Page 4 of The Blood Guardian

"That sounds romantic." Luke chuckled, and it was real and light.

“It is romantic.” Rall stated. Luke was getting stronger but emotionally he still a way to go. The wounds were healing having reacted to their close proximity. Beloveds have the power to heal one another but Luke simply believed that his injuries were not as bad as he first thought.

"I think I'll stay at a hotel tonight. I have a nosey roommate, and he's going to ride me all night with questions. He's friends with my now ex-boyfriend, so he knows all about that fiasco.”

“Is he the one who told you the guy was cheating on you?”

"No, he probably knew, but he never said anything. I wouldn't doubt that he finds the whole thing hilarious. If he finds out I was assaulted at the Blood Rose, it will be all over town before morning.”

"Not a friend?" Rall asked sarcastically, and Luke shook his head vigorously.

“Definitely not a friend and never has been.”

"I work for Conall Rose, and all of the people working here at Blood Rose do. The warehouse situated behind and off the alley is not what it appears." Rall was working his way up to asking Luke to come stay with him. He needed more time to work out their relationship, and having him spend the night together would be ideal. It all depended upon the strength of their burgeoning bond and how much trust he had in Rall.

"I have an apartment there. It's nice and comfortable, and I'd like for you to come home with me. I understand that you do not know me, but I think you have a sense of who I am. Everyone who works for Conall Rose lives there, and it's nice."

“Why?” The one word was spoken so softly that Rall barely heard it, but the meaning was huge. Rall turned fully toward him and cupped his face in the palms of his hands staring at those beautiful hazel eyes. This was forever here in his arms looking at him with eyes that pleaded for understanding searched for acceptance. He wanted this to be real but there remained a shadow of fear.

“I won’t ever hurt you, Luke. I'm not asking for anything except the opportunity to let you rest in peace and to get to know you better." Rall moved his hands and tightened the blanket around Luke's shoulders. "It's a short walk, just a few hundred yards, and you won't have to worry about anyone staring at you or asking you questions you don't want to answer."

Luke didn’t answer right away taking time to think. So much had happened this night he was fearful of making a decision, but his heart was urging him to accept this man. When he noticed him at the bar he thought it would be pleasant to watch him and dream of knowing him, having him, planning a relationship where there was none.

Rall was here sitting with him taking care of him and offering him a place to rest for the night. There was a knock at the door and Rall brought him a change of clothes. He turned his back while Luke changed out of the torn, bloody clothes.

It felt good to change but he put Rall’s jacket back on. It was giving him a source of comfort he did not understand and wasn’t going to question. He wanted this man ever since he laid eyes on him and now he was asking him to go home with him. It was Luke’s dream come true but now it seemed sad rather than exciting and expectant.

“You don’t owe me anything. I’m not your responsibility even though it may look that way.” He forced a half smile, but Rall did not smile.

“Come and stay with me until morning at least and then I’ll give you a ride home if you wish.” It was strange but the offer felt different it was not a suggestion it actually sounded like he wanted more than just one night. But Luke discarded the assumption immediately because that was crazy. He was being a kind man and Luke was going to take him up on his offer.

Rall was no danger to him if he wanted to take advantage; he had plenty of opportunities already. He was attentive and thoughtful, and Luke was not ready to be on his own or to return to his apartment. "Okay, I would appreciate the chance to rest and prepare myself for another day. Hopefully, it will be a better day than today."

"Today was unfortunate in many ways, but it was not all bad." Rall finished with a wink and stood while helping Luke to his feet. "Do you feel well enough to walk? If not, I can easily carry you." The offer was touching, but Luke assured him that he could walk.

"It's not far, just across the alley." He explained.

“Thank you for being so considerate.”

"Not a problem at all." Rall pulled him closer to his side as they left through the back and headed across the alley. They approached a set of double doors that looked decidedly nondescript, but as soon as they opened, his assessment changed.

CHAPTER THREE

The interior was cut, crisp, high end and sophisticated. They walked to an elevator and took it to the second floor. He checked to make sure Luke was doing okay before stepping out. The place was huge with what appeared to be many apartments lining both sides of the wide hallway. He would never have guessed what the inside looked like based on the exterior.

“This is really a surprise.” He said as he looked around.

“The Master likes to keep a low profile.” Rall commented without detail. Luke got the impression that the Master was someone who kept all his business low profile. It didn’t matter it wasn’t Luke’s business and besides who was he to point fingers.

It wasn’t as if he were on the total up and up either. He worked part time for a florist, and he was pretty sure it was a money laundering operation. Again, it wasn’t his business. Luke sold flowers and designed arrangements and made deliveries and whatever else was going on was none of his business.

Rall brought him to one of the black doors situated down a long hallway and quickly opened the door and usured him inside. It was a large apartment and was upscale like the rest of the place. It made his small apartment look like a closet.

“This is very nice Rall.” He was compelled to compliment since the place was quite impressive and not what he’d expected. He’d expected it to be a little more lived in looking just based on Rall’s laid back demeanor but it wasn’t. The place was polished and proper but also welcoming. Working security for Conall Rose must pay very well.

“I’m glad you like it.” Rall took him through the living area with the large kitchen off to the left and then down a short hall to a bedroom. The room felt soft and comfortable, and the bed was calling to him.

Rall led him over to the bed and slipped the blanket off of his shoulders and folded it and set it aside. It was then he remembered he was still wearing Rall’s suit jacket, and he was reluctant to take it off. It was his security blanket, and the warmth gave him a sense of wellness. It smelled like Rall and Rall smelled like heaven.

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