“Lorcan?” The name burst out of me. “Lorcan knows you?”
Demetrius tilted his head. “He was with me when I got your text. Arnav—the lawyer—was the person who advised the most caution.”
“That’s Arnav.” Zahir chuckled softly.
After a moment, Demetrius squinted a little. “How do you know Lorcan?”
“I met him this morning—while he was walking Mei. In Heritage Park.” I scratched my jaw. “I’d ask what the odds are, but I’m thinking this might be a small-town thing?”
Zahir laughed. “Yes, definitely a small-town thing. Although I suppose people in big cities meet random people as well, and there are weird connections.”
“I didn’t tell Lorcan who I am.” I cleared my throat again. “Well, I told him my name was Andre, but nothing more than that. He didn’t say anything about…that is…” I shrugged. “I don’t know what I’m trying to say.”
“Well, I can say that even if Lorcan made the leap, he’d never say anything to anyone. He’s an intensely private man.”
I squinted. “Well, if that’s private, I’d hate to see what a public person is like.”
“Huh?”
“Just…he was very chatty.”
Demetrius’s jaw dropped. “Lorcan? Really?” He glanced over to Zahir—as if seeking confirmation.
Zahir chuckled. “Don’t ask me. I wasn’t there. I suspect Andre was friendly to Mei—and that’s a guaranteed lovefest from Lorcan…”
“I was happy to see the dog.” I continued to pet Daphne. “Just like I’m happy to see her.”
“Did you have a dog growing up?” Demetrius’s gaze was intense.
I shook my head. “We, uh, didn’t have a lot of money. And Dad was gone, obviously, and Mom worked. I thought about getting one after she died, but they’re expensive and—”Crap. Crap. Crap.I hadn’t wanted him to know money was an issue for me. Zahir sort of knew—but I trusted he wouldn’t say anything to Demetrius.
My half-brother cocked his head again. “Yes, pets are very expensive. I’m lucky I make a good salary—because kids aren’t cheap either. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
I fidgeted, forcing myself to hold still. “I’m not poor. I’ve got a job and an apartment and—”
Demetrius held up his hands. “No judgment here. City living can be super expensive. Hell, even country living these days isn’t cheap.” He squinted. “I think what I’m trying to say is that, if you’re ever up for it, that I’d love to introduce you to my kids. And my dogs. And my husband. But that’s a lot and, as you said, pressure. Hell, I don’t even know how long you’re staying.”
“I don’t know either.” Because that was the God’s honest truth.
“And I should invite you to stay with us. We have a pullout couch in the basement. It would be private—”
“Andre’s free to stay with me for as long as he likes.” Zahir caught—and held—my gaze.
I read the unspoken support. I appreciated it more than I could ever have expressed in that moment. “Let me think about meeting everyone? For now—”
Zahir nodded subtly.
“—I think I’m good here. Zahir’s been very kind. I know he doesn’t have to be so good to me but—”
“But he’s happy to help a friend. And that’s what you are, Andre. A friend. We just…met under unusual circumstances. That’s all.”
I appreciated his discretion. The last thing I needed was Demetrius finding out about the whole flying debacle—or that I liked to dress up like a puppy to get scritches and play ball. Nope. That was goingwaytoo far.
“Why don’t you two keep chatting while I grab some finger food? If that’s all right?” Zahir directed his attention between Demetrius and me.
“I’ll be okay.” I held his gaze, willing him to believe me.
He rose. “Yes, I believe you will.” With that, he headed to the kitchen.
