Page 33 of Destroyer

"You are a good boy, Nico." He rarely gives praise; this is worthy of remembering.

"Sir. May I ask a question?"

"You may ask, Nico, but I do not promise to answer."

"Why are you surprised the Russians think Knox weak, when you always lie to him?" I don't need an answer, I know he doesn't have one to give me, but maybe Edward will pause for just a few seconds to think about what he is doing here. If he can't trust his son to handle the truth, why does he think anyone else should trust him?

"And the Romanians?" Edward changes the subject.

"Quiet as a mouse. But the Russians think something is - I think I've translated right - afoot. Something is afoot. If I translate that wrong, I am sorry."

"You did not."

I nod and wait for further instructions. The drive has taken us from Caeo's house across town to Edward's. When we pull up, his house is in darkness. Without a word, he climbs from the car and heads to his main gate.

Without waiting, I dive through the gap between the front seats and get comfortable beside the driver.

"Take me home, big bro. It is late keeping me out."

"When Edward said you would be playing both sides with me, I didn't think you could lie so well," Gregory replies.

"I have been lying to everyone since I come here. It is easier than speaking truth."

"Lying to all?" Gregory frowns. "Even Edward Thayer?"

"Mr Slayer has many strings to play. How he keeps up I do not know."

"He said you couldn't say Thayer. Is a th sound really too hard for you?"

"No sound exists in Romanian. But all think Slayer is cute so I not learn it."

"But back to lying to Edward?"

"You need to be careful whose side you are on. When all things come to light, you need to pick wisely your allegations."

"You mean allegiance?"

"This middle of the night not good for thinking foreign words."

"I am on the side of the first man who offered me a job when my father threw me out."

I know whose side he is on. I know whose side I am on. It just isn't the same side as all the people I now care about. Life was easy when I had no friends. Now I risk my actions being guided by the relationships I have formed rather than my loyalty to the family. The car falls silent as we head back across town to where I live.

Gregory pulls up outside Caeo's house and kills the engine.

"Nic, I've only been here a few weeks, but I have the feeling this family is about to tear itself apart. There is no point being on the winning side if it means you lose everything you love." His hand gives my thighs a squeeze before returning to the steering wheel.

"I know what I am doing," I inform him confidently, climbing from the car. "But not do I know why."

"Watch your back, Nic." Gregory waves as he drives off, leaving me alone to creep back inside.

Meeting Edward at all hours of the day and night is something I've always done. This is the first time it has ever felt wrong.

****

Waking in Caeo's bed brings a smile to my face.

"Did we…?" I roll over, finding myself alone in the bed. I don't normally sleep in, but it was an exceptionally busy night. This is the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. The mattress is firm, the covers are soft and light. If only I belonged in this bed.

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