Chapter 11

“Nate, no.”

Nate didn’t remove his hand and, despite his words, Lucian didn’t look away or withdraw. He shook slightly.

“Ssh,” Nate said. “Are you afraid? You don’t have to be afraid, and you don’t have to be alone.”

“You told me that before.”

“And it was true. We can be together.”

“It won’t be fair. Not to you. I just lost my boyfriend. I’m still thinking about him. Do you understand that?”

“Yes, I do. I totally get it, and you see, Lucian, you don’t have to give me an answer right now. I’m completely okay just being friends with you for now. But when the time comes, and only when you’re ready, tell me if it’s okay for me to be with you.”

Lucian felt tears fill his throat.

“Why are you doing this? I don’t want you to wait for me. You don’t know me. What if—what if you find later that the person you’re waiting for is not as good as you think?”

“I won’t.”