I won.
For the first time since I've met Luther, I've won.
He is crumpled into my arms as I am taking him to a motel.
The press was hard to deal with, but we went through that. Luther just nuzzled more intensely into my chest as I made my way through the crowd of hungry vultures.
We must be trending by now.
Good.
It will prove that I am Luther's savior. That he is mine.
The hotel wasn't anything fancy, but it was clean. That was the point. No smell, no stains, no weird buzzing light overhead. The kind of place where everything worked and nothing stood out. The elevator was quiet. The hallway was empty. Room 408. I swiped the keycard without saying anything, pushed the door open, and let him in first.
Bed made.
Sheets tight.
Air cool but not cold.
The desk was clear except for my bag, zipped shut. TV off.
Curtains pulled.
No sounds from the room next door.
No city noise leaking in.
