Rory went slightly pink, but he only blinked long lashes. “What chocolates?”

Arthur narrowed his eyes. “The French chocolates from Montreal that were hidden in my trunk.”

“Oh those,” Rory said innocently. “No, I didn’t borrow those, you said those were mine.”

Arthur deliberately slid his hand lower, cupping Rory’s ass and drawing an eager shudder. “Those were supposed to be a surprise.”

“I was supposed to be surprised when you told me about them in the cab last night?” Rory shifted closer, his cheeks darker and his eyes bright.

“And I’m certain that trunk was locked.”

“With a combination lock, Ace, you might as well have made a sign that said Teddy, help yourself.”

“You absolute shit.” Arthur bent to lightly bite at Rory’s neck. “You do realize it’s not too late for a birthday spanking.”

Rory took an audible breath as goose bumps broke out under Arthur’s teeth. “You offering?”

“I’m threatening.”

Rory squirmed helplessly against him, sending anticipation ricocheting through Arthur. “You might as well get used to me stealing your stuff,” Rory said, his bravado only a little shaky. “I don’t have a job anymore. You’re gonna have to give me everything now.”

“Do you promise?” Arthur whispered, fitting himself between Rory’s legs and losing himself in his kiss.

Chapter Seven

It was one of the best weeks Arthur could recall having in Manhattan. They kept up the nephew facade for the doormen and it felt safe enough, because it wasn’t as if anyone actually related to Arthur would ever venture into his neighborhood—no matter how luxurious his building, his family remained appalled that he chose to live on the Upper West Side instead of Fifth Avenue.

Rory still seemed a little shy, like he didn’t want to assume he was welcome forever. But he was there, in Arthur’s flat—and also in the Magnolia most nights, because as it turned out, a psychometric did make an excellent bootlegger, especially one who could fill in as a waiter when needed.

Jade called on Saturday, asking them to come to the Dragon House for dinner. By the time he and Rory made it to Chinatown, Jade was already there, along with Sasha and Pavel.

Zhang and Ling joined them, and instead of meeting in the library downstairs, they gathered in the private room, around the big circular table with the lazy Susan in the middle to spin platters of chicken chow mein, beef with vegetables, and roast duck around the table.

Arthur surreptitiously pulled the steamer basket full of barbecue pork buns off the lazy Susan and set it next to his own plate. He glanced at Rory, who looked happy in an oddly quiet sort of way. “All right there?” he asked curiously.