Page 92 of Protecting his Heart

“Well, if you’re sure. I don’t mind heading out if I need to.”

Evan climbed from the bed, his ass making its presence known, and wrapped his arms around him. “I know. You got on well at your birthday party, so I’m sure he’ll feel comfortable around us both.” He dropped a kiss on his lips and pulled back. “I’m going for a shower.”

“Why not have a bath? Soak for a while. I can bring you some breakfast.”

Evan grinned. “Reminds me of not so long ago when you did the same thing.”

Owen swallowed hard. “I like doing things like that for you,” he murmured. “Makes me feel useful.”

“Youareuseful. And not just useful, you’re vital. Don’t ever forget that.” And Evan would try to remind him every chance he got.

Owen smiled and left the room while Evan contemplated the need to soak his muscles. The bath won. An hour later, after topping up the water several times to heat it and eating some breakfast, he headed to the living room when he heard Owen curse. The man sat on the sofa, glued to the TV screen.

“—arrested on counts of withholding evidence, aiding a kidnapper and child endangerment. Dr Wallis has no comment at this time.”

“That was a report from Malachi Sanders.”

“What’s that about?” Though he had a feeling.

“Edward’s been arrested for being part of the cause of the house explosion.” Owen grimaced. “I can’t believe the police are doing this to him, knowing what he’s been through.”

Evan settled beside him. “Can those hold? The withholding evidence and stuff?”

Owen shrugged. “I have no idea. Withholding evidence, possibly. Aiding a kidnapper, I wouldn’t say so. As for child endangerment, that’s just ridiculous. He wasn’t putting his daughter in danger, he was making sure she survived.” He shook his head. “They just want someone to blame so the media will stop hounding them about not having the criminal responsible.”

“That’s not fair.”

They watched the news on and off during the day, spending their time lounging around and generally resting up before they were back to work the next day. Matteo turned up at four o’clock, and Owen shoved a bottle of beer into his hands the moment he sat down, which he proceeded to down in one go, so Owen gave him another one.

“How are you?” Evan asked.

Matteo huffed a laugh. “Well, the man I’ve been crushing on not only put my friends in danger, but he’s been arrested for being part of it. How do you think I am?”

“He won’t be charged, I’m sure of it,” Owen said.

A dim flare of hope shone in Matteo’s eyes. “Really?”

Owen nodded, explaining the same things they’d talked about during the day. There was only certain information they could share with him about the investigation because they knew it was about Owen and not so much Edward, but few others knew it. They couldn’t take the chance until they had more information.

Owen stood. “I’m going to make dinner. Shout me if you need anything.” He leaned down and kissed Evan before leaving.

“You two are so good together,” Matteo said, his eyes sad again.

Evan reached for him, clasping their hands together. “If you and Edward are meant to be, you will be. I believe that with all my heart. Don’t give up on him if you truly feel something for him. He made a mistake, but he’s human. Don’t let this one thing tarnish what might be.”

Matteo gave a watery laugh. “When did you get all sentimental?”

Evan snorted and sat back. “No idea. I blame him.” He nodded towards the kitchen.

“I heard that!” Owen shouted.

“You were meant to!” Evan called back.

Matteo sighed. “Can we watch something mind-numbing tonight? Something I don’t have to think about.”

“Sure. Anything in particular?”

Matteo shook his head. “Anything.”

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