Rory was frowning. “What good would that warehouse do anyone?”
“I think someone might be trying very hard to figure out what happened in Philadelphia in February,” Jade said softly. “Someone very interested in that pomander.”
“Or in Rory,” Arthur added tightly.
The Magnolia had plenty of staff on Saturdays, so Rory couldn’t put off going back to his house to pack for the short trip to the place he definitely wasn’t going to think about.
“You don’t have to come,” Rory said, as Arthur stepped to the curb to flag a cab, even though his stomach was tied in knots and the last thing he wanted was to be alone.
But Arthur only snorted. “I’m coming.”
“We don’t know if any traces of the pomander’s magic could even be in that warehouse anymore.”
“Didn’t you pick up the paranormal equivalent of scorch marks on a Manhattan sidewalk after the pomander briefly rested on it?”
“Yeah, but that was right after, now it’s been two months,” Rory pointed out. “And we don’t know that the buyer is Baron Zeppler.”
“It’s adorable you think I need hard evidence of danger to worry about you. It’s like you’ve never even met me.”
Rory hesitated, then admitted, “Boarding house is even worse than the last time you saw it. Mice are basically tenants now.”
“And if you’re expecting me to judge you for what you can afford, you certainly haven’t met me,” Arthur said tersely.
“Nah, I didn’t mean it like that,” Rory said. “I’m just saying, you don’t gotta worry so much, okay? You don’t need to overprotect me, ’cause I’m not the innocent you think I am. And if we’re gonna knock heads with my dad”—and Jesus, Rory did not want to think about that—“you’re gonna see how I grew up, and you’re gonna see that I haven’t needed anyone else’s protection for a long time.”
Arthur looked over at him just as the cab pulled to the curb. “No,” he said softly, “that’s not what I’m going to see.”
The blocks rolled from Midtown to shabbier Hell’s Kitchen. Arthur drew curious looks at the boarding house, but he didn’t seem to notice. He was looming closer to Rory than usual, no trace of a smile, and a well-dressed, brooding, six-foot-three former quarterback was imposing enough that no one gave them trouble, or even questions.
Rory hadn’t been back to his room all week, and roaches scattered when he opened the door. He winced. “Sorry. I did warn you.”
Arthur leaned on the door to close it behind him. “You did, but frankly I’m beginning to feel as if you seemeas an innocent, some kind of sheltered Fifth Avenue prince who might faint at the sight of vermin.”
Rory hesitated, then shrugged with a small, apologetic grin.
“Ugh, thatishow you see me. Get over here.” Arthur grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him into his arms, drawing a surprised breath from Rory.
But Arthur didn’t kiss him, just held him tightly with arms around his waist. “Someone bought the warehouse in Philadelphia. What if it is Zeppler?”
“Then the faster we can destroy that pomander, the better,” said Rory. “That’s the whole reason we’re taking this trip.”
“I suppose.” Arthur frowned. “Fair warning, I might take a swing at your father. Just to get that out there.”
Rory snorted. “Sure, Ace,” he said, going up on his toes to kiss him. “Let’s hurry up and get back to your place, okay? ’Cause we wouldn’t fit on my bed and I’m not gonna let myFifth Avenue princetouch my dirty sheets anyway.”
“You think you’re cute.” Arthur reluctantly let Rory go.
As Rory knelt by his trunk and opened the lid, Arthur sat on the edge of the bed without any distaste. “Is there anything you might like to keep at my place instead? A lot of things, even?”
His tone seemed deceptively light. Rory glanced over his shoulder. “What, you want me to share the mice?”
Arthur gave him a flat look. “I do know what money is,” he said. “And I am aware that your rent takes much of your savings. All I’m saying is perhaps you don’t have to spend that money if—well. If you’re already spending your nights somewhere else.”
“But then I’d be joblessandhomeless—” Rory cut the words off as he caught Arthur’s meaning. Not homeless.
His heart swelled with affection, mixed with regret, because Arthur cared so much about Rory he’d offer what he knew shouldn’t, and Rory couldn’t let him.
The room was so small that Rory only had to shift to fit himself between Arthur’s knees. “That’s the best idea I ever heard,” he said, soft and honest. “But how long could yournephewreally live with you? How long’s the doorman gonna keep buying that story? You got your family’s reputation to keep.”
