be fine.”
Liam sighed and closed the suitcase. “Okay. We leave now. On one condition.”
“Name it,” Amish said.
“You will be my sex slave tonight at that hotel you booked us into.” He meant that.
Amish laughed. “With pleasure. Now, let’s go.”
He waited in the SUV while Liam checked to make sure everything was locked up and secure.
When Liam climbed into the passenger seat, he reached over and squeezed Amish’s thigh. “I’m ready.”
Amish started the engine, and they were off. He breathed an inward sigh of relief.
“How far to the hotel?” Liam asked, switching on the radio.
Amish laughed. “Horny much?”
“You made me a promise. You do intend to keep your word?”
“Of course. The hotel is in Manchester. It’s only two in the afternoon, Liam.”
Feigning a yawn, Liam muttered, “I’m up for an early night. The operative word is up.”
Amish shook his head. “I hear you. We’ll stop for supper halfway. We should be in Manchester around eight o’clock.”
“When you get tired, tell me, I’ll drive,” Liam offered.
“Will do.” The truth was he didn’t really get tired, just fed up with driving.
The windows were down because Liam didn’t like the air conditioning. The air smelt fresh and sweet. Amish took some of the country roads just for the pleasure of it. They passed farms, fields with horses grazing, people sitting on their porches.
“I’m glad you talked me into this, Amish.” Liam was enjoying the scenery. “I don’t want you to be shocked, but I might be a workaholic.”
“You think?” Amish glanced at him. He didn’t have to tell him that.
Liam punched him in the arm. “Shut up.”
A half hour later, they pulled over for ice cream so Liam could stretch his legs. Amish leaned against the vehicle as Liam went to get the ice cream. He placed a hand over his eyes, squinting against the glare of the sun, which suddenly seemed brutal. Searing pain flared through his brain. Unusual. He never had pain.
Liam was in front of him now, holding out the ice cream. “What’s the matter, babe?”
“I don’t know,” Amish grunted. “I need to get back inside.” He opened the door and slipped behind the wheel. He reached over and opened the door for Liam, who handed him an ice cream cone.
“What happened?” Liam asked.
“The sun was giving me a headache. It’s intense.”
Liam took a bite of his ice cream. “Not really. It’s almost five o’clock.”
“Doesn’t matter, I feel fine now,” Amish said, eating his ice cream.
Liam handed over a napkin. “Do you want me to drive?”
“No. I’m fine. Let’s go. I’d like to find somewhere we can have a nice dinner. Can you check for a good seafood place on the way to Manchester? I feel like lobster.”
“Me too,” Liam said as he googled on his phone. “Ah, looks like the best places are in Manchester. Can we wait that long?”
Amish nodded. “Two hours. We’ll eat, then check in to the hotel.”
Liam leaned his head on Amish’s shoulder. “You are tormenting me. Why not order in?”
Amish kissed the top of his head. “Your choice, my love.”
As they got closer to Manchester, the pain he’d felt a few hours earlier returned, but this time it spread across his shoulders and down the spine. Maybe it was all the driving? Even that didn’t make sense. He swallowed the pain so as not to alarm Liam, who was enjoying the ride. It was good to see him relaxed and happy.
They had just celebrated Liam’s forty-eighth birthday, and although he’d kept his boyish good looks, he’d slowed down some. That frightened Amish. He couldn’t stand the thought of losing him. And although Liam didn’t mention it, Amish knew he was acutely aware that while he aged, Amish didn’t.
When they arrived at the hotel, Amish was grateful. He climbed out of the SUV with some difficulty. Thankfully, Liam didn’t notice as he was busy getting the bags. A few minutes later, and they were in their room. It was beautiful, with a hot tub and a huge king-sized bed.
Liam threw himself on the bed. “Ah, this is wonderful, baby.”
Amish went into the bathroom. There was something wrong. He lifted his t-shirt and turned to the mirror. Nothing. But he could feel it, something clawing at his flesh, something desperate to get out.
“Amish?” Liam poked his head in. “You okay?”
He nodded. The pain was gone, and he didn’t want anything to ruin this vacation. “Great, hungry?”
Liam nodded. “I’ve been checking out the menus. There is a seafood place down the street. Should we go?”
Amish threw an arm