“You are something else, Brian King,” Sascha said with bated breath. Tenderly stroking the dark stubble on Brian’s cheek.
Dana saw a hopeful expression pass over Brian’s handsome face as he stared down at the man in his arms.
“I would love to spend some time with you. But you’d have me worried and going gray before my time, bounty hunter. As exciting as all this was… it was also terrifying. And that’s not my life. You take care, handsome.” With that, Sascha kissed Brian’s cheek and walked away.
No one said anything, not even about the hurt expression on Brian’s face as he watched the pretty man walk away. Unfortunately, it was something they’d all experienced. Their job was dangerous, reckless, and required crazy hours. Not everyone could handle it. So it left them alone until they found that one person who was crazy enough to stick by them. It’s why they all adored Vaughan and Dr. Chauncey. Through the good and dangerous, Duke and Quick had two men in their lives that loved them and would never walk away because the fire got hot. No way. Vaughan and the doc would be the first ones to pick up a fire extinguisher and jump into the flames. Their bosses both had someone they could come home to and leave all the bullshit they endured in the streets behind for the night. Dana didn’t have that and neither did Ford or Brian… yet.
Ford clamped Brian on his shoulder to get him moving. “His loss, brother.”
Dana agreed.
Dana
It was almost midnight. Brian didn’t want to go home, said he’d go with Duke to process their bounty. Dana hoped his friend was okay. Brian might look and act tough and he was able to hide his feelings behind a massive exterior and the unapproachable glare he had perfected, but he was a wounded soul in need of companionship. He signed to his friend he’d call him later, but all he got was a “Don’t bother” look in return.
“You got plans?” Ford asked, climbing back into the truck.
“No. Nothing. Why? What’s up?” Dana asked, checking their surroundings before fastening his seatbelt.
“It usually takes me a while to settle down after a bust. Thought maybe you’d… if you want to… maybe come over.” Ford looked gorgeous when he was flustered. It wasn’t a look anyone saw on the big SEAL often. “If you wanna come over and have a beer or something, unwind, or whatever.”
Dana barely stopped himself from screaming “Yes, hell yes!” and instead casually answered, “I can do that.” Dana just hoped this was what he thought it was. Why else would Ford want him at his house so late? He wouldn’t call it a booty call, those were reserved for people you weren’t trying to invest any serious time or commitment in. Ford didn’t fit that category at all. He wanted a lot with Ford. He wanted it all.
“Cool, so I’ll drop you off at your place so you can get your car then you can head over.” Ford was already pulling into traffic, leaving behind the mess they’d made. The parking lot was still full of haughty rich folks giving their statements about the night’s events to the abundant police personnel. Maybe even a few of them threatening to cancel their expensive memberships. Until the news showed up. Neither he nor Ford cared, they were long gone. Those oblivious space cadets should’ve been glad they’d removed that virus – Grossman – from their clueless little perfect, white, crime-free world.
He hurried inside his condo to dump his gear and freshen up. He was even presumptuous enough to pack an overnight bag, telling himself he was only being practical and prepared, since they had to be in the office early. Dana was standing on Ford’s doorstep twenty-four minutes after he’d dropped him at his place. Taking his car ensured he’d be able to leave if things went south. These were uncharted waters for both of them. It’d been so long since he’d been with a man, he was probably more nervous than Ford. He just didn’t want to mess anything up. He also didn’t want to move too fast and get hurt like Sway had warned him against.
Dana rapped on the door a couple times and waited.
Ford
The sharp knock made Ford’s heart drop down into his nervous stomach. He’s here. Okay, just be cool. Don’t overthink. It’s just Dana. Hot, young, extremely sexy, goddamn expert marksman, Dana Cadby. Ford didn’t know what he’d been thinking inviting the man back to his home so late. No, he did know what he’d been thinking. He’d been thinking with his dick and of how strongly it’d reacted to Dana’s work tonight. The way the man could shoot had always been a turn-on for Ford. What was even more of a turn-on was how his partner liked to shoot the weapons Ford provided for him. And, as if to thank him properly, Dana shot those weapons with particular skill and purpose. Protected him with them. For three years, Ford ignored the signs. Ignored how much Dana tried to please him, make him smile, guard him, be the best partner to him that he could. And how had Ford shown his appreciation? By giving him hell. Pushing him away. Not realizing he was trying to fabricate a reason to dislike Dana because he wanted him… god help him, he did.