章節 34: Chapter 34

“What’s going on, Emil?” Makai asked gently, hoping not to spook him.

“I… I haven’t held anyone’s hand in months. A virtual stranger’s… not in years. More than five years.”

“Okay.” Makai waited with a weird fluttery feeling in his stomach as Emil gathered his words to speak again.

“I don’t know… I mean I haven’t even asked if you’re… into….” Emil looked so uncomfortable.

Makai decided to help him out. “Yes.”

Emil’s gaze snapped to his like a magnet. “Yes?”

“Uh-huh. It’s just….” He trailed off, then decided that Emil deserved the truth for his bravery. “I always thought I was straight because I was with a girl when I went into prison. And there….” A tremor traveled through his own body.

“Oh….” Emil squeezed his fingers, and Makai flashed him what he hoped was more of a smile and less of a grimace.