Page 27 of Damaged

Rogue wrapped a big hand around his bicep and yanked him closer.

“I have a job tonight,” the big assassin said and pressed their foreheads together. “I’ve already texted Azrael to reschedule his training.”

“Need a hand with the job?” His lips twitched.

“I’ll pick you up at dusk,” Rogue murmured and stole a kiss from him before walking down the steps.

Wrath stayed in the doorway gazing after Rogue’s beat up pickup truck long after the man drove out of sight.

If the job was tonight, why couldn’t they spend the day together?

Wrath sighed, shut the front door, and wandered through his empty house. Pouring another cup of coffee in the kitchen, he stepped out of the back door and took a seat on his patio.

The ocean waves crashed against the shore and light had begun to fill the horizon. He lived on the West Coast, so if he ever wanted to see a sunrise, he’d have to travel up into the mountains to catch a glimpse.

He didn’t mind, the sunsets off the Santa Barbara coastline were fantastic. He wanted to enjoy them with Rogue, and he’d had that in mind when he’d bought this home.

He’d never had a boyfriend before. Sure, he’d dated a guy once for about seven dates, but that didn’t count as a boyfriend.

And even though he and Rogue weren’t officially dating, he figured that would come in time. A real boyfriend was something he’d never even contemplated until he’d met Rogue.

He remembered the first time he’d seen Rogue in Solomon’s office. The younger assassin stood closed off to the world with cold gray eyes.

It had taken him time to gain Rogue’s trust, which hadn’t been easy at all.

The first time he’d run into the guy alone had been on a job. He was supposed to do the hit by himself, but Rogue had shown up.

Just outside of Palmdale, he had entered a trashy apartment to search for his mark when he discovered Rogue tailing him.

“What are you doing here?” He squinted.

“Careful, there’s garbage,” Rogue said and gripped his bicep tightly.

Wrath snorted. As if he’d fall. The touch had surprised him.

Most people didn’t touch him because his reputation preceded him, but Rogue didn’t seem intimidated by him at all.

For some reason, he hadn’t pulled away from the younger man’s touch. Later, he figured that had been the moment for him. That first spark of awareness that had bloomed into a fire.

“I can see.” He smirked even though he wore a mask and Rogue wouldn’t see it.

Rogue grunted and slowly slid his gloved hand away.

“So? Why are you here?” Wrath whispered, keeping his voice low.

Rogue appeared startled by the question and stared at him in the darkness.

With a soft chuckle, Wrath let it go and melted into the pitch black to take care of a drug pusher supplying junior high school kids with meth. Rogue was right on his ass every step of the way but stood back and watched as he slit the guy’s throat.

They took the back exit via the fire escape and moved in sync down the back alley.

Once clear of the scene, Wrath pulled off his hooded mask and tucked it away. Rogue did the same and they walked side by side for several more blocks. Wrath was going back to his vehicle; he didn’t know where Rogue was heading.

Maybe the guy needed a ride? He could do that. He could also do more than a vehicle ride if Rogue wanted.

His fucking toe caught a lifted piece of concrete in the sidewalk and like a dope, he tripped. Rogue latched onto his bicep and kept him upright.

Wrath ended up pressed up against the man’s chest. When he tried to step back, Rogue’s arms tightened, and Wrath gazed into the man’s face.

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