Page 43 of Honorable Convictions
“You’re welcome.”
Pierson smiled. “While we’re discussing reputations, yours isn’t exactly one of a middle-of-the-road Juris Knight. You could easily handle a position that put you in a supervisory role where you arbitrated cases.”
“I certainly wouldn’t say no if asked, but I’m not ballsy enough to volunteer either.”
“Do you think I did the wrong thing in bringing my project to VK Arvandus?”
“Have I ever said that? Of course not. It was a terrific idea, and you’re perfect as a liaison, but I’m worried you’ll get bored without a sufficient caseload.”
Thinking about what the future held and the tentative inroads they were making into building the foundation of a relationship, Pierson considered his role in DC. “Can I tell you a secret?”
“I love secrets.”
“This can go no further than us. As far as I know, this is only common knowledge in DC and with our bosses.”
“I’m a fallen knight, Blondie. It’s not like I can go tattle.”
“Right, because fallen knights never gossip.”
“You are mymate, Pierce. I have no intention of betraying your confidences.”
The possessiveness in his tone unsettled and warmed Pierson. What would it be like to truly be Mitchell’s other half? Pierson refused to ponder the future or the idea that he might never find out, so he shut those thoughts down. “Okay, here goes. I’m in DC for a year. It’s all my direct supervisor would agree to. That’s why I’m given cases that aren’t time sensitive. I think she expects me to pull the plug at any moment, but I never intended for this to be so short-term.”
“So, in nine months you go back to Vegas?”
Pierson blew out a frustrated breath. “Yeah.”
“Is that so terrible?”
“I thought I could help somewhere besides DC, but no one will let me.”
“You’re traveling all over.”
“In a capacity that may not even be necessary.”
“Pierce, let me ask you a serious question.”
Suddenly wary, Pierson finished his last bite of steak and swallowed some wine. “Okay.”
“How do you get to be the most revered Juris Knight and yet have no confidence in your ability? You consistently undervalue yourself and don’t seem to have any idea what you mean to the Order of the Fallen Knights.” Pierson shifted in his seat as he organized his thoughts to answer, and Mitchell laid a hand on his arm. “Don’t run off because I’ve made you uncomfortable. If you prefer not to answer, that’s okay.”
His brow furrowed, Pierson studied the kindness on Mitchell’s face. It relaxed him, and he breathed out. “When I’m working on a case, I don’t question my abilities. I know I’m good at what I do, and I give it everything. I don’t tackle any case with less than my best. But now that I’m getting to know the Juris Knights around the country, it puts my relationship with the ones I worked with the longest in Vegas in a starker light. They don’t like me and…” A tear slipped down his cheek, and it was humiliating to lose control of himself in front of Mitchell.
But the other fallen knight simply used his thumb to whisk away the tiny drop, then caressed Pierson’s jaw. “Blondie, they don’t know you. You refused to let them in. It’s not because you failed in anything or that you’re unlikable. It’s that thick icy shield you put around you like armor.”
“I’m afraid to go back.”
“It’s going to be better because you’ve learned that you don’t have to protect yourself that way. You’re going to make friends just as easily as you’ve done in every new city you visit.”
Chapter 23
Watching Pierson cry had effectively ignited every ounce of Mitchell’s protective instincts. It was difficult to witness the pain in his eyes, and Mitchell understood probably better than his other half the steep mountain that awaited him in Vegas, but there was also excitement and relief that Pierson would be home in nine months. One of his greatest fears was the thought that he had to somehow convince Pierson to give up this dream of staying in DC, and Mitchell was practically weak in the knees knowing he didn’t have to fight that battle.
“You’re making it sound easier than it will be,” Pierson accused.
Mitchell set his napkin on the table and left his seat to cup Pierson’s face in his hands. “You can do this. You’re capable of anything. When you get home, it’s going to be a fresh start.”
“Vegas never felt like home.”
