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Bear let go. "Shut up."
"Relax, big guy," Julian said, his tone gentler now. "I'm just messing with you. I know you've got a job to do, and I promise I'll behave. Mostly." He winked at Bear, but his earlier bravado was replaced by something softer, more vulnerable.
For once, Bear didn't see a walking pain in the ass. He saw a young man caught between two worlds, scared but trying to hide it.
He felt a sudden urge to comfort him, to wrap his arms around him and promise that he'd never let anyone hurt him again.
But he couldn't.
His own desires were strong, but they threatened to undo everything.
And he wouldn't let that happen.
"Get some sleep," Bear said gruffly, turning his back on Julian as he checked the lock on the door, trying to ignore the ache in his chest. "We have a long week ahead of us."
Chapter five
Julian'sgazewanderedacrossthe small motel room, its beige walls and generic landscape paintings doing little to entertain him. He had spent an entire day cooped up in the room with Bear, who was all business and no play.
There was only so much daytime TV that one man could take. Frustration bubbled within him as he searched for a way to break the monotony.
"Did you know that boredom can actually be lethal?" Julian asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's called ennui. The French have a word for everything."
Bear didn't even glance up from the gun he was meticulously cleaning. "Focus on staying alive, kid," he grumbled, his deep voice resonating in the cramped space.
Julian sighed dramatically, crossing his legs and leaning back against the headboard of the bed. His eyes lingered on Bear's broad shoulders and muscular arms as they moved with precision over the weapon. A mischievous smile spread across his lips as an idea formed in his mind.
"Y'know, I've always admired you, Bear," Julian remarked nonchalantly, watching for any reaction. "Even when I was just a teenager, I couldn't help but notice your... guns."
Bear's hand faltered for a moment, his brow furrowing into a frown. He quickly regained his composure, though, and continued cleaning the gun. "We're not here to reminisce," he said sternly. "Just stay put and let me do my job."
Julian hated the thought of anyone seeing him scared. He was a Toscano, after all. And okay, maybe he wasn't as tough as his older brother, but he could act like he was above it all, cool and amused. He'd sworn long ago that he wouldn't let anything get to him.
But when Bear had comforted him the day before, that small kindness had broken through his defenses. It was just a little moment, but something in it had made his chest ache.
Bear was just being kind. It meant nothing to him—of course it didn't.
But it felt like more to Julian. That care, that comfort… it was a hit of something that made him crave more.
"Of course, of course," Julian agreed with an exaggerated nod. Just because Bear was ignoring him didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun trying to get under his skin. "But really, I've always been drawn to men like you—big, strong, protective. It's hard not to notice someone like you."
This time, Bear couldn't hide his discomfort. His shoulders tensed, and a light flush crept onto his cheeks. He stared at the gun in his hands, avoiding Julian's eyes as he muttered, "I'm just doing my job, kid."
"Is it so wrong to appreciate the man who's keeping me safe?" Julian asked innocently, a playful glint in his eyes.
Bear finally looked up, meeting Julian's gaze with a mix of curiosity and irritation. "What are you playing at, Julian?"
"Nothing," Julian replied, feigning innocence. "Just trying to liven things up a bit. And maybe get to know my knight in shining armor a little better."
Bear's jaw clenched as he tried to maintain a professional distance, his gaze fixed on the gun in his hands. "Julian," he finally spoke, his voice strained with tension, "I'm here to protect you. Period. This isn't the time for getting personal."
"Fine," Julian huffed, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms over his chest. "I get it. You're just doing your job." He knew Bear was right, but that didn't make it any less frustrating.
For a moment, they sat in silence, the only sound in the room coming from the rhythmic clicking of Bear disassembling the gun. Julian tried to keep his thoughts quiet, but memories from the previous day's attempt on his life sent shivers down his spine.
He needed something, anything, to fill the silence.
"So, what do you think's going to happen next?" he asked, his tone lighter than before but still tinged with anxiety. "Will Angelo find whoever's after me?"
