Page 23 of Faking It with the Omega

Alex gives me a curious look from his position opposite me in the booth as the two alphas next to us dissolve into bickering, his sharp eyes glittering in that mischievous way of his that usually means he’s reading your mind. He catches my eye and tilts his head in the direction of the doors. “I need some air,” he says, just loud enough for me to hear. “Keep me company?”

I nod curtly and follow him, leaving my drink behind and Max and Kyle to their argument, although from the snippets of conversation I hear as I walk away, it sounds like they’ve moved on from fictional characters to wrestling in the blink of an eye.

I close my eyes briefly when we step out into the smoking area out the back of Duke’s, letting the cold air wash over me as we make our way to an empty table. I take a deep lungful of the late summer air, mixed with the bitter smell of cigarette smoke. It’s much quieter out here, save for the low hum of smokers talking and the occasional blast of music from inside when the doors swing open.

“You looked like you could do with a breather,” Alex says smoothly, sliding onto the bench across from me and regarding me like he’s studying me. It makes me feel strangely vulnerable.

“After about four beers Max and Kyle start speaking in their own fucking language, I swear,” I mutter. “They’ve been friends for too long.”

Alex hums. “They’re annoying. But I don’t think that’s why you’re so quiet.”

“You’re right. It’s the shitty beer. Do you think they’ve started watering it down?”

Alex cocks his head at me. “No. And neither do you. Look, we don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”

I sigh, rubbing at the back of my neck. Rumbled. “Well you’ve cornered me out here, so I think we do.”

Alex smiles slyly. “You came willingly.”

“Hmm. Touché.” I suddenly wish I’d brought my drink with me.

“Marcus says you haven’t been yourself since you came back from that wedding two weeks ago, so I’m assuming it’s got something to do with your omega, and this odd little situationship you’ve got yourself into. The guys have all noticed, you know.”

Hearing Alex call Aid your omega when I know he’s absolutely not is a sharper pain that I would have expected. “Have they? They haven’t said anything.”

“Because they’re all emotionally stunted troglodytes,” Alex murmurs. “I love you all, but boxers aren’t renowned for their ability to have heartfelt, vulnerable conversations. Coming out tonight was an attempt to cheer you up, you know, but by the look on your face, it’s not working.”

Ah. I didn’t know, but it makes sense when I think about it; it’s Thursday night, which means Aid and I would usually have our training session and then go out afterwards. He didn’t turn up this week, or last—he didn’t even text me, just cancelled his session through the online booking system. He’s not been at the gym for his usual workouts, either, or if he has, he’s been avoiding my usual hours, because I haven’t seen him since the wedding. He used to come in almost every day.

“We don’t have a… situationship,” I say. “It was just for show. And now I’m pretty sure he’s been avoiding me.”

Alex nods slowly. “I saw you guys together in the gym a few times, you know. When I came to meet Marcus on my days off. He’s hot.”

I laugh in surprise, possibly for the first time in a few days. “Yeah, he really is.”

“I could tell you had chemistry even from halfway across the room.”

I shrug. “Yeah, well. That’s not always enough, I guess.”

“Did you fuck?”

I laugh again, rubbing my eyes. “Holy shit Alex, don’t beat around the bush.”

“Well, did you?”

I pause. “Yes.”

“More than once?” he pries.

“Why does that matter?”

“Because from what I understand, you’re a one-and-done kind of guy.”

I grimace. “Why do people keep using that expression?”

Alex raises his eyebrows at me.

“Okay, yes,” I sigh. “We slept together twice. Or, two and a half times if you count… you know, other stuff.”