Lucian had only ever served him drinks, but Adrian’s aura alone left him feeling like they wouldn’t getalong.
Adrian, uncharacteristically, was dressed. The front of his shirt was open, but he was no less decentthanthat.
“It’s just a dance,” Adrian said. Lucian came to a stop, aware that he was staring, but unable to take his eyes away. “We’re at aclub, Marcus. When is the last time youhadfun?”
“I always have fun when I come here.” Marcus’ tone did not give. “I’m not interested indancing.”
“You danced last month with Boy,” Adrian insisted. “You andCyrus.”
“If you’re so set on dancing, why don’t you find Cyrus? I’m sure he wouldloveto dancewithyou.”
The look in Adrian’s eyes sharpened. “Cyrus has enough on his plate with Boy. They’re already up on the second floor, you know. But I guess you wouldn’t know, because I can’t remember the last time I saw you in one of those rooms.” The bite in Adrian’s words became less severe as he padded his harsh criticism with insincere empathy. “It can’t be fun for you, coming here night after night only to come away empty-handed. I know that you want a perfect submissive—someone who’s going to be the docile, playful, always-horny sex toy you need—but until you find him, why don’t you play with me? I don’t have to be dominant, you know. If it’s what you want, I’ll let you call the shots. I don’t always need to be incontrol.”
Lucian ducked his gaze, sudden dread spreading through his chest like black dye through clear water. The plastic handles of the rack dug into the backs of his fingers, burning. He knew he needed to get to the kitchen to drop off the dishes so he could get back to Clarissa, but his feet were glued to the spot. More than anything, he wanted to butt in and tell Adrian to mind his own goddamn business, but hecouldn’t.
He had to watch as Marcus was tempted by an omega more sure of himself than Lucian could ever be—an omega Marcus didn’t have to hide hisinterestin.
“Thank you for the offer, but I’m not interested.” Marcus’ voice didn’twaver.
“Whynot?”
“I don’t have to offer you anexplanation.”
“No, you don’t.” Adrian was bitter. The acidity inside of him carried in his words. “But you could at least offer me a little courtesy. I’m trying to help you out.That’sall.”
Lucian didn’t believe it for a second. Adrian was trying to paint himself as the good guy, but Lucian was certain that it was only because he was trying to manipulate Marcus into doing what hewanted.
“I thanked you,” Marcus said plainly. “If you’ll excuse me, there’s a glass of bourbon waiting for me upstairs. Enjoy the rest of your night. I hope you find what you’relookingfor.”
Lucian watched Marcus push past Adrian. Marcus lifted his gaze. Their eyes met. A primal connection passed between them, an instant spark that lit Lucian on fire and put to rest his fears that Marcus would look for sex with someone else. In Marcus’ eyes there was steadfast resolution, and behind that resolution wasdevotion.
Commitment.
Marcushadfound the one he wanted, and in that look, Lucian knew that itwashim.
They said nothing with their words as their paths crossed, but that look told Lucian everything he needed to know. Cheeks heating, he continued on his way to the kitchen,accidentallychecking Adrian’s shoulder ontheway.
“Sorry!” Lucian uttered, drawing upon every theatrical bone in his body to drive the performance home. “Mybad.”
Adrian’s eyes tore through him, and Lucian saw their fire. The coals of Adrian’s eyes were scorched and hardened, and Lucian had a feeling that he wasn’t done pursuing the one who’dburnedhim.
Lucian hurried into the kitchen, not drawing a breath until he was through the kitchendoors.
Not everyone at The Shepherd was as morally upright as Marcus seemed to be. Not everyone was as respectful. The fire in Adrian’s eyes was a good reminder of what else was out there—of the future Lucian wanted toavoid.
If nothing else, Adrian’s display was motivation. Lucian refused to let the man he wanted be stolen away bysomeoneelse.
It was time to stake his claim. He wasready.
He would be Marcus’. He wasn’t afraidanymore.
16
Lucian
When the doorsof The Shepherd had closed to the public and Lucian was excused for the evening, he didn’t head home—instead, he ducked into the alley and sought out the easily overlooked alcove in the hopes that the man who’d been on his mind all night would be waiting for him there. Shadows shifted as he approached, and from them emerged the one he wanted more than anyother.
Marcus extended his hand, and Lucian took it. They stepped into the shadows of the alleytogether.
