Wendy accepted Izaak’s hand to help her sit. Her light green eyes flashed with life. She looked every bit as nice as she was. It was easy to think of her as older than her forty-three years. A chronic illness had destroyed her health. But when she was in the room, it was hard to reconcile the sight of her. She looked much younger than her age. Wendy was incredibly beautiful with her long, braided red hair and light green eyes that matched her son’s. It was as if the walker shouldn’t exist, but it did. Ajax was angry with life on her behalf.
“I’ve been with Lucas all morning,” Wendy said, pulling Ajax from his thoughts. “The nursing staff came by and helped him shower and whatnot.” She focused on Ajax. “He’s completely wiped out now. When I left, he was dead to the world.”
Ajax quietly ate and listened to Wendy talk about her plans for the day. He saw right through her, and Ajax couldn’t look away once he saw her game. She carefully plotted her day so Ajaxwould be with Lucas for the next several hours. The way her knowing gaze kept flashing his way told the entire story. She was matchmaking. It was cute.
“Did Lucas have breakfast?”
Ajax perked up at Lazarus’ question. Lucas hadn’t been eating enough.
Wendy shook her head. “He fell asleep before he could eat.”
Noir looked his way. “You should take some food to him and make sure he isn’t disturbed.”
Ajax pushed from the table and stood. “Yes, your highness.” As always, like a well-oiled machine, a full plate of food appeared alongside a glass of juice. Ajax accepted both with a dip of his chin in thanks. Once he was out of sight, Ajax picked up the pace. He didn’t know how long it had been since Wendy left Lucas’ room. But the guy was stubborn enough to be up dancing, for all he knew. Lucas lived to push too hard.
Ajax quietly entered the room.
Lucas still slept peacefully.
After setting his haul aside, Ajax removed his dress jacket and draped it over the back of a chair. He had learned from months of dealing with Lucas every day, there was only one true way to keep him in bed. Ajax circled the bed and toed off his shoes.Then he gently climbed in beside Lucas. On his side, he studied Lucas's sleeping face. He truly was a work of art. It was no wonder people lined up to fill his bed. The strawberry-blond hair and light green eyes combined with the smattering of freckles across his face and his full lips. He was flawless. They were friends. Ajax didn’t want to notice those things. He couldn’t help it. Some things were too blatant to ignore. Lucas’ sex appeal was one of those things.
Lucas shifted.
Ajax closed his eyes and pretended to sleep.
Lucas covered him with his mound of blankets and scooted closer until he snuggled against Ajax.
Like always, Ajax took a deep breath and enjoyed the stolen moment. Sometimes, he liked to pretend Lucas belonged to him. It was a secret fantasy just for him. Lucas would never want someone like him. He was too old. Too enmeshed in the crime world. Lucas wanted to escape. He was happy with whatever Lucas gave. Anything at all would be enough.
Damn. Ajax always smelled like a dream. Lucas loved cuddling against Ajax’s chest. He wanted to be closer. Lucas slipped the buttons loose on Ajax’s shirt. There was no way Ajaxwas comfortable in his dress shirt while trying to sleep. The moment he could, Lucas slid his arm beneath the material. Unfortunately, Ajax also wore an undershirt. That didn’t stop Lucas from snuggling even closer.
Ajax’s hand slid across Lucas’ bare side until he reached Lucas’ back, lightly holding him. His lips pressed against Lucas’ forehead and then moved to Lucas’ cheek. Their breathing turned harsher. The air changed. It was as if they waited to see who would break first. Fuck it. Everyone knew Lucas was easy. He turned his head, capturing Ajax’s lips. Heat and passion exploded through their kiss. Holy hell. Lucas didn’t know what he expected. This was so much better than anything Lucas could dream.
The door suddenly opened.
Ajax rolled from the bed and landed on the floor.
Lucas looked toward the door. He knew he had to look exactly like he had been sleeping hard before being disturbed.
Izaak poked his head into the room. For a moment, he looked confused. “I thought Ajax had been ordered to stay at your side today?”
Lucas looked around, trying to look more confused than panicked. He didn’t want Noir to take Ajax from him. His gaze landed on the bathroom door. Never had he been more thankful a nurse had pulled the door closed earlier.
“Um.” He swiped his hand across his face. “He’s in the bathroom.”
Izaak nodded. “Okay. Prince Noir has ordered for you not to be disturbed today, but Wendy.” He paused for a second, as if catching himself. “Your mother has asked me to let you know she’s going out for sunshine and fresh air.”
Lucas nodded. “Okay.”
“She asks that you text her if you need anything.”
“I don’t have a phone.”
That seemed to give Izaak pause. “Oh. I suppose have Ajax text her.”
Lucas nodded, doing his best to look ready to go back to sleep, because really, he wanted to go back to sleep.
Izaak turned the lock on the door. “I’ll lock this behind me, then. That way, you’ll be left to rest.”
