Page 23 of The Hitman's Omega Priest
Kensley was used to schedules and routines, and to knowing what he was doing exactly when and why. He was easily bored and needed something to keep his active mind occupied while they waited for King’s call. And since sex was the one thing that seemed to get Kensley’s brain to shut down for a little while, as soon as they cleaned up breakfast, Bishop pounced.
Kensley wanted this to be his life forever, wanted to live inside this bubble of cuddling, talking, and amazing sex until the end of time. He was also a realist, and he knew this was temporary. Despite his unflagging desire and his body’s natural lubrication, his ass was a touch sore after their fourth round of sex in twenty-four-hours. Okay, more than a touch, because he was currently stretched out on his stomach, browsing through a ten-year-old nature photography magazine, while Bishop dozed on the bed beside him.
He hated that Bishop hadn’t been able to sleep much last night. Not only because Bishop needed to be focused and sharp until they reached their final destination, but because he disliked seeing Bishop unsettled and upset. Kensley had no true idea of everything Bishop had experienced working for King, committing more crimes than he was comfortable thinking about. Taking risk after risk.
Even asleep beside him, Bishop looked troubled, and nowhere near as relaxed as a guy who’d just gotten laid should be. But Bishop carried a lot of burdens, many he’d never be able to share with Kensley, and Kensley understood that. Kensley knew there were stories he’d never want to hear, even if he thought Bishop would tell him.
Sharing what little he had with Bishop about his first year in the Order had tested Kensley’s tenuous grip on the shields he’d carefully constructed around certain aspects of his own past. Around the worst moments of his life, far beyond his hand being beaten with a ruler, or being dumped into a windowless room for days on end.
Nope, not going there.
He flipped through the pages of the magazine, studying the pictures and barely reading the accompanying articles, until a soft strain of music filled the room. Bishop grunted and stirred. Kensley pinpointed the source of the music and, without thinking, grabbed Bishop’s cell phone off the end table and accepted the call.
“Bishop?” King’s familiar, gravelly voice filled Kensley with equal parts joy at hearing his brother’s voice directly for the first time in years, and rage at the same.
“No, it’s me.”
“Kens. Where’s Bishop?”
Bishop was awake and glaring at Kensley. They wrestled for the phone, but Kensley managed to squirm off the bed andswitch the call over to speaker. “He’s here,” Kensley said, “and you’re on speaker. Sorry, I needed to hear your voice and talk to you.”
King released a long breath, followed by a distinct grunt. “I’m glad to hear your voice too. Wow.”
“A bit more grown up?”
“Yes. It’s deeper and there’s a…directness that’s new.”
“Professional side effect.” Kensley held Bishop’s annoyed stare and silently cheered when Bishop took a step backward, hands on hips, which was more cute than intimidating since he was naked. “Hello, brother.”
“Hello. I don’t know what to say to you.”
“You haven’t been imagining this moment for years like I have? Exactly what you’d say when you and I were face-to-face again?”
“A little, yes, but I wasn’t expecting you to answer Bishop’s phone. How are you? I’m so sorry if this experience is scaring you.”
“Some parts have been scary, but I feel safe here with Bishop.” He grinned at the man. “He’s been an amazing bodyguard.”
“I knew he would be. It’s why I chose him.”
“The new face doesn’t hurt, either, right?”
King grunted again. “I’m sorry I couldn’t communicate the truth about his supposed death. You not knowing was safer.”
“Until knowing became necessary?”
“Exactly. You always were sharp, Kens. I wasn’t surprised when Bishop told me you figured him out.”
“Well, you can change someone’s face and have them adopt an accent, but you can’t change their inner spirit. Their soul. And eyes are windows to the soul.” Kensley truly believed that, and he kind of hoped he didn’t see King in person anytime soon, orKing would likely see Kensley’s feelings for Bishop in his eyes, glowing like a neon sign.
“Very true,” King said and, for a moment, Kensley thought his brother was acknowledging Kensley’s feelings for Bishop. But King was referring to the comment about eyes being windows. “Bishop?”
“I’m listening,” Bishop replied, taking a few steps closer.
“I’m sending you travel instructions. I’ll have passports for you both waiting at your next destination, along with additional instructions and your final destination. When you get there, lay low until I send word that it’s safe.”
Bishop nodded. “All right. How long do you think we’ll have to stay?”
“I don’t know. The house will be set up with supplies for two weeks, but you’ll be able to shop at the local market when necessary.”
