Vale had done things he wasn’t proud of during that time, but also things he was proud of.He hoped Cyril would listen to both of those things and accept that Vale’s past was checkered.There was nothing Vale could do to change it, which meant that Cyril needed to accept it.
He wasn’t sure Cyril could.
“You’re in trouble,” John said from the couch when Vale walked past him after his shower.His legs were stretched out, and his feet were on the coffee table, and he was wearing clothes he’d borrowed from Vale.His arm was bandaged, and Vale knew there were more bandages under his t-shirt.
“What are you talking about?”
“Your boyfriend left the apartment looking like you killed his puppy.He’s not going to be happy with you when he comes home.”
“It’s none of your business,” Vale grumbled.
“Maybe not, but it feels like Mom and Dad are fighting, and I don’t like it.”
Vale shuddered.“Please don’t say that.”
“Why not?It’s obvious you’re Dad in the scenario.You’re tall and you suck with words.”
Vale wondered if that was a jab at the fact that Vale had run out on Cyril before they could talk.Knowing John, probably.“I could kill you in a hundred ways without leaving any trace of your body,” he threatened.“I’d be careful if I were you.”
“Oh, no, I’m shaking in my boots,” John said as he wiggled his naked toes.
Vale was going to cut them all off if John didn’t watch his mouth.
Thankfully for John, the front door opened, and Vale was instantly distracted.His heart raced as he turned toward his boyfriend, who walked in with a frown on his face.
Vale blinked when Robbie followed Cyril inside.Usually, Robbie didn’t stop at the apartment after a job.Not that Vale minded since they were friends, but his presence here didn’t bode well, especially with the worried expression on his face.
“Something happened,” Robbie declared before Vale could ask.
Cyril turned to glare at his friend.“I don’t like you.”
“You love me, and you know I’m doing this for you.”
“Do I?”
Robbie rolled his eyes.“Stop being a big baby.Vale needs to know something’s up with you.”
“I’m pretty sure he already does,” Cyril grumbled.
“What happened?”Vale asked.He hoped he’d get answers from Robbie because from the set of Cyril’s jaw, he didn’t think he’d get them from his boyfriend.
“Cyril had an odd reaction to the deceased woman he had to work with today,” Robbie said, staring at Cyril as if daring him to deny it.“He didn’t tell me what was going on, but I’ve never seen him react that way, so I knew something was up.”
“I see,” Vale murmured.He reallydidn’tsee, but he had to say something.Cyril still looked like a skulking teenager, which was endearing, but it didn’t tell Vale what the fuck was happening.
“I’ll call you as soon as I know more,” he promised Robbie.
“You know, you two could stop talking as if I’m not there,” Cyril complained.“And I trulyamfine.”
Robbie nodded.“All right.I’ll see you soon, then.”
Cyril’s expression softened, and he hugged Robbie.“You will.Thanks for taking care of me.”
“Just don’t do anything stupid, please.”
“I can’t make promises,” Cyril said with a laugh.
As soon as Robbie was out the door, Vale grabbed Cyril’s hand and dragged him toward the bedroom.Cyril didn’t argue, which meant something definitely was up.Hopefully, he’d tell Vale.Vale would find out one way or another.He needed to protect his boyfriend, and he could only do that if he had all the information he needed.
