Not that Kyle enjoyed seeing people cry - that was his other half’s kink - but he was always a little bit glad when he knew he wasn’t the reason for the tears. Which he was confident was the case this time. There was no doubt he had given Angie plenty of reason to be upset, but that had been over a year ago now. And since she had avoided him at all costs since then, he was pretty sure he wasn’t to blame for whatever had her bawling in the break room.

All he’d wanted was a fresh cup of coffee. It was study period, and since most of his colleagues had classes to watch, he expected the lounge to be empty. Instead, he walked in to find Angie hunched over the table, face in her hands while she sobbed. Dr. Taylor and Mrs. Vargas, along with two teachers from the science department, were huddled around her, trying to offer support.

Though all that ended as soon as Kyle made his presence known. Unable to stop himself, he asked, “Are you okay?”

Angie looked up and actually shrieked, startling not only those around her, but Kyle as well, who dropped his mug. It shattered at his feet, and he wanted to sigh, but stopped himself. Maybe he deserved that reaction. His other half disagreed.

They keep making you feel like shit and I’ll give them something to scream about, Ryka warned, and Kyle felt his eyes narrow, Ryka glaring on his behalf.

Ignoring the demon and forcing his expression to soften, Kyle stooped to start picking up the broken pieces of his mug. “Sorry,” he told the floor, knowing that if he looked up, someone else would probably have a meltdown. And he really couldn’t handle that. Or the potential carnage that would result.

To his astonishment, someone did reply. Angie. “No, I’m sorry,” she muttered.

“It’s fine. I have another one on my desk.” Somehow, even though he was sure he sounded calm and there was no growling, he could feel the tension rising in the room. The two science department staff excused themselves, as did Mrs. Vargas, all three skirting around him.

Kyle thought it was time for him to make himself scarce, too. “In fact, I’m gonna go get that right now.” He dumped his handfuls of mug pieces in the trash and started for the door.

“Wait.” This was Dr. Taylor. “Please,” he added, just in case.

“No, don’t,” Angie told him, her tears dried up and eyes now wide with horror.

“I should really go,” Kyle insisted, backing for the exit.

He was nearly there when he froze to the spot. No, he thought, hoping to come across stern. Even if he managed it, Ryka didn’t care.

Aw, stud, let’s hear them out. Could be interesting.

That was the problem. But now Kyle didn’t have any choice but to play along. “What happened?” he finally asked, trying to direct the question at Angie. He was starting to worry about Dr. Taylor’s intentions.

But she didn’t answer, turning away to hide her face. So Dr. Taylor took the initiative. “There’s been a problem with one of her students,” he started.

“What kind of problem?”

Even at this angle, Kyle could see Angie’s ears turning red. This was going to be embarrassing, probably for everyone. And all he had wanted was coffee.

Dr. Taylor opened his mouth to speak, but Angie cut him off, looking pained. “He left a note on my desk.” There was no need to elaborate, not based on how much Angie was blushing. They weren’t threatening letters.

At least none of yours ever sexually harassed you. At least there was that. Though that wouldn’t have been allowed to go on nearly as long as the threats of violence had, he suspected. Damn right.

But his stomach was starting to knot up. He knew what Dr. Taylor wanted from him. “You know who’s leaving them?”

Angie nodded. “He signed it. I just don’t understand. He’s always been a good student; no problems. Then suddenly this. It’s ….” Now the color was washing from her face, leaving her looking ill.

“Vulgar,” Dr. Taylor offered. It was then Kyle finally noticed the wadded-up piece of paper clenched in Angie’s right fist.

“I’m so sorry.” Kyle was truly sympathetic. Maybe he hadn’t dealt with this exact issue, but he knew too well what it was like to be disrespected by one’s students. “What are you going to do?”

They all knew what should be done - a call home, meeting with the student’s guardians. Probable suspension. But there was a reason Kyle had been asked to stay. Because he knew as well as anyone how ineffective those measures were. And how well alternatives worked.

Shame on this idiot for forgetting about me, Ryka purred. Already, Kyle’s heart was racing - Ryka was eager for a meal, and his anticipation, along with Kyle’s growing fear, had him bordering on arrhythmia.

“No,” Kyle murmured, to all parties currently interested. “I can’t. It’s not safe. He-”

He didn’t give Kyle a chance. Any arguments Kyle wanted to make had to be given as a passenger, because now Ryka was the one standing in the teachers’ lounge, picking tattered fabric off his shoulders while watching as Angie practically dove for cover behind Dr. Taylor.

