Hidden Passions (Hidden, #7)(81)

A final pair of guards buzzed him through the last exit. Then he was in the fresh air again. Rykers had no yard. Prisoners exercised within its walls. Chris had the sunny April sky to himself as he strode along an asphalt path to the parking lot. The spring day was warm enough to chase the chill from his soul. Every step he took was lighter, every swing of his arms more free. By the time he reached his slightly dirty white Explorer, he felt like he'd regained a self he'd forgotten he could be.

Tony waited for him in the front seat. He unlocked the door to let Chris in.

"That was quick," he said, tilting his head to consider him. "You look better, like you found what you were looking for."

Chris slid behind the wheel and shut the door behind him. "I think I did. Naegel was . . . different."

"Different as in changed or different than you remembered?"

"Different than I remembered, but also--" Chris pressed a fist to his lips and thought. "He's different than normal people, like important pieces are missing from his brain. Maybe he hid that better when he was younger. All I know is if I were that off, someone would have noticed by now. Hell, I'd have noticed myself."

Tony's mouth slanted. "I could say 'I told you so,' but I'm far too mature."

Chris wagged his head in amusement and dug out his car keys.


"You okay to drive?" Tony asked.

"I'm good," Chris assured him. "I just want to get home and enjoy the rest of our day off."

Tony nodded. He was unusually quiet as Chris headed back to town. Normally he'd talk about work or friends or some fun thing he'd like them to do. Chris wondered if Tony had expected this confrontation to be more momentous.

Frowning, he rubbed one finger across his lips. He'd thanked Tony for coming with him already, and the wolf had waved it off as nothing. He'd said he was glad Chris wanted his company. Maybe Chris should take him out for a nice dinner. Right then, he preferred staying home and hanging out together, but if Tony needed to mark Chris conquering this hurdle . . .

Chris opened his mouth to speak, then had an epiphany.

Tony didn't need to mark the changes Chris had made inside himself. Chris was the one who wanted to test his readiness for the next level.

Butterflies fluttered in his stomach--part nerves but part excitement too. He glanced quickly at Tony.

"So," he said. "You probably know Resurrection has liberal marriage laws."

Tony's eyes widened. "Right," he said almost casually. "Because we have a lot of species and cultures here."

"So we, um, could think about doing that."

His butterflies did backflips in the heartbeats before Tony twisted toward him on the seat and grinned. His hand came up to stroke Chris's jaw. "Any time you want, lover."

God, it was awesome that Tony was so sure. And maybe Chris was sure too. Maybe he wouldn't have to think long at all.

"July is my favorite month," he announced impulsively.

Tony rubbed Chris's leg, which he'd been jiggling nervously. Instantly calm, Chris covered his hand and squeezed. Tony looked at him with love shining in his gaze.

"July is green like your eyes," Chris blurted.

Tony laughed, more than love warming his beautiful irises. "Why don't we go home," he suggested, "and think about July together?