Page 23 of Siren in Love
“Hi, Peter,” Mike said.
Peter’s lips curved into a sculpted smile.“This must be your Corvin.Please, call me Peter.It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.Do come inside.”
“Yeah, same.Thanks.”
Corvin followed the invitation after Mike gave his back a slight shove.The house itself was mostly marble, full of oil canvases and expensive furniture, but what really held Corvin’s attention was Peter.Peter, who looked like something straight out of the wet dreams of his teen years, specifically during the most intense episodes of his manga phase.
“It seems you dressed for the occasion,” Peter said.
“What?”
“You’re wearing your cat sweater, honey,” Mike said, running a hand over Corvin’s back.
Corvin looked down at the black cat wearing a witch’s hat in front of a full moon.“Right.It’s festive.”
“Indeed,” Peter said.“It’s good to celebrate Halloween all month.I’m sure I have candy somewhere.”
“Oh, I shouldn’t.Mike’s making dinner, and I can’t ruin my appetite.”
Mike’s arm snaked around Corvin’s middle.“This might take a while.Don’t worry about dinner, okay?”
“One wonders what got loose out there,” Peter said.
He and Mike exchanged a quick look that Corvin almost missed.
Mike kissed Corvin’s cheek.“I should go back to the van, wait for traffic to get moving again.”
Peter nodded.“Corvin will be quite safe here.”
“Safe?Come on, it’s just a cat, and all the cars are probably freaking it out.”
“Thank you, Peter.”Mike pulled Corvin close.“You’re probably right, but indulge me.And keep warm, okay?”
Corvin nodded.“Sure.Honk the horn when traffic starts moving again, and I’ll come running out.”
Mike rolled his eyes.“Why don’t I just whistle?”
“Works too.”
All of a sudden, Corvin wanted to go back to the car with Mike instead of staying here with Peter, who hadn’t moved a muscle since he’d last spoken.He was statuesque, almost freaky in the way he remained still.Maybe he used to model.He definitely has the looks.
Mike turned toward the door, and before the urge to dash after him could overcome Corvin, Peter asked, “Would you like some tea?”The door closed behind Mike.“Or hot chocolate, if you prefer.I have a nice selection of both.”He gestured for Corvin to follow him.
“I’m actually fine, but thanks.I really don’t want to impose.”
“Impose?You’re not imposing.If you were in the way, I’d have told your lover to stash you elsewhere.Barring that, you’re welcome in my hall.”
“Hall?”
“House.Welcome in my house.I was busy with work in the basement.My mind goes elsewhere when a task absorbs me.”
“You…work in the basement?Aren’t you a lawyer?”
“I am, but I have hobbies.I was digitizing old VHS tapes.Does your library still have those?”
Corvin snorted.“Nope.Not for a decade or two.”
“Shame.”Peter turned around, his pale hair catching the fall light that drifted in from outside.“About the tea though.Please, allow me to serve you some.I very rarely get the chance to entertain.”
