The King (Gentlemen Rogues 2)

"Well, it can't be. Because we can't be. And we're about to go on a mission together, and he hurt me, and we don't work. I’m finally getting my dream, and he’s supposed to quit. That was our only shot at maybe being together. But he didn't quit. So now what?"

Tabatha chewed on that one. "It was his one foot in-one foot out situation that was a problem. But he made a decision. He decided to be a Rogue. And now his rules are clear and defined. His loyalties are not in question. So he fixed the loyalty issue. And there’s the perfume, the diary… Jesus, he is so fucking in love with you."

"Well, I don't know what I’m supposed to do with that."

"Hey, he's chosen not to be without you. He could have been out. But being out meant leaving you. So he stayed. But that means it's complicated."

“I don't know." I slouched into the couch instead of getting up to pack like I needed to.

"What do you want, Saff?"

"I want a boyfriend I can actually be with. I want someone who loves me, someone I can trust to have my back."

She just gave me a soft smile. "What you need is someone who sees you. Actually sees you clear to your soul, deep down to what you need. Which apparently is dirty talk and fucking on the gym floor."

I scoffed. "That sounds like judgment."

“I do an excellent judgment face. And this one is active, not resting."

I laughed. “I don't know, Tabs. We have a mission now, and we need to put all of that aside and do the job. Maybe when we get home we can figure it out."

“I hear you. But in the meantime, you'll be on a plane for several hours. So please bring lube."

I grabbed a pillow to hit her, but she was surprisingly fast. She was scooting out of the living room and heading back to the offices before I could fling it at her.

In two hours, I was getting a chance to prove myself again. Which meant I had to try and focus and put Lock out of my mind. It didn't matter how I felt about him, how much I wanted him, or how much I needed his touch. We had a mission, and that took precedence. My brain tried to push out what we’d done last night as I went to pack, but I kept thinking about what he'd said.

You are mine. And I am yours. No Rogue or villain or space or time is going to keep us apart. The sooner you realize I love you, the easier this will be.

The only question was, could I let myself be loved?