Page 103 of The Pretender
“Infection. We were treating him and gave him signs to look for to make sure it wasn’t getting worse, but the infection spread without obvious signs. His wife noticed he had a fever and forced him to come to the ER, but it was too far gone.” Nantes exhales slowly. “It shouldn’t have gone like that. He was a healthy man with a deep cut on his abdomen. Anyway, we’ll see if the autopsy turns up anything else.” He lifts his head, forcing a smile to his lips. “Sorry to be grim.”
“It’s okay, Nantes. You can always talk to family. You know that, right?”
He half shrugs. “Dad isn’t very talkative, and Mom… She’s too sensitive. Besides…” He trails off as he gazes into the distance. “You might not know this, but Dad was pissed when I chose medical school over the family business. He wouldn’t pay a dime to help me, and every time I bring something up, he seems disinterested.”
“I didn’t know but I’m not surprised. He was mad at me too, and I’m sure Guil has gone through it too.”
“He has. Normally, parents are proud to have a doctor and a lawyer in the family, but not our dad. At least you came back. He must be stoked.”
“I wouldn’t know. He’s been pretty hands off, and he seems more relieved than happy. I think it was wearing on him.”
“Oh, it was. Never heard that from him, but Mom would tell us during the annual guilt trip.”
“I got it too. Every time I called.”
He nods. “Are you happy you came back or does it feel like… I don’t know, like captivity?”
“I’m happy I came back, Nan. I’ve been disconnected from the things that matter for a long time. I did what I set out to do in the big city and was left empty and unfulfilled. At least this is tangible, and it feels important. Sure, it might just be wine to most people, but it’s a legacy to our family. That’s worth fighting for.”
His expression softens. “I’m glad to hear it. I have to admit, we were all worried you would see what it would take to save this place and bail. No one would’ve blamed you.”
“Dad would have.”
He chuckles. “Probably true.” He pats my shoulder. “It’s good you’re back. We should hang out, get to know each other more.”
“I’d like that.”
After Nantes leaves, I walk over to Balt and crawl onto his lap. “That was interesting. I think that might be the longest conversation we’ve had in years.”
“It seemed like he needed to connect.”
“I agree. It must be stressful, and I can’t imagine what it feels like to have a patient pass. Gotta be devastating.”
“I would think so.” He rubs a circle on my chest with his palm. “Seeing you with your brother warms my heart. I’m hoping after all of this passes, I can have a better relationship with Lorelei.”
“I hope that too, but if not, you have my family.”
“It means a lot to me. I don’t take it for granted.”
“I know you don’t.” I grind into him slightly, waggling my eyebrows. “But feel free to show me your appreciation.”
“You’re horny right now?”
“I’m always horny for you.” I glance over my shoulder. “Want to be a little scandalous before Brogan comes back?”
Balt grins. “But we don’t know when that will be.”
“I know. Fun, right?”
His eyes heat as his grin morphs into a sexy smile. “Everything with you is fun.” Reaching between us, he flicks open the button on my jeans. “Now that you mention it, I could use a little snack.”
Balt lifts me effortlessly, sitting me on the edge of the desk while I shove the keyboard out of the way and he tugs my jeans open. I tangle my fingers in his hair as our mouths crash together in a heated kiss. After thinking I’d lost him for good, it feels amazing to have him in my arms again.
Balt’s lips move from my mouth to my neck, and as he nuzzles my skin, he whispers, “I’m so in love with you, Deo. Crazy about you.”
My stomach flutters and my cock swells even more. “I’m in love with you too. It’s wild. I’ve never felt this strongly before. I think I would do anything for you.”
He pulls back, gripping my chin and searching my eyes. “I know I would do anything for you. Anything at all.”
