“Didn’t look that way to me. Leave, now. He said he’s not interested, I’m going to take that to mean permanently. You better hope I never see what I just saw, again.”
“This is none of your business. I forgot. You love doing God’s dirty work, don’t you, Hart? Just like all the rest of them. Riding his goddamn coattail.” Vasquez’s tone was full of venom. Free couldn’t see him – Hart’s massive body standing between them – but he could hear him.
“Do you think you’re insulting me?” Hart’s arms were crossed over his even bigger chest. “You’re drunk. You need to go sleep it off. Last warning. Stay away from him.”
“Or what?” Vasquez threw his arms out.
“Or I’ll level you, idiot.” Hart took a step closer, towering over the shorter officer. “Get him outta here, Joe.”
“I’m not ready to go.”
“Yes you are, and there’s two ways you can leave. Over that railing or out the front with Joe. I suggest you do it before I let everyone know what the fuck is going on. I’m going to chalk it up to you being drunk. But trust me, you don’t wanna push me on this.”
Vasquez turned and left, Hart watching him the entire time. No one had been paying attention to the minor altercation outside and Free was somewhat happy about that, he didn’t want to bring down the party, but he wasn’t looking forward to telling Tech tomorrow that he didn’t think he’d be staying. He’d really wanted to be close to his friend again and try to return the favor he owed, but this might not be the best thing for him. He’d come a long way in healing from what had happened to him but he hadn’t come far enough to deal with situations like that.
“I’m really sorry that happened.”
Hart’s deep voice made his head snap up from his depressing thoughts. The man stood at a polite distance, giving him some breathing room, and Free was thankful. Surprisingly, he wasn’t nervous with Hart. His eyes were too kind, too clear as if Free could see his intentions and there was no malice there. Free stared up at him, neither of them saying anything, maybe Hart was trying to get a read on him, as well.
The door opened again, breaking the intense staring. “Hey, Free. You okay?” Tech asked, his eyes glassy and dancing with excitement. The music drifted out the door and Free could see the party was still in full swing, although the crowd had thinned a bit.
Free looked up at Hart, who was still watching him. “Yeah, I’m good. Go on and enjoy. I’m going to head back to your place.”
“Oh. You wanna leave already?” Tech asked, looking slightly disappointed. “Why don’t you come back inside, it’s cold out here.”
“You don’t have to leave. I’ll call a cab. I know my way back.”
“I’ll take you back if you want. I didn’t drink anything, I don’t mind. I was just getting ready to tell the guys bye and I was looking for you,” Hart admitted to him.
Free liked him. Hart’s look was everything he’d go for if he actually weren’t afraid to go after what he wanted. His shiny bald head clashing with the scruffiness of his long beard. His inviting, muscular body was blocking most of the frigid wind whipping between the buildings. He looked amazing and full of power in his SWAT gear, but dressed in dark denim jeans and a short-sleeved shirt, he looked easy-going and handsome. He took his thick coat off and wrapped it around Free’s shoulders, careful where he touched him. He hadn’t even realized he was trembling from the temperature drop, but Hart had. Free thanked him, his body inching closer to get more of the warmth that emanated from Hart. He was a big man with a gentle touch. Perfect. But Free had no clue if he was gay. He could just be an exceptionally sweet and chivalrous guy like Tech had told him earlier.
“Are you okay with that, Free? Riding with Hart?” Tech asked more seriously.
Free kept his eyes trained on Hart when he answered softly, “Yeah. I think I am.”
God
God’s Special Day
“God relax. Everything is fine. Gen hit a lot of traffic driving in but he’ll be here well before the ceremony.” Syn tried to calm God down while he got dressed in his suit.
“He should’ve been here a week ago,” God snapped, yanking his tie off and tying it again. He’d almost choked himself on the last try. Syn moved his hands and took over.
“Curtis’ boss was being a jackass again and wouldn’t give him the time he’d requested months ago, so they had to come this morning, but as long as he gets here, that’s what matters. Sit still, I’m trying to tie this and I can’t do it with you seething.”