“I don’t know!” My hand gestures quickened. Confusion had my nerve endings buzzing and my gut twisting, panic building in my chest. I dropped my head in my hands.
“Samael, you know me and Mom will love you no matter what, right?” he said aloud.
I didn’t look at him for a moment. I raised my head and signed, “I know.”
“If you’re trying to tell me you’re gay or bi or something else, I don’t care,” he signed.
I snorted and grinned at him. “Of course you don’t. If you’re all right with me killing people, pretty sure you’ll be fine with me being bi.” The words flew from my fingers.
“Is that what you are?” Dalton’s eyebrows furrowed. “Are you bi?” he signed.
I stared down at my hands and picked at one of my fingernails. Bisexual. It was the first time I’d thought about the word in depth and I hadn’t really considered it. Was I bisexual or gay? Women hadn’t done anything for me, but before Ezra, neither had men. “I don’t know.”
It was easier for Dalton. He had the classic appeal, with blond hair, blue eyes, and a cleft in his chin. His farm boy looks had people running toward him. My quietness kept them away from me. I’d even had a girl tell me I had a serial killer vibe before, but that was before I’d murdered anyone.
Dalton’s hands moved. “Tell me about this guy then. Where is he?”
“Shower. His name is Ezra. I don’t know his story, but he’s—” I hesitated. How did I explain him in a way Dalton would understand? Ezra was a lot of things. “—unique. He saw me kill them, and he wants to know more about my hobby.”
Dalton frowned at me, hands moving a mile a minute. “Be careful. We’re family, and I’ll always have your back, but you can’t trust strangers.”
I sent him a blank stare.
“I’m serious,” he said aloud, frowning. “What if he calls the cops?”
“I won’t.” Ezra’s voice startled me.
I jumped to my feet, bumping the table and dislodging my phone from its standing position as I did. Ezra smiled at me as he shifted closer, my pajama pants sitting low on his skinny hips. They were way too big on him but stayed on his waist, much to my surprise. He grabbed the phone and stared at the screen. “I’m Ezra and I’m not gonna run to the cops.”
Dalton pressed his lips in a tight line. “How can we trust you?”
“Because I haven’t yet. Who are you anyway?” He shot me a narrow-eyed glare and it surprised me into taking a step back. “Is this your boyfriend?”
“Why? You jealous?” Dalton cackled. “I’m Samael’s cousin, so don’t get your boxers in a twist. I’m Dalton.”
“I wasn’t,” Ezra said low, turning his glare on my cousin. “Samael saved my life.”
“Good. Remember that.” Dalton grinned at me over Ezra’s shoulder. His hands moved fast. “I like him. He’s got fire.”
“I know,” I signed.
Ezra frowned between us, and I smiled reassuringly at him.
“Do I want to know what you just said?” he asked.
I laughed and shook my head.
“I’ll talk to you later, Sam. Don’t do anything that I wouldn’t.” Dalton singsonged the last part before he saluted Ezra. “Nice to meet you. You hurt my cousin, he’ll be the least of your worries. Adios.”
The video call ended, leaving us in an uncomfortable silence. I opened my mouth, then closed it again. I wasn’t sure how to explain what had happened to Ezra. The simple fact was that he’d caught me talking about him.
I grabbed my notepad.
It’s only five. Why are you wearing sleepwear?
He looked down at his naked chest and touched his stomach. My gaze followed the way his hand trailed up his belly and over his nipples. “It’s comfortable. Do you care?”
I didn’t, but a possessive part of me liked that he felt comfortable enough to wear pajamas at this time of the day.
