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Ex shifted and seemed to get more comfortable in the crook of Meridian’s neck. He slowed his pulse by working through his breathing, but no sooner did he get himself under a semblance of control—meaning stopping his cock from stabbing against his zipper—Ex’s lips grazed his skin.
“Ex. We’re here,” Meridian croaked. “Wake up.”
Ex moaned and Meridian’s dick was on the verge of leaving a damp spot in his briefs. “Hmmm?”
“Time to go,” he whispered.
Ex slowly lifted his head, putting his mouth just inches from his. His eyes were heavy from sleep and his voice raspier than usual. “You have a unique way of waking me up, Mere.”
Meridian didn’t know what that was code for, but Ex didn’t sound as if he was upset. “Unique, meaning...?”
Ex inched back and stared at him. “Unique meaning, different... rare.”
That wasn’t what Meridian had meant but he’d take the Webster’s version for now. He stood and stretched his aching back, cursing the lengthy train ride under his breath. He took his one carry-on and his concealed Ranger bag then went to the door. He had his palm on the handle but stopped before he turned it for them. “It’s been a long ride. I think you’ll sleep well tonight.”
Ex licked his lips, his sharp gray eyes on Meridian’s mouth. “We’ll see.”
Ex was surprised he’d slept. It was so late when they’d finally made it back to the cabin last night that he could do nothing but face-plant into the mattress. But with the dawn came a new day, and a fresh mind and more fucking feelings. Each day was supposed to get a little easier, or so he’d read, but the loss of Evan was crushing him more and more. If it wasn’t for Meridian he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t’ve put a bullet in his mouth by now. That was how defeated and regretful he felt. As he sat at his monitors scouring the Atlanta PD’s database for any new leads on the case, his mind went to all of the things he could’ve, should’ve done differently for his baby brother. He could’ve come home a couple more times every year. Instead, he’d stayed close to Meridian’s side.
Ex pushed back from the dining table, braced his elbows on his knees and tried to take some deep breaths, but his chest felt too tight. He struggled to inhale as he pressed his fist against his sternum. Without thought, he shot to his feet and went in search of his partner. He’d finished cleaning their weapons a while ago and Ex hadn’t seen him since.
He went towards the back of the cabin to the bedroom Meridian was using and glanced through the open door. He wasn’t in there, but his clothes had been unpacked and hung in the small closet. His trench coat was draped across the foot of the neatly made bed and there were a few pairs of boots and shoes in a neat row underneath. Ex walked farther inside, remembering when he’d added this section of his cabin—meaning he’d hired contractors. It had its own fireplace that Meridian seemed to be taking advantage of, and its own bath.
Ex flicked on the light and slowly scanned the small room. The entire space smelled like Meridian. Ex faced the counter, staring at the various hygiene products his partner had lined up along the back of the sink. He was so organized and detailed—always had been. Ex ran his fingertips over the handle of Meridian’s razor and his grooming kit. The products inside were much more expensive than his but name-brand shampoos and conditioners weren’t something he cared about. He liked that about his partner. They were so different, and so much alike, too.
Ex picked up a fancy-looking bottle of cologne and popped the top off. He put the nozzle to his nose and breathed in, at last able to take in the oxygen he needed. He immediately recognized the smell because Meridian wore that particular scent when they had briefings at headquarters. Ex set that one down then picked up another that was a quarter full. It was a gold and silver bottle and the label read Clive Christian. Ex could smell the heavenly scent before he even opened it. When Meridian wore this one, Ex could pick out that powdery musk scent in any crowd. This one appeared to be his partner’s favorite because it was almost empty, and Ex recalled how the women—marks Meridian worked—would fawn over him when he applied it sparingly along his collar.
“You get a lot of compliments from the ladies when you wear this one... is that why it’s almost gone?” Ex asked Meridian, who he could feel watching him from the door, the quiet man seeming to materialize out of nowhere. Ex hadn’t been startled. One thing they couldn’t do was sneak up on each other.
