Page 7 of Tracker
Tracker didn’t argue. He let Zeus drag him onto the dance floor. When Zeus’ arms wrapped around Tracker and he moved in close, he felt the shaky breath Tracker took.
“I’ve got you.” Zeus moved even closer, ensuring Tracker felt the way Zeus moved against him. Zeus swiped his lips across the spot beneath Tracker’s ear. Goosebumps rose beneath his lips. “Look around.”
Tracker obeyed.
Zeus rewarded him with another light kiss. “What do you see?”
“A lot of hate-filled stares. Envy.”
“Do you know why?”
Tracker chuckled, but he gripped Zeus like he feared losing him. “Because you’re you and you’re holding me.”
“That’s right.” It wasn’t arrogance. They both knew he was built for this place. “They know it’s forbidden to ask me to dance. I choose my dance partners, and I never dance. Yet here you are, someone they’ve never seen, and you have every ounce of my focus.”
Tracker’s hold tightened. “I don’t understand you sometimes. You sound like I’m who you want. Is this a ploy to make everyone’s interest in you triple?”
“No. Last night, you said I have less than zero interest in you. It made me realize I’ve been a little too relaxed when I’m with you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? We’re friends. You’re supposed to be comfortable with me.”
Zeus kissed Tracker’s cheek. “You make me feel so free and like I can be myself that I’ve made you think I’m not all the way into you. Have you decided if I can at least kiss you?”
Tracker’s every breath sounded hard fought at the question. It was the first time Tracker had shown any sexual interest in him, and Zeus’ heart squeezed. He fully believed Tracker was demi and didn’t know it. He used his scars as an excuse for not having a sex life. Tracker being ready to cross a line meant everything. His desire was love.
“You’ve been kissing me.”
A rumble of laughter vibrated from Zeus’ chest. “Nice dodge.”
Tracker turned his head and met Zeus’ stare. “You make it sound like I’m a coward.”
“You know damn well I don’t think that.”
Tracker gave him a sharp nod. He looked determined. “Do it.”
Zeus didn’t want him to be set on powering through. He needed Tracker to want his kiss. He felt a sad smile tug at his lips. The disappointment was thick. He shook his head. “That’s not what you want.” Even Zeus heard the hurt in his voice. No one made him feel the way Tracker did. When they were together, Zeus didn’t have the overwhelming sense of mediocrity he carried all hours of the day. He had literally been trained not to feel anything. With Tracker, he felt everything and—for once—Zeus didn’t know how to win someone.
Tracker’s expression went from irritated to crestfallen in an instant. “Oh. Well, I guess I knew I’d lose in this scenario. I should let you get back to work.”
Tracker tried to take a step back.
Zeus didn’t let him. He searched Tracker’s expression. Tracker honestly believed he had been rejected. The way he avoided Zeus’ gaze punched Zeus in the chest. Zeus had never met anyone like Tracker. He had never encountered a single soul he couldn’t immediately read. Zeus saw it now. Tracker couldn’t make this decision.
Zeus kissed him. The lust that slammed into him rocked his soul on its heels. Tracker surrendered. He didn’t come at Zeus like a wildcat or pull away. He melted, and Zeus was ready to marry the guy. Zeus poured his heart into their kiss. He used every bit of his skill and pent-up desire. But their kiss wasn’t feral. It was heartbreakingly sweet.
Zeus didn’t want to stop, but they were still on the dance floor. He pulled away.
Tracker looked dazed. “How did I end up with your Jolly Rancher?”
Zeus threw his head back and roared with laughter. Tracker did something to him. While Zeus was considered a master deprogrammer, Tracker was the one breaking him down. The freedom felt amazing.
“Do you want it back?”
Zeus dropped his forehead on Tracker’s shoulder and shook with silent laughter. Fuck. If only Tracker knew. Zeus was in deep. Now that Tracker had kicked open the door to move beyond friendship Zeus planned to take over his life.
Chapter Three
2:00a.m.
