Kaden smiled. “You’ve always been real.”
“Not always.”
Kaden had no idea what he was talking about.
His benefit card was in the other envelope. “I want to go and buy something for you.”
“Don’t waste your money on me.”
“It’s not a big thing. Just a little thing. But I want to go now.” Jalis was so excited, he was practically bouncing.
“Okay. Fine. Tomorrow, we’ll get you a phone. I want to know that you can call me if you need help.”
Jalis pulled him into his arms and kissed him. “You are the kindest person I will ever meet.”
“I’ve sucked you into my evil lair. You’ll see the real me soon.” He waggled his eyebrows.
Jalis gave him a puzzled look. “But I’ve seen all of you.” He slipped his card and ID into his jacket pocket and hurried out.
Jalis needed a wallet too. He was funny sometimes, as though he didn’t quite get what Kaden was saying. Why couldn’t he tell him where he was from? What reason could there be not to?
He was working on the article about fossil hunting, when there was a knock at the door. That hadn’t taken him long. Someone must have let him in downstairs. Tomorrow, he’d get a key cut for him and remind him to avoid being seen by the landlord. Kaden hoped they’d get away with the single occupancy rule. He didn’t want to have to find somewhere else to live.
He pulled open the door and Harris pushed his way in, knocking Kaden back.
“What do you think you’re doing!” Kaden snapped.
“Me? What the hell do you thinkyou’redoing writing rubbish, making fun of me? I’ve been a laughing stock at work.”
Shit. I wouldn’t have done that.“I was—”
Harris backhanded him and Kaden stumbled, hitting his head on the chair as he fell to the floor. Fear trickled down his spine. “That hurt.”
“Don’t be so dramatic,” Harris snapped.
Kaden pushed to his feet, a rigid mass of fury. “Get out.”
“You’re not going to get away with it.”
“It’s published. It’s done. It was a fair article.” Kaden might have forgotten what he wrote, but he was sure it was fine.
“You were supposed to show it to me first.” Harris grabbed him by the neck and squeezed hard.
Kaden clawed at his hands. Harris’ hold tightened and Kaden felt his vision waver.
“Get the fuck off him!”
Kaden staggered back as Harris released him. Jalis stepped between him and Harris.
“Who the hell are you?” Harris demanded.
“Kaden’s boyfriend.”
Harris narrowed his eyes. “I saw you in the hospital.”
“Get out, Harris,” Kaden said. “I never want to see you again.”
“Likewise.” Harris turned as if he was going to leave, then pushed Jalis aside and slammed his fist into the side of Kaden’s head. Kaden dropped like a stone.
