Page 5 of Blood and Embers
“Yeah.” He replied and waited for Pike to catch up.
“Are you going back out? Did you find any of Bagwell’s men?” he asked.
“Yes, we brought in two jackals that were involved in the attack. They refused to give any information, so Master Rose asked to have a word with them." They both laughed, knowing that Master Rose intended to take the jackal’s minds apart and dissect their consciousness. He wasn’t having a word with them; he was just going to take everything he wanted.
"He should have some answers when he's finished," Pike remarked.
“He’ll have all the answers. Jackals are fierce fighters, but their minds are easy to crack; not much is going on above the neck.”
"I have a date with Lieutenant Scott Jones tonight. We're going to dinner." Pike blurted, and Hugh turned to look at him speculatively.
“That was fast.” He stated with a broad smile. “I thought there was something between you.” He added.
"There's definitely something between us; he's my beloved," Pike admitted.
“That’s fantastic. Scott is a very handsome man and a very capable firefighter from what I've seen and heard. Fate was exceedingly generous with you, my friend." Hugh slapped him on the back. “He’s no gentle, vulnerable twink. You’ll have to temper your protective and dominant nature.”
"He's exactly the man I've always dreamed of." That came out without thinking because it was the truth. Romantic relationships had never been his goal; he preferred to focus on his job and his friends. Welcoming someone inside and preparing for unity had never crossed his mind except in a far-off someday sort of way.
He looked at Hugh and smiled fully and honestly. “He's the one, Hugh, the one I wasn't aware I was waiting for." A peaceful, soft laugh left his lips, and satisfaction filled his eyes.
"I'm happy for you, Pike. You've been on your own a long time. You deserve a good man, and I hope he is everything you think he is and that he is worthy of you." Hugh's words touched him.
“I don’t know his mind or how this will ultimately play out, but I do know that I’m the happiest that I’ve ever been.” Pike felt the fulfilling sense of belonging that went beyond family and friendship. This was an eternal bond, and this man was his perfect match.
They hung out together in the lounge, discussing Bagwell and other business until Pike had to get ready for his date.
“Daemon’s going to be heartbroken to learn that you have found your beloved.” Hugh joked. “He’s been crushing on you for years.”
“He’s too young to get serious over anyone. He needs to enjoy life and taste what it has to offer.” Pike spoke up. “He’s a handsome little man and will do just fine.”
"I agree, but I doubt he'll feel the same." Hugh shook his head. Daemon had always been a handful, but Hugh loved him thoroughly. Daemon would always be okay because he had a brother who would do anything for him.
Scott headed home to get ready for his date after meeting with his Captain to discuss the fire that hit the Blood Rose the previous day. Captain Rogers had similar suspicions that the fires of the past few weeks bore similarities and could be connected.
Scott believed them to be targeted hits, although the police had not yet connected them. Captain Rogers thought they were tied, but his assumption was that a firebug was responsible. The business owners had nothing in common and were scattered throughout the city, so he did not think it was anything other than a nut job targeting bars and clubs.
That might have been enough for Scott, but his suspicions spiked after meeting the bartender, Pike Santoro, and his evasive behavior when questioned about the fire and the suspects. That man knew much more than he was sharing. This date was intended to hopefully gather some information from Pike, but that was not the only reason. Scott found himself attracted to the tall, dark man right from their very first encounter.
Pike was a very compelling man, and for a bartender, he exhibited skills well beyond those necessary for such a career. The attraction was something Scott had felt right to his core. At their first meeting, he was struck by Pike's kindness and willingness to put himself in danger to aid others. His abilities were sharp and obviously shaped by years of skill training. He was a soldier of sorts, and Scott would bet his life on that.
Why he claimed to be a bartender, a simple club employee, was baffling. Why hide was the question plaguing Scott, and that question fueled his suspicion of a targeted hit that, if not expected, was not a surprise.
He showered and changed into a pair of dark blue, tailored pants that he knew accentuated his finer features, and a light crew-neck sweater that hugged his chest to perfection. He was dressed for Pike; he was dressing to be seen and appreciated. He wanted much more than answers this evening. He wanted to get to know the tall, dark man; he wanted the sexy bartender for his own this evening.
Sometimes, business and pleasure can become a wonderful mix. When he arrived at the restaurant, Pike was waiting for him outside. He got out of the taxi and hurried over to him. Pike was dressed like Scott’s ultimate wet dream.
He wore jeans that clung to his body and accentuated his figure, and he wore a steel-gray cotton button-down that looked as if it had been made specifically for him. Scott caught his breath and reached out his hand to him as he approached.
Pike took his hand and pulled him close, placing a congenial kiss on his cheek. The moment they touched, Scott felt a fire ignite deep within his soul. This man was so dangerous; this man could so easily own him.
They went inside and were seated. Pike had made reservations, which struck Scott as a conscientious move. Pike was a detail man like Scott. Their table was in the back area, which afforded a little more privacy, a detail that also spoke to Pike’s planning.
"Pike held Scott's chair, a gesture he had not expected but appreciated. Pike was a man who was naturally dominant but clearly trying to temper that tendency. Scott had no problem with Pike taking the lead. He was fine with giving up control from time to time, especially in the bedroom.
They ordered and then settled in with drinks. The discussion began with basic small talk and then gradually progressed to more personal questions. Scott loved how easy it was to talk to Pike. At first glance, he would have expected him to be distant and closed off, just going by his stance and expressions. He kept his arms crossed on his chest most of the time, and his stare was lethal, seeming to take in the surroundings with an air of mistrust.
After meeting him, Scott discovered that although he kept that personal, he did not use it on Scott. Any time their eyes met, there was warmth in their depths, and he seemed happy to see him. He might be dreaming, but Pike, too, was interested in more than just dinner.
