Page 22 of Soul of Discretion

CHAPTER SEVEN

Simon stood staring out at the twinkling lights below. His stomach roiled, the constant taste of bile tainted his throat, and his heart? Well, his heart was a fucking wreck.

Not only had he lost a friend today, he’d also lost someone else who meant a lot to him. He’d known Margaret since they were at Plymouth University together. For Christ’s sake, it had been Simon who’d introduced Jack to her.

Jack had been smitten from the first sight of Margaret’s beautiful thick brunette hair and her wide green eyes. Her infectious smile and cheeky laugh had held him in thrall to the extent that five years later, they were married with Simon being their best man.

Now, there was nothing left of the Margaret Simon had once known. The gaunt-faced, hollow-eyed woman he’d seen earlier today was a ghost, a dark shadow of someone who had once been vibrant and beautiful.

“What the hell is going on here?” he muttered to himself as he took a slug from his brandy glass. “They come over here and suddenly things go to hell? What the fuck did you do, Jack?”

His ire extended not only to the fact Jack was involved in something far bigger than him, and that had got him killed, but that he’d never told Simon anything about Margaret’s condition.

Simon had thought they’d been good enough friends for that at least. Then, he thought guiltily, he’d not really asked either. He’d always assumed they were out here living a life of luxury and that Margaret was pursuing her dream of being a wedding planner. She’d always had a flair for design and interiors and it had seemed a natural fit for her creative abilities and social graces.

When he’d called home and told Peter and Collette about the recent events, they’d been horrified. He’d only told them the bare bones about the situation because they’d both known the couple too. It had been polite to let them know what was going on, but he wasn’t going to go into gory details.

Behind him, someone cleared his throat and Simon turned. Nick stood there, a vague look of worry on his face.

“I knocked,” Nick told Simon. “You didn’t answer. You were in a world of your own. Everything okay?”

Simon snorted. “Not really. Everything’s gone to shit and I’m clueless as to why.” He gestured to the sideboard. “There’s a mini bar over there if you fancy a drink.” He hefted his half-full glass. “I started without you, I’m afraid.”

Nick walked over to the bar and took out a beer. “I guess we need to talk,” he muttered. “I had time to think more about us being involved with me assigned to this murder case. I’m not sure it’s going to work out, but I’m happy to give it a try.”

Simon stared at him. “So you had a crisis of responsibility, Nick?” he drawled. “We can’t continue to fuck while you’re investigating my friend’s murder, and I’m trying to keep my company afloat?” He poured another bourbon. “I’m glad you came to your senses and decided to keep seeing me.”

I’ve no intention of letting you go. You’re far too much fun, Northernsalute.

Nick’s eyes narrowed. “I wouldn’t have put it quite like that, but yes. In theory, I shouldn’t be involved with you. It’s a conflict of interest. If my boss found out, I’d be suspended, and possibly would lose my job.”

Simon nodded, his hair falling over his eyes. He brushed it away absently. Nick’s gaze followed that casual gesture. “I don’t want to jeopardize your career. If you believe there’s nothing to gain by us seeing each other while I’m here, I’ll abide by that. If it’s what you really want.”

And we all know you don’t want that.

Nick’s slight flinch told Simon all he needed to know.

Hmm. He didn’t like that, the fact I can give him up so easily. He doesn’t need to know I couldn’t. Not really.

Whatever this was between him and the sexy Mountie, Simon rather fancied seeing where it went.

Nick’s lips tightened. “So that’s it? You’d simply agree we’re done and you can move on like that?” He snapped his fingers and Simon grinned.

“Well, I’d miss you, because you have a beautiful body and I was hoping to get to see more of it quite intimately, but if you feel your duty is to job and country, far be it for me to entice you over to the dark side.”

Nick’s face darkened. “It’s not that I want to, damn you, more that I have to. Like I said, my boss—”

The insistent press of Simon’s finger against his lips cut off Nick’s explanation. “Shh, you idiot. Your boss need never know about our little frisks between the sheets. Or in the shower, or you bent down over the couch.” Simon smiled wickedly. “We’re both grown men with needs. I’m sure we can make this work.” He released Nick’s mouth, trailing his finger along Nick’s top lip. “Anyway, no doubt we’re going to be working fairly closely together during this investigation because I don’t intend going anywhere until it’s resolved.” His voice was steely. “I want to get to the bottom of this as much as you do, and together we’ll stand a much better chance of doing that. Don’t you agree?”

From the smouldering look in Nick’s eyes, Simon thought smugly he certainly did. The man was ready to explode. Simon had no doubt all he’d need to do was brush his hand against Nick’s groin where the bulge was unmistakable, and Nick would pop like a soda bottle.

No, my friend, I haven’t forgotten you like being bossed around.

“I suppose in the interests of the investigation, you have a lot to offer.” Nick’s voice was hoarse with need. Simon’s cock burned from the desire sparking between them.

He chuckled. “Oh, I have a lot more to offer in other ways, believe me.” His fingers caressed the bristly stubble at Nick’s jaw. “We can talk about that later. Right now, I need you to tell me all about what Jack might have gotten himself in to.”

Simon moved away, picked up his brandy glass and sat down on the couch. He raised an enquiring eyebrow at Nick. “Well, come on. Sit down here and let’s talk.”