“You think I take orders from you?” Ryka sneered, glowering at the principal. “What right do you think you have?”

“I … I … that’s not-”

“Bullshit.” There wasn’t quite enough room, but Ryka spread his wings as far as he could given the space. As though he needed to make himself more intimidating. “You want me to solve your problem? Fine, but there’s a price. A high one for you, Mr. Principal.”

Ashen, Dr. Taylor shook his head. “No, I didn’t want this.”

“The moment you asked Master to stay, you knew what you were going to get. You expect to drag him into your shit and think I won’t get involved?”

Angie was crying again, and it looked like Dr. Taylor was close to doing the same. Ryka knew all the principal had wanted was for Kyle to put in an appearance in that bitch’s classroom. Just his showing up there would have been enough to remind her lovesick - or maybe just sick - student that there were consequences. Problem solved.

But Ryka wanted a bigger meal than that. If Master insisted, he’d stay away from the student. And he probably would. Which meant he needed to get his fill now. Kyle wasn’t happy about getting pulled into this, so he wouldn’t be too upset about Ryka intervening.

So now it was time to make Mr. Principal regret his plan. Growling low, Ryka took a few slow steps forward, forcing his prey away from the exit. With no other choice, they let themselves be herded into a corner.

Really, it was enough to do that. Both were visibly shaking, and their eyes darted between Ryka’s feet - both knew better than to meet his gaze - and the door.

“Don’t even think about it,” Ryka warned, flame starting to lick along the tops of his wings.

This was the scene Adam walked into, innocently thinking he could refill his travel mug. By some miracle, Ryka was so focused on Angie and Dr. Taylor he didn’t notice Adam. His instinct for self-preservation screamed at him to run while he had the chance, but he was too nice to leave his colleagues this way, subject to a demon’s incredible lack of mercy. There was only one option: offer himself as bait.

So, crossing himself and saying a silent prayer, he made his presence known. “Ryka! What, are you covering Kyle’s classes this afternoon?”

In less time than it took to blink, Ryka spun to face Adam, wings lowering as the flames died back. His menacing scowl was replaced by a flirty grin. “Hey, big boy. No, but I was hoping maybe you’d keep me after school. Teach me a lesson.”

Testament to how little he cared about his prey, and how confident he was they wouldn’t dare move without permission, Ryka focused all his attention on Adam, who was now sweating under the demon’s scrutiny.

“To be honest, I’d rather not stay here any longer than I have to.” Maybe not the best thing to say in front of his boss, but he was also trying to save the man a lifetime of nightmares. And a possible eternity of suffering. So he thought it balanced out.

“That’s fair.” Now purring, Ryka opened his wings again, this time curling them around Adam. “Our place, then?”

“Oh, well. Um.”

Eyebrows arched, Ryka took a step closer, tightening the circle of his wings. Now he was close enough that Adam could feel the heat radiating off of him. “Then I hope you don’t mind an audience.”

“Uh.” Adam was deeply regretting being so nice. He could have been safely back in his classroom, coffee-less, sure, but at least not being sexually harassed by a demon.

“I hope you weren’t just trying to distract me from my meal.” Knowing better than to answer, Adam simply groaned. “Why bother for these two?”

“Well ….” It was probably bad he didn’t have a good reason other than that they were his coworkers. And he didn’t want to deal with the consequences.

“They’re not worth it. One’s finding out what it’s like to be pursued against their will, and the other’s cementing their place in Hell.” One wing dropped just enough so Adam, too, could appreciate the matching expressions of horror on Dr. Taylor and Angie’s faces. The principal especially looked traumatized, but Adam supposed having an actual demon telling you that you were unquestionably Hell-bound might have that effect.

Ryka deigned to glance back over his shoulder just briefly, lips curling back in a predatory grin, wringing just a little more from his prey. Then his attention was right back on Adam. No change in his expression, however. “So, what do you think, big boy? Wanna have some fun?”

Swallowing hard, Adam shook his head. “Only if by ‘fun’ you mean a cup of coffee.”

At least he could rest assured he amused Ryka, who was now laughing, head tipped back. Though that ended as abruptly as it began. “No, but there’s something else you can give me a hand with.” This as he crooked a finger, inviting Adam closer.

