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There was something Scotland was obviously missing.
“I haven’t seen Henley in a couple of months. I’ll let him know you are looking for him when he pops by next,” said Clint, a hint of a smile on his lips. “I still can’t believe he won’t return your calls. Are you sure you have the right number?”
“No need to say anything to him,” said Tensall, shaking his head. “I’ll catch up with Henley another time. I’m hoping to make it a surprise the next time I see him. That guy loves surprises.”
“That he does,” said Clint, a real smile touching his lips. “I’ll keep it as our little secret.”
“Come on, guys,” said Tensall, looking to the other officers. “There is nothing to see here. Let’s get this show on the road.”
Duncan grumbled, jerking his car door open and slamming it shut once he was inside, gravel kicking up as he hit the gas. It left small ruts behind, but it was a relief to see him gone. Tensall stared after him, his arms crossed and forehead furrowed.
“Who the hell is that guy?” whispered Scotland as the remaining cops readied to leave, the stragglers coming out of the building and returning to their cruisers. A few members started over to Clint, one nearly naked in the cool air.
“A member named Henley used to work with him in some kind of special forces outfit,” said Clint, shrugging as he turned to Scotland. “Henley moved away a little while ago and shortly after, Tensall stopped by. He started working with the local police a little bit ago, and he’s hoping to connect with Henley when he’s back in town. Something about an old case they were working on.”
’Cause that sounds completely plausible…
Scotland wrapped his arms around Clint’s shoulders as the others approached, pulling Clint back into his chest. He was exhausted, hungry and wanted Clint back in his bed where he belonged.
A few people gave them strange looks, and Scotland tried not to wilt. It didn’t help when Clint went tense in his arms when he squeezed tighter.
Was it already time? One step back to Unkinked and what they had was over?
Clint pulled away, and it was like a stake through his heart. Scotland tried to play it off, wiping the nonexistent dirt from his pants and staring after the last of the flashing lights as they trailed out of the lane.
He glanced down at his legs when he felt something tickle at his ankle. He realized for the first time he’d accidentally grabbed Clint’s pants instead of his own, the waist cinched tight and uncomfortable.
He couldn’t stop looking at Clint and the way Scotland’s pants sagged from his hips, the hem dragging on the ground and catching under the sandals he’d thrown on. They were Scotland’s, too.
“Time for damage control,” said Clint, stepping toward the club.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Clint
What a fucking mess. He respected police officers for everything they did, but when they showed up on his turf and threatened him and anyone else in the lifestyle, he got riled. Thank goodness for Tensall or he probably would have spent the night in jail. Only amateurs thought metal cuffs with no padding were a good way to get kinky.
“You sure you’re okay, Maddy?” asked Clint, patting Maddy on the shoulder again. Maddy was seated, clutching his sweater tight and pulling it down his hands over and over in a tick that he always did when he was nervous.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. To be honest, I’m shocked this place is still standing and not on fire…”
Derreck gave him a glare, and Clint chuckled awkwardly.
“I’m joking. There is no one else I would trust to take care of Unkinked. I mean that. It’s probably even cleaner than when I left.”
“And I signed on three new members while you were away.” Maddy sniffed, wiping his nose with a tissue. “There was a fourth I turned away. I’m guessing he’s the one who made that call. He was a real asshole. About a dozen red flags with him.”
Obviously Derreck hasn’t mentioned Phil. Phil was an asshole who had almost put an end to Maddy in every sense of the word. Clint had thought he’d taken care of him by making a few phone calls and some threats. Last he’d heard, Phil had been rolling around in a gutter somewhere, but apparently he’d managed to haul his way out.
He wasn’t sure if he’d have to worry about it. Derreck had had a strange look in his eye ever since he’d heard the name.
Clint nodded at Maddy, his hand bumping into Derreck’s as he tried to rub a small circle on Maddy’s back. Wincing, he lowered his hands to his sides. I know when I’m not wanted. Derreck had practically cocooned Maddy in the last few minutes, and Clint wasn’t exactly a hugger.
“Well, I’m back now,” said Clint, glancing around the open play area. They’d shut down for the night, sending everyone home with assurances and some hefty apologies. “Did you want to take the next few days off? I’m more than happy to cover for you. I’m vacationed out, frankly.”
Now that’s a fucking lie. When he closed his eyes, he could almost feel the gentle heat of the sun and the crackling of the small fire Scotland had built for him. The air was tinted with sweat from Scotland chopping wood, and the buzzing of a few distant flies that were probably driving the donkeys crazy. Better them than him.
His favorite part had been watching the donkeys play, and listening to their call that exceeded their small frames with abundance.
