23. Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Emil

“I say we crush him,” Alex says, grinding his fist into his palm.

“He hasn’t done anything yet,” Finn says calmly from beside him, the big bear of a redhead threading his fingers through Alex’s hair. His other hand is around the back of Rowan’s neck.

“Yet being the key word,” Alex retorts, eyes narrowed. “And stop trying to pet me into submission, Ginger Bear.”

“As if that would ever work,” Finn replies, voice fond as he continues to play with Alex’s hair.

Alex harrumphs but looks pleased.

“Dude’s suspicious,” Dixon says.

“See!” Alex cries. “ Thank you , Grumpy Bear.”

The guy in question hasn’t once left his table near the back of the club. He’s gone through a couple drinks at this point, but instead of paying attention to the dancing entertainment, his eyes, more often than not, have been following Noel through the club.

“I don’t trust him,” Christian says.

“Me neither,” Kipp puts in. He’s sitting on Teddy’s lap, even though there’s an empty seat at the table. “Couldn’t we just call the cops?”

“And say what?” Alex replies. “There’s a guy we don’t like the look of who’s sitting politely inside a club and making googly-eyes at our friend?”

Kipp scrunches his nose. “You have a point. Wasn’t he loitering in the parking lot, though?”

“Noel thinks so, but he’s not positive,” Christian answers.

Kipp deflates.

“Maybe we’ve got it wrong, and he’s just lonely,” Niko says, popping the top few buttons on his shirt and standing. “Be right back.”

“Jesus Christ,” Dixon mutters.

“What’s he doing?” Alex asks in alarm.

Dixon heaves a sigh. “Flirting.”

We all watch as Niko saunters over to the man’s table. He leans his hands on the surface, grinning as he says something to the guy. The guy’s expression is like stone as he shakes his head once. Niko says something else, but the man clearly isn’t interested. With a shrug, Niko turns around and heads back our way. The guy’s eyes immediately seek out Noel.

“Yeah, no,” Christian says. “He’s got a target.”

Alex curses.

We all fall silent as the stranger waves Noel down. Christian’s friend approaches at a steady pace, looking uncomfortable but trying to hide it. He picks up the man’s empty glass, the two exchanging words. The guy must order another drink because Noel nods and heads back toward the bar.

“I don’t like this,” Teddy mumbles.

“If he so much as flinches, I’m getting the bat,” Alex practically growls.

“Whoa, slugger,” Niko says calmly. “Let’s cool it a little. The last thing we need is you getting arrested for battery.”

Kipp snorts. “ Bat -ery. With a bat. Get it?”

“There will be no battery or getting arrested,” Dixon grumbles. “There’s nine of us—ten, including Noel—and only one of him. If this guy acts up, we’ll ask him to leave. Simple as that.”

“Ask?” Niko says, lips curling into a smile as he rubs Dixon’s arm.

“Tell,” Finn declares, to which Dixon nods his agreement. Alex gives them both a grin.

“Couldn’t we just do that now?” Kipp whines.

“Hold up,” I say, squeezing Christian’s arm. “He’s back.”

We watch as Noel sets a new drink down on the guy’s table. The man smiles, picking up the glass. And then he tips it down Noel’s front.

Christian makes to jump out of his chair, but my grip on his arm stops him. “The fuck,” he hisses.

“It’s just a drink,” I say. “It was probably an accident, right?”

Noel wipes his shirt as the guy seems to apologize. Noel shakes his head, holding out his hand in a clear I got it gesture. He sets his tray on the table before heading along the back of the club toward the hall.

“Where’s he going?” Alex asks.

“Employee room,” Christian says quietly. “To change. At least, that’s what I’m guessing.”

“Okay. So that’s not so bad,” Alex says. “Even if that was on purpose—”

“Guys,” Rowan says. “Where’d he go?”

Heads whip back toward the table. The man in the black shirt is gone.

Christian curses, looking around frantically. Alex stands on his chair.

“There,” Niko says, pointing toward the back hall as the guy disappears around the corner.

Everyone is out of their seats in a second.

I lose my grip on Christian’s arm as he all but runs toward the back hallway of the club. He deftly evades the crowd and rounds the corner before I can catch up. My pulse sprints as I hear him shout, “Hey!”

Teddy turns the corner ahead of me, surprisingly fast for such a big guy. I vaguely remember he’s a runner. When I make it into the hall, I see a flash of dark hair as Christian barrels through the slowly closing door at the back of the club, his momentum pushing it right back open again.

