“The place is a bit of a mess. I didn’t plan to have company tonight.”

  Seven’s gaze barely skirted the small living room before returning to stare at Onyx. He was the only reason Seven was there. “I lived on the streets as a kid before getting scooped up by the system. You never have to worry I’ll judge you.”

  Onyx took his hand and led him to the couch. They sat close enough their knees touched. “See? That’s exactly the type of thing I want to know about you.”

  “Why?” The question popped out without thought.

  Onyx smiled.

  Seven fought a sigh. He was so gorgeous.

  “What do you mean, why? Because I like you. Damn.”

  “Oh.” Tires screeched outside. A horn blew. Seven rubbed his arm hard enough for the friction to heat and distract him.

  Onyx’s gaze dropped to the motion. He stood and reached past Seven to click on a sound machine. The sound of the ocean filled the room. Lapping waves had Seven’s shoulders relaxing.

  “Sorry. I know the place is loud. It’s close to work and I can’t afford much else.”

  He wished Onyx would stop apologizing. “It’s fine.”

  Onyx’s gaze latched on to where Seven still tried rubbing off his own skin. “Clearly, it isn’t.”

  Seven clasped his hands and shoved them between his knees, trying to force himself to appear normal. “It’s fine,” he repeated, sounding firm.

  Onyx snaked his hand between Seven’s clasped hands. He moved slowly, drawing Seven from his inner panic. Their fingers linked. He brought Seven’s hand to his lips and kissed his knuckles. Seven forgot to breathe.

  “I think it’s been long enough for that new ink, if I’m careful. Come shower with me.”

  Seven was here. He couldn’t just sit and rock himself. “Okay.”

  With Seven’s hand in his, Onyx led Seven inside what had to be his bedroom. The bed was unmade. Everything was black. The curtains, sheets, and comforter were all solid black. Onyx kept moving until they stood inside a minuscule bathroom. It was nothing more than a sink, toilet, and walk-in shower. They would be super close under the water. Seven was cool with that.

  Onyx kissed him.

  Seven lost himself. The love song fired to life inside his head again. He fought the urge to start singing. Onyx worked on stripping him. Seven let it happen. He was always alone and hyper-independent. Handing over control was a thing he reserved for only Onyx. Onyx treated him like a king. He was the only person who felt real to Seven. Humanity had been tortured from him years ago.

  “Where’s your mind?”

  Seven almost giggled at the question. He had lost that thing a long time ago too. Fortunately, he understood Onyx wanted to hear his thoughts. “I was thinking about how you treat me like a king and I fucking hate that work kept me away for so long. Sometimes, I resent it.” Always. He always resented it, but he didn’t know how to stop.

  “I’m always bitter about it, but I know you need to make money.”

  No. He didn’t. Seven had millions stashed all over the world. In fact, he should take better care of Onyx. He should start tonight. “You should hurry so I can wash your back.”

  Onyx’s mouth lifted in one corner. “I think you just like having me naked.”

  “You’re so pretty.”

  The smile that exploded across Onyx’s face made Seven warm and fuzzy inside. He made a silent vow to try harder. Onyx deserved better than him, but—for whatever reason—Onyx chose to spend time with him. He didn’t want to fail.

  Their shower wasn’t sexual. It was intimate, and exactly why Onyx wanted it. He took his time washing every inch of Seven. Onyx touched him everywhere. The loving way Seven watched him had Onyx's throat tight. He had dreamed of having Seven here. Onyx needed to give him every reason to stay.

  With their bodies clean, Onyx killed the water and then took his time drying Seven’s skin. Seven let everything happen to him. So trusting. He was beautiful. Onyx wrapped the towel around Seven’s waist and stole the chance to kiss his neck.

  “I think I have an extra toothbrush somewhere.”

  Seven released a ragged-sounding breath. “Mine is in my bag. I came straight from the airport to you.”

