“Nothing wrong with being close to your family.”
Daniel looked over at Edward, and it was on the tip of his tongue to ask if he was close to his family, but he swallowed back the question. It wasn’t fair to Edward. He couldn’t tell Daniel the truth about his family. He had a dangerous life, and lying about his family kept them safe.
“Did you join this security company after you left the FBI?”
He smiled and nodded up at Edward before they started walking again. “I’d moved back home to Cincinnati, at least temporarily, until I figured out what the hell I was going to do next. Rowe Ward just showed up on my parents’ front porch one Saturday afternoon and said that I had to come work for him.”
Edward stopped and cocked his head a little. “As an accountant?”
Daniel snorted. “Oh, that’s how he pitched it. I was supposed to just handle the accounting for the security company, but then jobs came up that needed someone who understood the various accounting shenanigans someone might pull when they’re trying to hide something. And then I’m good at puzzles and code breaking. There was recently a case where one of the bodyguards was being threatened, and the bastard was using this secret code.”
“And you broke it?”
“Yep. Saved his life.”
Edward stopped and turned to face Daniel, his brow furrowed as he scowled down at him. “Why do you sound surprised by that?”
“Well, I mean…I’m just this nerdy numbers guy. You have to understand the people I work with. Two of them are former Army Rangers. The COO is this former MMA fighter, and he has all these mad fighting skills. The rest of the bodyguards have a ton of training and just know how to handle these intense situations where shit is exploding around them. I love my quiet life and my numbers. I don’t want the explosion and car chases, but it’s nice to make a bigger difference every once in a while.”
Edward took a step closer and bent his head down until his forehead was pressed to Daniel’s. “You’ve been dragged into an insane shit show, and you have rolled with it every step of the way. Those guys you work with would be hard-pressed to keep up with you.”
“Thanks.”
Stepping back, Edward shoved his hands into his pockets again, and Daniel nearly giggled. It was clear how Edward was coping with keeping his hands to himself. And Daniel really liked that Edward was handsy with him. Wanted to feel his hands on his body right at that moment.
“So…it’s about dinnertime.” Edward started leading the way toward a broad street that was becoming more crowded with people as they hit the restaurants and shops. “Anything you’re hungry for?”
“You.”
Edward stopped sharply and looked down at Daniel. He cleared his throat before saying, “Excuse me?”
“I want you. I want to get down on my knees and suck you down my thr—”
Edward roughly grabbed Daniel’s elbow and half pulled him down the street they’d just come down. “We’ll order room service,” he growled.
Daniel’s laughter rose above the murmur of conversation around them as Edward quickly led them back to their hotel.The second Daniel disappeared into the bathroom, Edward peeled off his shirt and tossed it across the room. He quickly went through his usual checks to make sure there was no sign that anyone had been in the room while they were gone. With their room secure, he toed out of his shoes and pulled off his socks, nearly falling over when he lost his balance. The lube and condoms he’d stashed in the nightstand were in easy reach.
His heart was pounding in his chest and his fucking palms were sweaty. He looked down at himself and nearly swore out loud. He wasn’t sure if he’d been this excited the first time he’d had sex, and this definitely wasn’t their first time together.
The spark was back in Daniel’s green eyes—something he hadn’t seen since their first night and he’d sorely missed. This was different. It felt different. The truth was out now…for the most part…and Daniel still wanted him.
Not some character he was playing for a job. Not some flimsy façade.
Daniel wanted him.
Of course, Daniel might not realize that he was getting the real, true-blue version of himself, but it didn’t matter. Edward knew the truth.
The bathroom door opened, and Daniel stepped out completely naked. His flawless skin still glistened in spots from drops of water clinging to his skin. Edward’s mouth went dry at the sight of the sexy man standing there with a wicked grin. There was none of the insecurity or hesitance that Daniel had exhibited earlier. Fuck. This man knew exactly what he wanted, and he knew that he was desired.
“Jesus fuck,” Edward groaned. “Not holding back, are you?”
Daniel cocked his head to the side but never lost his smile. “You want me to?”