“Nox?”
Luca’s voice echoed.
A bird chirped.
“Nox?”
The trees swayed.
The tranquility of the landscape drew tension from Luca, creating a barrier between him and all his fears.
An engine vibrated the air. Branches snapped behind the cabin. The rumble of the motor sharpened.
Luca walked to the edge of the porch. A blue Jeep dipped and rocked as it made its way over the rough terrain. Nox sat in the driver’s seat. He stopped beside the cabin and got out.
“Where did you get that from?”
Nox nodded in the direction he’d come. “There’s a long-term parking lot about eight miles from here. They put tickets in the window, marking arrival date and when the owner plans on returning. The one for this Jeep said two weeks. I figured by the time they realized it’s gone, we’ll have something different.”
“You stole it?”
“Yeah.”
“How did you even know where the long-term parking was?”
Nox took a brochure out of his pocket. “Found this in one of the kitchen drawers. There’s a park directory in it.”
“You just walked there and stole a Jeep?”
At least Nox looked slightly embarrassed. “Afraid so.” Nox wrinkled his brow. “Are you running another fever?”
“No.”
Nox hopped up onto the porch and walked over.
“Then what’s wrong?”
“I got nauseated and dry heaved a lot.”
Nox put a hand to Luca’s cheek. He wanted to step back, but now with Nox this close, all Luca could think about was being wrapped in warmth.
Luca missed what Nox said.
“Huh?”
“You’re freezing.”
“The hot water wasn’t very hot.”
“I should have turned up the water heater. I’m sorry.” There was so much concern in his eyes.
And Luca didn’t want Nox looking at him like he was fragile even if he was. He wanted Nox hungry for him like he’d been last night.
Nox’s gaze darkened, the green of his hazel eyes glittering emeralds in the sunrise. He put his arms around Luca, engulfing him against his chest. And that warmth, that glorious warmth Luca knew would be there washed over him.
Nox pushed back Luca’s hood and pressed his face into Luca’s neck. The wet heat of his tongue played over Luca’s pulse, followed by the scrape of teeth.
“Is this what you wanted?” The words barely more than a growl.