Page 22 of The Pretender

“What do you normally wear?”

“Suits.”

“What about when you’re just hanging out at home?”

“Suits.”

Deo cocks his head. “Isn’t that uncomfortable?”

“I’m uncomfortable in this getup. I don’t think I’ve worn a hoodie since I was in my teens.”

“It’s definitely not fancy enough around here for a suit. We’ll put a shopping trip on the list for this week.”

“Thanks.”

He nods, glancing at me as he removes a couple of shirts from his luggage. “And you sleep naked?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you still going to during this… whatever it is?”

“Unless you find it offensive.”

Deo shakes his head. “Definitely not.”

“Good. I suggest you sleep however you’re most comfortable too.”

“Any suggestions on how we can entertain ourselves out here in the middle of nowhere?”

“I can think of a few things.” I reach for him, using my hand on his hip to guide him over between my legs. “I want to thank you again for letting me stay with you.”

Deo smiles, searching my eyes as he brushes his fingers along the edge of my jaw. “I’ve made worse decisions.”

Chuckling, I nod. “Me too.”

I release him and turn my attention to unpacking my own bag. I only took enough with me to get by for a few weeks, unsure how long I’d have to stay away to get things to calm down, so shopping is a necessity. Especially staying here. I’d stick out like a sore thumb in my expensive tailored suits.

Deo’s family seems nice enough, and accepting, but his comments about their nosiness play on repeat in my head. I don’t want to lie to them, but I almost have no choice. The lessthey know about my real life, the safer they are. I have to stay alert and make sure I can’t be traced here. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to Deo and his family.

After unpacking and getting settled, we sit on the couch in the living room as Deo digs through the bag of snacks his mom gave us.

“Apples, oranges, some granola bars. Chips. Any of that sound tempting?”

“I’ll take chips.”

Deo hands me a snack-size bag of potato chips while he munches on an apple.

“So if I know my mom, and I do, she’s probably planning some grand dinner and calling my brothers.”

“Fair. The prodigal son has returned.”

Deo snorts a laugh, shaking his head. “I guess.”

“How do you feel now? Better, I hope?”

“Better.” He bites his apple and chews thoughtfully for a moment. “But we haven’t dug into anything yet, so it’s hard to say what will happen next.”

“Maybe it won’t be so bad. They’re happy to see you.”