Rex did not argue.
That, more than anything, told Arik how tired they both were.
"I will seal it myself," Rex said at last. "And if Cain appears?"
"Do not engage alone."
Rex let out a thin laugh. "Look at you. Growing reasonable."
"I am exhausted, not reformed."
"Tragic." Rex paused, then added more quietly, "Take care of him."
Arik's gaze moved to the bathroom door again.
The water had stopped.
"I am trying."
"I know."
The call ended before Arik could correct him.
For a few seconds, he sat on the edge of the bed with the comm dark in his hand, his hair a mess, his shirt creased from Liam's fingers, and his entire body aching with exhaustion sleep had failed to solve.
Behind the bathroom door, Liam muttered, "If you are plotting anything else without me, I will know."
Arik closed his eyes.
Goliath, at the back of his mind, stirred with something disgustingly close to amusement.
"You are supposed to be washing your face," Arik called back.
