AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He looked at his watch and met Rory’s gaze again. “I really do need to get going, but I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.”
Rory put his hands on his hips and narrowed his eyes. “A favor, Nicky? Really?”
“You heard that, huh?”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t mind being Ivan’s party favor, so maybe I’ll let you off the hook.”
Nick reached out, hooked an arm around Rory’s neck, and pulled him into a hug. “Behave, brat.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” Rory said as he wrapped his arms around Nick’s waist. “Christ, you’re so skinny.” He dropped his arms and stood back so he could look at his brother’s face. “Doesn’t the Bureau give you lunch breaks?”
Nick rolled his eyes, then rubbed his knuckles over Rory’s head. “You sound like Cash.” Some things never changed, like Rory pretending he didn’t love one ounce of attention his brother gave him. He took a moment to soak it in before he pulled free and feigned a punch to Nick’s abdomen. His brother grimaced as he tensed to block the blow that would’ve never landed. Rory’s concern must’ve registered on his face. “I’m fine, Rory. I’ve just been working a complicated case that resulted in a scuffle a few days ago.”
Rory crossed his arms over his chest. “I thought you were in charge now.”
“Doesn’t mean less work.”
Rory swallowed hard. Nick’s answers could account for the changes in his brother, but he suspected there was more to it.
“You’ve got your own problems to deal with,” Nick said, cutting off anything else he might’ve said about the matter. “That’s why I stuck around while you harassed Ivan in the small house.”
Rory snorted and held up his fingers in the Boy Scout salute. “I promise I was on my best behavior.”
“Still think Ivan should sleep with his door locked and one eye open,” Nick replied.
Rory shook his head and laughed. “I’m a shameless flirt, but I’m not a creep.” A slow smile spread across his face. “If that man ever invites me into his room, I can promise he will never be the same, though.”
Nick tipped his head back and laughed. “There’s the cocky little bastard I know and love.”
Rory shrugged and gave him his expression that saidwhat can I say?
Nick sobered after a second, and his expression grew serious. “And I love you, Rory. You’ll always be my favorite person on the planet. That’s why I brought you here to my second-favorite person.” Rory suspected the correct order was actually reversed, but a lump of emotion lodged in his throat, making it impossible for him to speak. “It’s doubtful anyone knows you here, and if they do, I think they’ll be cool. These are good people, and they’d love to know the real you. Work hard and stay out of trouble.”
“I’ll do my best to make you proud.”
Nick wrapped him in another tight hug. “You always make me proud, baby brother.
Nick pulled back, then reached inside his jacket pocket. He retrieved an iPhone and passed it to Rory. “It’s clean. No one can track you. I think it’s better if you take this and give me your phone for the time being. I’ll tuck it away someplace safe.” Nick puffed up his cheeks and exhaled. “Listen, I’m going to be on the East Coast for a few months at least. I have meetings in DC and I’m filling in for a Quantico instructor taking paternity leave. I might be hard to reach at times, but I want to hear from you.”
Rory swallowed hard and nodded. “I understand.”
“This might feel like the dark period after Mom died when I was away and you were estranged from Charles, but this situation is different. And temporary. Remember that when the demons start to whisper in your ear.”
“I will.” Rory retrieved his mobile device and willingly swapped them out. Funny how such a simple gesture could be so freeing. Laughter echoed from the tent, pulling Rory’s attention in that direction. Everyone seemed to be enjoying one another’s company, except for the Viking standing next to the grill with his arms crossed over his chest. Ivan was staring in their direction, but Rory couldn’t read his expression over the distance.
“Looks like the gentle giant is making sure everyone doesn’t eat all the food before you get there.”
Rory figured there was a better explanation, but he didn’t want to keep Ivan waiting, just in case. He gave Nick one last hug. “Thanks, Nicky. I love you too.” He took a few steps back. “Want me to make you a to-go plate? You look like the tiniest breeze could knock you over.”
Nick chuckled and shook his head. “Bye, squirt.”
God, he hadn’t called Rory that since he was ten or eleven. Strange how something so simple and silly could mean so much. He swallowed hard to clear the lump in his throat. “Bye, Nicky.”
Rory turned around and headed toward the tent. He wanted to say he scanned the crowd to gauge his reception, but he only had eyes for Ivan.
“Can’t seem to take your eyes off the new guy,” Rueben Sanchez said softly from beside Ivan.
He turned his head and met the farrier’s curious, soft brown eyes. “Are you here to be closer to the meat when I give the signal, or are you here to charm information out of me?”
