His Soul to Take (4 page)

Maxine's room was crowded with friends and relatives as she recounted the story of the club fire. Robert grunted the occasional confirmation and eventually slipped from the room. He didn't find the club fire as exciting as everyone else. The memory still gave him a shudder.

Robert found Simon waiting for him outside the hospital. The twin glass doors framed him as he stood propped against one of the pillars outside the entrance. Simon's dark eyes gazed up into the sky, his profile striking in the evening sun. The light creases of age around his eyes seemed a little deeper and the sharp planes of his face more grim in the dying sun.

A man walked past him and flicked his cigarette away, striking Simon's leg.

"Hey, that was rude!” Robert stepped out of the hospital.

The man blinked with surprise and shook his head before walking into the hospital.

Simon's eyes turned to him, and a small smile touched his lips. Robert's heart skipped just a bit under his gentle scrutiny. The way his eyes softened and the sadness in his face made a sweet tingle spread through his gut.

"Bad day?” Robert asked.

"A long one."

"And you waited out here for me?"

"I didn't have anything else to do at the moment.” He nodded toward the hospital. “Are you ill?"

"Me? No. A friend was burned in the fire. I just brought her some magazines. Nothing serious."

"That's good."

They fell into step and started toward the parking lot.

"So, tell me about yourself."

Simon hesitated. “What would you like to know?"

"Do you have any family?"

He shook his head. “No. They're all dead. Long dead. What about you?"

Robert frowned. “Maybe family wasn't the best subject to start on. My mother's dead, and let's just say Dad and I don't get along well."

Simon smiled and changed the subject for them. “Where did you learn to dance?"

"You liked my dancing?"

"I like everything about you. You're unique beyond measure."

Robert laughed. “Do lines like that work on most men?"

Simon shrugged. “I've never made such a statement to anyone before."

"Truth?"

"I can't imagine lying to you."

Robert cleared his throat as heat crept across his neck. “That's sweet."

"No, just the truth."

The manicured lawns of the hospital gave way to the sparse tree lined streets. Tiny leaves and fresh greenery gave life to the grim paved streets and block buildings.

"So, if I asked you anything, you'd tell me the truth?"

Simon stopped and studied him a long moment. “Yes."

Robert started them back on the path toward his apartment. “How many lovers have you had?"

"Recently? None. I was with a man a very long time ago. It seems like forever ago."

Robert waited and bit his lip expecting a similar question in return. He wasn't sure how he'd answer. His need to find someone steady was a recent urge. The empty apartment he had so loved felt more like an empty cell these days.

"Would you like to do something? I don't have to work for awhile yet."

The question surprised Robert. Did Simon really not care? All of his exes had asked. All had eventually gotten jealous of his work. All had asked him to stop. Simon seemed different.

"You mean a date?"

Simon smiled suddenly as if surprised with himself. “Yes."

"Do you have something in mind?"

"Yes, but you have to stay very close to me and not make a sound."

Robert grinned at the mysterious request. “Lead the way."

They chatted about simple things as they walked. The way Simon listened to him as if craving to hear every useless word that came from his lips thrilled him.

Evening turned to dusk as they reached their destination. One of the best theaters in the city loomed in the distance. Simon moved close and led him around the back of the building. Junk littered the alley and Simon took his hand, pulling him closer as they stopped in front of the stage door.

"Are you sure—"

"Shh,” Simon said and reached for the door. The door opened under his touch and a security guard jumped out of his seat a few feet from the door as they stepped inside.

Robert's heart leaped in his chest. Fear and excitement raced through his nerves. Simon's hand touched his lips and pulled Robert closer. The press of Simon's body molded around Robert's back and firm muscles hinted at a chiseled form beneath his nondescript clothes. The security guard stared past them a moment before shaking his head and sitting back down.

Confused, Robert shot Simon a questioning look.

His date's expression rippled with sad amusement, but he said nothing and moved them past the guard. The bustle of actors and stagehands that crowded the backstage area ignored them as Simon led him through the mob. Every time he tried to speak, Simon's hand came up to silence him. The wickedly mysterious smile that graced his features sent a thrill through Robert's stomach. God, he loved a mystery man.