“Fuck,” I mutter, racing after him.

I’ve never in my life been more grateful for the men at my back.

My ears ring as I follow Teddy out into the alley behind the bar. I hear Christian yell, “Let him go!” followed by a grunt. There’s no overhead light back here, only a faint glow from the street, so it’s hard to make out what’s happening as Teddy rushes into the fray. But there appears to be a scuffle, and my stomach drops even further toward my feet.

“Hey!” Finn bellows, running past me. “I’m calling the cops.”

That seems to be enough to catch the guy’s attention—either that or the near dozen of us that have spilled into the alley—because less than a second later, there’s a sound of alarm from Noel, and the guy is taking off.

“Yeah, you better run!” Alex shouts.

“Holy fuck,” I breathe, rushing to where Noel is sprawled on the ground. “Are you okay?”

“Oh my God,” he says, taking my hand and rising shakily to his feet. “Did…did that just happen?”

Finn is talking on the phone, and Teddy is assuring Kipp he’s fine, but my attention is on Noel as Christian skids to a halt next to us. “Are you hurt?” Christian asks his friend. “Did he hurt you?”

“No,” Noel breathes. A little more light appears, and I realize someone turned on their phone’s flashlight. “He just…he just grabbed me and dragged me outside. I…I didn’t even realize what was happening. Holy fuck, what just happened?”

Alex rubs Noel’s arm as Christian glances toward the mouth of the alleyway. “He’s gone,” Christian says, sounding as if he’s reassuring both himself and Noel.

“Police are on their way,” Finn says.

“Fuck,” Noel mutters again.

Alex wraps his arm around Noel’s shoulders, giving him a squeeze. “Come on, sweets. Let’s go wait where there’s more light.”

Noel nods, and we all start making our way toward the sidewalk.

“Sure wasn’t expecting us, was he?” Alex says, his voice light. “You should never fuck with porn stars.”

Noel huffs a laugh, and Alex gives him a grin.

When we reach the sidewalk in front of the club, I pull Christian off to the side. “You okay?” I ask, running my fingers over his face, checking for damage I pray isn’t there. My heart is still pounding.

Christian catches my wrists, his hold gentle. “I’m fine. He just shoved me.”

My breath shudders. “Fuck, Christian. That was…”

“I know,” he says softly, kissing my palm. He turns enough to face his friend. “Noel, please tell me you’re not coming back here.”

Noel shakes his head quickly. “No. I’m done. I told our boss I was scared, and he didn’t give a shit. He didn’t do anything . He can find another server.”

Christian lets out a breath that sounds like relief. “Okay. Do you want me to…” He cuts off with a soft sound. “Max?”

Noel’s head whips around as a man comes jogging swiftly our way from the direction of the parking lot. “Max?” Noel repeats, voice quiet. “What are you doing here?”

The man named Max all but barrels into our group, only slowing once he’s in front of Noel. Noel looks shocked as Max sweeps him into his arms. He blinks wide eyes.

“Fuck, are you all right?” Max asks. “I got Christian’s text. What’s going on? What are you all doing out here?”

As Noel answers a very concerned Max’s questions, Christian grabs my hand and gives a little tug. I follow him back inside as Christian grabs Noel’s things from the employee room. He tosses a keycard on the small table before we go.

When we get back outside, two police officers are taking Noel’s statement. I show them the picture of the guy on my phone, hoping it’s enough to identify him. It’s late by the time the cops leave, having already gone inside to collect CCTV footage. Everyone looks worn out.

“Um,” Noel says, Max’s hand in his. “I don’t even know what to say. Just…thank you guys. Thank you for coming.”

Christian gives his friend’s free hand a squeeze. “You don’t have to thank us for that, Noel. It’s what friends do.”

“We’ve adopted you,” Alex says cheerfully. “In case that wasn’t obvious.”

Noel lets out a wet laugh. “I guess I’ll see you guys soon?”

“Count on it,” Alex says.

Christian gives Noel a hug before he and Max leave for the parking lot.

Alex hums as he watches them go. “I love love.”

Niko snorts. “You don’t get matchmaker credit for that one, pint-size.”

“What?” Alex squawks. “I was here . It counts.”

“Anyone want nachos?” Kipp cuts in. He looks around the group, frowning. “No? Just me?”

