Page 40 of Rising Storm

“Was he a cop?”

“No, just friends with a lot of them. I grew up around law enforcement people, so I naturally gravitated toward that field.”

“Why did you spend time at a homeless shelter then?”

“Liked it there. Felt a part of the group because the kids were similar to me. Gay, bi, and whatever else. I also liked Larry a lot and had fun beating his ass at ping pong.” He lifted his shoulder in a slight shrug. “It was a place to hang out, play games.” He stroked his hand down Helix’s back. “Tell me what happened the day Letsen died.”

“It was an accident. Lane hit him to help Shelli. I took care of his men.” He glanced up at Gareth. “That doesn’t bother you?”

“You did what you had to in order to survive. But I did wonder how Letsen died.”

“I’ve done a lot of bad things for that man.”

“I know—you told me about the ghosts.” Gareth tightened his arms. “I hope you’re able to let them go with all the good you’re doing now. I’ll help in any way I can.”

Gareth was such a good guy. He made Helix feel things that made him uncomfortable. Like this, lying here and being held. It wasn’t his usual style and he didn’t know how to take it. But it felt good. Damn good.

Before he could drive himself nuts with the swirling thoughts, he just let it all go and rested against Gareth. He’d figure it out later.

Chapter 16

The night before they were scheduled for the re-steal, Gareth talked Helix into going out with him and his friends. He’d never gone out with a group of people like that before and he wasn’t sure how to act.

Gareth looked sexy in tight jeans and a black button-down shirt. The man wore a lot of black, but it fit him. Helix had a hard time looking away as they got into the car to drive to the bar where they were meeting his friends. He wanted to be alone with him instead. Fuck, the sex between them was blowing his mind and all he wanted was more.

They arrived at what looked like a renovated warehouse and paid the cover charge to get in and he spotted Liam right away because the man was holding up his arms to wave them over. Bodies writhed on the dance floor as loud music pumped through the area. The inside of the warehouse had exposed beams and a hard tile floor. Colorful lights strobed from the corners.

“Hey!” Gareth said loudly as they stopped at the tall bar table. “Helix, this is Carter and Isaac,” he said, pointing at each man.

“Nice ink,” he said to Isaac. The man had his sleeves rolled up and both arms were covered in colorful tattoos.

Isaac smiled at him before taking a drink of his beer.

Carter had a friendlier, more approachable smile as he held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Helix. Love the name.”

“Thanks,” he answered, unsure what to say next. Thankfully, Gareth struck up a conversation and he didn’t have to talk. The music was loud, something with a deep baseline and he tapped his foot to it as he settled on one of the bar stools. He waved a server over and he and Gareth ordered beers.

Gareth surprised him when he placed a hand on Helix’s lower back and stood close, but he found he liked it, so he leaned against him and got a smile in return. Those dark eyes locked with his and he felt a small shiver go down his back. The look in Gareth’s eyes was pure sex.

“Whew,” Liam said. “You two maybe need to get a room.”

“Got one,” Gareth quipped. “But we’re here with you guys tonight.”

“Sure you want to be?” Liam winked.

“Yeah, we’ll go back to my room later. Right, Helix?”

Helix just smirked. His brother was in his room, so if any sex was to be had it would definitely be in Gareth’s room. But yeah, he’d be going there with Gareth. He was enjoying the man too much to hold back at this point. So he sat and enjoyed the warmth of Gareth’s body against his back and listened to the guys talk.

“Any more activity at Hayrick’s house?” Gareth asked Isaac.

“Nah, it’s been quiet.”

Gareth took a sip of his drink. “Any new leads on Jake?”

Isaac shook his head. “The man and his partner just disappeared along with Hayrick Letsen. Though the hunt for that man has chilled some. Most think he disappeared when all the heat came down on him. Word is he took all his money and left the country.”

Helix wondered if they knew Hayrick was dead, but doubted it. He sure as hell wasn’t going to tell them that. He was more than aware he sat here with one cop and three ex-cops. Gareth knew, of course, but he doubted he’d told the others. Isaac had to know, though, with him working so closely with Lane on the database. As for the other two, he had no idea.

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