Page 20 of Tracker
Truth be told, he was a little shocked too. While his claim was true, Zeus couldn’t believe he had said it. He never thought those words would pass his lips.
“I’m sorry I hurt you. Atticus saw me and asked to sit with me. I don’t like being rude.”
A snort that hurt burst from him. “You literally develop whole intricate plans for your team to take out targets.” Zeus shook his head. “But I’m not surprised you didn’t want to be rude.”
Tracker’s gaze slid away. He cleared his throat. His discomfort was a tangible thing. “But Atticus is my friend. We’ve been chatting online for two years. I just didn’t know it was him.”
Zeus nodded along, holding his tongue because none of this was Tracker’s fault. That was too huge of a coincidence to be real. Still, it was Tracker. He took everything at face value. “I trust you. You’re allowed to have friends. I didn’t mean to make you feel otherwise. You didn’t deserve that. I’m the problem. Not you. This is the first time I’ve ever been in love or felt insecure. You’re my Achilles heel. You could really break my heart.”
A sweet smile appeared and lingered on Tracker’s lips. He turned shy. Tracker was back to avoiding Zeus’ gaze. “You make me believe things no one else could.” His smile vanished. “That’s why you hurt me so much.”
God, he heard the pain. He could never be sorry enough. Zeus took Tracker’s hand. “Next time, you can be the one who kicks my ass to get me to listen.”
“Next time?”
Zeus rushed to clarify. “There won't be a next time, so no need for violence.”
Tracker eyed him. “Who kicked your ass this time?”
“Atticus. He also beat the shit out of Foster for getting in his way.”
“What?” He looked around frantically as if searching for something to hold him to reality.
Zeus stroked his hand down Tracker’s arm, soothing him. “It’s fine. I had it coming. Foster maybe not so much. But Atticus really isn’t someone you want to step in front of when he’s angry. His sessions have a purpose. Everyone’s does.”
Tracker blinked, looking frozen. “I don’t even know what’s happening anymore. What is happening?”
Despite everything, Zeus couldn’t help but smile. “Well, you’re mine and I’m yours. Atticus is your friend, and I hurt you. Foster had no idea what was happening and stepped between us. Everything was a huge misunderstanding, and I’m so fucking happy to be holding your hand right now. But I could also use an ice pack, if you have one?”
Tracker stood and pulled Zeus to his feet. “Come on. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Like a love-struck puppy, Zeus let himself be dragged along. When they reached the kitchen, Tracker turned on the water and then grabbed an ice pack from the freezer. Zeus watched as Tracker wet some paper towels. He stood still while Tracker gently cleaned his face.
“Let me have this shirt.”
Zeus dutifully lifted his arms so Tracker could have his shirt. “Jesus. He got your ribs too. I’ll toss this in the washer for you.”
Zeus snagged Tracker’s waist before he got away. He stared into Tracker’s eyes and willed him not to look away. “I love you.” He needed to have this moment that wasn’t about misunderstandings or anything other than the reason Zeus was there.
“I love you too.”
His heart was in his arms. “I really want to kiss you, but I don’t want to bleed in your mouth.”
A huge grin split Tracker’s face. “It sounds like you’ll need to whip Atticus harder next time.”
Zeus had mixed feelings on that one. “I doubt he’ll schedule with me again. This ass-whooping flipped the power dynamic. He won’t see me as in charge anymore.”
Tracker melted a little in his arms. “I’m sorry about all of this. Not only did you get hurt, but you’ll likely lose money.”
Zeus shook his head. “I don’t give a fuck about any of that. You and I both know what we came from and how much worse pain can be. These cuts and bruises are nothing. Losing you, though. I thought that might kill me. Don’t let me be dumb again. I feel like such an ass, and my chest hurts just thinking about hurting you.” The more Zeus spoke, the worse he felt. Tracker deserved so much better than him. “Tell me how to take it back.” Even Zeus heard how broken he sounded.
Tracker swiped his lips across the undamaged corner of Zeus’ mouth. “I don’t want to take it back. An afternoon of pain to have this? You’re worth it.”
That wasn’t true in the least, but Zeus had no plans to correct him. He loved the fact that Tracker saw him in a way no one else did. “Take me to bed. I want to hold you.”
Tracker dropped the shirt. “Okay.” He took Zeus’ hand and made his way to the bedroom.
The moment they were near the bed, Zeus pulled him to a stop and stole his shirt. Nothing felt better than Tracker’s bare skin against his. That had nothing to do with sex. He felt a connection no one made him feel. “You’re a blessing I don’t deserve.”
