7. Chapter 7 #3
“I’m completely not joking. It just kind of happened? He’s been sooo thoughtful from our first meeting, and I don’t annoy him, which is huge for me. So I asked him out and he said yes.”
“Milo, I keep telling you that you’re not annoying. You’ve just been surrounded by jerks most of your life.”
“You might be right, but anyway, Rowan and I decided to start dating the first day we met. The sex is scorching, I have burns from it, and he’s so, so sweet. Just incredibly thoughtful, and kind, and even knowing I can handle myself, he’s protective.”
Ray let out a little huh, curiosity taking over the doubts. “Example of him being thoughtful?”
“He realized my jacket wasn’t really up to the weather of the north, so when we were about halfway here, he bought me a cloak, hat, and gloves. I didn’t even hint for those, mind you, he just saw errant shivers and got me what I needed.”
Ray made a sad noise. “You lucky bitch. I want a boyfriend like him.”
“You gotta stop dating assholes first.”
“I’m trying!”
“Try harder.”
“Fuck off.”
Milo laughed and kept going. “Right now, he’s moved me into his room. Told me flat out he didn’t want to sleep away from me and moved furniture in here so I had places to put my things. He’s even a good cook! Fed me the whole way here.”
Ray’s dark green eyes narrowed. “He got a brother?”
“He does! Just as handsome, too. Don’t you want to come up here and visit me?”
“You’re making a very compelling case.” Ray rolled his eyes expressively. “Especially since Andrew was here last night.”
“Again?!”
“Looking for you, yeah.” Ray sighed, the sound relaying just how absolutely done he was with this whole drama.
“I told him you’d been stationed way up north and weren’t going to be back before the end of the year.
Then—get this—this asshole with a mouth tried propositioning me. Does he really think I’m that stupid?”
“I don’t know if he thinks. Like, at all.”
“It would explain much. Can’t believe we both dated that scum muffin. Anyway, he did leave, but he was all butthurt and throwing out insults, saying he liked you better anyway.”
“That’s not a compliment I’m interested in accepting.”
“I’d turn it down for sure. Your boyfriend is captain of the guard, you said? Meaning he’s strong, right?”
“Super duper strong. Why?”
“I got the feeling Andrew might chase after you.” Ray winced saying this.
Milo’s eyes crossed at the mental picture of his ex actually doing the multiday slog to get up here. “Wha—no! Why?”
“Like I said, he’s really obsessed with you. I realize he was cheating on you the whole time, but I think you were the longest lasting relationship he’s had. He messed up by getting caught, and he wants you back.”
“I think this is more like a spoiled child not getting the toy back that he’d already given away. Andrew might regret his choice, but I certainly don’t. Also, I broke up with him, so I don’t know why he thinks he can have me back at the snap of his fingers.”
“A good question, for sure.”
Milo had a suspicion. Andrew was similar to him—an only child and also the only grandchild.
He’d been spoiled rotten from the day he was born, and it showed in moments like now.
Andrew honestly believed that if he wanted it, he should have it.
During their relationship, he always got upset and perplexed the few times Milo pushed back with a strong no.
“Well, if he comes by again to hassle you, tell him I found a much better man, and I wouldn’t take him back even if my life depended on it. But also tell him his life depends on giving up on me. Rowan will absolutely string him up by the toes and gut him like a fish if he pushes this.”
A slow grin stole over Ray’s face. “What if I don’t tell him? So Rowan can do just that?”
“Don’t fucking tempt me. Anyway. Just calling to check in. Anything else happen the last few days?”
“No, that was the most exciting part of the week. Fortunately.” Ray made a happy face. “I visited Ethel last night and had dinner with her. She’s doing fine.”
Milo’s mood brightened at the mention of Ethel. “Thanks for checking in with her.”
“Sure. She’s free entertainment, and it’s always a fun meal when I eat with her. How is it up there? You mentioned the ward was bad.”
Goodbye, good mood. “Super, super bad. But I can redo this, just takes time. I’m seriously going to report those mages, though. It should never have gotten this bad.”
“Do it. I’m not a mage and can’t speak for particulars, but there’s no excuse for not doing your job right.”
“Absolutely agreed. I’ll let you go for now, but chat later?”
“Yeah, sounds good. Bye, hun.”
Milo ended the call, thought about his to-do list, then went looking for pen and paper. He might as well write the report now. He knew enough to give a blistering account. The idea that Rowan or his family could have gotten hurt because of gross negligence was just gah. No. Not okay.
And it wouldn’t happen again. Not on his watch.
Notes:
AJ: Rowan, I get this feeling you’re swooning because of how determined Milo is to protect your family.
Rowan: I don’t swoon.
AJ: Then what’s that softy, silly smile about?
Rowan: *glares*
AJ: My bad, shouldn’t have asked.