It hadn’t taken long for Aaron to open a link for Kreed to watch everything going on with Mitch and Cody, and that was where the deputy marshal had stationed himself ever since. While Aaron worked at the church today, Kreed seemed to have locked himself tightly back up, hid behind the same walls he had placed between them from the beginning. He understood Kreed was worried about this whole situation. And he had played right into Kreed’s hands this morning by letting him pull away and allowing him the opportunity to put those barriers back in place. Aaron should have stopped Kreed in his tracks, because now he felt like they were starting things back at square one.
Aaron put the keyboard on the makeshift desk and turned the power off on his monitor like he’d done more times than not since he’d met Kreed. He went for Kreed’s door, first standing in the open doorway then, after being ignored, he moved to the sofa, sitting on the edge, watching the screen that had kept Kreed’s attention all night.
“How’s it going?” Aaron finally asked after a few minutes. Just as he finished asking his question, Kreed’s phone rang. He held up a finger and answered it on the second ring.
“Hey.” He watched Kreed’s features visibly soften. “Watch yourself.” Kreed disconnected the call and let out a deep exhale before turning a worried gaze Aaron’s way. “They’re in a secure location.”
“Not at Colt’s place.”
“No. They made the news tonight. Colt got on air on WFAA and did the sport’s report with Dale Hanson. He apparently supports equality. A photo of them out tonight made it in the segment. They’re calling tonight a success,” Kreed explained.
“You aren’t?” Aaron asked. Kreed was still bowed up tight with stress.
“No, I am. They got what they wanted out of it. Now we’ve gotta keep a closer eye on you. If it’s gonna happen, it’ll be in the next few days. I don’t know how long they’ll need to plan a hit, but I’m thinking it’ll be like the agent in Washington, enough to send them over the edge if we’re in the right place,” Kreed said, looking down at his hands. “If we’re barking up the wrong tree, maybe we can get a better direction.”
“Can the alphabet boys see us?” Aaron pointed to the screen, and Kreed reached over, turning the monitor off. “Is that the only feed in here?”
“Everything else’s off.”
“Good.” Aaron stood and strode across the room, stopping right behind Kreed’s back, he lifted his hands to Kreed’s shoulders and the deputy marshal shifted in his chair to look at him. “Turn around. You’re too wound up.”
“Aaron, I don’t know if you touching me right now’s such a good idea.”
“It’s just a massage. Your virtue’s safe for the moment. I promise. Now spin around.” Aaron made a twirling motion with his fingers, signaling for Kreed to follow his directions.
Kreed let out a huff, but he finally faced the other way. Aaron started with his thumbs, digging into the tight muscles in Kreed’s upper back and shoulders. Several minutes passed with Aaron using as much strength as he had in his fingers to work Kreed’s muscles before he heard a relaxed sigh. He leaned in and kissed the top of Kreed’s head. It was interesting how all this distance Kreed kept putting between them hadn’t affected Aaron. Normally, he’d have his feelings hurt by now, especially since he’d done little more than think about the guy all day long, counting the hours until he could cross the street and just be with Kreed. But Aaron understood this standoff thing Kreed had going on. All this distance was really Kreed’s way of coping with the situation. Kreed wouldn’t be pushing him away if his head wasn’t confused about what they’d done.
Aaron moved his hands, kneading the muscles along Kreed’s spine. He reached for the hem of Kreed’s T-shirt and pulled it up. Kreed fought him, grabbing for the cotton fabric to hold it down.
“We can’t.” Kreed spoke so softly his voice sounded strained, husky with need. Aaron got it; he was needy too. Kreed turned him on. There was no doubt about that. But right now, he just wanted to comfort Kreed—build him up again, make him steady.
“No sex, I promise,” he whispered in Kreed’s ear. “Come sleep in the comfortable bed. Get some real rest.”
Kreed looked back at him, vulnerability and desire playing across his face. After a minute, whatever sign he searched for in Aaron’s eyes, he must have found. Kreed lifted his hand and threaded those long fingers through Aaron’s hair, tugging his head down until he was close enough to press those warm lips against his. The kiss was soft and sweet. Kreed lingered.
When Aaron slipped his tongue past Kreed’s lips, the deputy marshal pulled him closer and held him tighter. Regretfully, Aaron pulled back from the kiss. He’d made promises, after all. He honestly didn’t want to spook Kreed. He slowly pulled Kreed’s shirt over his head before returning to massage his shoulders for several more minutes. His eyes slid down Kreed’s broad back, admiring all the beautiful designs and marks along his skin. His eyes moved lower, taking in Kreed’s perfect form. That was when he saw them—a weapon at Kreed’s back and a knife on his hip.
He was learning Kreed’s habits, and when he thought there was a possibility things could get rough, Kreed’s weapons were never too far out of reach. Kreed always carried a gun—Aaron got that; it was Kreed’s job—but, all the rest, he just didn’t fully understand. The weapons were just scary for Aaron. He’d never been around guns, knives, or anyone quite so rugged and possibly deadly in his life. Those deadly abilities kind of freaked him out. He tried to ignore it. At least to Kreed he wanted to appear unaffected by the weapons.
He moved around, picked up Kreed’s hand, and tugged him off the chair. He walked backward to face Kreed as he pulled him from the study. Luckily, Kreed followed, reaching for his phone before they’d exited. They made it as far as the middle of the bedroom before Kreed stopped and again took Aaron’s face between his big palms. Kreed’s thumbs stroked lightly across his cheeks and jaw. The deputy marshal’s eyes met his.