But no. That had beencrazy talk, apparently. Arthur wasn’t Rory’s lifeline, or his anchor, or anything particularly special at all, and he needed to get over it. He had no business trapping a twenty-year-old into anything more serious anyway.
“I can’t believe you started that shameless display in the shower.”
“You’re the one who finished it in the bed.”
Arthur’s hands slipped and he cursed as he pulled his tie too tight. “Jade will be here soon,” he said, before they could continue that distracting subject. “I can loan you something to wear.”
“I got yesterday’s clothes.”
“You need something clean. You were literally lying in the streets of New York in your old clothes.” Arthur bent to open a drawer. “And not all of your shirt buttons survived.”
Rory scrunched his nose. “I had all my buttons when I got off the street.”
“But not after I got my hands on you.”
Oh, Rory’s mouth formed. “Give me your rattiest stuff then.”
“You’re getting mysmalleststuff.” All of which would still be too big, but that couldn’t be helped. Arthur tossed the stack of clothes on the bed next to Rory—who caught his tie and tugged. Confused, Arthur let himself be pulled down—
And then Rory kissed him.
Arthur caught his breath. “We don’t have time for another round,” he protested into the kiss, but he was already weakening—
“Nah.” Rory pulled back, his soft smile on his lips again. “I’m not trying to get you back in bed,luce dei miei occhi. I just wanna kiss you.”
“Oh.” Arthur ruthlessly stamped the rising soft feelings down.Crazy talk, Ace. Rory said his words were crazy talk. You got to be his first—it doesn’t mean he wants you as his last.Focus on the job. On keeping him safe.
He forced a smile. “Big night tonight. You should get dressed,” he said, and made himself walk away.
By the time Rory made it out of the bedroom, Jade had arrived and was standing by the front door in her coat.
“It could work,” she was saying, looking very serious. “It wouldn’t be my first choice—or even my third—but if I have to—”
Rory’s foot made a noise on the hardwoods and both of them looked his way. He’d done the best he could with his suspenders and rolling up the sleeves of Arthur’s giant shirt, but he must still have looked ridiculous because Arthur immediately ripped his gaze away and muttered, “Oh, I was not prepared for that.”
“The clothes wereyouridea,” Rory said defensively. “So you can deal with me looking stupid ’cause I’m not changing—”
“I never saidstupid.” Arthur glanced back at Rory, then quickly looked away again with a curse.
Jade was smiling. “Oh, that is precious. I see why you’re a wreck.”
Too late, Rory realized what it looked like, him coming out of Arthur’s bedroom in Arthur’s clothes. And to be fair, itwasexactly what it looked like, but he wrapped his arms around himself self-consciously and said, “Ace’s just being nice, loaning me some clean clothes—”
“How sweet are you, trying to protect him,” said Jade. “But it’s all right, I know Ace likes men.”
She knew? Rory hugged himself tighter. “You’re not gonna tell anyone?”
She gave him a look that was both exasperated and fond. “Areyouplanning to tell anyone you know a telekinetic bootlegger?”
Rory bit back a smile and shook his head.
“And now he’s almostsmiling.” Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re right, Iama wreck.”
“And it’s wonderful.” Jade reached into her suit jacket and withdrew a silver cigarette case. “Here’s your case. Stella still had this from that pianist in Paris. But you remember that Gwen can see magic through objects, don’t you? This will hide Pavel’s potions from her aura-sight about as well as your briefcase lock hid the ring from Rory’s psychometry.”
“I remember.” Arthur took the case. “And I’m going to have it modified.”
“What do the alchemist’s potions do?” Rory asked curiously.
