Page 32 of We Own Each Other

All the while, my fingers spread him wide once more, and with the lightest push, that ball was out and in my hand. Still, we continued to kiss. In the brief moments when we’d stop to catch our breath, I could hear Luke murmuring:

“Good boy. Such a good boy.”

Over and over again, like he was giving me the aftercare.

He was like a balm, soaking into me, and I hoped desperately that I was the same for him.

AFTER AN INTIMATE bubble bath together, I found Luke some of my clothes to relax in, then left him sprawled out on my bed in my apartment while I went out to grab some things at the nearby grocery store. The image of him lying out across my bed, as if he belonged there, was seared in my brain.

There was a goofy skip in my step that I just couldn’t hold back, as a result.

People were passing by and giving me some curious glances, but I just couldn’t be bothered with paying them any mind. I had finally found the one. I was certain of it, and there was nothing that could bring me down from the high of knowing that fact.

That was until I stepped into the grocery store.

There, in the middle of a line at the front checkout counter, as if he knew I’d be walking in, was that head of bright cotton candy pink hair.

I froze, right in the middle of the entrance.

People behind me muttered curses as they had to push around me to get inside, but I just couldn’t take another step.

Meanwhile, he didn’t even look my way. He was holding a shopping basket in one hand while he idly scrolled on his phone with the other. Unlike the man who had been in my office, wilted but radiating intense power, he looked just so average.

That was a bit of a relief, and I should have accepted it and moved on, but my curiosity was too strong.

I finally took a step in his direction, but then another young man trotted up to him in line. He had a gallon of milk hooked on his fingers, and with a radiant smile, he called out:

“I got it!”

Noah finally looked up from his phone, looking back to smile in return at the man. The two were chattering excitedly about something, and the stranger who had approached was poking through their grocery basket, seemingly making sure they had everything they needed; that’s when I realized who it was. His midnight-colored hair and striking violet eyes should have been enough, but seeing them interact so relaxed and intimate made it perfectly clear.

This was Anthony Griff.

This was the Sub he had been so worried about.

I had been intrigued by Noah, but seeing Anthony, this heir who had fallen from grace, so happy and relaxed out in public, piqued my interest far more than Noah ever could have. Unfortunately, as I stared, I inevitably drew Anthony’s attention.

Our eyes met.

He blinked, then looked down into the basket once again.

And whether it was because I hadn’t learned my lesson or it was my masochistic tendencies rearing their heads, our gaze met one more time, and his face wrinkled up in confusion.

I saw him mouth to Noah:

‘Do you know that guy?’

And he nodded in my direction.

Finally, Noah looked my way, his golden eyes narrowing until recognition passed over his face.

He didn’t smile, but his face wasn’t an unpleasant one as he waved at me.

“Yeah. He was the therapist at the jail.”

Anthony’s eyes widened, fear and incredulity passing over his features. It was understandable. I had seen just how rough it had been for Noah in jail, and I could imagine Anthony’s feelings weren’t all that different. Remembering those days couldn’t have been pleasant.

Still, I took this opportunity to finally get close to him.