“Mmm, very much so,” he said thoughtfully.
“What are you curious about?” My voice held an air of suspicion. Nothing with Grayson was straightforward.
“I’m curious how mortal courting compares to that of the Gods.”
Matthew placed his glass on the table, harder than was necessary. The liquid inside almost sloshed over the edge.
“Care to find out?” Grayson asked me, his voice low.
Biology won out over sense as a blush stained my cheeks, and Matthew got to his feet.
“What do you say, Scott?” he pushed on, choosing to ignore Matt.
“Pack it in,” Matt warned him.
“This conversation doesn’t concern you.”
“How do you figure that?”
Grayson rolled his neck before turning his attention to Matthew. “You’ve taken her on one date,” he said lazily. “Hardly commitment by any being’s standards. Seems to me Scott is free to do as she wishes.”
Matt balled his hands into fists, and I put a hand on his arm. “Sit down,” I told him.
He ignored me. “I doubt she wishes to spend time with you.”
“I would beg to differ,” Grayson said with a smug smile. “I’d bet she —”
“Enough!” I yelled. Both men finally looked at me. I was tired and my anger sat closer to the surface than it had done in years. “Matthew. Sit down.”
“But —”
“No. This has got to stop. You two can’t seem to stop the arguments and I’m sick of it happening under my roof. I come home for peace, and I don’t get any of that with the both of you here.”
Matthew dropped into his seat again, sulking.
“Matt,” I continued, struggling to soften my tone. “I think it’s best you moved out.”
“What?” he asked, surprised by the request. “Why?”
“You two will never get along, and I can’t do it anymore. I don’t want to play referee.”
“Why me?”
“You have a flat.”
“I don’t trust him to stay here with you.”
I was curious in what context he distrusted Grayson. Did he think he’d cause me harm or try to seduce me? Both were plausible situations.
Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. Grayson had proven that he would keep crossing firm boundaries that I set in place. The better plan would be for me to kick them both out, to live with each other so I could live in peace, and the impending inquest into a death wouldn’t require me to make an appearance as a witness. Or more likely, prime suspect.
“You know I won’t continue to work with you if I don’t live here,” Grayson reminded me.
He’d given his conditions months ago, and if I changed my mind, then he could do the same. To say I was between a rock and a hard place would have been putting it lightly.
“Matthew.” I sighed. “I think it’s best you go home.”
“You’re picking him over me?” he asked incredulously.
