Page 66 of Wicked Games
“It’s complicated right now.”
“Ugh. I hate that Facebook status,” she teased. “You’re a grown man, and I won’t pry, even though it’s killing me. It’s enough for me to know you’re happy.”
“Thanks, Mom. I do hope to introduce him to you and Dad very soon.” I didn’t say reintroduce because she’d never met the man I love. She’d heard of Sebastian, met Christian, but she’d never had the pleasure of knowing my Lucien.
“You’re not just happy; you’re in love.”
“I am.”
“Whoa. I wasn’t aware you were even seeing someone.”
“Well, this is…”
“Say no more,” she said suddenly. “You told me you’re not able to discuss it right now, and I’m going to honor that. Besides, I want to talk about this in person.”
I groaned. “Please don’t plan a dinner party or anything. I just want my guy to meet my parents and sister in a relaxed environment without feeling like he’s on display.”
“Fair enough. I love you, Ryder. I don’t say it enough.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
We chatted a while longer about other things going on in our lives, and I assured her I’d give my job at the museum a lot of consideration. After we hung up, I went in search of Percy and Dev. They were easy to spot relaxing by the pool, although relaxing was a relative term. Percy was straddling Dev’s lap, and they were locked at the lips. Either Percy was completely naked, or his swimming trunks were so tiny they were hiding beneath the large hands gripping his ass. I could see the fellas had found a way to entertain themselves while waiting for me. I was glad to have their company but seeing them cuddling reminded me of who I was missing.
I followed the sound of happy humming to the kitchen where Manuela stood at the sink washing dishes. “Can I give you a hand?”
“Oh!” she exclaimed then pivoted around, clutching a hand over her chest. I felt like the worst kind of human being for startling her. “Don’t feel bad,” she said, reading my expression. “I’m the world’s jumpiest person. I should probably have the distinct honor put on a shirt or coffee cup.”
“I’m still sorry. Why don’t you let me make it up to you by allowing me to help?”
“You’re a guest here, Ryder. I could never ask you to do dishes.”
“You didn’t ask; I offered.”
Manuela nodded her head to acknowledge my point. “You can dry.” She removed the towel slung over her shoulder and handed it to me. I began drying the dishes and putting them up where she directed me. “Carmen has provided me with the best of everything, but sometimes I still like to wash the dishes by hand. Sometimes the hot water helps me think, and sometimes it helps me relax.”
“I bet Carmen would prefer you used the hot tub to relax instead of scrubbing dishes.”
“You’re coming to understand my daughter well,” she said, smiling serenely.
“She’s an incredible woman, Manuela. You’ve done a remarkable job raising her.”
“Not always,” she said. “We had some major battles during her teen years, but it was the foundation of who she is today: fierce, loyal, and a justice fighter. I couldn’t be prouder of her. I ask myself where she gets her determination.”
“Really?” I asked. “You don’t just look in the mirror and recognize the same drive inside you?” I again wondered about her journey and hoped someday she might trust me enough to tell me.
Manuela’s cheeks turned pink, and I felt horrible for bringing up her tragic past even in a roundabout way. She was a fucking survivor, and she raised one hell of a warrior. She needed to take credit where it was due. “Yes, I can see the similarities in our personalities. You know, I regretted telling her the truth about her conception for so long, but it made us both stronger. I hope she doesn’t end up paying the price. I cannot lose my girl.”
I wrapped my arm around Manuela and pulled her into a hug. “She and Lucky are going to kick that bastard’s ass for all the malevolent acts he’s committed. Then we’re all going to live happy lives free of his shadow. I’m not a betting man, but if I was, there’s no way in hell I’d bet against Carmen and Lucky.”
“Thank you, cariño. I know you’re right, but I still worry about her. I’m glad she has Lucky.”
“They’ll make a dynamic duo for sure.”
Once we finished tidying the kitchen, I kissed her cheek and decided to head to my room. The sheets would still smell like Lucky, and I could find something to entertain myself on the laptop Carmen provided to me. I spotted Günter and Hans lying in their beds in the great room, looking sad.
“Günter, Hans,” I said firmly. They lifted their heads, looking suddenly alert. “Hier,” I said then headed to my bedroom. I wasn’t sure they would obey me, but I heard the clicking of their toenails on the tile as they rose from their beds and followed me. I sat on the bed and patted the space beside me. “Hier.” They tilted their heads to the side. “Hier,” I repeated, patting the bed again. The shepherds jumped on the bed and immediately made themselves comfortable up on my pillow. It was fine with me because I preferred to use Lucky’s so I could breathe in his scent.
I rested my head on the pillow beside the gorgeous dogs then decided it was the perfect situation for a selfie. I grabbed the phone Carmen gave me and snapped a picture. I sent it to Lucien’s secure phone with a message that read:No one can replace you, but these guys are giving it their best shot. Be safe. Hurry back. Love you.