“I actually want to know.”
“Okay then. I’m a contractor of sorts. The jobs are random but steady. Keeps me busy most of the time. Fortunately, there’s still a little time for fun.”
“A contractor? Like, construction or…?”
Wraith studies my face, and the longer he does the more unsure I am about him. If he’s not openly telling me what he does for work, that’s probably not a good sign.
“Are you in the Mafia or something?”
He flinches, which does nothing to soothe my nerves. I was being flippant because there’s no way I thought he actually was.
“No. I’m not in the Mafia or any organized crime like that.”
“You don’t have to tell me.” Maybe it’s better if he doesn’t. We fuck and that’s all this is. It’s not like he’s taking me home to meet the fam.
“It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I never do. It’s a complicated profession and I’ve never had to articulate it before.Everyone in my life presently knows, so I’ve never had to explain it.”
Swallowing hard, I nod, questions rising even as I mentally try to push them down. I’ve always been curious though.
“Is it… dangerous?”
“Not for me.”
Well, that’s ominous.
“Tell me when and if you’re ready, okay?”
Wraith nods, his gaze softening. “Okay. What about you? When did you get into hockey?”
“As soon as I could walk. My school started a youth program I was able to join. I’m told I showed a lot of promise, even for a kid who was practically still a toddler.”
“That’s wild. Where did you grow up?”
“Seattle area when I was younger. Then we moved to Colorado, Texas, Arizona, California, then I finally got settled in Boston for college. My mom was French Canadian, but she never wanted to go back there.”
“Past tense. Is she gone?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I clear my throat.
“No father?”
Blowing out a breath, I shake my head. “Nah. She was young when I was born. Just a guy she knew. Thank fuck for hockey. It’s always gotten me through the hard times in life.” I run a hand through my hair. “I’m probably retiring after this season though.”
“Why? You’re young.”
“Not in hockey years. My body takes a beating every game. I’ve been lucky not to have any major injuries but it is taking its toll.”
“How old are you?”
“Thirty-six. You?”
“Thirty-eight.”
I nod. “Do you have any bio siblings?”
His eyes cloud over for a second until he blinks it away. “I’m not in touch with my biological family. Long story.”
“Understandable.” I rise and stretch my arms. That’s enough talking for now. “I’m gonna take that shower now. You coming?”
Wraith nods, setting his water bottle on the nightstand. “Lead the way.”