It was less terrifying to take the step on his own, rather than be forced. As soon as he’d done it, now practically chest-to-chest with the demon, Ryka leaned even closer. Adam froze as Ryka dipped his head, lips nearly brushing Adam’s ear while he whispered his request. “Find the little shit that started this and bring him here.”

With that, he backed away toward Angie and Dr. Taylor, who had been watching the scene, unblinking. Adam could only nod. Of course Ryka knew that he knew. Pretending to ask for the student’s name would only piss him off. And he was probably already angry with Adam for not divulging this fun secret.

So Adam did as he was told, heading to the office to find out what classroom the boy was in.

Angie and Dr. Taylor watched him go, wearing matching expressions of hopelessness. Their one possible savior, gone just like that. Lips curled back to bare his teeth, Ryka mantled over them. “Now, how are you going to keep me amused until the main course arrives?”

***

The answer had been to huddle in the corner, quietly begging for salvation. Aiming an unnerving glare in their direction elicited plenty of fear, and Ryka stood at a distance, drinking it in.

Though it was nothing compared to when Adam returned, ushering a young man into the room ahead of him. It was intense, that sudden burst of terror. The look of betrayal on the boy’s face, and Adam’s crushing guilt, were icing on the cake.

Sighing in bliss, Ryka spun to face the new arrivals. “Thanks, big boy,” he said to Adam. Barely managing to do so, Adam quashed a groan. It was bad enough Ryka was calling him that in front of his coworker and boss, but in front of a student was even worse. Though, glancing at the boy, it was clear he wasn’t registering much beside the fact that there was a monster standing in the teachers’ lounge.

“Don’t feel so bad. If this is the worst thing you ever do, it’s still not that terrible.” Not that he had been seeking reassurances, but it almost helped to hear it, especially when Ryka finished with, “If you hadn’t gone, I would have had to go hunting on my own. And who knows what I might have found on the way.”

Adam nodded. If he opened his mouth, the boy would remember he was there, and what part he’d had in this. A part which luckily came to an end when Ryka told him, “You can go now.”

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Grateful, Adam made his exit, not daring to look back.

The boy didn’t look nearly as appreciative. Watering eyes found the adults, but they both avoided his gaze. “No, they won’t help. This is what they wanted for you.” Too frightened to even react, the student could only watch as Ryka leaned down over his teacher. “Give it to me,” the demon growled.

“W-what?”

“The note.”

Only then did Angie remember it was still clutched in her hand. Although it was wrinkled and sweat-soaked, she handed it over, flinching away from claws that came far too close. Chuckling under his breath, Ryka straightened, unfolding the paper. He read it, one eye on the boy standing before him.

And through his parasite’s eyes, Kyle also finally was able to read this now-notorious letter. Wow. That is … bad. Grammatically, in addition to being unnecessarily explicit. He thought this would work? Or …?

Ryka had to quickly turn a smirk into a snarl, which he aimed at the new arrival. And he very much regretted his earlier words. The sin he had expected to see wasn’t there, but something else was. It wasn’t the problem he’d hoped to be dealing with. But deal with it he certainly would.

Kyle had been expecting the usual threats, so it was quite the surprise when, crossing his arms over his chest, Ryka cocked his head and said, “Your friend really fucked you over, hmm?”

What?

Ryka ignored his host. “Since he was so eager to throw you under the bus, maybe you should return the favor. Oh, Mr. Principal, come here.”

It was by no will of his own that Dr. Taylor found himself shuffling toward the demon. “What’s going on?” he managed, voice small.

“This one’s guilty, but not of writing that masterpiece. So, little boy, tell us who did it, and I’ll handle that before I deal with you.”

None of this sounded promising, but the young man muttered a name. At least Dr. Taylor was smart enough not to ask what to do with this information. With an apologetic glance back at Angie, he ducked out of the room to find Ryka’s next victim. Which still left two behind.

The boy was trembling, but Angie was shaking harder still. It was to her that Ryka turned. “Next time you all decide to involve me, better get your shit figured out first,” he rumbled.

“I don’t understand.” Not only did she not understand what Ryka was telling her, but that he somehow thought she had ever wanted anything to do with him ever again. Judging by the vicious smirk he suddenly wore, she realized he’d sensed that last bit.

“I’d never pass up an opportunity to remind you of your mistakes. And now there’s one more: you blamed the wrong kid. Just because this little shit’s name was on it doesn’t mean he actually wrote it.”

