Getting There Read online

  Chapter Two

  “Running late. Had to pick up Lucas. Yeah, my brother.” Anthony paused while he turned left, heading toward a Panera drive-thru. They were fortunate to make it at just the right moment with no one waiting. “Hang on a minute.” Turning to Lucas, the sun glaring off his shades, Anthony asked, “When’s the last time you ate?

  Lucas glanced at him and away. Anthony huffed, “Yeah, figures. If the last thing is what was stinking in that house, you’re due food. Bagel?”

  When Lucas remained silent, Anthony turned back to the machine. “Cinnamon crunch bagel and hazelnut spread, please. Coffee, too. Make that two of those.” At the cashier’s confirmation, he drove on, rested his hand gently on Lucas’s thigh and squeezed. “It’s going to be okay.”

  Lucas shrugged feeling tight in his own skin as Anthony returned to his call. He appreciated the sentiment, but he lacked hope for any improvement.

  Lucas rested his head against the glass, his hair still damp from the shower, his brain throbbing like freshly tenderized meat. How had this happened? Somehow, he’d missed when Ira no longer cared for him or even respected him. Perhaps this was his fault. He’d been more in touch with his books and his classes than he was with the world around him. He’d always been that way. How many times had his mother checked in with him? Anthony? Even Myra? He couldn’t blame anyone but himself for this. And, yet, that didn’t make it any better.

  He’d been happy. Or, he’d thought he was, but when Lucas remembered the last few months, all the signs of a split were there. He’d been more interested in the false contentment than seeing what was before his eyes.

  Anthony tossed him the bag after paying the cashier, and the scent of bagels made him too aware of the emptiness in his belly. So, he put the spread on both of them and handed one over to Anthony who crunched away while still talking on the phone. Lucas nibbled at his own but ate more when Anthony lifted his shades, one green eye glancing at him with a warning. Sighing, he finished off the sweet hunk of bread and chased it with some coffee.

  Anthony patted his leg again. Good boy. Lucas shook his head, smiling softly. Anthony loved him. The big bear who’d outgrown him years ago felt it was his mission to look out for his older brother. He’d been that way as long as Lucas remembered, someone he always counted on. Lucas gently wiped his hands with a napkin and settled in for the ride, though it wasn’t long before Anthony was done with his call and with his bagel, too.

  “So.” His brother stared straight ahead, eyes on the road, but Lucas was well aware he was keeping a close watch on him.

  Deciding to focus on the cars passing them instead of Anthony’s awareness, Lucas said, “You know. You didn’t have to take me with you. I’m the oldest, and I don’t need a babysitter.”

  “Never said you did. You’re strong. Always have been. We’re here to help is all.”

  “We?” No, that wasn’t his voice croaking worse than a drunk toad. He cleared his throat just in case, though. Maybe he’d heard wrong. That was always possible.

  “Yeah. We.”

  His family. His overbearing, protective clan of a family. By now, everyone would know what had happened to him. Even his sister Yolanda, who probably still thought he was an abomination—and told him as much whenever he had the unfortunate luck of crossing her path. That’s what he needed, his family in his life like a whirlwind spinning his life into more chaos. Lucas’s sigh was harsh, his exhaustion weighing heavily on his soul. His world a burden not even Atlas could bear. The day just began, and it was already longer than the lanes of traffic on the way to the police station.

  “Whenever you want to talk, okay?” Anthony’s tone was warm. Not many had encountered the warmth behind his gruff exterior. His brother was loyal and kind. He’d fight tooth and nail for those he treasured, but he was a force, brutal and chilling to those who chose to break the law. He believed in justice, in upholding the responsibility of the shield. Most of all, he believed in protecting his own.

  Lucas was fortunate to be one of those he loved. But, he was tired, so instead of responding, he just nodded and continued to watch the traffic go by.

  “If it helps at all, we all thought Ira was a fuckwad. We were just waiting for you to open your eyes and see it, too.”

  While Lucas appreciated the solidarity, he said nothing.

  When they arrived at the station, Anthony parked Lucas at an empty desk near his and went to speak with his chief. It was terribly chaotic so early in the morning, but apparently, crime didn’t care what time it was. There was death, robbing, and killing to be had by all.

