“He’s acting like… I don’t know. Like he’s been dumped. Worse actually. When Lou dumped him, he got drunk, but after a few days was back to his old self. This… I can’t remember the last time I saw him like this. Do you think he’s been seeing someone?”
“Wouldn’t he have told you?” Sloane laced his fingers over his stomach, his gaze unwavering. As much as he disliked lying to Cael concerning what was happening between him and Dex, Sloane had grown accustomed to hiding. His relationship, his vulnerabilities, the truth about himself, and what he was.
Cael cocked his head to one side. “I’m his brother. We’ve never kept secrets from each other. Unless he felt he didn’t have a choice.”
Something in Cael’s eyes set off an alarm in Sloane’s head. He’d learned a long time ago not to underestimate his young teammate. Cael’s sweet disposition made those around him comfortable, enough for them to let their guard down, and the cheetah Therian knew how to use that to his advantage. The kid wasn’t just quick on his feet. “What do you mean?”
“Like you and Gabe.”
Sloane’s heart slammed and he forced himself to remain stoic. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t worry, no one else knows, and they won’t, at least they won’t find out from me.” Sloane didn’t say a word, and Cael let out a heavy sigh. “I was the one assigned to clear out his interface and send his files to the lieutenant’s office. You know when an agent leaves, gets dismissed, or is killed in action, Recon is assigned to remove them from Themis, do a sweep of their systems and report all our findings.”
Sloane shrugged. “It’s a routine sweep, to make sure no case files or sensitive information is left behind for the subsequent agent.” He congratulated himself on not freaking out. Cael knew something, but until Sloane knew exactly what that was, he wasn’t about to take any chances.
“We do an in-depth sweep as well, to search for any possible theft or misuse of information. It’s the government, Sloane. We don’t trust ourselves.”
“Cael, if you have something you want to say, say it.”
“I found a hidden folder with heavy protection on it in Gabe’s hard drive. It had a confirmation e-mail from a cruise company.”
“And?” Sloane arched an eyebrow at the young agent. He watched Cael intently, noticing his slight fidget and the way he suddenly moved his gaze away.
“I don’t think—”
“Say it.”
“It was an e-mail requesting to extend the cruise by one night, a stop at the Bahamas for a romantic dinner for two. He also paid for champagne and a photographer. Your name was down as his partner, and I don’t mean work partner, so please, Sloane, don’t lie to me. I’m young, not stupid. I deleted anything that pertained to Gabe’s personal life which had a connection to you.”
The room fell silent. All this time, and now, after everything, he was finding this out? What was he supposed to do with this information other than feel shitty about it? He didn’t blame Cael. The young Therian was doing his job, and Sloane appreciated his honesty. Things would have turned out a whole lot different if Cael had simply handed everything over to the lieutenant blindly, not bothering to check it out. Still, the knowledge of Gabe’s gesture picked at the scab of Sloane’s wounded heart. He was so exhausted and tired of feeling the ache there, but too afraid to let it go. “Thank you,” Sloane replied when he managed to find his voice. “So now what?”
“Now nothing. I’ve kept your secret this long. Do you really think I’m going to say something now? I hope you don’t think that little of me.”
It was amazing how much Cael reminded Sloane of Dex, despite the two not being related by blood. They were so different, yet shared many of the same mannerisms, had similar patterns of speech, and a similar sense of humor. “You’re right. Is that all you wanted to say?”
“No. When Dex cares about something, he puts his whole heart and soul into it. He’s the best guy I know, and not because he’s my brother. He’ll never let you down, never betray you. But he’s not so good at doing the same for himself. He’ll let you keep hurting him, Sloane, and he deserves better than that.”
Sloane nodded. “You’re right, he does.”
“May I speak freely?”
“Always.”
Cael rounded his shoulders, his silver-gray eyes penetrating. “You’re scared, I get that. I know it must be hard for you, and I have no right to dismiss what you’re going through, but if you’re willing to walk away from my brother because you’re too much of a chickenshit to take a risk, well, he’s better off without you.”
Sloane stared at him. Wow. The kid really didn’t mince words when it came to his family. Cael’s expression softened, but he remained firm on his position. Sloane couldn’t blame Cael for being protective of his big brother. A part of Sloane believed Dex was indeed better off without him, but the other half of him didn’t want to let go.
“I respect you, Sloane, and that won’t go away no matter what you decide. I’m asking you to really think about things. Don’t let him get caught up in a future with you if you have no intention of ever letting it get that far.”
Sloane mulled over Cael’s words and decided to take a chance. “And if I don’t walk away? If things do work out?”
“If he’s happy, I’m happy. As long as no one finds out.” Cael smiled a wide dopey grin. “I like having him on our team.”
The door opened and Dex came strolling in with a cheerful smile. “Hey, Chirpy, you ready to….”
“Oh my God, Dex!” Cael wailed, his eyes going huge, and his face turning a bright crimson.
Dex saw Sloane and cringed. “Woops.”