Page 32 of Barrett

“I don’t say it enough or ever, really, but I want you to be happy. I’d hate to lose you as a guard and have a feeling the only way to pull you away would be love. I also hope you’ll weigh where you and the man you fall in love with are the safest. The East Dremest PD could never protect the two of you as I can.” He didn’t come right out and say he cared about me. Jordan wanted Barrett and me to choose him over a life where Barrett stayed working as a detective. I would have no choice but to give up my job here to follow the man I loved. Not that I loved him. I didn’t. Although, I could easily see how I could fall for him.

“I appreciate all you’ve done for Raiden and me. You’ve given us jobs we excel at, made sure we had everything we could possibly need, and even provided us with homes. It doesn’t go unnoticed.”

“Yes, well, you two have repeatedly proven your value. Now you can go.” He focused on his computer, effectively dismissing me. There wouldn’t be a hug or a sharing of sentiment. I was surprised I’d gotten as much out of him as I did.

When I entered the living room, I found Vail sitting on the couch with a grin lighting his face.

“That was sweet of him,” he said. “And of you. Jordan said more than I thought he would.”

“It could have gone badly.”

“Yeah, but it didn’t, so there’s no point in focusing on that. You’re a good man, Reghan. You deserve someone who sees that and will appreciate what you have to offer, not take advantage of it. I haven’t witnessed the side of Barrett you have, but if he makes you happy, then I'll do whatever I can to help you find a way to be together.”

“Vail, you don’t?—”

He put his hand up. “I know, but I will. Hart and I went through hell and back to get to where we are, and while I wouldn’t wish our trials on anyone, I also wouldn’t trade where I am either.”

Jordan was making his entrance as his shoes announced his approach before his voice did. “And where are you, Vail?” Jordan asked.

Vail stood from the couch to round it and stop in front of Jordan. His hand lifted to coast through Jordan’s beard. “Right where I was always meant to be. You did a good thing in there. I’m proud of you.”

Jordan’s teeth ground together, but another touch from Vail made him relax. I walked to my post by the elevator and stared straight ahead instead of looking at them.

“How about we go upstairs, and I’ll reward you for what you said?” Vail asked.

“I’m not Tahoe, who needs a treat whenever I do something you approve of.”

“No? Okay, then I’ll go back to the article I was reading on my phone.”

“Like hell,” Jordan growled and wrapped his arm around Vail’s waist to pull him close.

They ascended the stairs a moment later. My lips twitched. Jordan would be led anywhere by Vail and Hartley. If only I was able to have that someday, that unconditional love and trust. Maybe I could have it sooner than I thought.

15

BARRETT

The art expo at East Dremest Luxury Hotel & Spa was so much more than I thought it was going to be. The ballroom was set up in a way that allowed each artist to display their work without encroaching on the person next to them. The organizers didn’t put all the paintings together or the sculptures. This way, potential buyers had to walk around the room to view each piece before deciding what they wanted to purchase.

“Yours are the best,” I muttered when I was in front of my brother. I’d done a slow lap and concluded no one compared to him.

Marshall grinned. “You’re biased.”

“Of course I am. You’re amazing, Mars.”

There were two paintings displayed in my brother’s area. One was a landscape he’d painted of the countryside farther west of here. Whatever my brother touched with a paintbrush; he brought it to life. The rolling hills, the horses grazing, the way the clouds floated across the sky. I could almost feel the breeze against my skin.

I was surprised by the other one he brought. It was the painting of us eating ice cream when we were younger. It didn’t matter that it was us and could be hung in someone’s home. I’d never hold Marshall back out of my need for privacy. I had a feeling they were both going to sell.

When the event started, and trays of appetizers and drinks were walked around, I drifted from my brother’s area, not wanting to see people turn up their noses at his work. I doubted they would, but not all of the Dremest citizens were kind. Some thought they were better than the rest.

Jordan thought he was. Then again, he actually was. With that attitude came a man who wanted to help his city. He wasn’t so stuck-up he didn’t see what was happening in front of him, or if he could help, he wouldn’t.

As I made my second lap, I relaxed. Jordan wasn’t here, and neither was anyone I worked with. This wasn’t an event for them. I still worried, still didn’t want them here, learning more about me.

Turning, I started to return to my brother to check in when a familiar person entered the room.

Reghan’s hair was brushed back, and he wore black slacks with a baby-blue button-down. The sleeves were rolled up, showing off his powerful arms. Everything about him called to me on a primal level, to the point I was walking toward him before realizing what I was doing.

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