Page 97 of Omega Tricked
Maybe the agitation in my voice got through to him because his expression softened. “You’ve got it bad for that kid.”
“But why?” I met his gaze, feeling bewildered. “I don’t understand my own actions.”
“Don’t ask me. I’ve never been in love.”
I frowned. “Love? But how can I be in love?”
He laughed gruffly. “Jesus, Lex. I’d hope you’re in love if you’re pulling the shit you just pulled.”
I exhaled as if in pain. Truth was, the emotions I felt for Dylan were kind of painful. “You don’t think it’s weird that I have feelings for a guy?”
He shrugged. “You’re attracted to who you’re attracted to. I don’t see the problem.”
I hadn’t realized until that moment how much I needed his approval about my feelings toward Dylan. Subconsciously, I’d been embarrassed to be attracted to a man. I’d hoped I was more enlightened than that. I’d always accepted Gabriele’s attraction to guys; I guess it was different when it was me. I knew that probably came from how negatively my dad had viewed homosexuality. “Well, I’ll probably be dead by the end of the week, so none of this will matter.”
He scowled. “Don’t say that shit.”
“You know Hank means every word he says. He’s going to come for me.”
His mouth tensed. “He can try.”
I smiled at him. “You’re going to protect me?”
“Hell, yes, brother. To my last dying breath.”
I was embarrassed when my eyes stung. “Keep saying that shit and Hank’s going to be after you too.”
“If you don’t know I’m already on his list, you’re blind. He knows my loyalty will always be with you. Always.”
I frowned. “Then you can’t go back either.” It wasn’t a question. Of course he was right; he was my best friend. No way would Hank let him live, if only to hurt me more.
He cleared his throat. “Uh… I know you won’t want to hear this because you’re a prideful son of a bitch, but I think we need to go to the compound for a bit. If only so we have somewhere safe to formulate a plan of action.” He rubbed his jaw. “This was pretty fucking spontaneous. I have no idea where we’d go, and I think that’s pretty important if we want to stay alive.”
I laughed harshly. “You saw how Charles was. He won’t let us in.”
He smirked. “I also saw how Charles is where Dylan is concerned. If Dylan really wants you inside the compound, Charles will give in. I’d bet a hundred bucks I’m right.”
“You think so?”
“Oh, yeah.” He sighed. “He’s almost as devoted to that kid as you are.” He sounded almost annoyed about that fact.
“And that bothers you?”
His cheeks tinted pink. “Let’s just say watching Charles in action was a turn-on. But if he’s in love with Dylan, he might not be open to other things.”
I narrowed my eyes. “He’s fond of Dylan, but I don’t think it’s anything sexual. From what I’ve gathered from Dylan, Charles is straight.”
He arched one dark brow. “Oh, really? Hmmm.”
I laughed. “Why do I get the feeling that just made you more interested?”
His lips twitched. “I like a challenge.”
I widened my eyes. “If you’ve set your sights on Charles, you’ll definitely have that.”
“The chase is most of the fun anyway.” He grinned.
I put my arm around his shoulders as we headed back into the house. “Better start training soon, Gabe, because if you plan on chasing that son of a bitch, that’s gonna be a marathon.”
