“Quentin,” the man said, his eyes ricocheting between them now. “My husband, Donovan. My . . . my ex, now.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “He kidnapped Brickle. He’s hurting him.”

“Don’t say it,” North said. “Don’t even open your mouth.”

“We’ll find him,” Shaw said.

“Jesus Christ.”

“Just like a Voltron paladin would.”

Growling, North rounded on Shaw and gave him a vicious indian burn.

“Ouch,” Shaw said, massaging his arm as North stalked away.

“You bought it,” North said without looking back. “And now you fucking paid for it.”

4

SHAW CHANGED into something more practical: a lilac chambray shirt, joggers, and FiveFinger running shoes. When he caught up with North, the blond man was walking back to the A-frame where they’d found Quentin. Well, stomping was probably a better term for what North was doing.

“It’s a puppy,” Shaw said.

“Lost the lady shoes, I see.”

“These are really comfortable.”

“Oh yeah, I’m sure. Those weird toe shoes have got to be comfortable.”

“They really are.”

“And I’m glad you found time to raid a five-year-old’s closet. But aren’t you worried about cutting off circulation?”

“Oh, the joggers? No, they’re just a little snug.”

“Uh huh.”

“Really.”

“Tell me that again when your legs turn blue. It’ll probably be hard to tell, though; the purple shirt makes me think you’re colorblind.”

Shaw danced around so that he was facing North, walking backward for another yard before jumping on North, wrapping arms and legs around him. North caught him reflexively, grunting and staggering back a step.

“You hate what I’m wearing.”

North tried to hide it, but Shaw saw the irritation die in his eyes. “A blind man would hate what you’re wearing.”

“You’re mad because I told that guy we’d find his puppy.”

“It’s a dog, not a puppy. Nobody said it was a puppy.”

“I went too far with the Voltron stuff. I know you like—”

North kissed him, and then, without warning, dropped him. Shaw got his feet under him, but only barely, and staggered back.

“If you want the rest of that,” North said, arching an eyebrow, “and those joggers make it pretty obvious that you do, then you’d better find that dog. Fast.”

“We’re going to find the dog, North. Together.”

“Sure. But if I find him first, then I get what I want.”

“What do you want?”

North’s smile was so hot it made Shaw’s ears steam. “Guess you’ll know after I find that dog.”

Then, still smirking, he walked toward the A-frame.

Shaw scrambled after him. “Not if I find him first!”

5

NORTH MADE A full circuit of the A-frame this time. He was looking for clues; he wasn’t going to let Shaw win.