Hector places the food on the table, which looks and smells wonderful. He gives the biggest steak to Caden, then sits at the head of the table. “People used to say grace back in the day. Do you still do that in your Hive?”
“No,” I say.
“Well, I’m sure you have your own little traditions. Dig in.”
This whole situation is unnerving. Despite waiting so long to see Caden, now I only wish for him to get away from this apartment, away from Hector.
“So, did Caden tell you about his training?” Hector asks between bites.
“A bit.”
“They’re working him hard over at House Powell. From dusk till dawn. I try to help as much as I can, but I’m limited at this distance. Maybe it’s making them go even harder on him.”
“It does,” Caden says in a tight voice. “You know it does.”
“At least you have the results to show for it.” He smiles. “Go on, don’t be shy now. Show us.”
“I’m eating.”
“Caden…”
My heart skips a beat at the way he says his name.He doesn’t get angry; he just punishes.
Caden pulls off his shirt and places it on the floor. I won’t ever get used to seeing him so bruised.
“Someone who works so hard shouldn’t be modest.” Hector squeezes Caden’s left pec. “It’s like iron. Did you see the crowd go crazy for him? There isn’t a single dry pussy left when he’s fighting.”
“Please stop.”
“Complimenting you?”
“That’s not what you’re doing.”
“Oh? Isn’t that what I’m doing, Finn?”
I take a sip of water to calm my nerves. I should treat this as any other diplomatic meeting, where it’s more important to be smart than right. “Yes.”
Hector winks at me. “He has a bit of a temper, but I’m working on it. How’s the food?”
“Delicious. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Finny.”
I freeze.Did hehear everything?I shouldn’t be surprised, but I hoped we had more privacy. I pray he didn’t hear what we said in the shower, and I can’t help but wonder if he somehow listened to usthroughCaden. Based on Caden’s pale face, he must be wondering the same thing.
“How did you two meet?” Hector asks.
I’m not sure how to answer that, since we met when I betrayed my old gang and got them killed.
“It doesn’t matter,” Caden says.
“Oh? Should I not care about the history of my champion and his lover, who is currently living under my roof?”
“I’m not your champion, Hector. I can’t kill a New-Human. Even with your gift, he’ll crush me.”
“Didn’t David beat Goliath?”
“I don’t know these guys.”
