"Zindel is dating the mafia, but he stays out of it. Still, he can be caught in it just by association," Bailey said. "I worry for him all the time because of that."
"I'm not the mafia," Nathan said.
"But you are a family full of assassins," Bailey said.
Jesus fucking Christ, did Zindel tell his best friend everything? Nathan took a deep breath because he wasn't used to people who weren't in certain circles knowing about him and his family. He supposed Bailey could be the exception.
"Does that scare you?" Nathan asked him.
"A little, yeah," Bailey said. "Especially with this war going on."
"Did Zindel tell you all of that?"
"The news tells me a lot, you know. The police and media say it's all 'random crime violence,' but I know the truth. Your world is dark and violent," Bailey said.
"Not all of the time, and you'd never have to be exposed to what I do," Nathan said.
"Did you kill someone today?"
Nathan nodded. "Not today." Then he smiled widely.
Bailey scoffed and frowned at him. "Why are you smiling?"
"Because I've never just been able to talk about my life with someone who wasn't a part of it. Someone who I wanted to have in my bed and in my life... someone who I wanted to make my lover. Before we had this conversation, I wasn't sure if I was ready to settle down, as you say, but now I know I want to. I want to be this free in a relationship. I don't even feel like you're judging me at this moment."
"I'm judging you a little," Bailey said honestly.
"But is that judgment making you see me as a monster?"
Bailey looked at him then, really contemplating the question, and he shook his head. "Had I not been in this world myself or had Zindel as my bestie or spent time with Vito at their home, maybe I'd have a different perspective. But I don't see you as a monster. I mean, Ze is basically a serial killer, but he's not a monster."
Nathan laughed at that. "Does Zindel even know what a fucking secret is?"
"We don't have any secrets between us. He knows I'd never betray him. Whatever we share with each other, we take to our graves... unless we have to tell someone in order to save each other. That's how close we are. That's how much we trust each other," Bailey said with all of the conviction he felt.
"And that is why I have no more doubts about you, Bailey. I want you, and I think you can be just as strong as Zindel, and I will make sure to protect you from all dangers."
"I don't—"
Nathan grabbed Bailey's shoulders. "Just give me a chance. That's all I'm asking for. If in the end, you don't like me, you don't like my lifestyle, I will leave you alone."
"Really? You won't force me to be with you?"
"No. I want you to come to me willingly," Nathan said. "Will you give me a chance?"
Bailey stared Nathan in his eyes, looking for any hint of a lie, but finding none. This man was serious. "I must be out of my mind to even consider this."
"But?" Nathan asked imploringly.
Bailey took a few moments to think about his response. "Can I call you with an answer?"
Nathan released his shoulders and nodded. That was good enough. At least his foot was in the door. "Take my number."
"I don't have my cell on me."
"What's your number?"
Bailey gave it to him, and Nathan saved it into his contact list. "Perfect."
