CHAPTER 22
Wraith
“There aretowels in the bathroom if you want to shower.”
Boone glances around the guest room. “This is nice. Better than my apartment. Thanks, man.”
“Not a problem.”
“He’ll get there.” Boone bounces on the edge of the bed. “He’s in his head about shit, but I know my brother and I know he’s in love with you.”
“I’m in love with him too,” I admit, leaning against the dresser. “But that doesn’t change how fucked-up this situation is. We met while I was stalking you. He’s not out. I kill people for a living.”
“He’s managed to hide my existence from the world his entire career.”
“I don’t want him to have to hide me. I want him to be proud of who he loves. Mostly, I want him to feel good about it.”
“Your other brother has a man. How did that happen?”
“Colson is… unique. He sees the world through his own lens. What he and Specter have is undeniable.” I shrug. “So they figured it out.”
“And you don’t see the parallels?”
“It’s not up to me, Boone. It’s up to Pax. If he wants me, I’mnot going anywhere, but if he can’t, then I have to walk away. Because that’s what you do when you love someone, even if it destroys you.”
Boone nods, studying me. “I stand by what I said. He’ll get there.”
“I hope you’re right. Just text Pax if you need anything.”
“I want to help if I can.”
“I know.”
After leaving his room, I head to my own. Pax is sitting on the bed staring straight ahead. He startles when I walk in, turning to face me.
“I’m sorry, Wraith.”
“For what?”
“Anything I said that hurt you when we were talking to Boone.”
“You didn’t hurt me.” I keep my distance, even though all I want to do is climb onto that bed with him and hold him close.
“I’m so glad he’s okay.”
“Me too. He seems like a good guy.”
“He is.” Pax exhales slowly. “The drugs fucked him up for a while, but I think he’s gonna pull through. He just needs some stability.”
“He loves you, Pax.”
“I know.”
I don’t know what to say or do, so I just linger.
“He’s right, you know,” Pax says. “About the way love works.”
Nodding, I mumble my agreement.
