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I considered my response, knowing brushing it off was insulting. "I think we're all products of our upbringing," I said. "My biggest shame was watching my dad work seven days a week and barely making a living and not wanting that for myself." My laugh didn't contain humor. "I had my head full of being a hero, but for totally the wrong reasons. I've asked myself a million times, if I hadn't joined the army maybe Dad would still be alive."
Matty reached his hand out across the table and snagged mine.
I changed the subject a little. Made it lighter, telling Matty some funny stories of pranks and how the army had made me grow up. And all the while he never let go of my hand.
After we'd cleared the dishes, Matty hesitated in the kitchen doorway. "I should probably call Ricky, let him know I'm okay. He's been texting."
"Good idea," I agreed, noting how he seemed uncertain about claiming space. "You can use the living room. I've got some calls to make too."
He nodded and headed for the couch, already pulling out his phone. I retreated to my bedroom to give him privacy, using the time to update Jono on our bank plans and request additional security.
When I returned to the living room twenty minutes later, I found Matty curled in the corner of the couch, his expression troubled.
"Everything okay with Ricky?" I asked, taking a seat at the opposite end.
"Yeah, he's fine. Worried about me." Matty picked at a loose thread on the cushion. "He wants to come visit tomorrow, but I told him it wasn't safe yet."
I nodded. "Probably smart for now. I'm sorry you're so isolated."
Matty glanced at me, then away. "He asked about us. If we were... you know. Real."
"What did you tell him?" I asked carefully.
"That I didn't know yet." He looked up, his eyes uncertain. "Is that okay?"
"Of course," I assured him. "You don't owe anyone explanations about us, not even me."
He seemed to relax slightly at that. "He says Chris would like you to call him. If there's anything he can do to help."
I nodded seriously. When Digger had looked into Rent-A-Daddy he'd found the security business and that they were ex-military. It was a good idea. We sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, the day's revelations and emotional roller coaster catching up with us. I noticed Matty stifling a yawn.
"Tired?" I asked.
He nodded reluctantly. "It's been... a lot."
"Why don't you get an early night," I suggested. "At least there's two bedrooms so I won't wake you with my snoring."
Matty sent me such a wounded look I knew immediately I’d screwed up.
“Scratch that,” I said immediately. “You’re mine. We sleep together.” I caught the small, pleased smile on his face just before I stood and tugged him up. His hand stayed in mine as we went into the bathroom.
Chapter fifteen
Novo
I woke up tothe harsh sound of my phone ringing. Beside me, Matty stirred but didn't wake, his breathing still deep and even. I fumbled for the device, squinting at the screen: Cruise.
"Yeah?" I answered, keeping my voice low as I carefully extracted myself from Matty's warmth.
"Bear, the Glitter Bomb's on fire," Cruise said without preamble, his voice tight with tension. "Started about thirty minutes ago. Fire department's on scene, but it's bad."
I was instantly alert, moving to the closet to grab clothes. "Anyone hurt?"
"Three dancers with smoke inhalation; they're on their way to County General. Place was closed, thank fuck, but the night security guy's got some burns. Nothing life-threatening, but the building is destroyed."
"I'm on my way," I said, pulling on jeans with one hand. "Call Jono if you haven't already."
"Already done. He's heading there now."