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"How do you enter in the mornings?"
"Through the East side." Rusty guides us around the corner and shows us another door. "The workers use this one. Part of my job is to prop it open every morning. We close it promptly at six thirty."
I nod. "And this takes the employees to the manufacturing floor?"
"Yes. They head straight in and change into their uniforms." Rusty clears his throat. "They wear scrubs, goggles, and face masks mostly. Hazmat suits sometimes."
"Didn’t you think that was suspicious when you worked here?" I can't help but ask.
Rusty shakes his head. "I was sixteen when I started. I didn't have a permanent residence because I was homeless. They paid me in cash every week, and I was happy with my paycheck. I went along with it."
"We appreciate this, Rusty." Gianluca and Constantine ask Rusty a few more questions and map out a plan of attack. "You’ve been indispensable."
Rusty looks at Gianluca. "Did I earn my college tuition?"
"You still have to let us into the building, cutie." Gianluca runs his finger across Rusty’s cheek. "But yes. You're on your way."
Rusty kisses Gianluca’s cheek. "Even if you're grumpy tonight, I still love you. You're the best Daddy."
"I love you too, sweet boy."
Gianluca heaves Rusty into his arms and heads to the black transport van we arrived in. Constantine and I follow, but before we step in, I pull him aside.
"I must speak to you for a second."
Constantine’s jaw ticks. "I hope nothing's wrong."
"It's about Wesley." I let out a breath. "I need your advice."
A troubled expression flits across Constantine's face. He double checks to make sure the van’s doors are closed, then turns back to me. "You'd better not be developing feelings for this boy. Gianluca will cut your head off."
"I know." Tucking my gun away, I stare into the darkness. "That's why I wanted to speak to you. It's wrong, but I can't help it."
"Do you like Wesley?"
I nod. "You know I've had problems with relationships in the past."
"Benedetto," Constantine warns.
I must go on. "My last boy broke up with me because of my weight. I haven't had luck in the dating department since. But the way Wesley looks at me… it's like I'm his fucking savior."
"This is bad."
"We cuddle and watch movies together and I feed him gummy treats. He’d make a perfect boy. He doesn’t seem to care about my weight. He calls me his teddy bear. I'm also sure he's a Little, too, if the way he behaved at Little Land was any indication. And the way he plays with Pickles is adorable. My ex-boyfriend never liked her. He pretended he did at first but it was only to manipulate me."
Constantine places his hand on my shoulder. "Wesley went through unimaginable trauma. You can't come onto him."
"I'm well aware." I crack my knuckles. "I'd be a monster to make a move. He's vulnerable and I'm the first man to treat him well in so long. That's why I'm staying away."
Constantine exhales a breath of air. "I tell you what. Give it a few weeks, at least until after our mission’s over. Then, if he still wants you, you can go for it."
"I'll enroll him in therapy." I remove the bullets from my gun. "I'll do everything a good Daddy does for his boy. I won’t take advantage of him while he's still weak."
Constantine squeezes my shoulder. "You're a good man. But if you're not careful, this will end in flames."
After I drop my brothers off and return to the Hamptons, I can't help but ponder Constantine’s words. It's a death trap to feel real things for Wesley. But just the thought of his sweet smile, and the things he said to me on the sofa make me feel funny inside.
You’d be no worse than Wesley’s captors if you made a move.