“It’s one in the morning,” Dixon says flatly.

Teddy pulls Kipp close, kissing his temple. “I’ll get you nachos, doll.”

Kipp beams.

“Well, I’d say our work here is done,” Alex says primly, dusting his hands. He lets out a happy sigh before shouting, “Porn stars disassemble!”

Several people on the sidewalk startle, turning to look at us.

Dixon groans, covering his face with his hand. “Jesus, small fry. A little tact?”

“Not what I’m known for,” Alex retorts, giving Finn’s shoulder a tug. “Come on, Ginger Pony, let me ride you so we can get home…and I can ride you. And Grizzly Bear.”

Rowan flushes, and Finn shakes his head, but both are smiling as we make our way toward the parking lot, Alex on Finn’s back. Alex makes hoof-clomping sounds until Finn pinches his leg. Christian snags my hand, giving me a tired smile.

After saying our goodbyes, we break up to get into our respective vehicles. I’m quiet as I buckle myself in and start the car, and Christian turns to look at me.

“You okay?” he asks.

I nod, getting us out on the road. “Yeah, just… That was scary.”

He gives my thigh a squeeze. “I know. And I hate that our boss doesn’t care. He doesn’t care . If he had any measure of security for his staff, stuff like that wouldn’t happen in the first place.”

“ Our boss?” I ask, glancing at Christian, whose features are lit by the streetlights. “Noel said the same thing earlier. Is this where you used to work?”

“Yeah,” he says. “I got fired for fending off handsy customers.”

“That’s…” My mouth opens and closes. “That’s bullshit .”

He huffs a humorless laugh. “Yeah. It is.”

I blow out a breath, my pulse racing as I picture what would have happened tonight if we weren’t here. Would that guy have been successful in cornering Noel? What if it had been Christian in his place instead? What if this had happened before we’d met? Who would Christian have called for help? His grandma is in an assisted living facility. He’s estranged from his mother. The only person I’ve heard him mention as a friend is Noel.

I grab Christian’s hand, holding tight.

“You sure you’re okay, Specs?” he asks softly.

I nod, but it feels jerky. “You have me. You have us ,” I say, hoping he understands. “Even if… Just always, okay? You can always call.”

Christian pulls our joined hands to his mouth. He gives my knuckles a kiss, a soft thing, as if he’s reassuring me. “I know.”

I focus on getting the two of us home safely, but as soon as we’re back at Christian’s, I pull him into bed, and I don’t let go. He doesn’t complain, not once. And with my arms wrapped around him tight, I swear to myself I won’t let anything hurt this man.

Not ever.

“Ow,” Christian says quietly.

“Sorry,” I say, immediately loosening my grip.

He rubs my arm with his free hand, giving me a small smile. The two of us are sitting in front of the terrarium, Christian’s hand in mine for support.

It’s time.

“I like his new shell,” he says conversationally. “He picked a good one after his molt.”

I nod, but my attention is on the tank in front of us. The new crab is in with Arthur, and although neither has made a single move toward one another, I’m watching like a hawk.

The new crab wriggles a little, and I gasp.

Christian chuckles. “Jesus, you’re cute.”

“I’m not cute,” I shoot back. “I’m freaking out.”

He kisses my cheek. “You’re cute when you’re freaking out.”

“That bodes well for you,” I mutter. “I freak out a lot.”

He hums. “I don’t think that’s true.”

I raise a brow, eyeing him. “I’m kind of particular.”

“So?” he says, leaning against my shoulder. “Nothing wrong with that.”

“I’m not a go-with-the-flow type of person,” I continue. “I live in a constant state of low anxiety and question most everything in my life.”

He huffs. “I think you’re organized, smart, kind , and attentive to detail.”

“I color code my notes,” I point out.

“Like I said… Cute.”

A scoff catches in my throat. “I’m anal-retentive, spend most of my free time studying because I like it, I have crabs , and I get off on people watching me have sex.”

Christian’s eyes dance with humor and something I’m not sure how to name. “Are you trying to convince me of something here, Specs? Because all I’m hearing are positives.”

I nearly growl, refocusing on the terrarium. I jolt in surprise. “Where the fuck did Arthur go?”

“He’s right there,” Christian says calmly, pointing to the corner.

I breathe a sigh of relief. “What if they hate each other?”

“Give them a chance.”