  Lucas pulled files from the portfolio Anthony brought for him as well as set up his laptop, prepared to do some work of his own. He might as well occupy himself if he was to be there until Anthony was ready to leave.

  As time passed by, Lucas thought twice about sending for an Uber ride, but he had no place else to go. He certainly didn’t have a desire to return to his home, today or ever, for that matter. It was while he was working that a shadow crossed over his papers, casting his laptop in the dark.

  “Hey there.” Lucas looked up to see amber eyes watching him, the heat tangible within the bourbon depths. He sighed. Creed.

  Creed Hamasaki had a way of looking inside Lucas, taking him in and savoring what he tasted all without laying one finger on his skin. A friend of his brother’s, he’d seen him many times when he was with Anthony. It was hard not to notice Creed. Hard to ignore how compelling he was, but Lucas tried his best.

  Unnerved he focused on his papers again, coughing a quick, “Hello.”

  Creed flopped down on the desk beside his laptop, his legs wide and solid, one of them brushing Lucas’s hand.

  “Busy?” questioned the silky voice. Too mouthwatering to be ignored. The resonant tones slid along Lucas’s nerve endings as his body threatened a sensory overload.

  It had been so long since he’d received any attention. The outcome? Lucas’s body was a sensual mind field. Perhaps he was making too much out of the way Creed encroached on his space or the way his eyes seared his skin.

  “Yes,” Lucas croaked, then cleared his throat. “Uh, Anthony’s not here right now.”

  “Is that right?” Creed asked. The way he spoke made Lucas glance up from the screen and really look at his brother’s friend.

  Creed’s mother was Japanese and his father white, and they all lived on a horse ranch on the outskirts of Charleston. The two nationalities combined to create a beautiful man, one whose hair hung down to his shoulders, black as ink and fine as silk. His eyes were deep set beneath arched lids that missed nothing.

  He was striking, muscular, and all man. It was easy to appreciate the sculpted features of a person who enjoyed surfing the ocean waves along with his brother, Anthony. Creed was a man who worked the ranch of his forbearers and helped the family business to thrive.

  The blue linen shirt and tanned khakis did wonders for Creed’s walnut brown skin, teasing Lucas with the need to touch.

  Creed’s smirk said he hadn’t missed Lucas’s perusal, and he leaned closer, which made Lucas balk and stare down at his laptop as if lost in the mystery of his now blank screen.

  Creed’s heat coasted over Lucas’s skin when he rose and stepped closer, bending down to speak into his ear. “What are you studying, Lucas? I’d be glad to help.” Lucas’s breaths increased along with the racing of his heart fast enough to compete with one of the horses on Creed’s ranch. He swallowed and was both disappointed and grateful when the familiar sounds of Anthony’s steps announced his approach.

  “Hey, bro,” Anthony said when he noticed Creed standing beside Lucas. Blanching, he said, “Oh, man. I forgot.”

  “Hey, yeah. I figured. You know you owe me, right? But, listen. Let me take Lucas here for lunch instead, and I’ll count us even.” A gentle hand clamped down on Lucas’s shoulder bringing him even closer with Creed’s legs sheltering him from behind.

  “Really?” Anthony stopped, cocking his head to
the side as if in thought. “Lucas, you hungry, man?”

  “No, I just—” Lucas needed to retreat from whatever Creed was starting here and quickly.

  Before Lucas continued, Creed smoothly edged in. “Of course, he is. Not everyone can work all day without food like you.” Creed’s laugh sent shivers down Lucas’s spine. “Besides, I’m sure he’d enjoy some time away from the precinct.

  “Probably too kind to say anything, what with not wanting to take you from your work and all. Good thing I showed up. You’ll need to leave soon to handle that case you’ve been worried about anyway, and he’ll be here alone.” The thumb of one hand circled Lucas’s shoulder blade making him shiver, causing him to stir in places that had lain dormant for weeks, possibly months.

  Lucas caught himself before he gasped, but his eyes widened at Creed’s touch.

  “See. He was going to speak there. Such a polite man, your brother.”

