Page 76 of Wicked Games
“Ry. Don’t leave me. Stay.”
I turned back around, and this time Hiram’s face only showed compassion.
“He’s been asking for you for the last few hours,” Hiram whispered. “He’s really uncomfortable, and his concussion limits the types of pain medication and dosages he can have. Lucien was thrashing around, and we were worried he’d cause himself more injuries.”
“We?”
“Yeah,” Hiram said, motioning for me to come closer. “Carmen pulled the last shift, and I relieved her so she could get some rest. He thinks we’re all you, and it’s helped keep him calm when he’s resting. It’s a completely different story when he’s awake though. I’m so glad you finally made it.”
“I got here as fast as I could,” I said, walking toward the bed. “The first flight had mechanical issues, and passengers got bumped. It just felt like the universe was trying to prevent me from getting here.”
Hiram and I swapped places, and he gently untangled himself from Lucien’s long, graceful fingers. I always thought he had the hands of an artist or a musician, but those dexterous digits came in handy in his line of work too. Lucien started to get restless, and I quickly took his hand in mine. It was like coming home after being gone for decades.
“There you are,” Lucky whispered then sighed in his sleep. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“He knew we were poor substitutes.” Hiram’s smile was kind when I looked from Lucien back to him. “I’m so happy he has you, Ryder. I wish I could stick around until he wakes up because I have a lot of questions for him.”
“You’re going?” Five minutes ago, I was tempted to launch him through a window. His smirk said he knew it.
“Hiram Chandioisdead for all intents and purposes. I won’t be swimming up to the shore in the Maldives like a miracle and reclaiming my life. Carmen has offered me an opportunity to live free of the burdens I’ve been saddled with since birth. I only want to live happily and in peace.”
“I understand,” I told him.
“Tell Lucky I’ll be in touch soon. Take good care of him,” Hiram said.
“You can count on it,” I said, lifting Lucien’s hand to my mouth for a kiss.
“So long, Ryder. Until we meet again.”
“That sounds like a great line for my book,” I whispered, wishing I could write it down.
“Book?” Hiram asked.
“Oh, I’m just being silly. Lucien wanted a love story, so I’m giving him one.”
“In more ways than one,” Hiram said with a raised brow. Then he glanced at the bed to where Lucien was starting to stir. “I’ll be in touch. It was nice meeting you.”
“Same,” I said, not looking away from Lucien. I wanted my face to be the first thing he saw if he could open his eyes.
It turned out he could open one all the way and the other a slit. It was enough for him to recognize me standing by his bed. “Love,” he said softly, reaching for me with his other hand.
I leaned over so he could hook his arm around me and give me a one-armed hug. “Was getting the shit beat out of you part of the plan?” I admonished lightly. “You shaved ten years off my life.”
“I’m sorry I scared you, but it’s over now. I’m free, and we can start our life together.”
“That’s right,” I said. “First, we need to get you healthy again. Then, we can discuss where we’re going to begin our new lives.” I brushed my fingertips over Lucien’s forehead, and his eyes drifted shut again.
“I love you so much, Lucky,” I whispered then kissed his forehead.
“I want to go home,” Lucien said crankily. “I’ve been cooped up in here for weeks.”
“Babe, you only left the hospital two days ago. You’re not healthy enough to travel yet. Besides, we’re not exactly roughing it,” I said, gesturing to Carmen’s luxurious, London guest suite.
“You could at least fuck me. How long has it been?”
“I gave you a handjob this morning after breakfast,” I reminded him.
“That was a long time ago. What have you done for me lately?”