“Yeah?” Mac forced out.
As if sensing his distress, Jamue took his hand. “Let’s eat out today. It’s my treat.”
"Okay," Mac said, and they walked out of the leisure room.
They walked down the walkway in silence for a few minutes. Jamue squeezed his hand.
“I’m fine.”
“I know.” Jamue sighed. “Where do you want to get a place for our business.”
Mac was glad for the change of subject. He smiled down at his friend. “I don’t know. Here."
"Here?"
"I like it here. It’s beautiful and relaxed. You and I found each other here. I think it’s only right we establish our business here.”
Jamue pursed his lips. “I like it too. But the capital would offer us more opportunities.”
Mac grimaced.
“Hear me out.” Jamue pulled him to a stop. Several hover pods drifted by in a long line, heading to the only lodging in town.
“What is going on?” Jamue asked. “Those look like official pods, don’t they?”
Mac stared at the pods drifting to a stop in front of the lodging. His heart thudded hard as he caught sight of Deltta’s large frame. He would know him anywhere. What was he doing here?
Mac took him in. His eyes crawled down his large body. His hole grew wet, and his cock hardened.
Fuck. He wanted him.
But it wasn’t his body’s reaction that suddenly made him feel panicky - it was his heart, the way it expanded, filling up with so much joy at the sight of him. He wanted to run to him, throw himself into his arms and hold on for dear life.
Mac turned and walked in the opposite direction. He walked past Faria’s leisure room and kept walking.
What the hell was he doing here? He wasn’t ready to see him.
“Oh shit, Mac?” Jamue ran after him. When he caught up with him, he pulled him to a stop, his eyes roving over his face, searching. Whatever he found there made him drag him into his arms and hold on tight.
Don’t cry, Mac heaved in a shaky breath. But it was too late; tears splashed his cheeks.
Chin wobbling, he lost the fight.
“Oh, Mac.” Jamue’s arms tightened around him. After a while, he pulled back. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” Mac wiped his face. “I’m fine. I didn’t expect to see him that’s all.”
Jamue’s stare made him fidget.
Dammit.
He was weird enough; he didn’t need to act crazy too. But he couldn’t help it. Deltta made him feel raw and vulnerable; it scared him.
“You can’t run away from him forever, Mac. He probably came here to see you.”
Please no, Mac silently begged, feeling the urge to run again. He turned to walk back up the walkway. Jamue grasped his arm.
“What are you afraid of?”