  Damn. The confession hit Onyx in the chest. Seven was impossible to resist. “Good. Let’s finish this so I can hold you.” Onyx forced himself to pull away and move to the sink. He worked on putting toothpaste on his toothbrush while Seven got his from his bag. Side by side, they brushed their teeth. It felt so personal. Onyx wanted to scream that this was the life he wanted with Seven. He worried Seven would run if he said the words aloud.

  With their nightly routines finished, Onyx took Seven’s hand and headed for bed. He wished like hell he had cleaned. Now he looked like a slob. That was one more reason for Seven not to come back. It was bad enough the place was loud and small. He didn’t look like much of a prize. Onyx turned on the bedroom’s sound machine to drown out the traffic while Seven tossed his towel in the hamper. Then he let Seven climb in first so he would be against the wall. Onyx always felt ridiculously protective of Seven. He wanted to be between Seven and the door in case of an intruder. It was ridiculous. No one would choose his place to rob. Plus, Seven had a very sexy, cut body. He could likely protect himself. It wasn’t Seven’s looks that had snagged Onyx, though. He possessed an innocence and vulnerability that called to something inside Onyx. Onyx needed to keep him safe. Seven needed a keeper.

  Onyx climbed into bed next to Seven and cuddled as closely as he could. Their lips found each other. They lingered. Onyx petted and kissed Seven until they finally drifted. Even in his sleep, he floated on a cloud of happiness. Until a painful kick landed against his shin. Onyx’s eyes shot open. Confusion crowded his brain. Seven fought for his life against an invisible foe.

  Onyx panicked. He had never seen anyone fight so hard against a dream. A punch hit him in the chest. He tried protecting himself while helping Seven.

  “Whoa. Wake up, baby. You’re having a nightmare. Wake up!”

  At his shout, Seven’s eyes flew open. He looked half crazed as he scrambled away and tucked himself into the corner. Onyx never dreamed he could make himself so small. His eyes shot around the room, but Onyx got the feeling he wasn’t seeing anything but the visions in his head. He was afraid to touch him or speak. Seven looked terrified.

  Onyx’s heart broke. He had known. It wasn’t like he was stupid. He knew Seven was a little messed up, but Onyx wasn’t afraid of that. The wildest creatures were always the most loyal. Onyx settled back down on his side and rubbed the empty spot on the mattress beside him. He closed his eyes so Seven wouldn’t feel on display, and he waited. The entire time, he kept up the motion of rubbing and patting the spot where Seven should be. It took some time, but eventually, Seven wormed his way beneath Onyx’s hand to steal the pets for himself. Onyx fought a smile. He didn’t want Seven to see his satisfaction. They just had to get through this first night. Onyx needed Seven to see he could handle whatever kept Seven moving nonstop. Seven’s lips brushed his chin in the sweetest of kisses. This time, when they fell asleep holding each other, nothing disturbed them.

  Chapter Three

  The scent of bacon cooking pulled Onyx from his sleep. His eyes opened to find Seven’s side of the bed empty. He rolled so fast, he got a twinge in his back. Onyx didn’t understand how Seven had gotten past him without waking him. Through the open bedroom door, he spotted Seven dancing. A smile exploded across Onyx’s face as he watched Seven twirl around the room. In nothing but his underwear, he looked fucking adorable. Onyx climbed from the bed and found some shorts. He needed a closer look.

  Onyx half expected Seven to stop, embarrassed by getting caught. Instead, when Seven spotted him, he snagged Onyx’s hands and kept dancing. He burst into song. Onyx couldn’t stop smiling. He had thought Seven had in his earbuds. Instead, it was music inside his head. He lured Seven in close and kissed his ear. Seven kept dancing but slowed things down. He switched to singing a love song. Onyx pressed his lips to Seven’s shoulder and fought a smile. Seven had one hell of a singing voice. Onyx hadn’t been this happy in years.

  “I thought I was taking you to breakfast.”

  Seven stopped singing, but he didn’t stop slow dancing. “You were sleeping so prettily, so I placed a grocery order. I wanted you to wake up smiling.”

  As if Onyx could be any other way with Seven around. “It smells delicious.”

