Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 109245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Gage’s hair was damp as if he’d just gotten out of the shower. Parts of his hair were so blond now that it gleamed silver under the lights. It had grown longer, almost brushing the nape of his neck and falling in layers he swept back from his face.
He wore a soft-looking white-and-heather-gray sweatsuit and silver-rimmed sunglasses.
Gage’s cane was different too, as if his tech team was always trying to outdo the last model. He walked without it or hesitation, as if the room was arranged around him.
He went to the empty seat beside Scar, sat down, and made himself comfortable. Close enough, Scar could smell Gage’s enticing, powder-soft warmth. A combination that turned his control into an impossible feat.
Gage settled his focus on him as if he were the only person in the room worth addressing.
“Good evening.”
His voice was that sexy, mellow-quiet confidence that never failed to slide under Scar’s skin like a wandering hand.
He managed a croaky, “Hey,” before he had to clear the lust from his throat.
“Long time, no see.” Gage laughed, elbowing him in his side. “Get it?”
Almost everyone laughed, but Scar didn’t.
Gage’s assistant came to him a few seconds later and placed a glass of water at his right hand.
“You ready to eat?” he asked.
“Yes, please. I’m starving. I’ll have whatever Chef can whip up really quick.”
Scar stared at Gage’s mouth, wondering what those pink lips tasted like. If they were as sweet as they looked.
Conversations resumed around them as though nothing significant was happening.
Meridian and Grace stayed on the mission topic. Valor and Zorion were having a hushed exchange, and Roz was now talking excitedly with Corvo about the next Olympics being on the West Coast and going to a few events.
Joshua returned ten minutes later with a plate of prime rib, asparagus, roasted potatoes, and set it down in front of Gage.
Gage leaned forward and inhaled before he sat back and licked his pretty lips.
“Smells great, Josh. Thank you.”
He unwrapped his cutlery from the cloth napkin, rotated his plate until the meat was at six o’clock and his vegetables at ten and two, and dug in.
There was no fumbling or uncertainty as he ate. He was so meticulous. So perfect.
Scar was staring, but he couldn’t stop.
Meridian narrowed his eyes at him before he turned away.
Zorion didn’t even pretend not to notice, which felt worse.
Gage chewed, swallowed, then let out a soft chuckle.
“Do you want a bite?” he asked. “You’re staring as if you want some.”
I do, but not the food.
Scar reached over and took an asparagus spear from Gage’s plate. He put the tip in his mouth and bit down, his gaze never leaving Gage’s face.
Gage didn’t react the way he’d expected.
He didn’t recoil or show any shyness. He just smiled and kept eating.
The conversations around them drifted in and out. Words about ports, timing, and exits shifting to background noise.
All he could focus on was Gage.
The way his lips closed around his fork, and how his throat worked when he swallowed.
Scar leaned in enough to warm the air between them, until their breaths mingled and his nose was so close to Gage’s throat that he could bask in that damn scent.
“Can I see you later?” Scar asked, keeping his voice low.
Gage turned his head slowly toward him. “See me and do what?”
That damn voice did something criminal below Scar’s belt.
“I wanna fight you,” he whispered.
Gage’s laugh was quiet, teasing. “You really that brave?”
Scar nodded, his forehead brushing Gage’s temple. “I wanna see what you got.”
“Time and place,” Gage said confidently.
He didn’t hesitate. “Midnight. In the Blacks’ training arena.”
Gage leaned an inch closer, and all Scar had to do was take his mouth—
The door opened again, and Adrian walked in.
Scar gritted his teeth at the feel of cold water dousing the heat that been simmering between him and his partner.
Adrian greeted them pleasantly, as if he belonged and hadn’t been an obstacle in Scar’s path since the beginning.
Adrian bent down to Gage’s ear, and Scar watched him do it with barely restrained anger.
“I know your training is done for the day.” Adrian’s tone was deep and intimate. “But I have a surprise for you.”
Gage’s expression brightened in a way Scar hated because it wasn’t him who’d made it happen.
“Oh yeah?” Gage said. “And what will it be tonight? Axe-throwing or another escape room?”
Adrian smiled. “Nope. I’m taking you to church.”
Gage froze for half a beat before his mouth spread into a full dazzling smile.
“No way. Seriously? I can go to a public church?”
“I checked with Jo. She said it’s fine,” Adrian said. “It’s not a mega church. It’s a small storefront church with only a few members. The reverend goes to my gym. He’s a real humble guy.”
Gage shoved his plate toward Scar. “You can finish this if you want.”
He stood, and Adrian had the audacity to offer Gage his arm.