  “Damn, Lucas. It’s been hours.” Anthony glanced at his watch then nodded. “You should have said something. Sure.” Before Lucas was able to correct what Creed intentionally caused, Anthony went on worriedly. Creed had pressed the right button, the one sure to trigger Anthony’s need to protect. “Yeah, Chief needs me to go check with a witness who might actually be able to help us with this case,” Anthony said. Then to Creed, he said, “Didn’t want to leave Lucas here. So, yeah. That works.”

  “See. Everything worked out. He’s in good hands. I’ll even take him home.” Another hand slid over Lucas’s other shoulder, and Lucas’s skin flushed where those fingers traced.

  “Home? No, take him to my place. He’s staying with me for now.”

  This was news to Lucas. “Anthony. I don’t have to stay with you. I’ll just leave, go back…” Lucas sighed. The townhouse was never really home for him. It was in Ira’s name. Ira’s money covered the lease. It had Ira’s fingerprints all over it, his penchant for blues and grays when Lucas preferred rich earth tones.

  “The fact you even hesitate to say the word tells me that’s not a place for you anymore.” Anthony moved to his desk, shuffled through some papers, and picked up a pink slip along with his keys. “What was your plan, anyway, Lucas? Stay in that tomb and die? Because lemme’ tell you, big bro, Ira isn’t worth it.” The words were wrapped in love, but sharp nonetheless.

  “I know that.”

  “Do you? Didn’t look like you did to me.” Anthony’s piercing look was its own brand of lie detector, searching out the truths even Lucas could no longer hide. “Besides, the rest of the family knows about the end of you and Ira. Hell, we’ll probably throw a party. At this very moment, your shit is being packed. Except for that club shit, because I told them those things had to go to a dump. Seeing as the lease isn’t in your name anyway, it’s a quick fix. For now, you live with me.”

  “I don’t—”

  “You don’t what? Understand that at this point we’re not leaving you alone? From what Myra said, you sounded bad. Like, slit your wrist bad. So, I understand, okay? You’re older, but I was born to keep you safe.” Anthony seemed to have gathered all he needed and was ready to go. “Even if that’s from yourself. Need to go make a copy.”

  Anthony canted his head toward Creed. “Go to lunch with Creed. Stop overthinking this, ‘cause you aren’t going back to the tomb. That’s it.” Lucas watched as Anthony strode off, his shirt shifting with his muscular frame, his steps moving with purpose across the tiled floor of the police station.

  “So, Lucas. Lunch?” Creed’s smile was sexy, and Lucas noticed the way it rose into his eyes.

  “You did that,” Lucas grumbled.

  “Did what?” Creed’s smile turned teasing, which actually pissed Lucas off a little.

  Lucas shook his head. “You knew exactly what to say, and so here I am going off with you.” After he’d gathered all of his materials, roughly thrusting them into his bag, he placed the strap over his head and turned to face the taller man who was so much closer than Lucas expected.

  Lucas stepped back, but Creed grabbed his shirttail to anchor him, cutting short his retreat.

  “What are you doing, Creed?”

  Creed dipped his chin low, his eyes intent on a breathless Lucas. “I saw you a couple of months ago, you know? A charity event. You were walking with Ira. You were as beautiful then as you are now, a bird waiting for freedom. I’ll never forget that night.

  “You were wearing some barely-there blousy shirt, the tan of your skin deep and mouthwatering. I wanted to lick you, see if you tasted as good as you looked. I’ve been wanting you since the first day I met you. But, that night? It was magic.” Creed’s eyes traveled over Lucas, feeling so like those licks he’d described, dancing over Lucas’s needy frame. Lucas could almost feel the wetness of Creed’s tongue. “And, Ira? He was clueless to what he had then, and no idea what he’s lost now. But, he will, and by the time he does, it’ll be too late. Not only will I taste you, I’ll keep you, too.”

  Creed pulled Lucas closer, hands at his waist, cresting the top of his ass. When it looked as if he’d kiss him and Lucas was leaning toward him to receive said kiss, Creed smiled, the cat who’d caught the canary. “Such a pleasure to finally feel your body in my arms, Lucas Masterson. Now, lunch.”

  Lost in Creed’s eyes, his focused heat, Lucas shook his head trying to clear his brain. His skin was starved for affection, his soul as dry as fall leaves. He was both hungry for what Creed offered and terrified, too. As the two of them walked through the precinct, Lucas was surprised to find his hand in Creed’s and to sense how natural it felt.