  Seven stopped dancing and dragged Onyx to the stove. “I made bacon, sausage, biscuits, and hash browns. Hopefully, you like at least one of those things. Oh.” Seven jumped and spun. “I also got you these.” He grabbed a bouquet of roses that sat on the counter nearby. Seven held them out with a blush.

  Onyx brushed fingers with Seven as he accepted the flowers. His chest felt full. No one had ever bought him flowers. He brought them to his nose and sniffed. “Thank you. These are amazing.”

  “You’re amazing.” Seven turned away as he made the claim, as if embarrassed by exposing his heart.

  Onyx’s cheeks hurt. He had never smiled this much in his life. Onyx set the flowers aside and molded his body against Seven’s back. With his arms wrapped around Seven’s waist, he kissed Seven’s shoulder. For the first time, it felt like the right time. “I need to ask you something.”

  Seven tensed. “What?”

  Onyx fought back a wave of panic. He already knew he would get shot down, but he had to try before Seven disappeared again. “I want a real shot. Obviously, I know your life is crazy, and I don’t really have much to offer, but I want to know you’re mine and only mine.” He hesitated. Onyx hated to beg. “Please, just think about it.”

  For a moment, Seven didn’t speak. He no longer felt stiff in Onyx’s hold. Onyx took that as a win. Finally, he felt Seven take a stuttered breath. “I’m a mess.”

  “I’m unbothered.”

  “You don’t really know me.”

  “So let me in.”

  Seven dipped his chin, staring down the line of his body. He took another deep breath. “We’ll go to my place after breakfast.”

  A triumphant smile exploded across Onyx’s face. Seven wouldn’t regret him. Onyx would make damn sure of that.

  Inside, Seven was in full-on panic mode. Onyx wouldn’t want him anymore very soon. He would be lying if he said he didn’t want more with Onyx. The guy was amazing. He deserved the world. That was exactly why he shouldn’t be saddled with someone like Seven. Nonetheless, he dressed and waited for the inevitable as soon as they finished eating. His insides shook. Seven had never brought anyone home. Everything about his place screamed he wasn’t a travel nurse or right in the head. Seven didn’t want to kill Onyx. He would have no other choice if Onyx exposed him. Seven’s stomach heaved at the thought. He couldn’t do it. Seven would have to disappear instead. Fuck. He didn’t want to start over again.

  “You ready to go?”

  Seven faked a smile and nodded. He worried the gesture looked as pained as it felt.

  Onyx crossed the room and took Seven’s backpack from him. He helped Seven put it on and then brought Seven’s hand to his lips. “Don’t look so worried. I’m a lot harder to scare than you think.”

  Seven hoped that was true. He worked up a genuine smile for Onyx. “I’m thrilled at the idea of being exclusive. Don’t get me wrong. I’m just scared you won’t really like me for me for long. You’ve only had me in small doses.”

  A sexy smirk touched Onyx’s lips. “Those small doses have ruined me for anyone else. Don’t worry, baby. You already have me wrapped around your finger.”

  They would see. If Seven planned to take a chance on anyone, it would be Onyx. Together, they headed outside. They stopped next to Onyx’s Harley.

  “I need an address.”

  Seven really hoped this wasn’t a mistake. “I’ll guide you there.”

  “All right.” Onyx straddled the bike. He smiled over his shoulder, and Seven’s heart skipped a beat. He climbed on behind Onyx with his heart in his throat. Seven wanted to make him happy. No one had ever made him feel the way Onyx did. He took a leap of faith and directed Onyx to an abandoned warehouse district on the edge of the city. If Onyx was confused as Seven sent him zigzagging through the empty streets, he didn’t mention it. When they reached their destination, Onyx looked over his shoulder with his eyebrows raised. Rather than explain, Seven climbed from the bike. Onyx followed.

  “Where are we going?”

  “My place.” Seven headed for the door and lifted what looked to be a rusty panel. It was fake. The piece hid the high-tech fingerprint lock beneath. Seven didn’t check Onyx’s reaction as he unlocked the door. When he heard the high-security locks disengage, Seven pushed open the door and led Onyx inside. The lights flared to life as he stepped inside. “Here we are. Home sweet home.”