That’s not good.

“Oh no. Charlie, it wasn’t you?”

The boy, who had been desperately wishing himself away, looked down at his teacher and shook his head. “What did I do?”

“She thinks you wrote her this,” Ryka told him, holding out the note. Very slowly, the boy reached for it. “It’s not a trap. Take it.”

Only Kyle knew that Ryka couldn’t lie, but he couldn’t offer any reassurances to Charlie in his current position. But although this particular student had never met Ryka, he had certainly heard the rumors and knew better than to disobey.

Quaking, Charlie reached out and gingerly grabbed the paper. Under the demon’s watchful eye, he read it, color draining from his face with every word. By the time he finished, he had gone from white to nearly green. “No,” he whimpered.

The most horrifying part of this, Kyle thought, was the white-hot rage Ryka was just barely managing to keep in check. Whatever Charlie had actually done was, in his eyes, a worse crime than that note. “Yes. But I also know why this happened.”

And part of that “why” staggered into the room in front of Dr. Taylor, eyes bulging when he saw what awaited him. This boy wasn’t as smart. Instinct overpowered all else, and he tried to shoulder past the principal and for the exit.

“No,” Ryka told him, eyes narrowed and tone stern. The newcomer froze, but it was obvious he was still struggling. Muscles popped in his neck as he tried to fight Ryka’s will. “No use running. I can see your sins. And they’re adding up fast.”

Finally, he stopped struggling. He looked to Dr. Taylor. “Apologize, Zack.”

“I’d keep your mouth shut, if I were you, Mr. Principal,” Ryka warned. Dr. Taylor nearly bit his tongue when his jaw clenched tight, teeth knocking together.

The fight had already gone out of the newest arrival, and he stood with his head bowed. Ryka didn’t even need to ask, as soon as he stopped in front of the boy, the sins spilled out. “Charlie wanted me to help him get some attention. So I wrote the note.”

“And you meant every word, didn’t you?”

Whereas Charlie was ghost-white, Zack was crimson, cheeks flushed. “Yes,” he admitted.

“Nasty fucker, aren’t you? You think you’d be able to split anyone in two, little limp-dick? You think quite highly of yourself. And look where that’s gotten you.” Now his wings were closing around Zack. “And you think she’d beg for it, hmm? Though I can’t blame you for wanting to see that - I like it when they beg, too. So on your knees, mortal, and let’s find out if salvation’s in your future.”

Like his feet had been kicked out from under him, Zack fell to his knees, clasping his hands in front of himself, prepared to pray to the only immortal willing to listen. “Please don’t hurt me. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Charlie. Miss Frasier, I’m so sorry.” At Ryka’s urging, he went on for nearly five minutes.

When his apologies were little more than unintelligible blubbering, Ryka finally refolded his wings and stepped back. “Leave.”

Without hesitation, Zack scrambled back to his feet and bolted for the door, slamming it closed behind him. “Who’s next?” Ryka inquired, sounding much too cheerful.

Only because he could stand her presence the least did he select Angie as his new target. “I know you didn’t want this, and I know you’ve been avoiding Master like I asked, so I’m willing to let you go. Just keep staying the fuck away and we won’t have a problem, got it?” Angie nodded. “Then fuck off.”

Just as her student had, Angie all but sprinted for the exit. That left two, and it was to Dr. Taylor that Ryka turned next. “Oh, Mr. Principal, you’ve fucked yourself over. I can’t wait to see you in Hell. Trying to sic me on your students when they’re bad. I look forward to seeing what Satan decides for your punishment. And I hope he lets me help ….” Wanting to wring just a little more from him, Ryka advanced on Dr. Taylor, forcing him toward the exit. The principal was sweating, and Ryka could hear his heart pounding, starting to beat out of time.

Even if Dr. Taylor had anything to say in his defense, he would have been unable - his jaw was still locked. So he could only whimper, already envisioning what his eternity might look like. More of this burning glare that was still somehow so cold. And more of being a puppet for this monster.

“I hope so, Mr. Principal. Now go so I can deal with this one.” He didn’t need to be told twice. Backed against the door, Dr. Taylor fumbled for the knob before managing to slip out into the hall.