The heat of Simon's skin so close made him lightheaded. Robert swallowed hard and let Simon lead him back to a set of stairs leading high overhead. Lights and other equipment littered the long narrow catwalks and the steel grating beneath their feet rattled as they walked.

Robert looked down at the stage and the mass of shrunken chairs. A stagehand fiddled with props behind the curtain. He gasped and squeezed his eyes shut as wave of dizziness struck. His heart jumped in his throat he grabbed Simon's arm. Everything looked so small from up here.

"I won't let you fall,” Simon breathed in his ear. “I promise."

A shudder ran down his spine, the heat of Simon's breath washing away fear. Strong arms led him through the maze of ropes and cords and lighting fixtures. He peered down through the metal grating of the catwalk, both excited and scared.

"What if it falls?” Robert asked.

"You don't believe that I could catch you before you fell?"

Robert grinned. “You'd keep a catwalk from falling?"

"If that's what it took."

Robert studied him a long moment. Simon seemed so serious, as if he could do such a thing with ease. No trace of jest or teasing in his words.

Simon motioned down the catwalk. “That is the best spot in the theater. We can watch the show here."

"They won't mind?"

"They won't know,” Simon said and led the way to a small portion of the catwalk just off the main path. “Here, sit down. The show will start soon."

He let Simon lead him back to a spot at the end of the catwalk. Simon shrugged out of his jacket and laid it down on the steel mesh for them to sit.

"What's playing?"

"
Les Miserables
."

The play was just beginning as Robert sat down, smashing something soft under his weight. He gasped and stood back up. “I think I crushed something."

Reaching into the pocket, he pulled out the white rose he'd tossed to Simon at the club. The white petals showed no signs of wilting, and the scent was as fragrant as the night at the club. The idea that he had saved it despite the chaos of that night made a soft glow rush through him. “You kept it?"

Simon studied him a long moment. “Why wouldn't I?"

Robert smiled down at the rose, a glow growing in his chest. His breath quickened as he studied the man beside him. The warmth of his body so close was such a distraction. He tried to pull his attention back to the play, but the scent of the rose in his hand kept drawing him back to the man who'd kept it.

A light touch on his shoulder caught his attention and Simon pulled him a bit closer as the light crew rushed around after the first act. Only a few feet from their perch, the crew went about their business, adjusting lights and tugging at ropes. Robert wondered if Simon knew them or if he had paid them for the bit of privacy and fantastic view. He could make out actors racing for new costumes and props being pushed into place behind the curtain. The bustle behind the curtain reminded him of weekend shows at the Cream Dream, as everyone tried to get ready for their turn in the spotlight.

He wondered if he'd ever get more than a two-bit job as a professional dancer. He liked being on stage, he just wished it were something more than stripteases.

"Your thoughts have gone dark,” Simon said.

Robert pulled his eyes from the stage. “Just thinking."

He swallowed hard as Simon leaned close, and their lips brushed in a light kiss. An electric wave washed over him. Simon's light musk lingered in the air as he pulled away. All dark thoughts evaporated and Simon's dark eyes glittered with pleasure.

"I prefer that expression in your eyes."

"And what expression is that?"

"I'm not sure, but I find it pleasant."

He forced his eyes back to the stage but Simon's steady breath only inches from his ear was too tempting a distraction. He wasn't sure what Simon had seen in his eyes earlier, but one look from him now would scream lust.

"Do you like the play?” Simon asked.

Robert looked back down at the rose in his hand and held it out to Simon. “I like the play just fine."

Simon's hand wrapped around his, capturing Robert's hand and the rose. Robert felt his heart spike as a hot thrill surged through him. He turned, leaning into those lips. The passion that met him erased the play from his mind. His hands worked their way under Simon's shirt to feel the hard muscles beneath. He wanted to see, to feel, to explore.

