Page 47 of He Who Sleeps

“That’s all horrible.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t even begin to understand how anyone could deal with that. Knowing you had parents and losing them. All I had were my three friends growing up. You did have the guys, though, right?”

"Yeah. That's why we're so close," he told her. "We were all we had."

“At least you had that.” Setting her food down, she scooted over and then snuggled into his side. “Where did you guys grow up? Here?”

"No, there's a compound out in the desert in Arizona where the US headquarters of The Order are based," he explained. "All the kids are raised and indoctrinated there. At least they believe in decent education. It's important to them that we succeed in life."

“You guys are all so diverse in what you do,” she agreed. “Any sisters?”

"I don't know," he admitted. "I think at least one of us had a sister, but they're taken away at birth. Only boys are raised at the compound and no one talks about the girls."

“Your moms gone early...no sisters...” She shook her head and sighed, snuggling into him deeper. “So why did you guys end up in Philly?”

"Well, we knew we wanted to stay together, but we have such a diverse group of jobs, like you said," he explained. "This is one of the few places where we can find good gallery space and the rest of us still find good employment opportunities."

“Oh, that makes sense. Easton’s work is so dynamic.”

"So is mine," he teased her gently. "I wouldn't find big baddies to take down just anywhere..."

“That is true. With Germantown and the Norther liberties with the amount of assholes...” She turned to him and smiled. “You know you are my hero.”

"I'm just doing what any decent man with a bit of skill and the right connections would do," he disagreed. "Animals are innocents. They don't deserve to be put through what the scum of the Earth put them through."

She nodded. “It’s why I work with the shelter. I wish I could have a pet here, even if it was just fostering. Do you guys have pets? Any of you?”

"I have a dog," he told her, his eyes lighting up. "And Easton has a parrot. You know, because they live for so fucking long..." He shook his head, amused. “Not sure about the others."

“A dog? What kind? What’s his name?” she asked excitedly. She filed the info of Easton’s parrot away for when she saw him next. “You have a picture?”

"Of course I have pictures." He looked at her like she was crazy. Who wouldn't have pictures of their dog? "He's a Great Dane called Brutus." He pulled his phone out and showed her some photos of a dog the size of an elephant with gorgeous steel grey fur.

“Oh my god, he’s beautiful!” she squealed, ripping his phone from his hand. “Carter, he’s amazing! Oh my god, look at that baby!” She giggled. “When can I meet him?!”

"I'll bring him around next time I come," he promised. "He usually comes to work with me, but I didn't bring him when I left the house this morning."

“I can’t wait to meet him. He’s the goodest boy,” she declared. They finished eating, and she took the plates and leftovers into the kitchen, then came back, sliding into his lap. “So what do you wanna do? I could call for dessert, or we could go out? Pie? Or...” she blushed. “Do you wanna hangout here and get naked? You know...Netflix and chill?”

He glanced at his watch and looked disappointed. "I should go home," he told her. "I have my team on standby for an op tonight. There's a new club in town and we've heard rumors they're cock-fighting. But raincheck? Next time I'll plan to stay as late as you want me."

She nodded. “I guess if you have to go and play hero... Still.” She pulled him to her and kissed him, nipping his bottom lip. “I guess I’ll be on the lookout for roosters tomorrow?”

"No, if they're there, then I already have a home set up for them outside the city," he assured her. "But I'm really glad we did this. It's important to me, you know, that you see me now as not just some guy behind a mask. Or some asshole that's all about fucking and fire. I'd really like for us to actually get to know each other."

“Me, too.” She nodded. “Dare I hope I can see you more often? Don’t get me wrong, I like our phone calls, but this...this is so nice. Spending time with you.”

"Sure." His smile was broad and then it faltered. "I..." He took a deep breath. "I can't tell you how important it is to me that you don't see the scars," he told her. "I never wanted to see you before because...well..." he gestured helplessly at his face. “Now that I know you don't care, I'll make a point of coming by."

“Why would I care? Carter, they might be on you, but...” she ran her fingers over them, “they don’t change anything. You are still sexy as hell, and your voice is shiver-inducing.” She winked.

"The world is a harsh judge," he told her. "You might be the sweetest thing in it."

“Fuck the world,” she said and kissed him again.

"Indeed," he murmured, kissing her back and then breaking it off, looking hot under the collar. "I have to go or I'll never leave," he laughed. "I'll see you soon. I promise."

She pouted. “Plan to stay the night.” She giggled. “I do make mean pancakes.”

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." With one last longing kiss, he tore himself away from her and headed for the door.