Page 38 of Ravenous

“Wow.” Everything Liam said only solidified Ollie’s vision of Knight Finn, each word shining that suit of armor until it shone, bright as day.

“Besides, Owen was married to a woman for years. He was bisexual and then he came out as gay. But I’m not worried about it because he chose me.” Liam shifted closer, his voice soft.

“But he already leaned toward men so you and him make sense.” Ollie pushed his curls back, frustrated. “Finn never even kissed another man before he met me.”

“Then he must really like you.”

Ollie came up short, that one simple sentence striking him like a slap across the face. “I…guess so?”

Liam gave him a half-smile. “I know you’ve been hurt before but Finn is a good man. Try not to punish him for other people’s mistakes, give him a fair shot.”

At that moment, Finn appeared in the doorway again, this time empty-handed, and as he looked around it was clear he was searching for Ollie. When they finally locked eyes, Finn lit up, delighted, and Ollie’s heart beat faster in return, kindling warmth in his perpetually cold body.

He slowly returned the smile, his concerns smaller now, more distant. He’d never dated someone who was this happy to see him. Compared to the measly affection he’d had for the others, his emotions toward Finn were intense, all-consuming, and very real.

“You know what?” Ollie pushed off the wall, heading towards Finn’s embrace. “Maybe you’re right.”

What do you want from the Chinese place?

Typing away, Ollie grinned, for he’d prepared. He’d gotten the name of the restaurant the night before and had intensely studied the menu, picking something suitable and not suspicious at all.

The house steamed vegetables with brown rice, wonton soup, and two spring rolls.

Do you have popcorn?

Of course.Ollie had searched the kitchen and found several flat bags of microwave popcorn in the pantry, along with some cola and an unopened bag of candy.I also have soda and snacks.

Great. See you soon, Sunshine!

Ollie stared at his phone for a few seconds, as he always did after speaking with Finn, and then shook himself. He needed to finish his makeup or he’d look like a half-glittery raccoon by the time Finn arrived. Hitting the record button again, he resumed his dark glam eye tutorial, touching up the metallic purple cut crease; occasionally talking to the camera in case the result was good enough to post.

Satisfied once he was done - because the finished product didn’t just look good, it looked sensational - Ollie paired his makeup with a vintage violet Juicy Couture sweatshirt that he’d scored from an online auction, and black jeans with leggings underneath since they were going to hang out in the drafty living room. Plus, the extra pants would keep Ollie in check; chances were low that he’d end up naked if he had layers on.

The doorbell rang and Ollie scampered down the stairs, stopping at the bottom and holding onto the banister until the foyer stopped spinning. He hadn’t eaten since the night before, leaving his calorie count open for dinner with Finn, and the coffee hadn’t been working as well as it used to, for he’d had a slight headache all day.

“Hey there!” Finn smiled widely as Ollie finally opened the door. Laden with bags, he leaned down, brushing his lips across Ollie’s cheek and whispering. “You look stunning. I like your makeup.”

“Th-Thank you,” Ollie stammered. How could Finn be such a damn flatterer right out of the gate? He wanted to compliment Finn in return but the scent of fried food washed over Ollie’s senses, and his stomach growled instead.

“I guess I arrived just in time!” Finn laughed.

“You did.” Ollie was a little embarrassed. His body didn’t have to cry out like a wounded animal because it smelled food. Pointing to the living room, Ollie headed away, to the kitchen. “You can set up in there, I’ll get some silverware.”

“Awesome.” Finn shrugged out of his coat, and less than a minute later they were both on the couch rifling through the various cartons covering the coffee table. There were a lot more of them than Ollie expected.

“Did you buy the whole place out?” Picking up one of the spring rolls, Ollie gave it a quick sniff to make sure it wasn’t cooked in butter and added it to his plate.

“I got some extras in case we were hungry later. Or if you wanted to try something different.” Finn piled some chicken in a spicy-looking sauce onto what was already a large heap of rice. “So, what are we watching tonight?”

“Ah.” Ollie picked up his laptop, which he had wired into the back of the television. “Tonight’s movie marathon is allUnderworld.”

“Nice!” Finn grabbed a few egg rolls, placing them around his chicken and rice mountain.

“But we aren’t watching them in release order. We’re watching them inchronologicalorder.”

“Then that means we’re starting with…” Finn’s fork was frozen halfway to his mouth. “Rise of the Lycans?”

“Correct. You know your vampire movies, Just Finn,” Ollie smirked. “After that is parts one and two ofEndless War.”

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