hissing in pain through his teeth as he leaned on his hurt arm, but he eventually settled and cupped Sebastion’s cheek. “He came here with his laptop and some of his research, and a couple changes of clothes.”
“Then we’ll know how to reach him if he runs.” Sebastion closed his eyes and nuzzled into the warm palm pressing into his skin. After a beat, he turned his face into Luca’s shoulder and kissed him. “There’s something you should know.”
Luca hummed, dragging his fingers along the top of Sebastion’s shoulders. “What’s that?”
“Xan’s met you before.” He held his breath, then finally looked up at his husband’s confused expression. “He told me about a man with a phoenix tattoo.”
Luca snorted. “Babe, when I got that stupid thing, everyone was getting them. They were like the top tattoo that week at the shop.”
Sebastion licked his lips. “I know, but…” He hesitated. “Remember a few years ago—actually the night you decided to quit smoking?”
Luca’s eyes narrowed, then they went wide, and his lips parted on a small gasp. “The bar.”
Sebastion nodded. “You were a little drunk, and you came home and sucked my dick.” He quirked a smile when Luca rolled his eyes. “Then you told me that you could see us marrying someone else someday. That the most beautiful man…”
“Next to you,” Luca said in a ragged voice.
Sebastion offered him a watery smile. “…met you outside of the bar and the two of you had a moment.”
“That was him,” Luca breathed out.
Sebastion shrugged. “He doesn’t know it’s you. He just remembered the tattoo and I guess Todd saving him from some asshole who tried to roofie his drink.”
Luca squeezed his eyes shut. “That was Max. The guy on the Vespa who picked him up. Fuck. Fuck…”
Sebastion touched his cheek gently until their gazes met again. “There was nothing you could have done.” And the reality of that statement hit them both. “There’s no way to change the past. It had to happen exactly this way—and I don’t know why. Years after my ex, I still don’t know why people have to go through this. But sometimes they just do.”
Luca was quiet for a long, long moment, but he didn’t look away. “How are you with all this?” Luca asked after the tension eased. “I know this has to be a lot for you.”
Luca had never seen him at his worst—not physically. He hadn’t seen the aftermath of that final fight between him and his ex. He’d gotten a hotel and nursed his wounds on his own until only faint marks were left behind. But he knew—he still knew the images through Sebastion’s broken storytelling.
“It’s easier than I expected,” he said eventually, and he meant that. “The situation isn’t the same, and I know I’m safe.”
Luca brushed his lips over Sebastion’s. “You’re always safe with me.”
Sebastion rolled his eyes and nipped at his husband’s jaw. “Yes, I am. But I’m as nervous as you are that he’s going to take off.”
Luca swallowed thickly, then dragged his hand down to Sebastion’s waist and held him tight. “I think I’m more afraid he’s going to go back.”
Sebastion wanted to assure him that it wouldn’t happen—that Xan wouldn’t find any reason to return, but he couldn’t. Not when he knew better. But he wasn’t ready to give up hope yet, especially knowing Xan had a way out. He had an apartment now, and a support system, and if the rage and pain in his eyes were anything to go by, he was also very done.
“Should we tell him who I am?” Luca asked in the silence between them.
Sebastion sighed and gave the most honest answer he could. “I don’t know.”
Chapter Twelve
Dear Allie,
Shit went as bad as it can go, I think. I moved out. If you hear from Max or any of his friends, please ignore them. I’m safe. I’m with friends. I’ll keep you posted, but I hope you don’t get this until after you land because I don’t want my petty drama ruining your trip. But I know you get pissed if I don’t keep you up to date on all the Max shit.
If I don’t respond right away, it’s not personal, okay? I’m just trying to deal.
But I’m fine.
I swear. I’m fine.
Love Always,
Xan
Xan woke up before the sun, but the idea of moving seemed impossible. He was more comfortable on his back in spite of the pain at the base of his skull where Max had almost torn his hair out, but the more