Page 63 of Honorable Convictions
“I don’t do that anymore, and everyone at work thinks I’m dating someone.”
“I guess you could call us dating,” Pierson replied. “And as far as rivals go, I have to say I still love meeting you in a courtroom.”
“You’re my favorite Juris Knight in every way including that one. I like being pitted against the best.”
“Remember how I said that we should’ve helped each other to improve our skills instead of trying to outdo each other?”
“Yeah,” Mitchell responded, not really sure why Pierson was insisting once again on returning to the training that had set them both on the wrong course.
“I’d like to request your assistance in furthering my physical skills.”
“You want to start working on hand-to-hand combat again?”
“No, I was thinking more of meeting on the mattress in our bedroom.”
With a laugh, Mitchell extricated himself from Pierson’s embrace and grabbed his hand. “I’d be happy to work enriching my own physical prowess.”
Pierson tugged him out of the room. “I do appreciate that you’re already undressed for the occasion, but it is a little weird to have you standing in the kitchen naked.”
“Please, you enjoy the view no matter where we are.”
“I won’t argue with your assessment.”
In the bedroom, Mitchell pulled his arm free, then shoved Pierson so he fell onto the tousled sheets. Grabbing two fistfuls of fabric, he tugged Pierson’s pants to his ankles, allowing his mate to kick them off. Pierson pulled an unresisting Mitchell into his arms, and their lips met in a soft kiss that swiftly deepened. Content with the beauty of having his other half close, Mitchell gave himself over to the pleasure of their lovemaking. Although there was no way to know how long it’d take them to solidify their matebond, Mitchell had no complaints.
∞∞∞
Completely at peace with living in Las Vegas at Mitchell’s side, Pierson was still disappointed that he had to return to headquarters. Not only was he unsure of what it’d mean for his liaison position, he was afraid of retreating into the frozen place that had sustained him since training. Although they’d waited until the wee hours of the morning to have the kind of discussion that had done wonders for Pierson’s confidence about their relationship, it comforted him to know that it was highly unlikely he’d allow that cold part of himself to harm them. But it remained to be seen how strange it’d be to pretend to be strangers for eight or more hours a day in the office.
All of that was racing through his mind as he located the building that housed the Reverent Knights. On the correct floor, he straightened his shoulders as he pressed the doorbell. When Conley opened the door, Pierson forced a smile.
“Come on in, we’ve got fresh coffee, would you like some?”
“No, thank you.”
“Okay, let’s go find Drystan,” Conley invited, and Pierson followed him down a wide hallway which soon opened into a great room done in the silver, gray, and black of the Order of the Fallen Knights. What immediately grabbed Pierson’s attention was the two swords crossed above the sofa. They were unmistakably ancient, and the word “Draconis” was branded onto the length of both blades. It was a glorious reminder that once the Reverent Knights had led the dragons as emperors.
“Good morning, Pierson,” Drystan said, dragging Pierson’s gaze from the magnificent weapons of war that the Arch Lich, Killian the Dwyer, and two other now dead leaders had stolen from Castle Draconis along with the bodies of the men smiling at him.
“Good morning, RK,” Pierson responded automatically.
“Have a seat,” Conley instructed. “And no titles necessary, okay?”
Pierson chose a chair while the two mates sat close on the couch opposite him. “Thank you for inviting me here.”
“I’m sorry everything was dumped on you so suddenly. As you know, from the start FK36 Barnaby has had fears about your transfer to DC. When we called her to discuss the idea of bringing you back, she insisted that it be done immediately. Since we have an entire Vegas office full of overworked and exhausted Juris Knights, we agreed,” Drystan explained.
“And we have to keep Ella’s wishes in mind as well. She’s been apprehensive about you growing more frustrated, and Ella has always insisted that Vegas is where you belong,” Conley added.
“I’m not upset at FK36 Barnaby. I know she was hesitant from the start, and I enjoyed working out of her office. She runs it efficiently and is well-liked by the men and women she supervises.”
“But you aren’t happy about returning.”
“I’ve made it a personal goal to be honest with you both to prevent me from winding up frustrated, exhausted, and at the end of my rope again. So, I must confess I’m not happy.”
“Let’s see what we can do to alleviate as much of your irritation with returning as possible. What are your concerns?” Drystan asked.
“I’ve been working hard with offices across North America to assist them with understanding the new Juris Knight requirements that are now mandated. What happens to cities that were still on my calendar?”