And now Charlie was the only one left. “So he was supposed to help you get detention? And he got you this instead. Some friend.” Charlie could only stare at his feet. When he had asked his friend how best to get noticed, Zack had eagerly suggested a way to misbehave just enough to get kept after class. He’d used the opportunity to let Miss Frasier know all the inappropriate fantasies he’d had about her, and set Charlie up to take the fall.

“It still got you what you wanted, though, didn’t it? He’s here. So go on, say what you need to say.” But the boy could only stammer. Scoffing, Ryka leered at him. “Choking on your words? I know you’d rather it was his dick.”

All at once, Kyle understood. Zack had wanted Angie’s attention. Charlie had wanted his. And had seemingly forgotten who was always along for the ride. Or maybe had been too overwhelmed by teenage lust to care. But Kyle didn’t want to hear it, and didn’t want to see the boy suffer through an admission. No, Ry, stop.

There was no way Ryka didn’t hear him. It was a question of if he was going to choose to ignore him.

“It’s probably not much different from what’s in that, is it?” Ryka inquired, nodding to the paper still clenched in Charlie’s hand. Lower lip trembling, Charlie squeezed his eyes closed, letting a few tears roll down his cheeks. He gave the slightest of nods. But that wasn’t enough. This had been a wonderful meal; Ryka was ready for dessert. “You’d better spill it. We’re both waiting.”

The only thing Kyle was waiting for was this nightmare to be over. But there was no way Ryka was letting Charlie off the hook for so egregious a sin as lusting for Kyle. And the boy knew it. Steeling himself, he balled his fists, and staring hard at the linoleum, said, “I like you, Mr. S.”

Oh, Charlie.

Ryka gave up holding his feelings in. Lust was one thing. Love was another, and that he couldn’t tolerate. And Kyle’s sympathy …. With a roar that shook the walls, Ryka fanned open his wings and shot a hand out, meaning to grab his prey by the throat. His vision had gone red, and all he wanted was to paint the walls crimson with this mortal’s blood.

No.

His claws stopped a hair’s breadth from skin, and Ryka stood seething, hissing at the boy through clenched teeth. “Why not?” he demanded.

He doesn’t deserve that. It’s a teenage crush, Ry. Let him feel what he wants; it has nothing to do with us.

Ryka very much wanted to argue. Even if he knew his host was right. Glowering, he lowered his hand. Charlie, who had frozen in place with his eyes closed, slowly cracked them open and risked the briefest of glances up at the demon.

“I -”

“You what? You dare speak to me?”

“I’m sorry. I-I know it’s wrong. Especially be-because … because ….”

“My patience ran out long ago, mortal. Because what?”

Kyle toyed with the idea of interjecting, but realized that saying anything on Charlie’s behalf would only enrage Ryka further. It was a miracle he had listened to Kyle at all, and not simply ripped the boy’s throat out.

Shaking, Charlie worked up what little remaining nerve he had to explain, “I know Mr. S. will never like me. Because he likes you.”

And with just those words, Ryka went from pissed off to prideful. He folded his wings closed once more and lifted his chin, all the better to look down on the boy. As though he didn’t tower over him by at least a foot. “And don’t forget it,” he sneered.

Charlie managed a nod. Kyle wished there was something else he could say that would convince Ryka to release him. But it turned out Charlie had said enough.

With one last growl, Ryka stepped aside, the door to the hall swinging open behind him. “Run,” he ordered, and without hesitation, Charlie did just that. The door slammed shut, and aside from Ryka’s rumbling, the room was silent. No more victims crying for the demon’s mercy.

Would you like to nap? Kyle offered, the kindest way he could suggest Ryka retreat so he could be in charge once more. Now that they were finally alone, he was hopeful Ryka would be eager to give up control. That wasn’t the case.

“No. I’d like to burn this shithole to the ground with everyone still in it.”

Not exactly what Kyle’d wanted to hear. Even Adam? Using Ryka’s affection for his friend as a deterrent wasn’t great, but it was effective.

With a sigh, Ryka’s wings drooped. “No.” He still showed no signs of resuming his role as passenger, but he at least made himself useful while he cooled down. To Kyle’s surprise, he started making a fresh pot of coffee. He’d surely seen Kyle do it enough times to know how, even if he’d never done it himself. “Strong, right?”

Yes, dear. Thank you. But you don’t have to.

“But I will. For Master.”

