It wasn’t definitive and despite the fact he didn’t seem to be asking, there was a hesitation and question in the air after the statement.
“Get some rest,” Bodhi told him. “We have time. We don’t have to solve everything tonight.” Once Levi was upstairs and we were alone, Milo sat abruptly like someone cut his strings.
Ezra kissed the top of my head as I began to pull away. Pretty Boy needed me. I crossed the room to where he was and he dragged me into his lap. I even shared my coffee.
Bodhi brushed his knuckles down my cheek and Adam eventually descended the stairs. The five of us should probably go get some sleep. But none of us moved.
We’d found all of them. But there was still such a long road ahead of them—ahead of us.
Sleep proved elusive, by lunchtime, I’d given up and went down to order food. When the kids woke up, I had a number of different offerings and food for us as well.
“I’m going to the theater,” I said after I finished a croissant sandwich that tasted far better than it had any right to. I flicked a look toward Andrea who frowned at me. “I’d prefer it if you stayed here, and got some more rest.”
“But Em is performing?” She looked crestfallen.
“Tonight and tomorrow. If you’re feeling up for it tomorrow, I’ll totally sneak you in.” The Vandals had all said if we wanted to leave with the kids, they’d support it. But Em was here and doing this show because of us.
“Promise?” Andrea perked up.
“Yes,” I said, easily enough. “But take it easy today. Indulge me for a bit more?”
Her long huffed sigh made me smile. “Fine.” She elongated that word, but a smile hovered around the corners of her mouth. It didn’t quite touch her eyes, but I had other reasons for keeping her here.
Bodhi caught me while I was changing. “You’re not going alone.”
“I’m not,” I told him. “Even if you just dropped me off, I wouldn’t be there alone. The Vandals are there.”
“That’s fine. They can all keep an eye on PPG. I want one of us there with you.”
Putting on an earring, I turned to face him. I’d gone for something nice but also comfortable. I wouldn’t be in the audience. I’d be backstage with Em. Still, appearances had to be kept.
“You and Milo should both stay here. Your brothers are…”
“Difficult. They’ll be fine. That logic says Adam should also stay and while I trust Ezra’s heart to be in the right place, I worry about his skills.”
Ezra’s heart.
The heart damage was still an issue too.
I met Bodhi’s firm stare and smiled. “I would love it if you went with me.”
“I’ll give Milo the option. He may not want to deal with his brother. But if he wants to stay. I’ll go.”
“I’ll enjoy whomever’s company is with me.” I could hardly fault them for being overprotective. Margareta hadn’t called with any news on Juraj Vedriš and he was one of the sponsoring hosts.
Another reason I wanted to be there with Em.
“Thank you for indulging me,” Bodhi said, cupping my face and I tilted my head back to meet his gaze. The gentle stroke of his thumbs soothed some of the worry invading my whole being.
“Any time I can,” I promised. “Any time I can.”
As it turned out, Milo wanted to stay with Theo even though the kid was making a point of ignoring him. I really couldn’t fathom what was going on in his head.
“Besides, if I go, I would want him to see Ivy perform. I don’t think he’s ready for that.” Translation, Milo wasn’t ready for Theo to give Em that attitude.
“Well, you could always put the boys in charge of him. I’m sure they’d handle that attitude.” I was only partially joking, but Milo chuckled.
“Something to keep in our back pockets.” He kissed me. “Be safe tonight, please.”
I didn’t scold him for worrying. I was armed. I would be surrounded by allies and I would also be doing my part to look after Em. Adam pulled me in for a hug.
With his lips pressed to my ear, he said, “Andrea’s still holding a lot back, isn’t she?”
“Yes, we need to give her time.” When he leaned back a little, I smiled and rubbed my hand against the center of his chest. “She’s off center. We need to let her get her balance back. But we won’t let her flounder.”
He nodded, dropped a kiss on my lips and then released me to Ezra who just wrapped me up from behind. “I’ll look after them all,” he whispered against my ear. “Be responsible and adult-like.”
I grinned. “Don’t pull anything.”
“Ha.” He bit my earlobe, just enough to leave a sting. “Come back in one piece, please. No bruises.”
“Do my best.” One more kiss and then Bodhi and I were at the door. I didn’t miss the gawping look Andrea wore as she stared at all of us or the narrow-eyed speculation on the boys’ faces.
Right. Not a conversation I was going to have right now.
Maybe not ever.
