Chapter Five

The mall at Christmastime was something out of a nightmare. Knight was determined to find gifts for everyone before they left tomorrow on their cruise. Everyone had been so damn kind and welcoming. Knight wanted to do something nice in return. Obviously, he didn't have Quentin's money, and he didn't know what to get people who had everything. He figured he would just do food and beer gift baskets for most of the guys, but he definitely wanted something special for Pink and Royal.

"Hi."

Knight nearly jumped out of his skin when Cannon appeared from nowhere. "Holy shit." He patted his chest, trying to get his racing heart under control.

Cannon laughed. He looked a little more carefree than the last time Knight saw him. "Sorry, not sorry. You're not paying attention to your surroundings. I could've been anyone. That's how people get kidnapped and killed."

Knight shot him an annoyed look. "You've been with the FBI for too long. Most people are fine at the mall, especially in Mobile, Alabama."

The way Cannon kept smiling had Knight curious, considering their last meeting. He didn't get a chance to puzzle through it. "Let's get lunch at the food court."

"No, thank you." The place was slammed with shoppers, and Knight still had presents to buy.

Cannon's smile slipped a hair. "Come on. It's not a date. We're just two friends eating at the same place. To sweeten the deal, I'll buy and ease your mind by telling you the investigation into Quentin and his family has been closed. I've been reassigned and ordered to let it go. Money wins again against justice."

"Good. He's a good man who should've never been under investigation to begin with."

Cannon wasn't smiling any longer. "We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. But it doesn't matter anymore, and we can grab lunch and go back to normal."

Knight chuckled despite himself. "We were normal?"

Laughter flashed in Cannon's eyes. "Well, as normal as people like us can be." He bumped shoulders with Knight. "Come on. Let me buy lunch. I don't like knowing you're mad at me."

"All right. Fine." God, he hoped he didn't end up regretting this.

The way Cannon's face lit with triumph already had Knight reconsidering. "Yay!" Cannon bounced on his toes like a kid.

Knight's shoulders relaxed. He had forgotten in the past several months why he had liked Cannon to begin with. When Cannon wasn't focused on working, he was a fun guy. He didn't take life too seriously… until he did. That was where they always hit a brick wall. Knight's dad had chosen to not be a part of his life past the age of nine. His mom had passed away, and he was basically alone in the world now. Sometimes, like Christmas time, he felt that loss. But being alone meant being beholden to no one. He didn't have to fear being rejected for his sexuality. Not that his mom would have ever turned her back on him for any reason, but he wasn't in the same position as Cannon.

Cannon had legitimate reasons to stay in the closet. He worked in a male-driven field and was an Alabama native. His parents were hunting, fishing, football fans, and all things backwoods. They were unbending and deeply religious. While they liked Knight, it was only because they didn't know him. They thought he was just a friend from the military. That made him a good person in their eyes. On a personal level, they knew nothing about him. Knight's thoughts made him sad. He had mulled over the Cannon situation enough times to know Cannon would never change. Cannon would never choose freedom or take a chance. He had wasted so much of Knight's time and energy. Knight wanted to stay friends, but Cannon was incapable. He already had a countdown going in his head for how long it took for Cannon to bring up rekindling their bedroom fun time.

Knight's stomach churned at the idea. Nothing against Cannon, but Knight couldn't imagine anyone except Royal now. Those gray eyes. The mussed hair first thing in the morning. Goddamn. He was falling hard, and he couldn't stop. It was a huge mind fuck, being the center of Royal's attention. He was dark and a little mysterious. Knight felt like a teenager who had fallen for the bad boy. He wanted to be the one who drew Royal from his shell and saved him. He was such an idiot for thinking he could, but at least his eyes were wide open. At least Knight knew every move he made was dumb as hell. In the end, there would be no one else to blame.

Knight's gaze moved Cannon's way. Maybe that was the problem. The same couldn't be said of Cannon. Knight could very much blame him for every heartache. If Cannon had actually worked for their relationship, Knight would have loved him until the day they died. Cannon would never give anyone his full self. It was sad, actually. Cannon would never find love and he had no one to blame but himself.

From a safe distance, Royal watched every move Knight made. He dipped in and out of stores, keeping his stalking a secret. While Royal never lost sight of Knight, he sneaked in some shopping. It was almost comical watching Cannon actively work for Knight's attention. Meanwhile, Knight looked stiff and uninterested. Royal might be a heartless, jealous, and insanely possessive person, but he knew Knight was into that. An evil smile tugged at the corners of Royal's mouth. Knight wouldn't choose a pussy like Cannon. He wanted someone literally crazy about him. Royal was that person.

