Page 10 of Fractured Fear

I mean, kissing her is definitely going to happen one day becauseholy shit. Why was I so grossly underprepared for the beauty that is Spencer Gray?

Her gaze ignited something in me, and I know I never want to lose it. Her beauty alone commands attention, but those eyes. The depths of sorrow and pain. I want to dive in and discover the cause then erase it for her so she knows nothing but joy.

Her smooth, golden oak skin shined just like I’m sure it would at any time of day. I mull over the way her cheeks heated when she caught me checking her out. I was eager to see if that color made its way across her chest. Her long dark hair looked like swirls of coffee as it sat in waves pushed forward over her shoulder.

If she thinks she’s hiding under those clothes, she needs to think again. You can’t hide a body like hers under a baggy shirt. Nothing could hide the swell of her tits or the way her hips flare out in a way that has me longing to use them to pull her close. And her long, lean legs in those damn leggings, perfect for wrapping around my waist—or my head.

My dick twitches at the thought. Thank you to whoever brought leggings into women’s fashion. Considering I’m at work, right now probably isn’t the best time to sport a semi.

I have never felt the urge to be around someone all the time, especially within minutes of meeting, but with Spencer, I would happily bask in her light every day. It’s clear she has her own strength. I only want to add to it.

I already know I’ll go back to her later, just to check on her and do my neighborly duty. That’s all it is. No big deal. Doesn’t matter that I live in the Bronx, Spencer and I are basically neighbors.

It has nothing to do with the fact that when we touched, I wanted to throw her over my shoulder and take her home where I could fuck her all day and night.

Nope. Not the reason.

Shitty coffee brewed and file in hand, I head back to the mountain of case files also known as my desk.

The movies got one thing right, police station coffee sucks ass. You would think after the first year of drinking this shit, I would go to Starbucks instead. But no, here I am ten years later still consuming this sad brew, willing it to get tasteful with each gulp.

Who was it that said the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome? Well, that’s me. Insane.

I take another sip from the chipped white mug.

Yeah, it’s still shit.

Looking over the file, I’m stopped in my path to my desk.

“Hey! I’m Liam James.”

He’s young, probably in his early twenties, with ash brown hair, brown eyes, and pale skin. Very average looking. Even his clothing is plain. The good news is we don’t have Crazy Sock Day here at the precinct.

I glance at the man’s expectant outstretched hand. I don’t touch others, not even something as simple as a handshake. The feeling makes me want to crawl out of my skin. I get this buzzing in my ears and feel like I’m going to explode at any moment. I get plenty of sneers and odd looks when I don’t reach my hand back. But I don’t want to, so I shouldn’t have to. Some think I’m being a snob, but it’s more like saving those around me from potential mass murder.

Very few people are allowed to touch me. Two to be exact. Rio, because he’s always made me feel comfortable, his eyes never contain judgment and always remain soft when gazing at me. And Asher, but we’ve only hugged a handful of times. That’s it, no one else.

Now, I should add Spencer to that list. I didn’t even think twice about shaking her hand earlier. All I knew was that I needed to feel her.

Now is not the time, Kingston. No semis.

Ever since I survived my foster parents, Teresa and Michael Brunson, I can’t stand the brush of another’s skin against mine. I can handle the whispers about the strange detective, they don’t bother me.

Liam drops his hand and awkward silence ensues. I don’t know what he expects from me here. It’s not like we’re partners.

Oh shit. Did Captain Abrams get me a new partner?

“Zane Kingston.” I give him a simple head nod and step around him.

Liam recovers quickly and follows me. “I know. I figured I would introduce myself since we’re going to be working together.”

Fuck. I get to train the new guy.

His energy is too bright. Too high. This job is going to kill that quick.

Sighing at my dismal desk, I unload my hands. My workplace is plain and standard. I have no need for photos or anything like that, plus there’s no room for personal effects when the hunk of metal is covered in case files.

I peer at the desk in front of mine. It’s been empty since I transferred, but now there’s a cardboard box that no doubt contains Liam’s things.

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