CHAPTER 3
Specter
Once I’msatisfied Cashmere is safely inside his apartment, I drive off to head home. He seems alert to his surroundings, which is good, but I’ve made it my personal duty to make sure he gets home untouched. Lingering in the apartment building’s parking lot waiting for him gives me time to catch up on the world around me. To anyone walking by, I’m just a dude scrolling on his phone, waiting for someone.
Now on the highway, I open my window and light a cigarette. I hate this particular vice of mine, but it keeps me from going for worse crutches. My life isn’t exactly low stress, and if I can’t fuck or kill, I need a place to put all this energy and the gym isn’t always convenient.
I glance at the clock on the dashboard. It’s past midnight now, but that doesn’t mean jack to the guys I live with. I expect they’ll all still be up, talking shit or making late-night snacks in the kitchen. A slight smile tugs at my lips. I don’t hate it. They’re the family I never had.
By the time I’ve entered the gate code and pulled onto the circular driveway, it’s been forty minutes and I’m still feeling agitated. I want to touch Cashmere so bad I can taste it, but I’m not any closer to my goal than I’ve ever been. Maybe Phantomwill be up for a little sparring in the ring so I can burn off some energy.
I park in my usual spot at the side of the house and exit the car, glancing up at the imposing, ornate structure. It’s a unique house, a mansion by most people’s standards, but it fits all of us while giving us plenty of autonomy and privacy.
Entering through the front door, I pause to check the vibe. It seems unusually quiet until I hear Ghost cackling from the back rec room. A smile tugs at my lips as I walk in that direction. It’s been a long day, but it’s always nice to come home.
“There he is,” Wraith announces, sitting backward in a chair, his auburn hair slicked back like he just got out of the shower, a beer in his hand. “Where you been, man?”
“Out.” I shrug off my trench and toss it over the back of the sofa. “What’s going on?”
“Pool, obviously,” Whisper, our quietest, and possibly deadliest, member says while chalking his pool stick. “Want in?”
“Nah. I’ll just watch.”
“Want a drink?” Ghost asks from behind the bar. “Gin on the rocks, right?”
I nod. “Thanks, man.” I sit in an empty chair next to Wraith. “Where’s Shadow?”
“Fucking,” he says. “Brought home a cute little twink.”
“Damn. Good for him. It’s been a while.”
“He finally gave up holding out for his secret crush, I think,” Carnage says as he eyes the pool table. “Good thing. He was getting pretty surly.”
“Hopefully he’ll be in a good mood in the morning,” Phantom chimes in. “Speaking of secret crushes.” He waggles his eyebrows at me. “What’s new in your corner?”
“I don’t have a crush on anyone. It’s a goddamn obsession. I freely admit it.”
Ghost walks over to me and hands me a drink. “Tell us about him?”
Shaking my head, I take a sip. “Nothing to tell except that he’s the most beautiful man in existence.”
“And you haven’t kidnapped him yet?” Wraith smirks. “I admire your restraint.”
“Yeah, well, it’s wearing thin.”
“Does he know what you do?” Ghost asks.
“No. He’s asked and I told him as soon as he’s in my bed, I’ll tell him.”
“Subtle,” Whisper deadpans.
“Never said I was trying to be.” I shrug. “I want what I want.”
“And Satan help anyone who gets in the way.” Carnage winks at me.
“Yeah.” I lean back in my chair. “I’m trying to let him come to the obvious decision on his own, but I’m getting antsy. Phantom, you want to blow off some steam in the ring?”
“Can’t, man. My shoulder’s tight. Doc said to lay off it for a few weeks.”
