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He heard footsteps in the hall, familiar footsteps, and his heart soared at the sound But he kept his eyes closed, kept pretending to sleep

"Welcoht?"

Michael felt a new hand on his back, larger than Nora’s

"Barely," came Griffin’s voice, also in a whisper "Your priest… I have no words"

"Did he kick your ass? No, don’t tell me I’ll be too jealous if he did"

"He didn’t," Griffin said, and Michael heard the surprise in his voice, the grudging respect "We talked"

"A talk with Søren? I think I’d rather take a beating"

"It hurt worse than a beating But I think I needed it"

"So what’s the verdict with you and el?"

"The verdict is…"

Michael felt Griffin’s hand slide froently into his skin

"Enough faking, Mick Let’s go" The gentleness of Griffin’s touch gave way to force, and Michael found hi hauled to his feet

"Griffin, it’s seven in the da luxuriously

"Good We’ll need all day tointo Michael’s skin "Excuse us"

Michael’s heart raced, his hands went numb and every drop of blood in his body made a beeline for his hips

"Excused" Nora waved thee fro in the doorway

"Good Lord, what?" she asked

"He said you’re in trouble for going to the party in the city Told you to stay upstate and out of trouble So he’s punishing you"

Nora rolled her eyes

"Goddammit" Nora sounded horrified at the prospect of punishment "Whatever I’ll do it What is it?"