Page 9 of Secret (Chicago Underground 6)
“Are you cold? Come lie down. We have a couple hours.” Despite his casual words, none of the intensity had faded. He observed me with an almost cruel glint in his eyes.
But I knew him better. He felt the same pull of fate, the same inevitability. It had always been coming to this.
I kissed him, infusing the touch with all the love I couldn’t say. I couldn’t be a proper girlfriend for him, but God, I could do this. I undressed him slowly, carefully, my dreams unfolding with each touch, my hopes flayed open with each caress. His body fit him perfectly—strong and lean. He had faced down immeasurable challenges but known hunger. I kissed and nipped and sucked every part of him I found beautiful, learning the ones that brought him the most pleasure. Then I settled between his legs and filled my throat with him, drank my fill of him, and soothed him softly until he fell into a loose-slung sleep. Only then did I feel comfortable in the nook of his arm, basking in the warmth of his satisfaction.
I woke up ten minutes before the alarm was set to go off. Stumbling out of bed, I rinsed my face and went outside to the sitting area of the suite. The only one there was Jeff. He stood at the window, staring out with a brooding expression. I wondered if he was nervous about what we were going to do.
He turned when I came out. “Hey.”
“Hey back. Couldn’t sleep?”
His expression was sheepish. “Maybe Rico was right about the caffeine.”
I laughed, heading to the minibar. “Oh man, you guys drank all the water.”
“Well, you scared us with that stuff about dirty glasses.” He lifted the bottle he held, cap gone but mostly full. “Here, I’m good. You can have the last one.”
“Thanks, Jeff.” I took a drink. “You’re a gentleman.”
He blushed pink. Endearing, despite the fake tough-guy act. Men with earrings always acted like they were great lovers, although they knew they really weren’t. But hey, who was I to judge? We were all overcompensating for something.
He joined me at the table. “What about you—nervous?”
“I guess it hasn’t sunk in yet. Feels kind of surreal. I mean, if things go well, I might be free of him by this time tomorrow. And if things don’t go right…” I shuddered. “Probably best not to think about that.”
“I know Luke’s going to do everything he can to keep you safe.”
I took a swig. “What if it’s him I’m worried about?”
“Don’t. He tends to land on his feet.”
“You’ve known him a long time, then?”
“Forever,” he said. “Since we were kids.”
If they’d known each other since they were kids, then that meant he’d seen Luke’s hard life. It meant Jeff probably had a story of his own. In fact, if they’d both been on the street together… “You weren’t a…”
“A rent boy?” He snorted. “Not likely. I don’t have the face for it, even if I… Well, no. I did other stuff to get by. Mostly beating up anyone who got in our way. We all had our parts to play.”
I considered that. “So what can you tell me about Luke? Besides the feet-landing thing.” Jeff looked away, far into the distance, though I couldn’t tell whether it was the past or the future.
“He’s a good guy. I mean, a really good guy. If you ever feel like you need to doubt him, you don’t have to.”
“Hmm. This sounds like the beginnings of another intentions speech.”
“A what?” he asked blankly.
“Both Rico and Major gave me one. What are your intentions where Luke is concerned? Don’t hurt him, or you answer to us. That sort of thing.”
Jeff chuckled. “Luke’s a big boy. If he’s with you, I’m sure it’s because he wants to be.” He shrugged. “I gave up trying to control the future a long time ago.”
“I hear that. Sometimes you just gotta ride it out.”
He granted me a half smile, making him look boyish. “Pun intended?”
“Always.” I tilted the water bottle to offer the last inch. When he shook his head, I inclined my head in thanks. “To riding it out,” I said in a toast before downing the rest.
Luke came out of the bedroom and yawned. “Are you corrupting Jeff too?”
