Promises: The Next Generation (Bounty Hunters 5)

When he’d gotten home last night he’d been too tired to pay attention to the fluttering, because he couldn’t manage a single thought. He only wanted shower and sleep. He’d been so exhausted from working his morning shift at the dojo, then the continuous grunt work at Duke’s, followed by mountains of paperwork he’d had to complete. He’d felt like he was signing his life away. But their bosses had to be sure they were certified, fully insured and ready to go. Kell felt the butterflies grow larger the closer the time came for him to return to Duke’s. Return to Ty. He hadn’t expected to be confronted with all that last night. Practically thrust into a pact with a stranger. And termed partners.

Kell ate a granola bar on his walk to the bus stop. It felt weird going in the opposite direction of the dojo—his new place of employment no longer within walking distance—but he wouldn’t miss the trek through bad neighborhoods. On the entire ride there Kell refused to think of the tall, devastatingly self-assured man he was supposed to start training with today.

The MARTA made a wide turn on Antone Street and pulled up to the next stop. A couple got on the bus with their four small kids. They hustled up the steps, after their father swiped his Breeze card, moving like a family of ducks. In a single file line they made their way to the back where Kell was seated. The father glanced his way, taking in Kell’s dark clothes and hood, even the scarf covering all but his eyes. The man whispered something to his wife, who glanced in Kell’s direction before moving their youngsters back to the front seat. That’s wonderful. I don’t want your kiddie-herd breathing their germs all over me anyway. He was used to this response. Either people cringed when they saw him covered, expecting him to whip out a weapon and yell ‘this is a stick-up’, or they gaped at him like he was a freak when he let down his hair.

In the rear of the bus sitting alone, Kell played with a piece of fringe on his scarf as he thought about the unique meeting he’d had with Ty last night. Kell wasn’t a liar, especially to himself. He’d been immediately attracted to Ty, to his poise and stature, but there was also an air of mystery about him that made Kell leery. He’d stood over Kell as if he were small and fragile, almost insulting him. Then he’d spoken. Kell closed his eyes and focused on the memory. That voice sounded like hot honey. So damn warm and sweet. His facial expressions gave away nothing, he’d looked rigid and unfriendly when Kell had first laid eyes on him, but when he’d stood in front of him, Ty made him feel something he hadn’t felt in so long… from anyone. He felt liked.

God help me. I don’t know this man. His and Ty’s introduction had been just that. Nothing more than a brief meeting. After Duke had given a few more instructions to his men he’d gone into his office and didn’t come back out until it was time for them to leave. Meanwhile, Ty had been pulled away by Brian to get started on his qualifiers and Kell was working with Quick on his paperwork. So, they didn’t get another chance to talk to each other, only managing stolen glances in the other’s direction. Another thing Kell had picked up on was that Ty that had wanted to see him… all of him. Practically demanded it. No one had asked him such a thing before. Kell squirmed in his seat when he remembered the feeling of removing his scarf for Ty, caught in a trance, feasting his eyes. As soon as he’d thought of removing his beanie and hood, he’d changed his mind. Most men, manly men, recoiled at his hair. He’d always been a little insecure about his long locks, so he kept that part of himself concealed from his new partner.

Kell got off the bus a couple of streets down from Duke’s building. Peoplestown was a nice area, bustling with thriving businesses and tourist attractions. Kell was only working blocks away from the Atlanta Zoo and the Barack & Michelle Obama Academy. He made a left on Ridge Avenue, the cool breeze whipping through his thin pants. He was dressed as Duke had instructed. In loose, comfortable clothes. They’d be showing their new team what they were capable of in the gym today.

As he approached from the left, he saw Ty turn the corner, walking from the other direction. His long legs ate up the distance between them quickly. He wore a pair of dark jeans and a heavy, waist length jacket. A sparkling silver chain glimmered against the smooth, golden skin around his throat. Nothing on him was cheap, especially the new-looking black Timberlands. He was not only stunningly handsome, he had style for days. The woman Ty politely walked around, gave him a lingering smile with an interested gleam in her eye.