Page 16 of Temporary Omega

7

Linc

Lincoln was pissed. He couldn’t remember a time in recent history that he’d wanted to punch someone out so badly.

Not only had that asshole evicted Luca for the simple fact the omega had rejected his come-ons, the man was a bully, plain and simple, and had probably realized how tough the omega had it and decided to try and use that to intimidate him.

That angry feeling he’d gotten dissipated the moment they finally arrived at Linc’s apartment building and he saw Luca safely into his home.

“So this is home,” Lincoln said as they stepped over the threshold into his penthouse apartment that took up the whole floor of building.

He watched Luca as Luca looked around his home from where he stood just outside the elevator that had delivered them straight into his living room. Linc tried to see his home from the omega’s perspective, and for some reason he hoped the man liked it. He wanted Luca comfortable here.

The other man may not know it yet, but he didn’t bring casual acquaintances—also known as people he was fuckin’, into his home. Ever. It was his space.

“It’s,” Luca began then paused.

“Yeah?” Lincoln prompted.

“Not what I expected,” Luca finished.

“Is that a good thing or bad thing?” Lincoln asked as he placed his keys in the wooden bowl atop the console table at the entrance.

“Definitely a good thing,” Luca replied, meeting Linc’s gaze with a grin, then looking around again.

Luca took a couple of steps into the apartment and paused at one of Linc’s favorite pieces he owned. The man reached out like he was going to touch, but pulled his hand back immediately. Linc observed Luca as the man stood entranced at the sight of Linc’s Howard Hodgkin’s painting.

It was one of the late, great artist’s final six pieces, and had only recently been delivered to his home.

“Is this… wow,” Luca said. “It can’t be, can it? Has to be a reproduction.” The man muttered.

Although Luca wasn’t speaking to him, Linc replied, “Not a reproduction.”

“Wow, it’s stunning. I saw it in the newspaper after he died. They mentioned it was up at the Gagosian gallery in London. I wanted so badly to see it but…”

The omega shrugged, trailing off. Luca turned from the painting, the smile on his face vanishing like smoke. Apparently the thought had somehow soured Luca’s enjoyment of the painting.

“It’s beautiful,” Luca murmured.

If Lincoln hadn’t witnessed the omega’s initial reaction to the piece, he would have thought Luca was just paying him lip service.

Lincoln knew that was not the case, something had triggered the reaction. He considered prying, but decided against it. He figured a change of subject would help move things along.

“You hungry?” Linc began, then looked towards the door that led to his kitchen. “I’m not sure what’s in the fridge but I’m sure I can get a delivery here in half an hour tops. I would call down to the kitchen but I believe the chef is gone for the night.”

“I think I just need a shower and a bed, it’s been a long day,” Luca sighed.

Linc studied the omega, taking in the sagged shoulders, the weary defeated look in the man’s eye and decided it would probably be best to have whatever conversation they needed to have after the man had gotten some rest.

Luca looked like he was a minute away from dropping where he stood, the man looked that worn out.

After the day he’s had, can you blame him?

Linc suddenly felt like an asshole for not realizing that the omega was probably done. The man had been hit with so much emotional upheaval, it was a miracle and a testament to his strength that he was still on his feet.

“You’re right, it’s quite late, come along, I’ll show you to your room.” Linc walked further into the apartment, figuring Luca would follow. “The penthouse is split into two floors, the living room, a drawing room, the kitchen, and separate dining area.” He pointed in different directions as he spoke. “There’s my office here on this floor too. Also, if you need some air there’s a terrace, complete with a hot tub and pool.”

“No hot tub for us at the moment,” Luca said in a low voice, but it was loud enough for Linc to hear him.