"Are you...Will you be armed?"
Both of them give me puzzled looks.
"Maybe it's better you stay at home.What if something happens, and you're out there in the wild?Will anyone know where you'll be?"My heart picks up pace."What if they attack?"
"Wolves don't attack without cause."Zahrah's smile is soft, but I'm not sure I can trust it."If you're worried, you can check in with Boris now and then.We'll most likely have reception.You have his number?"
I shake my head.I'm sure I can find his number, but I haven't yet.I push the Dutch oven back to Boris and get my phone out, find where to add contacts, and meet his gaze."Your number?"
He recites his number, I double-check, then I send him a text, so he'll have mine.There is a low buzz coming from his pocket, and I breathe a little easier.Only a little.I don't like this.
"Why don't you come inside for a bit.Coffee?"
Boris takes a step forward, but Zahrah places a hand on his forearm."We should get going."
I think Boris whines.Maybe.It's so low, I'm not sure what I'm hearing.
"Do you think you'll find the wolves?"Ira's voice is full of wonder, and I look between him and Zahrah, then shoot Boris a look.I'm not sure what he sees on my face, but I get a ghost of a smile in return.It makes me want to wail.I've never seen him like this.He's always buzzing with energy, his eyes twinkling with mischief and a smile playing on his lips.
Zahrah shrugs."I'm hopeful.If we don't find any wolves, I'll take some nature photos.I should switch out the photos at Beantopia."
"What will you do with the ones there now?"Ira's eyes are alight with curiosity.I should take him to an art museum or a gallery.If the cafe made this much of an impression on him, I should...except I have no money to waste on frivolous outings.
"I don't know.I'll keep them or give them to someone.Maybe Boris needs more photos on his walls."She nudges Boris."Come on, lazy bones.We're losing daylight."
He gives her a clipped nod and holds out the Dutch oven to me again."Cook some rice to go with.Or if you prefer potatoes, I guess it works.I always make rice."
I accept it.I'll make rice.I'm not gonna argue with a chef.I don't think I own any chutney.Maybe there is a jar of jelly hidden somewhere at the back of the refrigerator, but I'm not sure.
"Be careful."I don't even try to hide the worry in my voice, and I get another of those barely-there smiles.
"If you want, you can come to my place this weekend to see the photos."Zahrah ruffles Ira's hair again, and he grins at her.
"Yes, please."
"Eh..."I have no idea where she lives and--
"I'll take you."Boris crouches and holds out his arms to Ira.To my surprise, he steps right into the embrace.I don't know if I've ever seen Ira hug anyone other than me.It stirs something in my chest.
Then Boris lets go of him and steps closer to me.His scent hits me, and I inhale without thought.The smile he gives me is all wrong, but then he nuzzles my temple."Stay out of trouble."His voice is low and rumbly, and I want to cling to him, but my hands are full of Dutch oven.
"Be careful."I speak equally low, and for the shortest moment, his hand lingers on my hip.I want to lean into him, but before I can figure out how to maneuver the Dutch oven out of the way, he steps away.
"See you in a couple of days."
Two days.I let out a long breath but say nothing as they cross the street.Boris opens the front door to his house, but doesn't step inside.His bag is waiting on the doormat, and he grabs it, locks the door, and gets into Zahrah's car.
A few seconds later, they're gone.
* * * *
Chapter 17
Boris
"Argh, this sucks."I lean my head against the window, wishing Zahrah would turn around.I'd be fine with her stopping the car to let me out.She doesn't need to drive me back; I can run.
"No, it was perfect."
