Demented (Atlantic City’s Most Wanted #2)

Chapter Three

Mimosas by the ocean. Noir inhaled the salty air. With his eyes closed, he let the breeze wash over him. He allowed himself a moment of peace. Noir didn’t take his breakfast outside often, but it was a gorgeous day. He wanted to savor the sound of waves lapping. Everything looked brighter for some reason he couldn’t name. At least, that was the lie he told himself.

“Lucas is here, Your Highness.”

With a sigh, Noir opened his eyes. There was always something that needed his attention. “Send him out here.”

The tall, skinny red-haired man who worked in Noir’s circles stepped out onto the balcony. He looked nervous. It wasn’t often he saw Noir. There was always a buffer between him and anyone who might try to take him down… like Lazarus.

Noir motioned to the chair across from him. “Please, sit.” He moved a champagne glass Lucas’ way. “Have a drink.”

A servant rushed forward and poured a mimosa for Lucas. Lucas didn’t touch it. “Thank you. Ajax said you need to speak to me.”

Ah, jumping right in. Definitely nervous. Noir stood and put his hands in the pockets of his robe. He paced, circling behind Lucas as he spoke. “I heard a rumor you gave out my number.”

Lucas didn’t turn. He held himself rigid. “I did, but—at the time—I definitely didn’t see a problem.”

Noir pulled the knife from his pocket and moved to stand directly behind Lucas. “Why exactly did you think that I would be okay with you handing out my personal information?”

“Because it was Jericho Wrath.”

That gave Noir pause. He slid the knife bank in his pocket. “Jericho?” Jericho ran a charity for child victims of sex trafficking. Even though the charity was real, it was secretly run by the Russian mafia.

Lucas finally turned and nodded. “He said his husband recently put together a charity event in our area and would be interested in possibly teaming up with you for another. Someone on his staff gave him my number and so on and so forth.”

Noir glanced toward Ajax. Ajax shrugged. He was obviously just as lost as Noir. Noir padded back to his seat. So, more than one person had given out his number? Was it a coincidence that Lazarus had gotten his number the same day as Lucas had given it to Jericho? Or was Jericho one of Lazarus’ many connections? If so, fuck. Noir tried not to show his concern. “That would be good for the family’s reputation.”

Lucas nodded. “That’s what I thought. Your dad said he wanted to see more positive things coming from this area. That’s why I didn’t even hesitate. If I was wrong, I apologize. Under any other circumstances, I never would’ve given anyone your number.”

Noir settled deeper in his seat and took a sip of his drink. “I’m glad we were able to clear this up. It was quite a surprise for my phone to ring yesterday.”

Lucas looked confused. “Yesterday? Huh. He said it would likely be a week or two before he called. His people wanted to have a solid plan for you before starting the discussion. That’s why I hadn’t told you. I knew I would see you later this week, and I thought I had time to give you a heads-up.”

Every second that ticked by, Noir’s confusion grew. On one hand, he had definitely benefited from Lazarus finding his number. On the other, he couldn’t have his people exposing him. Then there was the whole question of whether this incident was even related to Lazarus finding him. Noir didn’t know what to think.

“Hmm. Well.” Noir couldn’t let Lucas know it hadn’t been Jericho who called. Just in case there was a leak somewhere, he didn’t need that hole to get bigger. He might look weak. “You’re here. You might as well enjoy breakfast with me. We can discuss business now and cancel our meeting for later this week.”

Lucas smiled. His shoulders visibly relaxed. “That sounds good.”

Noir didn’t have to ask. Plates appeared on the table. Noir inhaled the scent of properly seasoned food. Whatever he had eaten the night before had sat on his stomach the entire night.

“Oh, good. I’m right on time.”

Noir’s head whipped toward the door. Lazarus strolled onto the balcony. Ajax looked at him for guidance. Noir motioned for him to stand down. They still had a witness. Noir couldn’t show his home as having weak spots in its security. Lucas needed to think Lazarus had been invited.

“Good morning, Lazarus. I wasn’t expecting you.” He paused for effect. “Quite this early.”

Lazarus wore a shit-eating grin. It was obvious he enjoyed getting the drop on Noir. “Well, you know, I was already in the neighborhood.”

Noir tossed Lucas an apologetic smile. “It seems we’ll be keeping our meeting after all.”

