‘—then just say it.I know you like Roman.He’s better than me, anyway.Stronger.He’s tactical-minded.You like that.’
‘Julian.’
‘You don’t care about beauty or looks.He’s on your level.’
‘He’s a rich kid raised in Russia.’
Jules sulks hard.‘You call himRo.’
‘And I call you baby, sweetheart and Jules.’
‘Do you love me?’he asks, unbearably fragile.‘Like, really love me?’
‘Baby, I love you so much it’s disgusting.’
‘You treat him differently.’
‘Do you want to make a secret language so I can tell you I love you even when there are other people around?’
‘I… maybe.’
‘All right.’Lachlan thinks for a beat.‘It has to be subtle.’
‘What about sign language?’Jules makes the sign forI love you, a single gesture with little and index fingers raised, middle two flat, thumb out at a ninety-degree angle.
‘That’s too obvious, but I like that you knew it.’
‘Your boy’s good with languages,’ Jules tells him like he forgot to be sulky and then scowls when he remembers.‘I suppose Roman’s better though.’
‘Enough of that,’ Lachlan chides.‘What about…hmm.’He clasps Jules’ hands together, amassing frequent scenarios where they’re sharing space with others in between.‘Interlace your fingers.’Jules does so, his slender digits slotting together perfectly.‘Now lift your ring finger.Onlythat finger.Tap the knuckle.Good.’
‘Once or twice?’
Lachlan sees an opportunity.‘How about we make a code?’
‘I shouldn’t have asked.’
‘One tap and the finger remains raised is asking forhelp.’
‘Lachlan, I just want to know that you love me.’
‘Two taps, finger down, isall’s fine.’
‘Bodyguard.’
‘Three taps, finger down, isI love you.’
‘Three taps, finger up, is I love you but you fucking suck.’
‘If you like.’
Jules is still caught in his sulk.‘Show me again?’
Lachlan runs through the gestures, Jules naming them as they occur.‘It’s hard to lift my ring finger.’
‘Good little workout then.’
‘Say you love me.’
