Even if my core had already softened and begun to spasm like it couldn’t wait to be filled.
“Enough Vienna.” I snapped the words into the silence of the car and it worked. Hopefully, it would continue to work. I needed to focus on the hunt. The monster who took my father. The other monsters on our list.
By the time I reached the subdivision, I had my wandering mind and libido in check. The coolness of the mission settled over me like a shroud. The door opened to the house before the garage door behind me finished rolling shut.
I’d thought it would be Rick coming out to greet me, but Fletcher stood there with a wild look on his face. “Why did you take so damn long? I thought you’d want to know this right away, Drew.”
Stepping out of the car, I stared at him. I appreciated his enthusiasm but he didn’t get to scold me. He met me halfway and before I could respond, he said, "why do you smell like manure and ass?”
NowthatI would respond to. “Excuse you?”
I was very well acquainted with the smell of death. I did not stink.
“Just kidding,” Fletcher backpedaled verbally, raising his hands even as his smile faltered. “I’ve been going crazy for you to get back here, and Rick threatened to take my phone if I texted you again.”
“I told you,” Rick said from the doorway. “She was working. I also told you she was on her way back. There was no need to bother her.”
“Sorry.” Real contrition filled Fletcher’s tone. “I just know this is important to you.”
“Apology accepted.” The scent of coffee pulled me like a siren and I nodded when Fletcher stepped to the side so I could pass. Rick stared past me, but the unfriendly glare faded when I patted his chest. “Let it go. Enthusiasm is a good thing. It’s just late. We’re all tired.”
“Some of us have had too much coffee.”
“Some of us have beenworking,” Fletcher argued.
“Yes, but you’ve also figured it out, so you’re cut off.” Rick didn’t even pretend it was a debate. Fletcher scoffed and I ignored them both as I walked into the kitchen and poured myself a cup of coffee.
“Give me fifteen minutes,” I told them. Then without explanation or another word, I went upstairs to shower. The icy cold spray helped chase away the cobwebs and the pulse of desire their bickering elicited. Not to mention, when Fletcher swept toward me a part of my brain thought he was gonna scoop me up into a kiss.
I stayed under the cold water until even my teeth were chattering and then I turned it off. A rough toweling off sent blood rushing back to my extremities and I shotgunned the hot coffee to chase away more of the chill. After, I changed into sleep pants that hugged my hips and a tank top that I preferred for sleeping, when I slept in clothes.
Downstairs, I found both of my men glaring at each other—wellstaringintently at least—but saying nothing. They waited for me to refill my mug and I picked up one of the sandwiches Rick had set out, before I turned to face them.
I was ready.
“Show me everything.”
27
Fletcher
Holy shit.
Holy fucking shit. I couldn’t believe what I’d found on Dion’s servers. Of course, it cracked open like a delicately soft egg when Drew wasn’t here. Rick was heatedly glaring at me like he wished he was an animated hero fromThe Incredibles.
“Ha!” I laughed as I continued pacing around the kitchen. Good thing this was tile flooring, because I would have worn a circle around the island by this point.
“You’re making me dizzy,” Rick snapped. But he hadn’t really been cordial since I called Drew against his wishes. Well, fuck him. He wasn’t the boss of me. Now Drew, she could fuck me all she wanted and I had a feeling I’d ask for more.
And take any ordersshewanted to give…
“Why are you laughing?” He’d lost some of the anger and his question was merely tired and curious.
“What?” I stopped mid-stride, and looked over at him. Had I been laughing? I didn’t think allowing Drew to have her wicked way with her little pincushion would have made me laugh. “Oh,” I said, waving a hand and continuing on my trek around the kitchen. This time I headed into the living room to circle the coffee table, just for a change of scenery. “I had this brief moment where I imagined you as Gazerbeam. You really know how to scowl, you know that? With those heavy brows and piercing eyes, you have intimidation down to fine art. You should give me lessons. I could use it for the next time I have to interact with my psychotic family.”
I didn’t have to raise my voice because Rick had followed me, perching on the end table so he’d be able to watch me no matter what room I was in. Just for giggles, I should add in the staircase to see what he would do.
“I don’t see why that’s funny.”