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“He was a stripper. He sold his body. Those tattoos aren’t because he’s a badass. He sold his ass.” Duncan fumed. “He has no business being in the school, either. He’s a prostitute.”

“Shut up,” Carson thundered. “I’ve had enough. I don’t know why you think you can tell me this shit. It’s his news. You can fuck off. Get out of here. I can’t be with someone who spills every lurid detail of someone else’s life. I need privacy, and you’re not a private person.”

Duncan paled. “But we had chemistry. You’ve known him one day.”

Carson shrugged and folded his arms. “Note, you said had. Whatever we had is in the past.”

“I need you,” Duncan pleaded. “I can make you happy. We’re a good team and should be together. He’s a librarian. He’ll never leave Litchfield.”

“You’re no better than he is,” Carson said, his voice flat.

“I am.” Duncan paled again, then fell silent.

Luke stood beside Carson. “Go.” He pushed the door shut.

“What did you hear?” Carson asked. Fuck. He hadn’t wanted Luke to eavesdrop on the argument. He’d rather talk to Luke like adults.

“Everything.” Luke settled on the arm of the sofa. He’d showered and had combed his wet hair from his face. The faded t-shirt clung to his upper body, and the threadbare jeans showcased his legs. “I knew he’d spill the story. He’s been dying to tell anyone who will listen what I’ve done and been through. I know it’s not pretty, clean, and I understand if you want to leave. I’m not the same guy I was when we parted ways.”

“Why would you be?” Carson sat next to Luke on the sofa and palmed Luke’s thigh. “Why would you think I’d leave?” He never wanted anyone more.

“Carson.” Sadness filled Luke’s eyes. “Duncan’s right. I’m not leaving Litchfield. I like it here. I own my own house and car. I have two great jobs, and I’m happy.”

“You’re allowed to be happy.” Carson massaged Luke’s thigh. “So Duncan told your secrets. He’s a blabber mouth. Now it’s your turn to tell me the truth. All of it.” He needed to hear this from Luke.

Luke sank onto the cushion, pinning himself between Carson and the arm of the sofa. “I’ve disclosed everything to the school and library system,” Luke said. “They know and were pleased enough with my service to keep me on.”

“That’s a credit to you.” Carson smiled. He scooted over enough to give Luke some room. “I’m listening.”

“When I went to college, I had those scholarships, but to maintain them, I needed to work. I had no money for a dorm room or food, so I got a job. I started as a server in a party bar. I came in, did my job and left. No arguments. No issues. I kept my grades up, and things were fine. But being in a party bar, the people I worked with convinced me I needed a tattoo. I got the first one, the spiderweb on my shoulder. Then it was fun so I got another—the tiger paw on my chest. During my junior year of college, after you and I split, I was offered the job of bartender at the bar. The tips were better, and I needed the cash to maintain my status on campus—my room and food plan—so I did it. The more I inked up and pierced myself, the better my tips got. I never showed anyone my junk, and I didn’t prostitute myself. I served drinks, sometimes danced nearly nude at the club in town, and did sleep around. Jesus. I had to survive, you know? I’ve dated, and I had a good time. It’s nobody’s business, but everyone seems to need to know about it.” Luke paused. “I made sure the tats are where they can’t be seen under a short-sleeve shirt, and I don’t parade them around town. But you—you need a guy who isn’t messed up. I’m not perfect, and someone will come looking through your background. They’ll find me, and they’ll use me against you.”

Carson let the words sink in for a moment. Luke had been through a lot and hadn’t backed down. He’d kept his head up. He’d moved beyond the shit upbringing he’d had and made something of himself. So he wasn’t famous or going to make tons of money. He’d done himself proud. Carson was proud.

“Well? Are you going to walk out?” The muscle in Luke’s jaw twitched. “I understand.”

Carson brushed his knuckles across Luke’s cheek, then cupped his jaw. “I know it’s hard to process what I’m going to say, but listen to me. I don’t care what happened in the past. I care about you. What you’ve been through has made you the man you are today. That’s who I love—the man beside me right now. You.”

“You love me?” Luke murmured. “Even after everything I said?”

“I never stopped.” He tugged Luke across his lap, straddling him. “But you know I want to see these tattoos. I’ve felt the piercings. I want to see everything, and I don’t care if you had a life since we split. You’re mine now, and that’s what matters. Let people talk. I’m not listening.”

“Carson.” Tears slid down Luke’s cheeks. “It’s been one day, just like Duncan said.”

“One day since I came back, but we’ve had a lifetime together. Who knew me before I had money?” Carson asked. “Who had my back, but wasn’t afraid to give me shit? Who kept me out of all those fights?”

Luke’s chin quivered. The strong man began to crumble. “That’s different.”

“Who has been my first and best lover? Who got sexier with age and is making me work for his affection?” Carson crooked his eyebrow. “You.”

“You could have anyone.”

“I could, but this—you and me—is more important. Anyone else might fall at my feet and submit. They’d do whatever I wanted. I don’t want a toy or a slave. I need to be pushed. You’re making me work, and I love it. You keep me humble,” Carson said. “I’ve wanted to come home so many times, but I also wanted to be good enough for you.”

Luke closed his eyes. “I don’t want your money, but you’ve always been good enough for me.”

“I know.” He slid his hands over Luke’s ass. “I love you. Do you still love me? Even after all this time?” Even just a little?

Luke didn’t speak right away, but cried a bit more. “Yeah, I do.” He opened his eyes. “I never stopped loving you.”