Page 82 of After the Chase

"Whenever the urges or mood hits. I don't want to be bossed by the businesses, they are too close by to ignore, Chase. I want to remain autonomous, a lone wolf who occasionally assists but never belongs."

"Living between cities."

"Yes."

"You're worried they'll trap you," I say quietly.

"No, I’m worried the routine will trap me, that it will become the norm." His hand finds mine over the table, his grip firm. "The more involved I become, the harder it is to maintain individuality. I need distance and control. I need you without anyone else having access to us."

"What would you want in LA?"

"Privacy, where I can watch you without interruption. Where we can exist exactly as we are without performance. Plus you can write anywhere in the world."

"That sounds..."

"Possessive?"

"Perfect."

His eyes darken with what appears to be a sense of achievement. "Good, because it’s happening."

I'm about to respond when movement catches my eye. A couple entering the restaurant, both tall, elegant, moving with the kind of confidence that comes from wealth and power. One of the men I recognize from the metal artpiece in our home, Leo.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

NOAH

I see them the moment they enter. Ethan moves through the restaurant like a hunter in a room full of prey, stealthy, and utterly aware of his surroundings. His husband Leo walks beside him, softer but no less striking, his hand resting lightly on Ethan's arm as our eyes meet across the room.

Recognition flares between us and it’s not friendly, but not hostile, just an acknowledgement of our presence. We know what we both represent since our first little meeting at the clubhouse. Ethan's expression doesn't change, but something shifts in his posture. He says something to Leo, then they begin moving toward our table.

"Noah?" Chase's voice pulls my attention. "That's Leo, the artist who did the piece in our foyer."

"I know. They're coming over."

Chase turns, and his face lights up with genuine pleasure when he sees Leo. "Leo! What a coincidence."

Leo smiles warmly. "Chase, hey. I didn't expect to see you here."

"We're just having dinner." Chase stands, shaking Leo's hand, then Ethan's, introducing himself. "Hi I’m Chase, I gather you know Noah.”

“Indeed,” Ethan says before looking at me. We don’t shake hands as we don’t need to pretend.

"How's the piece working in your space?" Leo asks Chase, his enthusiasm genuine.

"I’m in love with it," Chase says. "It's exactly what we needed. The way it captures the light, it's stunning."

"I'm glad you're happy with it." Leo glances at me, then back to Chase. "If you ever want to commission another piece, just let me know."

"I will. Thank you."

There's a moment of silence that’s like a ticking bomb. Ethan and I are watching each other with the kind of stillness that comes from recognizing a threat. Not to each other. To anyone who might underestimate us, one of us alone in the room is enough, but two of us are nuclear.

"We should let you finish your dinner," Ethan says finally, his hand finding Leo's lower back. "Enjoy your evening."

"You too," Chase says.

Ethan nods at me before they turn to leave as he guides Leo toward their own table on the opposite side of the restaurant.