  He worried over his lack of guilt. Ira left him on Saturday—just two days ago. He should feel disloyal—like he was betraying Ira. When he moved to ease his hand away, though, Creed’s warm grip tightened, the calloused fingertips a sign of a man who loved to hug his surfboard as much as he apparently wanted to keep Lucas close. And, instead of Ira, Lucas only had thoughts of Creed.

  Lucas tried to remember back to the night Creed mentioned. There was a time when he had friends, a time before Ira took over his whole world, hiding Lucas in his shadow. A time that included luncheons with the rich and wealthy like Ira’s parents Elazar and Dalia, visits to businesses that partnered with the Feigenbaum family, book conferences, and lectures until the last month or two—Lucas had been left alone, no longer invited along with Ira.

  Ira had insisted he didn’t want to take too much of Lucas’s time. Ira said that he’d been so inconsiderate and wanted to change his selfishness, give Lucas some time to himself. He supposed that was when Tommy began accompanying Ira full time. He’d been such a fool, then.

  And now?

  What was he now?

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  Looking around, Lucas appreciated the atmosphere of the popular sushi restaurant Creed chose. The lighting was dim, providing an intimate atmosphere. The pulsing music was the perfect foil for bent heads that savored not only the delicious food but one another. He’d been to Takara before but not often. Ira leaned more toward Italian delicacies, sushi not one of his favorites. So, while it was a treat to Lucas to visit a sushi restaurant, he hadn’t indulged often in the years they’d been a couple.

  Maybe now is the time for that to change.

  With his hand still in Creed’s palm, he walked next to the taller man rather than a few paces behind, which Ira had expected. A creature of habit, he’d caught himself moving to allow Creed to lead, but at Creed’s raised brow, he’d remained at his side. Creed smiled, pleased, and Lucas warmed.

  When they were seated before others, who appeared to have been waiting for some time, Lucas looked around surprised.

  “Do you know them personally?” It had been awhile since he’d eaten here, but he still remembered how crazy the wait time was for a seat at one of the most happening sushi restaurants in North Charleston. When he glanced up, the look on Creed’s face concerned him. His brows were furrowed, his eyes serious.

  “Are you assuming just because sushi is a Japa
nese dish and I am half Japanese we all know each other, Lucas? I mean, should I be concerned about such blatant stereotyping?” His tone was icy, and Lucas nibbled at his lips unsure of how to respond.

  “I’m sorry. I mean… I’d never…” Lucas didn’t know what to say. He’d never been accused of stereotyping others. In fact, he tried to treat everyone fairly. At a loss, he considered how to ease the pain he’d unknowingly caused.

  “Oh, Creed! Long time, no see, brother! How is your mother?” A short barrel of a man arrived at their table, his hand gripping Creed’s arm in a good-natured hold.

  From the uniform he wore, he was definitely one of the chefs. It was also very apparent the two of them did indeed know each other.

  Creed and his short compact friend spoke comfortably in Japanese with looks directed at Lucas, the chef’s looks inquisitive while Creed’s simmered with dark intensity and anticipation. Lucas flushed beneath his shirt, his skin zinging with awareness.

  “It is good to meet a friend of Creed’s.” The chef’s Japanese accent was pronounced, lending his words power—each word robust and forceful. Most importantly, though, the brightness of his face, the affection in his eyes was sincere and that, more than anything, earned Lucas’s full appreciation.

  “It is good to meet you, too.” Lucas looked to Creed who smiled knowingly.

  “Hachiro,” the chef supplied.

  “It is good to meet you, too, Hachiro,” Lucas amended. And it was. Hachiro was interesting, his personality filling the space along with his bulk. Lucas liked him.

  “And you, Lucas.”

  “So, you’ve known each other a while?” Lucas asked pointedly, his eyes on Creed’s friend.

  “A while?” Hachiro laughed, the sound filled with memories, stories that Lucas wanted to hear. “My family and his practically shared a home. The stories I could tell you, but forgive me, lovely one, I must return to my duties. A while… Ha.” He laughed again, and the sound of it made Lucas smile as he made his way back to the bar.