The closest servant grabbed Lucas’ plate. “I’ll wrap this up for you to go.”

Being a smart man, Lucas immediately stood. “I’ll see you then.” He headed inside, nodding at Lazarus as he passed.

Lazarus watched him go. “No ‘Your Highness’ this time?”

“Lucas isn’t from my country. I’m not his prince.”

Lazarus claimed the seat Lucas vacated. “Do you find it disrespectful when people don’t bow to you here?”

A smirk pulled at Noir’s lips. “Who says people don’t bow to me here?” He immediately turned serious. “You seem to be finding all the gaps in my security. It’s looking more and more like I need to hire you.”

“Keeping people safe isn’t in my skill set.”

Fuck. Why did he find this guy so hot? They were equally fucked in the head. They had no business playing this game. “What brings you by this morning?”

Lazarus’ gaze swept down his body. “You’re actually wearing a robe. I swear this entire setup is like something from a movie. Do you actually live like this?”

He knew Lazarus wanted him to feel like some pretentious asshole. Noir had been raised in the height of luxury. He couldn’t be bothered to care how that looked to anyone else. Noir was royalty. He would damn well live like a prince. “Do you actually live in a one-room hut on the beach while eating greasy food every night?”

Lazarus’ eyebrows rose. “Damn. You really are a snob.”

Noir made a dismissive motion. “You started it. I thought we were simply making observations.”

Lazarus sat forward and tossed back Lucas’ untouched drink. “Actually, I live in Arizona. Deep in the desert, to be precise. I’m only here on business.”

Ah. Pride was his weakness. Noir knew now how to dig out his secrets. “The man you were stalking yesterday?”

“No. I want his boss.”

Noir had suspected as much. Little did Lazarus know he sat across from him. “Does the boss owe you money?”

Lazarus’ face hardened. “The boss ordered my friend’s husband killed. He didn’t succeed and he won’t because I don’t stop until I find my target.”

Actually, Noir had not ordered his friend’s death. That was exactly why the man responsible had paid with his life. Noir didn’t deal with people who risked his business over their bruised pride. He was a professional. “Well, good luck, I suppose.” He would need it. There was zero chance he could link anything to Noir.

A servant set food in front of Lazarus, pausing their conversation.

Lazarus waited until they were somewhat alone again before speaking. “Your level of unconcern still confuses me. Your guards should be tossing me out.”

Noir plucked a strawberry from his plate. “Do I have reason to be worried?” He ate his berry while waiting for Lazarus’ next move.

Lazarus’ gaze swept down Noir’s body again. This time, lust showed in his eyes. “I’m not sure yet. Maybe if I killed you, then I could stay away.”

A bark of laughter burst from Noir. “Oof. I bet that lie stung like hell.”

A sexy smile exploded across Lazarus’ face. “Spend the day with me.”

“I am.”

Lazarus gave him a sharp nod and picked up his fork. They ate in companionable silence. It was oddly nice.

God, Lazarus wished he had been lying. Noir was right. That confession had stung his pride. He had woken with Noir on his brain and had been incapable of staying away. It had only taken one call to find his address. It had taken less than that slight effort to slip past Noir’s security. The guy’s guard was good. Lazarus was better. He was also motivated.

“I’d offer to give you a tour of the place, but you already think I’m conceited.”

Lazarus followed on Noir’s heels inside. He felt every eye upon them. “All I really need to know is where to find your bedroom.”

“Hmm.”

Lazarus’ brow furrowed. “What was that?”

Noir paused in the middle of the sitting room and turned. “I’m merely wondering if that’s all you have going for you.”

Lazarus’ pride pricked. He stepped forward and snagged the two halves of Noir’s robe, hauling him against him. Lazarus felt the mood shift in the room. The guards went on alert. He wondered for a moment how Noir lived like this. Lazarus forced himself to stay focused completely on Noir. “You didn’t seem to mind last night.”

Noir’s gorgeous light gaze moved over Lazarus’ face. His expression stayed closed, making him impossible to read. Lazarus hated that. “I maybe got carried away last night.”

Lazarus untied Noir’s robe. He used the two halves and his body to shield Noir’s nude form from the guards’ eyes. Lazarus swept his gaze down Noir’s body, savoring the beauty beneath his robe. “Sorry. I had to know what you have on beneath this thing. Lucky me.” He re-tied the robe. “What do you do for fun?”

