“You don't have to tell me twice. Trust me, I never want to see him again.” He sighed and went to move but realized Anubis's arms were still locked around him. Star looked around and remembered they were in public, where anyone could snap a photo of them and misunderstand the circumstances. He shoved Anubis in the chest hard, and Star knew that even with his strength, he wouldn't have been able to force him to let go and was happy that the taller man went easily. Star stepped back, putting a lot of space between them.
“We can't be seen like this.”
“Why? It's not like we're doing anything wrong.”
“I just don't want someone to get the wrong idea.”
“And what idea would that be? That we want each other? Aren't you tired of denying it?”
“I...” Star went to speak, but Anubis stopped him.
“Don't lie to yourself and me. I can see the way you look at me.” He reached up and caressed one of Star’s cheeks. “I can smell your need for me. Don't you think about that night? Fuck, I think about it every day. And I want more of you.”
Star bit his bottom lip, unsure what to say because he couldn’t deny his feelings and attraction to Anubis. Even with the months past and his busy schedule, Anubis was constantly in his thoughts.
Anubis moved and stood beside Star, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and whispering in his ear. The scent of sandalwood mixed with rosewood wafted under his nose, almost making it hard for him to breathe. He felt drugged as heat flushed his body, and only one thing could cool him down.
“I can tell you're scared and worried about your career, but I promise you this. If you come to me, I can and will protect you”
“Does that mean you would feed me to the wolves if I don’t come to you?” Star asked, snapping out of his haze.
Anubis smiled, and it seemed sad to Star’s eyes. “I would never ruin your career for my lustful greed.” He leaned in close, brushing the tip of his nose against Star’s ear. “I won't stop wanting you, kitten. Come to me when you're ready. I will be waiting.”
He walked away, leaving Star alone. The only thing that lingered was the sandalwood and rosewood scent. He didn’t know how long he stood there, but as he watched Anubis disappear, the traffic noise rang in his ears, pulling him back to his senses.
Fuck, why is it that when he's next to me, no one and nothing else exists?Star looked in the direction Anubis went, wondering if he meant it.Can he really protect me?
Two nights later, Star sat on his couch staring at the paper Chase had given him many moons ago. He knew it by heart but couldn't throw the paper away. Anubis was right. He couldn't keep denying what he was feeling. And working as much as he had been hadn't stopped him from thinking about the man. He got aroused just seeing Anubis on the television screen, and he was certain it would get worse once they started working together. Picking up his phone, Star made up his mind. It was either sink or swim.
I can't live my entire life alone. Maybe just one more time. If we fuck once more, I might get him out of my system.
Besides, he hadn't made the same mistakes as he did in his previous life, and with all the money and power Anubis had, he wouldn't use him the way Thornton had. Quickly, before he could change his mind, Star dialed Anubis's number and was still surprised when he picked up.
“Can I come over?”
* * *
Anubis was taken abackwhen he heard Star's voice and the question on the other side of the phone. He had told Azazel that he'd wait for Star no matter how long it took, but he didn't expect the call to come this soon. Despite his interest in Star, Anubis was still skeptical about his past. He couldn't explain why he was so intrigued, but perhaps it was because he had lived for a long time and had not been the luckiest regarding love. Finding someone who met every requirement on his list seemed too good to be true.
He was waiting on his people to get back to him, and he knew it would take time, but he couldn't help but feel his intense desire for the young actor. The thought of holding Star in his arms made him crave even more. Anubis's palms tingled just thinking about spanking that pert ass, and his mouth watered at the thought of sinking his teeth into Star's soft, supple skin. It frustrated and shocked him that Star was the only man in all his years who made him want to believe in true and pure love.
Why are you hesitating, you old jackal? Everyone around you has found their forever one. You're too old to fight your attraction for him.Anubis continued to battle with his thoughts before finally coming to a conclusion.If my father sent him, I'll deal with them both when the time comes. Until then, I will enjoy him as much as he will allow.
“Why did you take so long to contact me?”
“Do I need to answer that?” Star said softly.
"If you want to see me tonight, I need to know what you're thinking right now.”
“I really don’t want to say it.”
Anubis closed his eyes. “I’m not looking for just one night, Star. So if you’re looking for a goodnight fuck, we can hang up now.”
They were silent for a few moments, and just when Anubis thought they would hang up, Star spoke up. “I've been hurt a lot, and so many things have changed for me in the past few months, and I needed time to take it all in. I don't know what will happen between us. Hell, you could only want to fuck me for one night and push me aside once I'm no longer shiny and new.” Star sighed on the other end of the phone. “But promise me one thing; while we're together, you will be my shield and protect me.”
“You talk as if I'm going to let you go,” Anubis said without a thought. Anubis hated hearing Star talk like he wouldn't want him for life. Didn't he realize they were possible mates?
And he already planned to protect Star from anyone who had designs to hurt him. When Anubis had witnessed how scared Star seemed around Thornton Miller, it unnerved him. So after leaving Star earlier, he contacted Kyron and told him not to sign on Sundi Noxx with Abandon and send both her and Thornton Miller packing back to California. Even though Sundi signed on to work on theMy One-Night Standseries, Anubis fired her and bought out her contract. Anubis didn't know what part those two played in Star's past, but he planned on getting rid of anyone who dared to hurt his person.
