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I wanted to be honest with him, too. A great partnership relied on trust and transparency. “Normally, I would have kept a level head, but…what you said really resonated with me. Ever since my brother’s death, I’ve been doubting my place in the force. I’ve wondered if I should apply for a human police department, or change careers entirely. I don’t want to put anyone else in danger.”
“Oh, Milan,” he said, squeezing me lightly again. “Please don’t doubt yourself. I read through your files; you are an incredible detective. The fact that you don’t have magical abilities only makes your work more impressive. You’ve met every challenge head on without backing down, and rose to the top of the department, which just so happens to be full of magical beings. You are more than worthy, and you belong here. You are the bravest man I’ve ever met, and I’m proud to be your partner.”
I closed my eyes and let his words pour over me. They were like cool water on the burning guilt I’d been carrying. Nigel’s presence alone soothed me. I was drawn to his candor, and already addicted to his affirmation. For whatever reason, his approval meant the world to me. I craved making this man proud.
And the way he held my body was perfect. It was more than a friendly or concerned embrace. He was holding all of my broken pieces together without judgment; only care.
My cheeks warmed when I realized that he was still holding me on his lap. While it felt pretty damn amazing and I would gladly stay in his strong arms all day, it wasn’t exactly professional; we had an important job to do.
So, I drew myself onto my feet and reminded him, “We need to find that incantation you mentioned.” It sounded like it could hold important clues to these cases.
Nigel’s expression appeared disappointed when I climbed off of him, and I felt the same dismay to my core. He stood up as well, and after taking a moment to sweetly smooth the wrinkles from my jacket, asked, “Are you feeling okay to continue?”
After our heart-to-heart, I knew Nigel wasn’t doubting my abilities; he was only wanting to care for my needs. I appreciated his concern, as it was a shocking sight we’d just taken in. But the desire to figure out the case and catch the culprit outweighed most of my unease. “I’m okay, but, do you mind driving us back to the station?” I was still a little shaken and didn’t want to put him in harm’s way behind the wheel.
Nigel grimaced and replied, “I’d love to, but I can’t.”
I blinked at him until it hit me, “Oh, because you’re not used to driving on the right side of the road?” Rules were different in other countries.
“No, because I never learned.”
I was utterly confused as I tipped my head. “So how do you get around?” Did his last partner always drive? Did he take public transportation?
His grimace morphed into a smirk. “I can show you, but don’t tell the Captain.”
Maybe I should have questioned him, but when Nigel held his hand out towards me, I took it without hesitation. He pulled me against his body and wrapped one arm around me once more. This time, more than my cheeks heated as my blood rushed through my veins, warming me from the inside out.
Nigel removed his wand with his free hand and gave it a flick.
Chapter Five
Milan
The dreary background around us slowly faded from view, casting us into a sea of blackness. Nigel held me tightly and never took his gaze from mine, silently promising me that I was safe.
It didn’t take me long to realize what was happening; we were teleporting. Having no powers, I’d obviously never done it myself, but I didn’t know any other mage who could perform the feat, either. It took a massive amount of magic to execute.
Lost in their assurance and beauty, my eyes didn’t budge from Nigel’s. But in my peripheral vision, I saw our surroundings building up in the inky darkness. Cinder blocks stacked on top of one another, and a shiny gray floor appeared beneath our feet.
“Holy shit!”
The exclamation was enough to draw my gaze from Nigel. I whipped my head towards the sound and found Captain Mullins plastered against the wall, with one hand pressed against his chest while the other one held an empty cup. I knew it was empty because its contents were now spilled down the front of his dress shirt. We were standing in a hallway of the precinct, and Captain Mullins was apparently not expecting our return.
“Don’t do that to me!” he yelled again, giving Nigel an angry glare.
“Sorry, Captain,” Nigel replied, and I could’ve sworn I heard a chuckle in his voice. He waved his wand over my boss, and the coffee stains disappeared from his rounded belly.
