Isaac blushed.
“That man of yours, the angry one with the killer behind his eyes, he’s crazy about you. You know that, right?”
Now, it was Isaac’s turn to give the man a guilty smile. “Yeah, I’m starting to realize that.”
The machine beside Isaac beeped, reminding the room that their patient was still alive.
“Do me a favor and take some advice from an old man,” Ares began.
“You’re hardly old,” Isaac argued, giving the man a raised eyebrow.
“Well, I’m twice your age, so that basically makes me an old man.” Ares chuckled, then grimaced at the pain.
His deep brown eyes carried with them such weight and wisdom. Isaac could only imagine the things this man had experienced over the years. Someone in Ares’s position would have suffered much but also gained a lot in experience and exposure.
“As I was saying, if you’re lucky enough to find love, no matter whom it’s with, grasp it and never let it go. Don’t hide your feelings, and above all, never hide who you are. I’ve lived many lives and conquered many battles, but the one battle that I truly lost was the battle for the heart of the person I cherish the most. Not a day goes by that I don’t regret the decisions I’ve made, the lies I’ve told, and the opportunities I’ve lost.”
The door to the bedroom crept open, and Matteo walked in slowly, carrying a tray with his back to them. He gave a slight jump when he spotted Isaac and Ares both staring at him.
“Oh, good. You’re not dead,” Matteo said, making his way into the room and resting the tray on the end table on the opposite side of the bed from Isaac.
Ares turned his head back to face Isaac. He gripped his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Remember the words of this crazy old man.”
Isaac nodded and gave his hand a gentle squeeze back. “I will.”
“What have I told you about taking advice from senile, old men? Especially ones who enjoy playing in the sewers,” Matteo lectured Isaac.
Isaac smiled. Watching these two go at it like old high school enemies was entertaining.
“You just couldn’t wait to get me back to your place and get me shirtless in bed, could you?” Ares asked, turning his focus to the man sitting at his left.
Matteo rolled his eyes. “Yes, because I have such a fetish for wrinkly skin and mounds of back hair.”
Isaac chuckled.
“Wait till you see what I got growing under these sheets,” Ares said with a pump of his eyelids.
“Isaac, go get me some of Diesel’s anti-fungal cream. It sounds like Ares’s rash is back again.”
This time, even Ares couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Are you ready to try eating some soup?” Matteo asked, helping Ares sit up in bed.
“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with this nice side of you. It feels weird and dirty,” Ares protested.
“Well, when you help me save my boys, I have to show you a bit of kindness. But don’t get too used to it. I still hate your fucking guts.”
Ares chuckled. “What do I get for saving your life?” Ares asked, his voice lower than expected.
Matteo went silent as he stared at the injured man buried underneath several expensive blankets.
Isaac felt like he was intruding on a private moment.
“You get my gratitude…” Matteo went silent again as he looked down at his hands. “And some of my mother’s famous minestrone soup.”
Isaac wasn’t sure if that was what Matteo really wanted to say, but the fact that he was being nice to Ares for once was definitely a good sign.
Ares smiled up at the man. “Well, then I’ll count myself among the lucky few who get to enjoy her recipe. I hear that she was quite the cook.”