He bit back a moan as hands found their way under his shirt to tease his skin and pulled him closer. Their kiss grew deeper, more electrifying. The rasp of rough skin against his cheek and neck sent a tingle over his nerves. He reached for the skin under Simon's shirt. The hard muscles and the tickle of fine hair that crept down his stomach—he longed to see just where that trail led. His cock ached, pressing painfully against the front of his jeans. A hand pinched at his nipple and he shuddered, a deep ache growing inside him. He let his hand linger lower down the taut muscles of Simon's stomach and the bulge in his pants, the impressive shape of Simon's thick cock so enticing under the thin slacks.

Lips found his again. Hands lingered over his skin and worked their way down in slow motion over his chest. Robert pressed into the touch, eager for Simon's hand to move lower until he could feel the heat of his hand through his jeans.

Applause interrupted their moment, and Simon pulled away smiling. “You missed the ending."

"I've seen it before,” Robert said.

Simon looked back down on stage his eyes distant, his eyes on the lead actor. “Valjean dies in the end."

"Yes, but his suffering is over."

The sadness returned to Simon's face and Robert reached out and stroked his cheek. “Are you okay?"

The emotion cleared from Simon's eyes and a small smile touched his lips again. “I'm much better when I'm around you. You're more special than you know."

Robert grinned.

"Come on. I'll walk you home."

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They walked in silence through the night. The sounds of cars passing and laughter filled the air. Death took a deep breath to calm the nervous energy that filled him as they reached Robert's apartment. He had hopes for a kiss. The sweet memory of their kisses had left him hungry for more. Were there rules to such things?

Thoughts of Reaper's warning crept into his head and he shook them away. He wanted a moment in time, just a moment. After such a long time, he should be allowed this one pleasure. Another kiss, another touch....

Robert cleared his throat as he unlocked the door. Death swallowed hard and leaned in close for a kiss. Robert met him half way and their lips touched. Soft lips grew hungry and demanding. Death responded in kind, eager to take all Robert had to give.

Death pressed him into the door, needing to taste him again. Their tongues tangled, the light hint of something sweet lured him deeper. A wondrous ache washed over him as Robert pulled away with a gasp.

"Want to come in?"

Death hesitated, suddenly worried if they would be interrupted. “I might have to go to work unexpectedly."

"But not right now."

Death smiled. “Not right now."

Robert leaned up for another kiss. The hunger in those lips took Death's breath away. Robert pulled him inside and the door closed behind them.

Uneasiness quaked in Death's gut as he watched Robert lock the door. Dim lights flooded the tiny apartment, shedding light on the bare surroundings.

Robert bit his lip and motioned around the room. “It's not much to look at."

"Very practical."

"Boring and cheap, you mean."

"No, you're far from boring. And I would never call you cheap. Never.” Death moved into the living room to get a better look around.

Robert stepped close again. “Let me take your coat."

Nerves fluttered in his stomach as Robert reached to take the coat off his shoulders. He pushed them aside and shrugged out of his jacket. He caught Robert's arm before he could move away and leaned in for another kiss.

Robert slipped into his arms like he was made to be there. Their kiss grew hot with need, and Death's body burned with hunger. The soft rustle of fabric hit the back of the couch as Robert tossed their coats aside. Strong arms found their way under his shirt stripping it off as they broke their kiss. He tugged Robert's shirt away, eager to see the contoured body hidden beneath.

Bronze skin, hard pecs, and firm stomach greeted him; the lean, well defined body of a dancer. Death drank in the sight and traced the line of his jaw with his fingers, savoring the feel of rough skin. He let his hand move down Robert's throat and over his bare shoulder and started to trace the line he'd made with his lips. The tingle of salt teased his tongue as he reached the curve of Robert's neck, tasting his skin.

Robert's breath rasped along Death's neck, sending a shiver down his spine. His cock ached with need, wanting to be with and inside and around the unique man in his arms. He found the round contours of Robert's ass, so firm in his hand. Simon pulled Robert closer. The feel of Robert's stiff cock against his, made him moan with want. Hungry kisses lapped at his neck and shoulder as he squeezed the hard cheeks of Robert's ass.