"Mom used to say it," he said. "Usually right before you and I got a beating for something or other."
My smile faded. "I can't remember that."
"I suspect there's a lot you can't remember, Riley."
He was probably right. That time of my life was not a place where I wanted to linger. "I remember the bad stuff."
"Which just goes to show how screwed our definitions of bad are. There weren't many good times, you know."
"I know." I scrubbed a hand across my eyes, and fought the myriad of images that battered at the blocks I'd placed in their path years ago.
"Which is why I can't understand you helping him."
"I'm not. I'm helping Mother."
"I doubt he'd actually - "
"I don't. I think he's capable of any sort of violence imaginable." Especially if it meant getting what he wanted.
He sighed. "So, are you coming home?"
"If you and Liander don't mind me leaving a few days early."
"Mind? We were taking bets on it." I could almost see his grin coming down the line. "I win, by the way. I said the guilt of letting us down would keep you there until the last week."
"So what did you win?"
"A one night free pass to go anywhere and do anyone."
"You do that anyway."
"Hey," he said, sounding highly offended. "I've been a very good wolf since we had our discussion four weeks ago. I've only had one lover, and that was work related."
So why did he feel the need to break free now? If he was happy with Liander - and I knew he was - why fuck that up by dancing with other wolves? Especially since he'd agreed not to outside of work? "Why did Liander even agree to this bet?"
"Because he was sure you'd miss Kellen so much you'd be following him home two days after he left."
"Well, I do miss him."
"Maybe, but the telling point is, you haven't even contacted him."
"Because he wasn't home. He's been off on some business trip again."
"He has a cell phone, Riley."
"Oh, just shut up and stop nagging me," I said, more than a little crossly.
He chuckled. "Want me to meet you at the airport?"
"Someone had better. I can't afford a taxi after all the chocolate I've eaten on this trip."
"Text me the details and I'll be there."
"Will do, bro."
I hung up. The thought of going home had my hormones dancing, and I couldn't help the great big grin that plastered itself on my lips.
Still, before I packed, I headed down to reception and checked if Jim had left me a message. He had, and it was the answer I'd been expecting. No one remembered a man matching the description I'd given him.