas waved off the offer. “Thank you, but no. I’ve already been out and about longer today than I should’ve been. My battery is starting to fail. I just wanted to stop by to thank you both for saving my life. Since I don’t actually know what you give someone who doesn’t let you die when they probably should have, I brought flowers.” He passed them to Kace. It felt like such a lame gift now that he was here. He shifted from foot to foot. Lucas hadn’t realized how uneasy he would be until it happened. All the high emotions he had been riding since waking up were new. They were uncomfortable.
“These are gorgeous. Thank you.” Kace sounded like he meant it. “You didn’t have to get us anything. It’s my job to keep people alive. Seriously, though. You should come in and sit down.”
Lucas took a step back. “Nah. I’m good. Like I said, I just wanted to stop by and say thanks. Sorry I didn’t stop by sooner, but you know.” An uncomfortable-sounding chuckle escaped him. “I guess I should go before I fall.”
Kace stepped out. Concern etched his features. “Do you need some help getting back to the car?”
As much as Lucas appreciated the offer, it also pricked his pride. Everyone still saw him as weak. He was, but he was also on the mend. “No. Seriously. I’m good. I’ll see you around, I guess.”
Lucas turned to cane his way down the steps.
Jamison obviously didn’t think he could do it. He grabbed Lucas’ elbow and helped him stay upright. When Lucas wobbled a little, he was grateful for the help. Still, it chafed to have to thank Jamison again, especially since Lucas wasn’t dumb. He knew Jamison hated him.