With his shoulder braced against the wall and shopping bags draped over his arm, Royal pretended to stare at his phone while keeping an eye on the pair. They sat at a table in the food court. Knight ate while Cannon talked animatedly. Occasionally, Knight nodded and said a few words. His lack of interest was almost tangible. Finally, Knight stood and threw his trash in the nearest trash can. He returned to the table and said his goodbyes. Cannon stood and hugged Knight. Something dark and ugly rose in Royal when Cannon didn't immediately release him. He held Knight's arms. His mouth moved with what looked to be pleading. Knight stood stiffly in his hold. His entire body screamed he was ready to run. Royal opened the messages on his phone. Cannon had officially gone too far for Royal. Luckily, Royal had been prepared for this.

Royal: Post Office West. Instructions in box 57.

He watched the little dots jump with an incoming response.

X: Any preference on how it's done?

Royal: No. Just get rid of him and follow the instructions. That part is important.

Royal wanted Cannon gone from their life. But it was vital Royal be on that yacht along with all the family when it happened. Quentin had given him a greater gift than even he realized with this trip. They all had alibis now. Nothing would lead back to them.

With his plan in place, Royal put his phone away and waited. Knight was gone and Cannon sat alone, looking defeated. Royal slowly counted to ten, ensuring Knight was a safe distance before he headed Cannon's way.

He barely slowed as he passed Cannon's table. Their gazes met. Royal smirked. "There's only one name for people who mess with what's mine. Victim." Royal kept moving, with his promise still hanging between them. He half expected Cannon to follow and cause a scene. Cannon didn't, which only proved he was fully the FBI's bitch. He had been ordered to stay away from them. It seemed he would follow any order given, no matter what. Weak.

Royal shadowed Knight through a few more stores before finally overcoming him. Knight startled and spun, as if ready to swing, when Royal's arm encircled his waist.

His expression immediately shifted, turning to happiness at the sight of Royal. "Hey. You scared me. I thought… it doesn't matter. Hey."

Royal knew what he thought. He thought Cannon had come after him and tried touching him. Royal purred inside with satisfaction. Not only did Cannon not stand a chance, Knight was visibly overjoyed to see him.

"I didn't mean to scare you." He held up his shopping bags. "I was picking up your Christmas gifts when I spotted you. Great minds, I guess."

Knight laughed. "Or this is pretty much the only day to shop before we leave, but you didn't have to get me anything. Going in on my part of the trip is more than enough."

Royal shook his head. "I don't know how to tell you this, but Quentin would never allow us to go in on your part of the trip. Everyone just wanted you to come without you feeling guilty about going."

Knight huffed. "Well goddamn. That's awkward."

"Don't worry about it." Royal shrugged. "If I know anything about our household, they'll all buy you gifts, and everyone will pretend the entire trip thing is nothing. You shouldn't feel guilty. Quentin would've booked that boat with or without you. One more person means next to nothing." He flashed a wicked smile. "Plus, it's not like you'll be taking an extra room or anything if you're in my bed."

Heat flashed in Knight's eyes as his gaze dropped to Royal's mouth. "That's true."

Royal needed to cool things down since they stood in a crowded store. "So, what did you get me for Christmas?"

A laugh burst from Knight. "It's hard to buy for you when you're standing right here."

The way Royal's cheeks hurt made him realize he smiled like an idiot. No one or nothing else brought out this side of him. He was almost human with Knight. "Damn. Well, I guess I'll let you shop."

The hint of disappointment that flickered across Knight's face caused something in his chest to flutter. It was a sensation that seemed to grow bigger all the time.

"Oh. Okay. I guess I'll see you when I get home."

"You called my place home."

Knight blushed. "You know what I mean."

Royal took a step back, shaking his head as he went. "Nope. There's no taking it back. You haven't gotten me out of your system."

A loud laugh burst from Knight. Heads turned their way. Knight's gaze never wavered from Royal as Royal continued slowly backing away. "I thought it was the other way around."

Royal pretended to be confused. "I'm pretty sure I'm right."

Knight shook his head. His eyes danced with laughter. "I think we're both right."

Royal winked and turned away. He thought they were both right too. Neither of them had gotten the other out of their system. He had a feeling they never would. Royal spent all his time thinking about it. He had already decided he was okay with that. For once, Royal actually liked someone's company. He believed in taking what he wanted. Royal wanted Knight. Knight belonged to him. One way or another, Knight would stay with him. Royal didn't take no for an answer. He wasn't a good person. Royal didn't fight fair. Knight was his property. He would kill to keep things that way. Royal didn't play games.