Page 10 of Honey Heat (Sin & Steel #9)

The drive back to his house was mostly silent. Ethan stared out the window, clutching the backpack his father had given him like it contained the last remnants of his family connection.

Lucio kept stealing glances at his mate, taking in the tight line of his jaw, the way his eyes tracked the passing scenery without really seeing it.

“You okay, osito ?” he asked, reaching across to squeeze Ethan’s knee gently.

“Not really,” Ethan finally said as they pulled into Lucio’s driveway. The modest single-story home with its dark blue trim and well-kept yard sat nestled among tall pines, the afternoon sun dappling through branches onto the weathered porch. “He’s never walked away like that before.”

Lucio killed the engine, turning to face his mate. “He’ll be back, osito . He’s just processing.”

“Processing what? That I’m not a child anymore?” Ethan’s voice cracked slightly. “That I found my mate without his permission?”

“That he has to share you now.” Lucio reached out, brushing his thumb across Ethan’s cheek. “It’s not easy for parents to let go.”

Ethan leaned into the touch, his eyes closing briefly. “I know he’s overprotective, but this...”

“Come on.” Lucio squeezed his mate’s hand gently. “Let’s get you inside and settled. It’s not much, but there’s plenty of room for both of us.”

Before Ethan could protest, Lucio was out of the truck and around to the passenger side, opening the door and carefully helping his mate down.

“I can manage,” Ethan insisted, though he leaned heavily against Lucio’s side.

“Humor me.” Lucio offered his arm for support. After a moment’s hesitation, Ethan accepted the help, leaning against him as they walked to the front door.

Inside, the house was clean but lived-in. The living room featured a comfortable sectional facing a TV, which was mounted on the wall, with a coffee table littered with computer parts and tools. Books filled the shelves along one wall, while framed photos sat on the mantel above a small fireplace.

“Make yourself at home,” Lucio said. “Bathroom’s down the hall on the right if you need it. Bedroom’s next to it. Kitchen's through there.”

He pointed to an archway, where Ethan saw modern appliances but nothing fancy.

Ethan sat on the couch, fidgeting with the zipper of his backpack. He glanced up, meeting Lucio’s eyes. “Thank you. For everything.”

“ De nada, carino .” Lucio sat beside him. “I know this isn’t how you expected things to go with your dad.”

“That’s an understatement.” Ethan’s laugh held no humor. “I’ve never seen him just... leave like that.”

“He’ll be back,” Lucio assured him, though he wasn’t entirely certain. “He just needs time.”

Ethan set the backpack aside and was staring at a framed photo on the end table. It showed a younger Lucio with his arm around a smiling teenage girl.

“Your sister?” Ethan asked quietly.

Lucio nodded, setting the glass of water and pills on the coffee table. “Kayla. That was taken about a month before the accident.”

“She was beautiful.” Ethan’s eyes were soft with compassion. “You look happy together.”

“We were.” Lucio sat on the edge of the couch, careful not to jostle his mate. “She was smart. Funny. Could kick my ass at video games and never let me forget it.”

Ethan smiled. “She sounds amazing.”

“She would have liked you.” A lump formed in Lucio’s throat. He would’ve given anything to introduce his mate to Kayla. While their parents weren’t the best, his sister had been. After she died, his dad tried to put the blame on Lucio’s shoulders, saying he should’ve kept a better eye on her.

“Hungry?” He cleared his throat, needing to change the subject before he started crying on the fucking couch.

“Starving,” Ethan replied. “Clinic food gets old fast.”