Page 27 of Primal Urges

“It’s okay. I really don’t mind joining you.”

“No. Don’t worry about it. I’ve got a lot to do and don’t want to drag you around with me.”

He would have loved to spend more time with Cade, but he didn’t want him to see where he lived, and he didn’t have extra cash to spend pretending to buy shit he didn’t need.

As if sensing his trepidation, Caden finally gave up and relented.

“Fine. In that case, here,” Caden said, stopping for a moment and reaching into his back pocket. He pulled out a small cell phone and passed it over to Lucas. “I got you this.”

Lucas stared down at the cell in Caden’s hand and wondered what the heck was going on.

“I know you don’t have a cell, so I figured you could use this. Don’t worry. It’s new, and it’s a burner phone, just in case you’re worried about people tracking your movements or the government spying on you.” Caden let out a soft chuckle.

He stared at Cade for a moment, unsure of how to react. He needed a cell phone, and the gesture was both kind and extremely moving, but he didn’t want to have to explain to Cade why he couldn’t buy a cell phone on his own. The truth was both embarrassing and degrading.

“I… ah…” Still no words came to him.

His heart pounded in his chest as he fought the urge to leap into the man’s arms and hug him… and also run away.

“Here,” Cade said, placing the phone into the palm of his hand. “I loaded it up with three hundred dollars’ worth of minutes, so that should last you a bit of time. I also programmed my number into your cell so you can text me if you need anything.”

Lucas stared at him with such confusion. There was a flurry of emotions currently coursing through his body.

Why was this guy, he barely knew, being so damn nice to him?

Should he accept the gift?

Would Caden take offense if he didn’t?

Why would this man, who owed him nothing, do such an incredibly kind thing for him?

He wasn’t used to people being so nice.

In Los Angeles, people tended to prioritize their own self-interests. They perceived each interaction as a chance to enhance their image and fulfill their own personal desires.

People didn’t just buy you coffees and cell phones without ulterior motives.

But what possible ulterior motive could Caden have?

Lucas wasn’t rich; he didn’t own anything. He didn’t even have a goddamn credit card! He had to stop using his cards the night he left his ex. He’d withdrawn the three grand he’d saved up over the years, so he at least had money to live off until hefound a job and could get back on his feet. Paying in cash was always the safest bet.

Thinking of all this, Lucas was reminded just how fucked-up his life really was. The realization made him feel even more depressed.

“I… really can’t accept this,” he finally said, staring at the cell and trying not to tear up.

Lucas felt two fingers graze the underside of his chin and gently lift his face upward.

“You can, and you will. At the bar, we’re a family. We help each other out. I don’t know much about you or where you came from, but I do recognize when someone is going through some shit. So this is my way of helping to make things just a bit easier for you.”

Lucas felt his eyes begin to water. He truly appreciated the help and couldn’t believe that someone he hardly knew was willing to help him out.

“There are no strings attached, no judgment. Just one friend helping out another.”

Caden’s words meant the world to him. Knowing that someone cared enough to want to help gave him hope—hope that he might one day see a better future.

“Thank you, Cade. I really appreciate this,” Lucas said, holding up the cell phone.

“It’s no big deal.”

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