Page 73 of Gluttony
He met her eyes. “About two years ago, we had no idea the Syndicate existed, and I was concentrating on the acting and the, um, other stuff. I didn’t want to fuck things up when I was so clearly wasted half the time, so hardly went out in battle gear to patrol the city. I still don’t go out much. They don’t really need me, I suppose.”
“Of course they need you. I have a hard time believing that you aren’t missed.”
He lifted a shoulder, but said nothing.
“Okay, so whatdoyou like?”
He tensed. “Don’t know.”
“So, start with what you do know. Do you like acting?”
“Are you always so pragmatic?”
“Yes. Now answer the question.”
“I love acting,” he said simply. “It used to be all I ever wanted.” He glanced down at his virtually flawless torso. “If you look at my brothers, they’re full of scars, but I worked so hard during training to not be marked. I knew then I wanted to be on screen, and it’s easier to get a role if you’re perfect. Acting meant I could pretend to be someone normal. It was fun.”
Parker had mentioned he believed Tony was the best fighter out of all of them. Bailey couldn’t believe it all stemmed from his silver screen dreams.
“Do you love it for the fame? Would you still be an actor if you weren’t famous?”
He thought about it. “I can’t say fame doesn’t have its perks, but I’d act anyway. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to choose my role because I wanted to, not because that’s where the money was.”
“Well, there’s your answer. Why not try theater?”
“I can’t.” He threw up his hands. “I can’t just not turn up because an emergency called me away. If there was a live show, there’s no backup.”
“That’s what understudies are for, right?”
He shrugged. “I guess. Absences are frowned on though.”
“My point is, there’s always another option. Even if you took some time off to figure that out, you know if you lost all your fans tomorrow, you’ll still enjoy acting. And if it gives you more time to help get rid of this nasty organization, then that’s okay, right?”
He grimaced. “I hate it when Parker is always right.”
“Correction,” she laughed. “I’malways right. Now, I should probably shower and head to work.”
“So... quickie?” He winked.
“Good Lord, boy. I’m still sore in places I never even knew I had.”
“That’s right, you’re sore. Max won’t expect you at work today.”
She rolled her eyes, but he was right. She did feel an underlying tiredness coating her delicious aches. A day off would be good. “Fine. Let’s stay in.”
He took her hand. “I’m already planning the perfect Netflix and chill marathon.”
Of course he would be, and it sounded ideal. She opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off by AIMI’s voice filtering through from the apartment.
“I hate to interrupt your moment,” she intoned with a hint of sarcasm.
Bailey lifted her brows at Tony, and his jaw dropped. Was that a jealous tone? Could AIMI truly like Tony? Was that even possible?
Tony’s eyes sparkled with humor. He pointed at the ceiling and mouthed, “She’s the stalker.”
“But a family meeting has been called in the communal apartment. Shall I tell them you will be there soon?”
“Thank you, AIMI. You’re a doll.” Tony lifted his gaze to the ceiling. He waited a beat then made an awkward face when she didn’t respond.
