Joe pretended to think about it.
Kaden growled. “That sense of humour is developing nicely.”
Joe laughed and headed for the kitchen, putting things away before settling cross-legged on the floor with the dismantled record player.
It didn’t take long. A few adjustments, a careful tightening of screws, and the machine was whole again. Joe scanned the records, then chose one at random.
The Drifters.
He set it on the turntable and, with great care, lowered the needle. The crackle made him flinch, but then music filled the room. When he turned, Kaden was already beside him.
“Save the Last Dance for Me,” Kaden said softly. “Perfect.”
He took Joe’s hand and pulled him to his feet, then slid his other arm around Joe’s back.
“This,” Kaden said softly, “is dancing.”
He guided Joe slowly across the small space, their steps brushing against furniture, their rhythm more instinct than skill but Joe’s heart thumped hard. He followed as best he could, focusing on Kaden’s movements, the warmth of his hand, the quiet certainty in the way he led. Then Kaden drew him closer. And closer. Until there was no space left between them. Joe’s breath caught as their bodies aligned, Kaden’s chest warm against his, his hand firm at Joe’s back.
“Don’t think about it,” Kaden whispered. “Just feel it.”
Joe let himself do exactly that.
The music, so soft and aching, wrapped around them. The world narrowed to the slow sway of their bodies, the quiet creak of the floor, the faint brush of fabric, while Kaden’s thumb traced small, random patterns on Joe’s back. Joe rested his forehead briefly against Kaden’s shoulder, then lifted his head, just enough to look at him.
Kaden was already looking. Not joking now. Not teasing. Just…there.
“You’re staring,” Joe said quietly.
“I know. I like to stare at you. I love you.”
Joe didn’t look away.
The record crackled on.
25
It was another two days before Kaden had a call from Alistair. He put the burner on speaker and tugged Joe down onto the couch.
“Hi,” Kaden said, his heart thumping harder than he’d have liked.
“Good morning. How are you both?”
“Fine.”
“Have you seen the news?”
“No.” Kaden nodded towards Joe’s phone and Joe googled and showed him.Government Minister arrested.
“Oh God,” Kaden whispered.
“On suspicion of selling state secrets,” Alistair added.
“You heard what you thought you were going to hear?” Joe asked.
“Yes. There was a raid on his home yesterday. He’s more than done. I’ll keep my promise. You should be hearing from immigration soon. Do they have your new address?”
Shit.“Not yet,” Kaden said. “We were waiting to see what happened.”
