Chapter 16: Chapter 16

“You live in Chicago?” Julio asked. He seemed to remember Etienne beside him every time he opened his eyes.

“I have a home in Highland Park and one here in Manhattan. Just like Alexei has one in Colorado and one here.”

“We’re going to be in Manhattan, right?” Chicago was too far away from his apartment and from sad experience, he needed an escape hatch. Alexei had paid the rent for a year. He’d paid for school and had two years of expenses in the checking account if he were frugal. He didn’t think Etienne would physically hurt or abuse him…but…he didn’t want there to be a but. Etienne calmed him and made him feel safe. He didn’t know why, but there it was

“Yes, I’m not going back to Chicago for another month or more depending on—”

Donal interrupted, “See, that works out perfectly. If you need to be with someone when Etienne goes, Alexei and I will be home, and you can stay with us.”