Page 64 of Coming Clean
The word was emphatic andit made Connor want to listen. If David used that tone in court, nowonder he was so successful.
“You’re right that I don’treally know you, but everything I do know, and the things Jeremyhas told me say you’re nothing like Silas. What you are isscared.”
Connor bristled. “Becareful.” Don’t start a fight. Jeremymight not forgive you for knocking David out.
“You’re scared to be whoyou really are.”
How could he argue withthat? Even if the words did make him want to hit something,preferably David. “I’m gay. I’m not going to decide I’m straightand leave him.”
David raised a brow. “Areyou sure?”
“I’ve never been with awoman and I never plan to be. I just…” Can’t disappoint the man who found me in that stinking, darkcave. The one who stopped the torture.
Don’t go there. Pleasedon’t go there. “I don’t have to justifymyself to you.”
“True, but if you forceJeremy to keep up the secret-lovers routine you’re going to hurthim. Not in the same way Silas did—I don’t think you’d bedeliberately cruel—but the result would still involve me picking upthe pieces.”
Connor wasn’t sure what hewould have said but Sabrina called out to them, interrupting him.It was a relief not to have to find an answer.
“There you are,” she saidwhen she saw them on the porch. “David, you’re not harassingConnor, are you? I told you I’d trust him with my life.”
“Yeah, I know,” Davidsaid.
Sabrina glanced at Connor.He gave her a half smile, trying to tell her he was okay. Shereturned the nod and focused back on David. “You still want a ridehome?”
“Sure. Youready?”
A ride home. Was that allit would be, or was Sabrina going to sleep with him?
“Sabrina.” Connor wanted totalk to her alone but he’d likely just set off more criticism fromDavid.
“Should I go help Jeremy inthe kitchen?” David asked, more perceptive than Connor thought he’dbe.
“What are you doing?”Connor asked after David had gone back inside.
Sabrina frowned. “TakingDavid home. Why?”
Connor shook his head.“That’s a terrible idea.”
“Look, if my brother hadhis way, I wouldn’t even speak to men. I don’t listen to him, andI’m not going to listen to you. I like David.”
Connor sighed. “Idon’t.”
“He’s protecting Jeremylike you’re trying to protect me.”
Connor hated that she wasright so he ignored it. “I promised your brother I’d look afteryou.”
“There’s a lot my brotherdoesn’t know, and that’s for the best in my case. For you two, thetime has come for a serious conversation.”
Connor shook his head. “Ican’t disappoint him.”
“You’re not adisappointment to anyone. If that asshole can’t see how lucky he isto have you for a friend, it’s his loss. For God’s sake, you savedhis life. That should give you some leeway.”
Her words confused Connor.“You mean he saved me.”
Surprise showed in hereyes. “That’s not how he tells it.”
What had Mario been tellingher? Mario wouldn’t have talked to her about the missionthat had gone straight to hell, would he? “I wascaptured and he rescued me.”