  Onyx turned in a circle.

  Seven tried to stand still and not hyperventilate as Onyx eyed his things. He knew how the place must look. It was a warehouse, but he had made it his own. The place had taken him years to perfect. It was one big open space with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and office. Plus, he had a skating rink and arcade games. Everything he missed as a child, Seven created for himself now. A huge jukebox sat next to a pool table. Seven imagined he looked ridiculous to someone like Onyx.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” Seven had to say something, and that sounded like something a normal adult would say.

  Onyx finally focused on him. His expression was unreadable. “What are my options?”

  Seven glanced toward the kitchen. “Um. Honestly, probably not much since I haven’t been home in a while.” He twisted his fingers. Seven didn’t know what reaction he expected, but he also didn’t think the hammer had fallen yet. His nerves frayed. He hated feeling out of control. Seven shifted from one foot to the other. It wouldn’t be long before his mind made him do something irrational.

  “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to be here anymore.” The words burst from Seven in his growing panic.

  Onyx’s expression cleared. He closed the distance between them and helped Seven take off his backpack. “Why wouldn’t I want to stay? This place is every bit as unique as you. I love it.”

  Seven eyed Onyx, trying to decide if he meant it. “Do you want to pull your bike into the garage?” Seven asked the question slowly, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

  “This place has a garage too?”

  At Onyx's surprise, Seven’s shoulders relaxed a hair. Onyx sounded genuinely excited. “Yeah. It’s through here.” Seven took the backpack from Onyx and set it aside before heading to the left to a metal door. He punched a code in to unlock it before pushing his way inside the garage. The automatic lights came on as they stepped inside.

  “¡Dios Mio!”

  Seven smiled at Onyx’s reaction. “I’ll open the bay door for you.”

  Onyx headed for the nearest car instead. “Is this an Aston Martin Vulcan? I thought there were only twenty-four of these in the entire world.” Before Seven could respond, Onyx moved to a different car. “And a Lykan HyperSport. These two cars alone are worth like seven mil.” He eyed the rest of the garage. It dawned on Seven he had made a mistake as Onyx turned his way. His expression had closed again. “What do you really do for a living?”

  Seven froze. He didn’t know how to respond. As good as he was at telling when other people lied, he wasn’t a good liar. That was why he didn’t see Onyx as often as he liked. Seven didn’t want to lie to him.

  “Is it drugs?” Onyx asked before Seven could respond. “I know you don’t have family money. You said you were homeless as a kid. What are you mixed up in? Is it the cartel?”

  “It’s not the cartel.” Even Seven heard the incredulous edge to his voice.

  Onyx’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “These cars aren’t mine.” The lie burst from him and then Seven couldn’t stop. “I get a discount on the rent here because the owner keeps some of his things stored here.”

  The line between Onyx’s eyebrows said he was every bit as skeptical as he should be. “Is the owner part of the cartel?”

  Seven huffed. “For fuck’s sake. No one is in the cartel. He’s a prominent plastic surgeon in California. We met when I picked up a job at a hospital there. He owns a practice right outside L.A. with some of the most exclusive clients in the world. He has a house in Baja, and he got this place for his car collection.” Seven shrugged. “The rent is cheap.” He bit his tongue to make himself stop talking. Desperation already clawed at his chest. Seven couldn’t keep lying. He would never keep all this straight. Damn. He felt sick. Seven didn’t want to lie to Onyx. Onyx would hate him if he knew the truth. He already looked ready to split.

  A hint of panic threatened to turn into a raging anxiety attack. Seven had already been out of his league before Onyx saw this place. Now there was a surgeon out there who obviously cared enough about Seven to rent him this awesome place for cheap. Onyx couldn’t compete with that. He had to know more.

  “Are you dating this guy?” Onyx didn’t know why that was the question that popped from his mouth, but he wanted to punch himself.

 

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