“Who the fuck are you?”
Austen drew up short at the bottom of the steps. A huge, red-haired guy with a spoon and a full jar of peanut butter waited for Austen to gather his wits. If this was a brother, he looked nothing like Rain.
“Dr. Flowers.” He motioned over his shoulder. “Rain was injured during tonight’s performance. I brought him home.”
The guy's brows drew together, making his dark green stare look even more deadly.
A dark-haired guy appeared from a side door. He pulled up short. “Who are you?”
The red-haired one motioned his way with the spoon. “This one claims Rain is hurt.”
Dark brows shot upward. Light brown eyes latched on to him. “Is that so?”
Austen’s hands lifted and fell. “I suspect a dancer’s fracture, but I won’t know for sure until he’s been X-rayed.” So Austen assumed he would never know. He didn’t intend to see Rain again.
Both men pushed past him and headed for the stairs. “Rain’s foot would fall off before he admitted to hurting.”
That didn’t surprise Austen. Since it seemed his job was done, he let himself out. Rain had family to care for him. He was free of any obligation to a liar. Austen ignored the tiny voice in the back of his head that whispered Rain hadn’t lied. In fact, he hadn’t even tried to deny being the person who broke into his home. There was also another voice reminding Austen he had been stalking Rain too. But Austen hadn’t hidden, for fuck’s sake. He hadn’t intentionally scared Rain or put Rain on his ass. The memory of those LED lights turning to hearts sneaked in, making Austen’s chest hurt. He had truly enjoyed the idea of Rain. It seemed he had a bigger problem with insanity than he thought. He didn’t want to be on the receiving end.
Chapter Three
Austenmadehiswayfrom store to store. Rain followed at a distance. He liked watching Austen walk, even though he looked upset today. That was Rain’s fault. Rain was a psychopath first and everything else second. He didn’t know how to pursue someone when he didn’t plan to kill them. Rain had likely blown his chance. He understood he looked as crazy as he was. His current actions didn’t help, but he couldn’t stop.
As Austen headed to his SUV with shopping bags in hand, Rain kept time with his steps. It was almost a dance of sorts. Without thinking, Rain twirled and created his own routine with only Austen’s pace. He spun again and came face to face with an amused-looking Austen. It seemed his inability to be normal busted his stalking.
“So you really were just using that injury to see me.”
It wasn’t a question, but Rain went onto the toes of that foot and twirled. He stopped chest to chest with Austen. “I actually fractured it at the beginning of the show’s run. It can wait until the show ends.”
Austen shook his head. “Did you and Kylo sign some sort of pact to be the world’s worst patients? Just stubborn.”
Rain shrugged. “I don’t know about Kylo, but I’m good. This is nothing. You ran away last night before I got the chance to explain.”
Austen’s chest expanded as if he took a deep breath for patience. “Okay.”
Rain wouldn’t miss his chance twice. He struck without warning. Rain used his quick agility against Austen, climbing Austen’s body and claiming his mouth. Rain didn’t hold back. He had only intended to steal a small kiss and then beg forgiveness. Except Austen turned so fucking passionate that Rain couldn’t pull away. Austen’s bags dropped to the ground. He gripped Rain’s nape and controlled him. Austen kissed Rain like the most desperate of whores. Adrenaline and lust made it hard for Rain to breathe. By the time he pulled away, they simply stared at each other and struggled to catch their breath. Rain held two handfuls of Austen’s shirt and he couldn’t let go. Austen’s gaze dropped to Rain's mouth again and Rain feared for the last dregs of his sanity.
“I accept your explanation.”
A bark of laughter burst from Rain. Damn. He really liked Austen. He still felt moved to be honest. “I’m a little psycho.”
“That’s okay.” Austen recaptured his mouth, taking back their hot kiss and burning Rain to the ground. Finally, Austen pulled away, but he didn’t release Rain. “Come home with me.”
“Okay.”
“I want to X-ray that foot.”
Rain chuckled. Of course he did. Austen was the good guy. Rain wasn’t. He would go home with Austen. That got them one step closer to bed. “Still okay.”
A smile exploded across Austen’s face. “Do you want to ride with me or follow?”
“I’ll follow.” He didn’t want Austen to change his mind at some point and toss him out without a ride. That kiss might have addled his brain for now, but that fog wouldn’t last forever.
“That’s probably for the best. I never know when I’ll get called in.”
Disappointment washed over Rain. He knew there was a high chance that could happen. Still, he tried not to show it. “It’s your job.”
A sweet smile touched Austen’s lips. “If I can avoid it, I won’t go. I have nurses I can send.” Before he had time to respond, Austen stole another quick kiss. “I’ll see you there.”
