Page 13 of Emeric

“I was asking if you have anything to add.”

When I glanced at Emeric, he had an eyebrow raised.

“I’m sure Sylvan has it covered. He knows this stuff better than me. I’m just the muscle if need be.”

“You’re more than that,” Sylvan said, his tone hardening.

“I was kidding.”

“No, you weren’t. You think that’s all you’re good for around here and with Jordan. That’s not true. You’re intelligent, kind, patient, a great teacher, and an amazing friend. I’m sure if I asked Sheldon, he’d back me up.”

“He has to say nice things about me. It’s in the best friend rule book.”

Sylvan nudged my shin with his foot under the table. “Stop doing that.”

As dramatically as I could muster, I rolled my eyes, channeling my best friend when I’d seen him do the same.

Emeric laughed softly. “I like this side of Oleander. It makes me appreciate the badass side even more. You’re hiding a lot of heart in there.”

“You know me better than you think you do.”

Instead of replying, he nodded. There was no doubt Emeric wouldn’t breathe a word of what I’d told him. It wasn’t a secret, though I didn’t like to talk about it often.

The memory of my daughter was enough to bring me to my knees, even after years had passed. It wasn’t something I’d ever get over.

“I think I have everything I need, Mr. Ellery,” Emeric said as he put his phone in his pocket. He’d been recording the conversation.

“Please call me Sylvan or Syl. All the guards do. I know you’re not one of them, but I’m fine with either name.”

“Okay. I’ll keep you posted about the progress. I don’t expect much trouble from him.”

“I really think he’ll contact an attorney.”

“He might, but I doubt they’ll give a shit about wild rabbits. I’ll reach out to him first in the hope that scares him off.”

Sylvan nodded. “Thank you for coming out here. I didn’t mean to interrupt your day. I needed to get ahead of this before he hired someone.” His hands on the table started moving, his fingers twisting together, a sure sign of his anxiety. I wanted to reach over and take his hands in mine, but I’d never done it before, even though I’d felt the urge to many times.

Emeric didn’t have the same hesitation. He slowly reached across the table, giving Sylvan time to pull back, which he didn’t, and gently laid his hand on Sylvan’s. His fingers stilled immediately. Emeric had done the same to me when I’d told him about my daughter. His touch had a calming effect. “You didn’t interrupt anything. I’m on Jordan’s payroll. Believe me when I say, he’s paying me nicely to handle this. Even if he wasn’t, I’d be happy to help you. You don’t deserve a neighbor like him.”

“Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”

“I can be at times. Others, I’m ruthless. You’ll never be on the bad side of me though.”

“How do you know?”

He smiled. “I can read people. Well, most people. You are a kind soul, Sylvan.”

“I can be at times.” He grinned, giving Emeric’s words back to him.

“Oh, I like this side of you.” Emeric gave Sylvan’s hand a squeeze before releasing it. How could he do that so easily when I wasn’t able to? I was sure it had to do with the level of desire I had for Sylvan, but if I wasn’t mistaken, I wasn’t the only one interested in the man in front of us.

“You should read some of the stories I write.”

“I’d like that.”

“Do you enjoy gay romance?” Not everyone did. Sylvan didn’t know Emeric was gay.

“I haven’t read them before, but seeing as how I only date men, I would be interested in the books. Do you write under your name or a pen name? I’ll look you up.”