In His Sights by L. A. Bryce

Author:L. A. Bryce [Bryce, L. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JMS Books LLC
Published: 2019-01-21T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

Mason took Noah’s hand in his, moved them both over to the couch, and they sat. Mason still couldn’t believe what Noah had said. That he’d admitted caring about Mason. It wasn’t a declaration of love, but it was good enough. After their conversation earlier on the hike, Mason hadn’t thought Noah would ever open up enough to say he cared. Hell, this afternoon, Noah had claimed he wasn’t gay. It didn’t solve anything about the rest of their conversation—Mason talking to Noah about the bar fight—but this was a big step, and it told Mason Noah was trying.

“Thank you for saying that.”

Noah nodded, and his face reddened.

“I understand it was hard for you.”

Noah looked down to where his and Mason’s hands lay clutched.

Was Noah shutting down already? “Will you stay for a couple more days?” Mason asked.

Noah’s stare met Mason’s. “Yeah. I can do that.”

“Can we talk? Or rather, finish our talk from earlier?” Mason was pushing and knew he might scare Noah away, but Mason couldn’t stop himself.

When Noah opened his mouth to say something, Mason quickly added, “Without you getting upset and leaving?”

“We can try,” Noah said. He wore a half smile, but the erratic pulse visible at his neck and ashen complexion told his true feelings.

“I want to discuss the fight.”

“What about it?” Noah broke eye contact.

“I want to hear how it started.”

“It wasn’t my fault. Those guys instigated the whole thing.”

“This wasn’t your first fight.”

Noah shook his head. “No. But what should I do when people start shit?” Noah’s body grew stiff and his voice rose. “Am I supposed to ignore it?”

Mason put his hands up with hopes to placate Noah. “Please. We’re just talking. Don’t get upset.”

“I don’t understand why we need to talk about this.” Noah wiped his free hand on his pants. “It’s over and done.”

“I don’t think it is. Especially if you’re planning to stay here with me.”

“What does that mean?” Noah went to push off the couch.

Mason tightened his grip on Noah’s hand, not letting him stand.

“You think I’ll get in a fight with you?” Noah said in a gruff voice.

“No. More like you’ll end up in a fight because of me.”

“Huh?” Noah appeared confused, and Mason realized maybe he was. Maybe he hadn’t understood why he’d fought—what made him search out people to beat him?

“I think you fight to punish yourself.”

“What?” Noah shook his head.

“I think you get into fights so someone will beat you. Punish you.”

“For what?”

Mason was very careful; he didn’t want to make the same mistake he made earlier. “I think it’s because you like men. I think you believe you need to be punished because of that.”

Noah shook his head again. “That doesn’t make sense.”

“Yeah, it does. I don’t think you even realize you’re doing it.”

“What?” Faint tremors tainted Noah’s voice.

“Think about it. In the middle of these fights, you shut down. You let these guys beat you. There’s no doubt you’re able to take them out, but you don’t. You do enough to get them worked up, then you take what they have to give.

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