Page 8 of Siren in Love
Corvin, while looking about ready to faint, wasn’t going to be silenced though.“You have to sin before confession, Pineapple Mike.”He glanced at the server.“You’re leading him astray.”
Tim took that in his stride.“It’s what we do here.Peace be with you.And feel better.”
Mike nodded at the server.“Car’s here.We should go.”As quickly as he was able, he ushered Corvin past the server, away from all the staring eyes, and toward the exit.
Outside the door, with the music and lights behind them, Corvin sucked in the cool night air.“I’m really sorry I ruined your evening, Pineapple Mike.”
“I keep telling you to hush.Besides, you heard the man.We can come back to talk about our sins.”
“Are you talking dirty to me, Mike?”
Corvin, despite his voice being reasonably steady, was swaying, and Mike put an arm around his waist.
“If you have to ask, then no, I’m not.Do you maybe want to concentrate on staying upright instead of getting deeper into this innuendo?”
Corvin started shaking his head, but cut the movement short.“Nope.It’s the innuendo that’s keeping me upright.In that spirit, how’s your pineapple doing?”
“Do you mean my carrot?”
Mike could see their car ahead, and he raised his hand to wave at the driver.
“Carrot?You’re calling it a carrot?Then what’s getting you to confession, huh?Playing rabbit?”
“Oh, I don’t know.Bunnies are cute.You’re cute too.”
Corvin leaned against Mike’s side.“But carrots are pointy, Mike.Is yours pointy?”
Mike chuckled.“It wasn’t the last time I checked.”
“This might be the blood loss talking, but I think I should check for you.What if you hurt someone with that carrot of yours?I’d feel responsible.”
Mike leaned forward.Corvin kept his eyes mostly shut, completely trusting Mike to lead him.This human.No other.I want him.
“And how do you figure that?”
“Because, Mike, you and I went to church together.You might even say we went to churchtogethertogether.I feel I should handle your pointy bits.”
“You make a convincing argument, but we’re going to see a doctor first.”Mike tightened his hold when a cobblestone made Corvin stumble.
“You really don’t need to take me to the hospital.I’m sure it’ll stop bleeding soon.Maybe it already did?”
Mike rolled his eyes.“Does it feel like it stopped bleeding?”
“Uhm…”
“Exactly.”He looked at Corvin, who was focusing on the cobblestones at their feet, presumably in an attempt to keep vertical.His face was utterly pale and his lips bloodless.If he grows any more insistent about not seeing a doctor for this cut, I’ll use my song on him.I’ll hate myself afterward, but he’s hurt.“Look, I know I don’t need to take you, but I’m doing it anyway.Our Uber’s already here.Let me know if you feel lightheaded.”
“I feel lightheaded,” Corvin said, his voice faint as a high note from a reed flute.
“I got you.Lean on me.”Mike pulled Corvin closer.He ran his hand down to Corvin’s, feeling the clammy skin there.“I’ve got you, honey,” Mike hummed.“It’s going to be fine.”
“I am feeling fine…” Corvin’s voice resembled a wind chime moved by a breeze now; faint and fleeting.
The driver was already holding the door for them, and Mike helped Corvin inside.In a low whisper, well beyond human hearing, Mike repeated,“I’ve got you, Corvin.I’ve got you.”
7
Mike
