Page 9

“We can put it in the backseat,” Levi tried.

“My supplies are in the backseat,” Ben replied. “The security supplies. You know, the entire reason why you’re here in the first place. Make sure you have what’s important, then get in the car.”

Levi’s bruised neck twinged under his sheer scarf. It provided absolutely zero protection against the stinging cold. Why hadn’t he brought a proper fucking scarf? He checked the bags that were loaded in the trunk and sighed, turning to the shivering cabin crew. “Can you take this back and store it somewhere for when I come back? My brother can deal with it.”

“Of c-course,” said the lead flight attendant, her teeth chattering. He was pretty sure icicles were forming in her false eyelashes.

The flight attendant beside her, a blonde who looked significantly younger, piped up. “Um, excuse me, Lev? I would l-love a photo. M-my sister is such a f-fan.”

“Nope,” Ben barked from where he was standing impatiently next to the car. “Did you not get briefed? You signed the NDA, right? Nobody can know he’s here.”

The younger flight attendant went even paler than she was before and shot the older attendant a panicked look. “Oh! Y-yes, I’m s-so sorry.”

“She’s new,” said the older attendant apologetically. “Can we d-do anything else for you today?”

Another icy blast washed over them. Levi swore and pulled his coat tighter. He really thought this coat would be warm enough, even if his scarf was just for show.

“Fuck, let’s just go,” Levi said. “Save yourselves.”

He ran to the passenger-side door and climbed in the car, rubbing his arms. He looked over, but Ben was walking around the car. Too late, Levi realized he was closing the trunk. He’d just assumed the flight crew would do it.

Ben returned to the driver’s door and got in. Apart from a flush covering his nose and cheeks, he looked like he didn’t even notice the cold. He turned the car on, then paused, wincing as he straightened his leg out.

Levi eyed his knee. “You alright?”

Ben just grunted. Then he gunned the car, and they took off down the pathetic little landing strip. Levi leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes. He’d tried flirting with Ben on the plane several more times before they landed, and Ben hadn’t given him anything. Now he was stuck in a car with him for hours, and after that, they would be stuck in a cabin for weeks. How had Levi been so sure he could break this man? Now he wasn’t even sure if the guy was into him.

He itched for his phone. Some mindless scrolling would be good right now. But his phone was back in the jet, along with half his luggage.

He turned on the radio. Static blared through the car until he turned it off. He checked the glove compartment, which contained a first aid kit and wet wipes. He sighed and settled back into his seat.

“I spy,” he began.

Ben cut him off. “No.”

Levi rolled his eyes. If this guy really wasn’t going to fuck him, he was in for a long, boring retreat. Because that was what this was: a retreat. One of those retreats where you “unplug yourself” and be one with nature.

Levi was bored just thinking about it.

Two hours later, Levi woke to a loud tapping.

He jerked up in his seat. Ben was standing outside, looking at him expectantly through the window he’d tapped to gain Levi’s attention.

“We’re here,” Ben said. “Get out.”

Irritation rose in Levi’s chest. He only liked being talked to like this when it was part of a game. Ben was obviously not interested in playing. At least, not yet. Levi was sure that a proper rest and some food would get him back in good spirits, ready to seduce his live-in silver fox.

The cabin was even smaller than Levi pictured it. It wasn’t even as big as his apartment. This cabin would definitely be put up on Airbnb as cozy and quaint, which in Levi’s mind meant small and shit. The wood was worn and chipped, and the roof sagged. Even the chimney looked like it had seen better days.

Levi turned to Ben. “This place has electricity, right? And running water? And heating?”

“There’s a fire,” Ben replied. “It’s connected to vents that run through the rest of the house.”

Levi frowned. That made it sound like they had to light a fire when they went inside. And that it would take a while to heat up. But he’d take anything over being outside. His teeth were already starting to chatter.

Levi started toward the cabin steps, only for Ben to call after him. “Oi! Help me with your endless bags.”

Levi turned around with a snort. The old man had jokes after all. Then he saw Ben’s face and realized he wasn’t joking.