Page 93 of Hunt Me
I don’t want to tell him how good I know Archie is with knives. I have no idea if Archie and Nico were ever a thing, and right now, with the way I’m feeling, I don’t want to know. Ignorance is bliss.
After another beat of slightly uncomfortable silence, Nico waves to get my attention and says, ‘Archie likes you. More than he’s ever liked anyone. And I can see why.’
My eyes widen. ‘Really?’
Nico shrugs. ‘You’re everything he’s ever wanted in a partner. I’m happy for you both. But…’ His fingers hover in the air. ‘Don’t hurt him. If you don’t mean it…if you’re not serious about him?—’
‘I am.’ I lick my lips, then say, ‘I would do anything for him.’
He must understand the emphasis I put on that sign because his eyes widen, and then he sits back with a small grin on his face. ‘Great. Now, is there anything fun to do around here?’ Before I can lift my hands, he adds, ‘Queer?’
I almost laugh. ‘This weekend Deaf drag show.’
His eyes light up as though I just told him that they were throwing a parade in his honor. ‘Deaf drag?’
‘Typically, I star in it. Not now,’ I quickly clarify. ‘Not until I’m better. But the other queens are amazing.’
‘Can you get tickets?’
I almost laugh. ‘For anyone I want.’
He leans forward, and his cool, thin fingers close around my wrist for a quick squeeze. ‘I think I’m going to like having you around.’
I want to still be jealous—to hate him on principle for how close he is to Archie—but I can tell the relationship is both different and important. And in spite of the fact that I’m not overly fond of making new friends, I like him. And I think he might feel the exact same.
23
DENVER
I callRene so he can set tickets aside for the show, but I’m not actually sure I want to go out. I’m still feeling tender from everything going on, and my head is dizzy. If I show up bruised to hell with a bunch of strangers and not performing, people are going to have questions for me.
And right now, I don’t have answers to give them.
But then Jasper appears with his boys trailing behind him, and Nico jumps up from the couch and throws his hands up. ‘Deaf drag tonight!’
I lift my hands in protest, but Archie just shrugs and slides his body behind mine, and Milo gives a nod while Percy props his ass up on the couch and lifts his fist, nodding it. ‘Sounds fun.’
That was not what I expected. The last people in the world I expected to want to go to one of my shows are this group. Archie is dangerous enough, but the rest…
I think they might literally be mafia.
‘Are there enough tickets for all of us?’ Percy asks.
I nod. ‘As many as I want. But I’d better get ready. The show starts in an hour.’
My muscles protest as I get up, but Archie’s at my heels as he follows me down to the basement, where all of my recovered clothes are now waiting for me. In the end, I go with one of his oversized sweaters and a pair of soft leggings, and I feel his eyes watching me as I get dressed.
‘You sure about this?’ Archie asks when I lean against the wall to tug my shoes on.
I give myself a minute to think, but I already know the answer. ‘I need to get out. Have fun. Not think about yesterday.’ He looks concerned, so I reach over, curling my fingers into his shirt and pulling him to me. ‘You make me feel safe, and your brothers…your dad…’ My fingers flutter around me, and he nods in understanding, pulling me against his chest.
His nose moves against my temple, dragging down to my ear, and I tremble at the sensation. When he pulls away, he meets my gaze, his breath against my lips. I can’t help but lean forward and press our mouths together, sliding my tongue against his.
He tastes like danger and like safety, and fuck, it’s everything I’ve needed and craved for so, so long.
When I finally pull away, I’m half-hard, and he’s the same, but he turns his head toward the stairs leading to the basement, which lets me know someone is making their way down.
A moment later, Nico appears, wearing a formfitting shirt that shows off his belly button and slim waist. He’s wearing tiny shorts below that and boots that go up to his ankles.