“What if—”

“What if,” Christian cuts in, “they become the best of friends? What if Arthur, your prickly and guarded hermit crab, finds out he really likes having someone around? Maybe this is the best thing for him.”

I look over at my boyfriend, who thinks he’s being sneaky.

“Oh, look,” he says casually. “Are they fighting?”

My head whips around. “Don’t even joke, Christian. I swear to God—”

He shuts me up with his lips. I moan before pulling back, pretty sure I’m supposed to be angry. He follows me, lips capturing mine again, hand anchoring in my hair.

“Not funny,” I say, but it only sounds like a groan.

“Kinda funny.”

“No,” I moan. “We’re fighting.”

“Are we?” he says, tongue flicking my lip. “We should fight more often.”

“Christian,” I groan, nearly losing myself as he kisses down my neck. “My crabs .”

His breath huffs across my skin. “You should really reconsider how you phrase that.”

I laugh, a pained sound, as Christian pulls back. He kisses me once, a peck.

“I have an idea,” he says before standing up. “Can I grab your laptop?”

“Sure?”

He nods and walks off, grabbing my computer before swinging through the kitchen for a chair. He sets it beside the terrarium and places the laptop on top, and then he’s off again. I watch, perplexed, as he gathers pillows and a blanket, dropping them nearby before going back into the kitchen. He sticks a bag of popcorn in the microwave.

My throat feels tight as he returns, stopping to turn off one of the lights so it’s a little dimmer. He cues up Life on my laptop.

“You’re pretty great, you know that?” I say.

He gives me a soft smile as he fluffs his pillow. We lay the blanket over our laps, the bowl of popcorn between us, and watch the show.

After a minute, Christian says, “I feel like I’m kinda starting out in life, you know? Like I’m just now at this point where I’m thinking about my future and what I want that to be. I don’t… I don’t have a lot, Emil. There’s not a lot I can give you. But you said once that we should make the best out of what we have, and that’s something I can promise to do. I promise I’ll do my best to make you happy every day because I’m pretty sure, if we let it, this could be our future.”

“Christian,” I say, nearly at a loss for words.

He swallows, gaze on the popcorn between us. He looks self-conscious, not something I’m used to seeing. I give his chin a nudge so he looks at me.

“You have so much to give,” I tell him seriously. “I don’t need fancy dates or expensive gifts. I like walking with you in a stone-paved garden. I like writing my papers while you sew. I like… I like this . I like all of it. So whatever ideal you’re comparing us to, don’t bother, okay? You’ve made me happier than any other person has in a very long time. I don’t need things . I just want you.”

His lip wobbles, and I brush his hair back. It’s so soft when he wears it down, and not for the first time, I marvel at the beauty of it. Of him .

I’ve always thought of Christian as strong. It shines out of him in the way he stands and walks and carries himself. He’s proud of who he is, and he lends that strength to those around him. He makes me feel safe and secure when we’re together. And he looks out for those who’ve proven themselves trustworthy.

It’s easy to forget that Christian is young. That he has insecurities like the rest of us. That, for all the ways in which he’s world-wise, this is new to him, and he may need an occasional reminder that he’s on the right track.

“We’re not ever going to be like anybody else, you and me,” I say, tracing his eyes and the gentle slope of his nose with my gaze. “A closet exhibitionist-slash-psych geek and a gorgeous, skirt-wearing seamster who happens to enjoy fucking said exhibitionist in front of others?”

He huffs a small laugh.

“But it doesn’t matter,” I say truthfully. “The pieces of us are suited to one another, as impossible as that seems. I mean, seriously, how did I even find you?”

“I think it was asbestos,” he says softly.

I bark a laugh, and he smiles.

“My point is I can see a future with you, too, Christian. And if you’re planning on making me happy every single day, well, get ready. Because I’ll be doing my best to make you happy, too.”

“Well, shit,” he says, sighing dramatically. “However will I manage to cope?”

I bump his shoulder. “Stop being cute.”

“Can’t,” he says simply. “I’m always cute.”

I catch his lips with my own, biting gently. Releasing. “This…the two of us? It’s perfect, okay? Now restart the episode because someone made me miss David Attenborough’s voice.”

Christian shakes against me as he laughs. Finally, he breathes in, smacks a kiss against my lips, and reaches for the laptop. I spare a glance at the crabs, but neither has moved. Utterly content, I lean against my boyfriend’s side, knowing there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.