So that was it, Kyle realized. His demon was feeling guilty. And probably a little jealous. Things that weren’t easy for him to say. Thank you again. And I’m not angry. Not at you. It felt wicked, but he was starting to agree that maybe Dr. Taylor deserved whatever awaited him after death.

For a while, the only sound was the gurgle of the coffeemaker, and Ryka’s slow, quiet purr. He was forcing himself calm, a trick Kyle was well used to by now.

Ryka stole someone else’s clean mug and filled it. He even found the unspoiled creamer in the back of the staff fridge and added Kyle’s usual splash before leaving the mug on the table. Something which, given the demon’s nature, said more than any love note - well-written or not - ever could.

Kyle wanted to thank him, but instead found himself desperately clutching the edge of the table, vision going black as he neared unconsciousness. Somehow, he managed not to pass out. Once he was sure he was going to be able to remain upright, he reached out for the mug. Only some of the coffee had sloshed out as he’d fought to stay on his feet.

This sip had been a long time coming, and he closed his eyes to savor it. “Mm. Very good, dear. Thank you so much.”

Yes, Master.

So, he was still insecure, Kyle thought, trying not to smile and failing. “I’m really not upset with you,” he assured his other half. “They were in the wrong. So thank you for going easy on them.”

Master …

“I appreciate it. Especially since it was Angie.” It felt like a risk just saying her name aloud. And Kyle immediately regretted his decision.

That fucking cu-

“Hey! No! We’ve been over this; that word is not okay.”

Ryka huffed, but couldn’t deny he’d been about to use it. Time for a course correction. For his second attempt, he offered up, Worthless cum dumpster.

Glad he hadn’t gone in for a second mouthful of coffee, Kyle instead just choked on nothing. It took demonic intervention to get his coughing fit to stop. “Ryka! That’s still not nice.” A foolish thing to say, he realized. But Ryka still wasn’t arguing. In fact, he was being quite pathetic, whining quietly now that Kyle had reprimanded him twice.

“I’m sorry, but as much as you don’t like her, there’s no need for that. Like you said, she’s been avoiding me.” This ended Ryka’s grumbling. But Kyle couldn’t stop himself from continuing, “Also, that’s a little hypocritical, isn’t it? You, Mr. ‘Please Don’t Pull Out - Fill Me Up.’ Hmm?”

“That’s quite the pet name.” Almost choking once more, Kyle spun to face the door, to find Adam poking his head in. His friend had gone pale, eyes wide. “Oh shit, I said that out loud.”

Any other time, Ryka would have had something to say, but in a rare show of restraint, kept his thoughts to himself. Something even Adam hadn’t been able to manage. Which left Kyle to attempt making things less awkward. “Uh, well, um ….”

“For several reasons, I’m going to try really hard to forget that one.”

“Thanks. And sorry. But what brings you back?” Kyle was more than a little surprised to see Adam again, given how his last trip to the staff room had ended. Which isn’t to say he wasn’t happy, especially once he explained.

“Thought you might want this.” The item Adam had brought along was the spare shirt from Kyle’s desk.

“Yes, thank you so much.” Once, those spare shirts had been on hand in case he spilled coffee on himself or some such minor annoyance. Never had he imagined he would need to keep an extra set of clothes handy for when his parasitic demon lost its temper.

Hesitant to re-enter the room - thanks to that same demon - Adam simply tossed his friend the garment. Kyle caught it and hurriedly dressed himself.

Mission complete, Adam started to duck back into the hall, but Kyle called after him. “There’s coffee now. A fresh pot.”

“You made coffee?”

Kyle shook his head. “Ryka did.” When Adam looked skeptical, Kyle assured him, “It’s good.”

As badly as he wanted to to caffeinate, Adam strongly suspected that if he valued his life, he should pass on filling a mug. Something told him that pot wasn’t for general consumption. “I’ll come back later. Thanks, though.” With that, he made himself scarce.

Kyle shrugged and watched him go, enjoying another sip of his coffee. “It really is good, dear. Thank you again.” The only response he got was a noncommittal mumble. “You’re being ridiculous. Where’s all that ego?” Still no answer. “Well, hopefully this helps. I love you very much, and appreciate you helping me. It means a lot to me, Ry.”

Love you, too, stud. Now please don’t leave that coffee here. It’s for you only.

With a laugh, Kyle grabbed the mug in one hand, the carafe in the other, and started back toward his classroom. The lounge door swung open for him and clicked closed once he was through. “You really do spoil me.”