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He was eager to ask about the mark, but he had to tread lightly in case Kieran was unaware of it. If Brooklyn said it just materialized out of nowhere, Kieran may think he was a lunatic.
The two of them walked into the café, ordering their coffees and sitting down at a small table by the window. As they chatted, Brooklyn found himself completely at ease with Kieran. It was as if they were old friends, catching up after years apart. They talked about their interests, and their lives in general. Even so, Brooklyn couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection with Kieran, and he wondered if it was just his imagination or if Kieran felt it too.
“You’re staying with a friend?” Kieran asked. “So what brings you to the city?”
“Trying to start fresh,” Brooklyn replied, taking a sip of his own coffee. “I just recently broke up with my boyfriend and wanted as far from him as possible.”
Kieran’s expression softened, and he reached out to touch Brooklyn’s hand. The simple gesture sent a jolt of electricity through Brooklyn’s body, and he couldn’t help but lean closer.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Kieran said, his voice low and comforting. “But I’m glad you’re here now.”
Brooklyn felt his cheeks grow warm, and he knew that he was blushing. “Me, too. Have you lived in Ridgeway your whole life?”
Kieran shook his head. “I came here for the same reason.”
Brooklyn’s curiosity piqued. “What made you want to leave your old life behind?”
Kieran hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether or not to answer. “Let’s just say I had some family trouble,” he finally said, taking a sip of his coffee.
Brooklyn nodded, sensing there was more to the story, but he didn’t push it. “Listen, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”
Kieran looked up, his beautiful green eyes locking onto Brooklyn’s. “What is it?”
Brooklyn took a deep breath, the weight of the mark on his palm heavy. “I know this might sound crazy, but…” He paused, unsure of how to continue.
“Go on,” Kieran prompted gently.
When he raised his hand to show Kieran the mark, Brooklyn accidentally knocked over his cup of coffee. He cursed and jumped up, running to the counter to get some napkins. He returned, and Kieran took some from him to help clean up the mess.
That was when Brooklyn saw it. Kieran had the exact same design on his palm as Brooklyn had. His heart thundered as he stared at Kieran’s palm in shock. He couldn’t believe it. Was this some kind of coincidence, or was there something more to it? “What in the fuck is going on?”
He snatched Kieran’s hand, turning it over to look at the mark. The guy didn’t try to pull away. He simply sat there as Brooklyn placed his hand next to his, comparing them.
Yep, identical.
“Either you start talking or I’m going to make a damn scene,” Brooklyn threatened. “What did you do to me? Is this a mark of death?”
“What, no!” Kieran’s brows furrowed. “I need to explain this in private.”
“Hell no.” Brooklyn shook his head. “I’m not going anywhere with you. Start talking or you’re going to witness firsthand how much of a scene I can really make.”
Kieran sighed, his eyes flickering with an emotion that Brooklyn couldn’t quite place. “We really need to talk somewhere else.”
Brooklyn didn’t trust Kieran, but he was desperate for answers. The mark on his palm was starting to feel like a constant reminder of something he couldn’t quite grasp, and he needed to know what it meant.
“Okay,” Brooklyn said hesitantly. “But we’re going somewhere where there are people around. I’m not taking any chances.”
Kieran nodded in agreement, and the two of them left the café. Brooklyn led the way to the small courtyard next door, and they took a seat under a shady tree.
“This is as good a spot as any,” Brooklyn said. “So, start talking. But if you try anything, swear to god–”
“I won’t,” Kieran interrupted, his voice soft. “I promise.”
“Go on.”
“There’s something I need to tell you,” he said. “And it’s going to sound bizarre, but I need you to believe me.”
Brooklyn nodded. He didn’t know what to expect, but he knew that whatever Kieran had to tell him was going to change everything.
