“No. I haven’t told anyone but you and the partners at my law firm. I couldn’t in good conscience work for them and not reveal my background.” Spencer squeezed his hand, and Wolf found comfort and support in the gesture. Once they’d come together, the constant ache in his chest had vanished; more proof, not that he needed it, that being with Spencer was right for him.
“And you said the judge refused to allow you to withdraw? That makes no sense. Does he understand the conflict—that you’re in a relationship with his son?”
“I didn’t reveal that to him. Well, when I asked to withdraw, nothing had happened yet between Spencer and myself. I’m planning to make another motion to reveal all the facts.”
“So worst-case scenario, he doesn’t let you off the hook. Are you still planning to have him plead out?”
Wolf grimaced. “This is why I hate defending people like him. But yes. It’s my belief it’s in his best interest to tell the DA what he knew. I’ll get him the best deal possible, but I sure as hell don’t have to like it.”
“What do you think, Spence?” Elliot asked. “How do you feel about Wolf defending your father?”
Spencer gazed into his glass. “I don’t like it. He doesn’t deserve someone with Wolf’s talent. He’s guilty as hell and trying to wiggle out of time to save his ass. But the way I look at it, occasionally you have to let some rats go to lead you to the cheese.”
“A surprisingly mature response, considering.”
Spencer knocked his shoulder. “I can adult when necessary.”
The dinner was delicious as usual when Chess cooked. They’d started off with braised artichokes, followed by shrimp scampi with homemade pasta. Tiramisu and espresso finished off the meal.
“Chess, you’re amazing,” Wolf told him. “That was better than any meal I’ve had in months.”
They were enjoying an after-dinner drink, and Spencer slid in next to him. Wolf stretched out his arm across the couch, until it came to rest on Spencer’s nape, where he played with the silky waves of hair.
“Even better than naked sushi the other night?” Spencer whispered, and Wolf felt himself burn. Obviously, all eyes were still on them, as Elliot cackled.
“Damn, what did Spencer whisper? You’re as red as a tomato.”
“You’re all enjoying this, aren’t you?” He wanted to slink away but was too comfortable with Spencer snuggled up next to him. “Some things are meant to be private.”
Chess held up his hands. “Give us a bone, come on. You can’t expect us not to still be a bit stunned by all this. One minute you couldn’t stand being in the same room with each other, the next Spence is joking about you two being late because you were busy having sex.”
“Not just any old sex.” Spencer hummed and ran his bare foot up Wolf’s calf. “Amazing sex. Incredible sex.”
“Will you stop?” He dug an elbow into Spencer’s side, but of course the man ignored him. “Why are you feeding into this?”
“Because I have nothing to be ashamed of. I’m proud to be with you and happy we’re together. What does it say about you that you’d rather hide it in front of the people who know us best and we love the most?”
No wonder he’d remained alone. It had been years since he was forced to face his emotions, and he’d always come out on the short end. Wolf cupped the snifter of brandy, warming it in his hands. “You’re right. But I can’t stop being a private person overnight. I’ve lived inside myself for more than half my life, so it’s going to take time to open up. The most important things in my life are the ones I hold closest to my heart—all of you. But the fact that I love you doesn’t mean I’m going to all of sudden skip together, holding hands and shoving my tongue down your throat. That isn’t me.”
Spencer took the glass from his hand and set it on the table. He laced their fingers together, his face as solemn as Wolf had ever seen. “I think it already is. Don’t you hear yourself?”
Chess beamed at them. “Look at you. You said you loved Spencer just now. It slipped out so naturally in front of all of us. That’s huge for anyone, but hearing you say it makes me happier than anything since my wedding. Everything else will come in time.”
Obviously, he’d lost his mind. Then he glanced at Spencer and knew his heart had picked itself up, climbed out of his chest, and moved right in with Spencer’s, and it was where it was meant to be.
***
Spencer remained unusually quiet for the entire ride home from Chess and André’s.
Wolf nudged him. “Everything okay? Are you upset about the job?”
“No, I’m fine. I’ve learned to be fatalistic in my industry. If it’s meant to be, it will, and if not, fuck ’em. I’ll find something else. They want to make a mistake, let them. Trends come and go, but a classic remains.” He grinned, but Wolf wasn’t fooled. He knew how hurt Spencer was by Christo’s freeze-out. If it wasn’t for Matty calling him every day with the gossip, he’d be in the dark.
“You are that in spades.” He leaned over to kiss Spencer’s cheek, and instead met his warm lips. Wolf cupped his cheek and settled his mouth over Spencer’s, hoping his kiss conveyed everything he couldn’t properly put into words. When they parted, he didn’t want to let go and rested his forehead on Spencer’s.
“Who are you? Where’s the Wolfie who used to flay me with that sharp tongue?” Spencer rubbed his cheek to Wolf’s and sighed.
“I’m still here but using my tongue for good instead of evil.”
