Order (Tattoos and Ties Duet #2)(48)

“You still have your place?” Alec asked, clearly feeling very emotional. Of course, he knew Key had possibly kept an apartment closer to his club, but his feelings were still stupidly hurt. Alec took a sidestep away to try and gain control of all these negative emotions. Key held on tight, moving with him.

“You know I have my place.” Key’s tone was gentle, and maybe held hints of understanding.

His mister broke the imaginary line and stepped forward while pulling Alec into the circle of his arms. Alec was speechless and couldn’t muster the strength to protest. His great start to the day had crashed and burned in a matter of seconds.

“Stop lookin’ so hurt. You know I haven’t given up my place. I need a place to crash closer to the club. You know all that,” Key explained and tugged Alec’s rigid form closer. Key’s calloused palm cradled his cheek, and his lover’s thumb slowly caressed across his lower lip. Alec had been full steam ahead, quitting his job, moving them away from all the hustle and bustle that caused them chaos, creating a new life for both of them while Key was talking about spending more time with a group of men that never fully accepted or appreciated him. It cut Alec deeply. He wanted to take care of this man, be Key’s reason. Come to think about it, Key hadn’t texted or messaged him all afternoon yesterday. He was later getting home last night with no explanation. Now, he talked about reducing their time together over the weekends. Each action seemed so much more significant.

“Stop whatever you’re thinkin’ that’s makin’ you look so sad. I’m sorry I can’t go. I really am. You know when the club calls, I gotta go. It’s my responsibility. I took an oath.” His biker tried to re-explain the stupidity of his life, and Alec didn’t want to hear anymore. Not right then.

He nodded and pulled from the man’s hold. It was dumb his feelings were so hurt, but they just were. Alec started for the kitchen, passing the Robin costume draped over the sofa as he went. Alec went straight for the Keurig, turning the power button on early.

“So, you’ll be coming over every day after you’ve handled your club business?” Alec asked, when he heard Key’s footsteps coming toward him. He pushed the fill button before going for the new thermos he’d picked up especially for Key.

“My plan. Sunday’s here though.”

Alec stared at the slow trickle of coffee filling the cup and nodded again.

“I made plans the weekend before your birthday. Do those need to change?” he asked, finally glancing over at Key who faced him, his hip resting against the edge of the counter. The man had brushed his hair. It looked as soft as silk, a stark comparison to the tangled mess sweeping through him.

“You don’t have to do anything for my birthday,” Key said, coming to stand beside him. His strong palm settled on the small of Alec’s back. “Don’t be hurt.”

“Do I need to change them? It’s a simple question,” he replied, his tone a little more clipped than he’d intended. “Never mind. I’ll change them. Your Red Bull’s in the refrigerator.” Alec placed the empty thermos in front of Key before leaving him standing there, walking back toward the solitude of his bedroom. “Have a good day.”

Alec didn’t stop until he reached the bathroom. He brushed his teeth, surprised at how seriously upset he was. It was crazy how irrational he’d become. Of course, he knew the seriousness of Key’s loyalty to his brothers. The club was going to be a continual problem between them, and more telling, the club would always come before Alec.

Alec reached for Key’s discarded towel when the man himself came cautiously through the bathroom doorway. Alec didn’t acknowledge Key. Instead, he turned away, reaching for the shower faucet.

“Alec, what’s wrong?” Key asked, his own frustration clear in his tone.

“I just keep trying to move us forward only to be reminded we’re still exactly where we were.” Alec sighed as he let the robe fall to the floor. He kicked it out of the way with his foot then reached out to adjust the temperature before stepping under the spray. Key gripped his arm, keeping him there.

“I don’t know what that means.” Key’s voice and demeanor radiated confusion and possibly some hurt of his own.

Alec looked everywhere except at the man himself. He never wanted Key hurt by another person again, but he wasn’t ready to let go of this pain. In the end, Alec shook his head, tried hard to form a smile that he was certain didn’t reach his eyes, and lifted his gaze to his lover. “I’ll be all right. I’m just disappointed. I’ll be more forthcoming next year so you have time to plan. Get on the road before the traffic gets too bad.”

“Okay.”

Alec started to step away again, but Key held tight to his arm. When he looked up, Key was there, lips puckered, initiating a goodbye kiss. Key usually gruffed about the kiss, but not this time. It did lessen the pain in Alec’s heart. He placed his hand on Key’s cheek and tilted his chin, making Key come more than halfway to meet him. The kiss was brief, the gaze afterward lingered.

“Have a good day. Text me when you get to work.”

Key didn’t let him go. He could feel his hesitation.

“Go. I’ll be fine.”

Finally, Key nodded and left Alec standing there staring after him.