She wound her fingers into his. “And that isn’t a lie.”
I think I just died. I think she just killed me.
Hugo smiled back at her, though she couldn’t see it. “Then I wish you both all the best in the world. I’m sorry I won’t be around to watch any more of it.”
“Do you know how long you have?” Nero reached for his coffee. He kept his other hand firmly in hers. He wouldn’t have moved it for the world.
“No. A year, maybe less. I’m taking the next train north to explain to Morten that he’ll need to find a new West Wind. I won’t have any part of it.”
“He’ll take your power when you tell him.”
“I know.” Hugo shrugged. “It might kill me. It might not. I don’t rightly care.”
“For what it’s worth, old friend…” Nero sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to see you go. I really do like you.” He paused and saw no harm in admitting it. Everyone in the room knew his story was a lie. “That’s why I took your name, all those years ago. You were the only one who welcomed me.”
“I appreciate that.” The other man smiled at him. “And I’m sorry to go. But it is what it is. I’ve done this to myself. I’m getting only what I deserve.” He placed his palms on the table. “But no more of my sad news.”
Nero was glad to change the topic. He lifted his hand, taking Hope’s with it, and kissed her fingers. He kept it innocent for Hugo’s sake. No reason to torment the poor dying bastard. “Do me a favor, Hugo?”
“Of course.”
“When you see Morten, spit in his face for me, will you? I know it’ll freeze once it touches him, and maybe it’ll take some skin off when he tries to remove it. Frozen bastard.”
Hugo chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do.”
The conversation trailed on. Hugo talked about the West Wind Dominion with Hope. She asked him questions. Nero wasn’t paying attention. He was too busy basking in the warmth he felt in his chest. And for once, it didn’t come from alcohol or drugs.
How novel.
Hope walked beside Nero in the park. He was still humming to himself, some aimless tune. That was, when he wasn’t being jerked around by the two giant dogs who decided they wanted to chase every squirrel they saw.
She laughed as he was yanked ahead on the path. He kept shouting orders at them, but the two big idiots wouldn’t listen to him.
“Brutus. Cassius. Heel.” She clicked her fingers. And a moment later, she had the two big dogs sitting at her feet, panting loudly.
“That’s not fair! They love you more than me. How’s that fair?” Nero sighed.
“I sneak them food. And they know who’s really in charge now.” She grinned playfully as she kissed the dogs’ heads as she ruffled their ears. “Good boys. Now, go gentle on Nero. Don’t pull his arm out of his socket. I need him in one piece.”
He kissed her shoulder. “I’m impressed you taught them to heel. I can never teach them anything.”
“You’re impatient and inconsistent.”
“And?”
She hummed thoughtfully as she took his hand and kept walking. “I bet I could fit one of their collars around your neck. I bet I could teach you to heel. You might like being on a leash, who knows. Might improve your manners.”
He laughed loudly and hugged her into his side. “Oh, Hope. Marry me. Will you? Please?” He nuzzled in close to her ear. “And I don’t need to borrow the dog’s leash. I have plenty. I bet you’d look beautiful in one too, darling. Careful. Anything you do to me is fair game.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” She acted tough, but the gravel in his voice that he got when he was threatening her always made her eager for more. “And anything you do to me will be done unto you.”
“I’ll remember that before I go shoving anything anywhere it shouldn’t go.” He snickered. “Will you marry me, though?”
“I don’t know yet, Nero. I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right. We’re only on day five.” He sighed blissfully. “We’re going to have a lot of fun together, you and I.”
“I think so.” She paused. “Nero, I’m enjoying my time with you. You make me happy. You make me smile and laugh in a way I never have. You don’t…treat me like I’m fragile. I can’t marry you yet, but I will say I’m happy we met. I’m happy you found me.”
“Are you happy I