“What were you doing talking to the reporter?”
Spencer waited to speak until they were inside the elevator. “I told him to leave you alone, that you’re trying to live your life without the stigma of your father, and that they should be more considerate of the families left behind.”
They reached his floor and continued the conversation when they’d settled on the couch. He kicked off his Gucci sneakers, but Wolf remained hunched over, staring at the floor.
“I can’t believe they’re doing this. He’s dead. Why won’t they let it go?”
“Because they’re vultures and like to pick at the bones. Frankly, I thought what you said was perfect.”
“No, I was wrong. I should’ve been more circumspect.”
“I disagree, but then again, ‘circumspect’ is not a word in my vocabulary. Free yourself. Isn’t that what we were talking about earlier?”
“I’m not sure I can,” Wolf muttered and gazed up at him, and Spencer winced at the hollow pain in his eyes. “And if not, where does that leave us? I know you love to have fun, and I’m afraid I’m not that guy. It’s why I stayed away from parties in general and you in particular in college.”
“College.” Spencer made a face. “You know what it was really like for me.”
Wolf toed off his sneakers and finally faced him. “I do now. I wish I’d known then.”
“I wish you’d kissed me or something,” Spencer confessed. “But I’m not about looking back, and I’m sure as hell not going to assign blame to either of us.”
Wolf held him close. “I think it says a lot for where we’re going that so many years later, and after so much has come between us, here we are.”
“Here we are.” Spencer kissed his neck. “Whoever would’ve thought?”
Wolf’s pocket buzzed, and Spencer snickered. “You don’t have to use electronic devices to stimulate me, Wolfie. I’ve already sampled the merchandise, and I’m impressed.” He walked a finger up the zipper of Wolf’s jeans, when his own phone went off as well. Wolf raised a brow.
“Even our phones are in sync.”
Wolf took his out of his pocket and frowned. “It’s Chess.” He swiped at the screen. “What’s up? I’m putting you on speaker.”
“Have you seen the news?”
“No, why?”
“There’s a report on your father’s death and a whole segment on you and your mother and the trial.…I’m sorry, Wolf.”
Spencer sat alert. “Elliot just called me. Is it about the same thing?”
“Probably,” Chess answered. “They had a sound bite with you tonight, Spence, and you were great.”
To his surprise, Wolf put his arms around him and hugged him tight. “Thank you.” He cleared his throat. “This is my worst nightmare.”
“I say fuck them.”
“You would,” Wolf said with a wry smile.
“I’m glad you’re okay, Wolf. Hopefully it’ll all die down. What your father did has no bearing on you as a person.”
“I keep telling him that.” Spencer rubbed his cheek to Wolf’s.
André called out from the background. “Spencer. Bianca and I want to meet with you tomorrow at ten. Are you available?”
“Sure.”
“Good. Come over, and we’ll have breakfast.”
“See you then.”