Noir held his stare and didn’t respond.

Lazarus had a bad feeling he was debating if he should toss Lazarus out.

He couldn’t have that. Lazarus touched his lips to Noir’s. He kept the kiss sweet, only slightly sucking Noir’s bottom lip while holding his face between his hands. Unfortunately, he got the impression the kiss affected him more than Noir. Something stirred in his chest. When he pulled away, Noir simply turned, leaving Lazarus to follow.

“Come on. I’ll show you my playroom.”

He doubted Noir meant any type of sexual play area. Lazarus was right. Noir led him to a theater with every game system imaginable, along with a computer that could probably hack anything. “So, you game all day?”

Noir looked his way with a furrowed brow. “No.” He moved to the computer and sat. Noir fired it to life. After a few clicks, he grabbed a nearby tablet and pen. The screen lit up with some truly badass fantasy art. After Noir made a few swipes on the tablet, it dawned on Lazarus. Noir had drawn the piece.

Lazarus sat next to him. “Damn. You did this?”

Noir nodded, but kept his gaze on the tablet. “I’m not completely useless. This is a commissioned piece for an anime series.”

“That’s amazing.” Lazarus eyed the tablet. He was truly impressed.

Noir clicked something and images flipped across the screen—like reading a picture book.

Lazarus was fascinated. He couldn’t look away. A thought creeped in. Lazarus had treated Noir like a lazy, spoiled rich boy who did nothing all day. In fact, he was a royal and still fucking worked, while Lazarus only took the occasional hit job. Which of them was lazy? He definitely knew which of them was the most judgmental. There was more to Noir than met the eye.

“Is any of this in print?”

“Sure.” Noir stood. “This way.”

For once, Noir didn’t sound cold and distant. He sounded like a normal person. Lazarus wanted more. He followed Noir down the hall and through another door. It was a library. The shelves were stuffed with books. Lazarus looked around while Noir headed for a nearby bookcase.

“Do you read or is this just for show?”

Noir didn’t look around. “I’ve read every book here.” He handed Lazarus a book. It was almost like a comic book, but smaller and much thicker. “Here’s one.”

Lazarus’ mind reeled as he flipped through the pages. Each image accompanied a story. He couldn’t believe Noir had read every book there. There had to be thousands. Lazarus checked the copyright page to see what name Noir used for his illustrations. No way did the guy work under his real name. N.R. Stalker. Lazarus nearly snorted at the name until he noticed the author was also N.R. Stalker. His chin shot up. “You wrote this?”

Noir remained expressionless. He nodded.

It hit Lazarus. Noir had likely been schooled to always hide his emotions. He couldn’t land his family on the news. Noir had to be stoic and invisible. Chances were good he used that training to keep from getting hurt. He had exposed himself to Lazarus with this secret. That made Lazarus feel something.

Lazarus went back to checking out the pictures. “How many of these have you done?”

Noir stepped aside and motioned toward the shelf. The bookcase was filled with similar-looking books. “It’s a series, following a dragon shifter throughout his life.” Noir hesitated. “He’s a prince who fights in his family’s militia, going against other dragon sects trying to take over their land. There’re fifty-two so far.”

Lazarus had never been more impressed by anyone. He couldn’t imagine how much time it took to write and draw the entirety of that many stories. “You’re very talented. I bet you make your parents proud.”

“They don’t know.” Noir took the book from Lazarus and put it back on the shelf. “I was sent here to be a symbol of trust, unity, and alliance with the United States. It is my duty to always foster and uphold my country’s reputation and relationship with your country. My wants do not factor, nor does anyone care. I do my bi-yearly return home for TV’s sake on holidays. Otherwise, I’m just here.” He motioned toward the shelf. “Doing this.”

Lazarus experienced an emotion he never had. Guilt. Just like everyone, Lazarus hadn’t noticed the real Noir. Lazarus had less excuse than anyone. He was a watcher. A hunter. His life and freedom depended upon his ability to read people. He couldn’t read Noir. Maybe that was what fascinated him so much.

“I was serious about spending the day together. Do you want to show me how that drawing tablet thing works?”

A hint of a smile touched Noir’s lips. “I’d love to.”

Oddly, Lazarus would too. He had come here for the off-the-charts sex. Now he couldn’t wait to hear about a tablet he cared absolutely nothing about. He just wanted to be with Noir.