Page 58 of Honorable Convictions
Pierson simmered as thoughts bombarded him while he toiled away. Had Mitchell considered how the hell they’d continue to be together without being found out? Or what a pain it’d be for Pierson to find a new place that was within a reasonable distance to headquarters? Those were things that he’d set aside to be tackled in several months. Now Pierson likely had a mere matter of days to find answers to those questions.
They certainly weren’t ready for a public announcement. Pierson had no idea how long Mitchell’s decision to betray his confidences would set them back. His soul ached at the thought, and he already knew it did not mean good-bye. However, the old specter of their century-long war haunted him, and he had no choice but to wonder if the last few weeks of happiness weren’t destined to last. When the tears started, Pierson simply wiped them away while he worked.
Chapter 29
Mitchell arrived at the apartment he was sharing with Pierson and let the heavy weight of his job slide from his mind as he changed from uniform to jeans. It wasn’t until he opened the closet door and saw the amount of free space along with the blue bins lined up against the wall that he snapped into home mode. Something was different, and excitement coursed through his veins as he pondered the possibilities. Arvandus had promised to take their request that Pierson return to the RKs, but that was a few days ago.
Was it possible that they’d finally discussed it with Pierson, and he’d decided to come back to Vegas? Mitchell grinned as he zipped his pants and tugged a T-shirt over his head. They were finally going to not only share the condo Mitchell had purchased decades ago for them, but there were so many more hours of the day they’d get to enjoy together. Rushing out, he came face-to-face with a pissed-off Juris Knight.
Mitchell had studied Pierson from afar for a century, but it wasn’t until he was around him constantly that he’d learned how to properly read his expressions. For all those decades, he’d simply convinced himself he was doing the right thing by trying to compete with a man who he proudly admitted had no equal. His beautiful eyes were blazing with fury, and his cheeks bore the same flush that he’d admired last night as he’d sunk into his welcoming body.
“What’s wrong?” Mitchell asked.
Pierson didn’t say a word as he disappeared into the kitchen. When he returned, he had a delivery box with a pizza inside that he slapped down into the middle of the table, which was already set with plates and utensils. “Eat,” he ordered.
Closing the distance between them, Mitchell tried to touch his arm, but Pierson moodily pulled out of reach. The other fallen knight fell heavily onto his seat as if his normal grace had disappeared along with any kind of serenity.
“Hey, talk to me. What’s going on?”
Pierson glared at him, and Mitchell had a rare moment in life that had him wondering if it was better to run or stand his ground. “I said,eat.”
Hoping that if he did what Pierson demanded, he’d relent and speak to him about why he was so upset, Mitchell planted himself in his chair. After grabbing a few slices of pizza that were probably nowhere near as tasty as one of Pierson’s creations, Mitchell took a bite and studied his mate. There was no conversation for several minutes as Mitchell filled his belly and allowed Pierson to do the same.
“You ready to talk about it, Blondie?”
Their gazes clashed and the hurt was obvious in Pierson’s. “How could you?” he gritted out.
“Whatever it is you think I did, I’m afraid you’ll have to give me some clue because I honestly don’t know what you’re referring to.”
Pierson slapped his napkin onto the table. “I suppose it hardly rated on your list of important things. You simply decided that it was perfectly acceptable to run to your supervisors to tell them how frustrated I am about not having cases. I don’t know why it took you so long to bring it up. We both know you’ve been trying to convince me to go there, even though I’ve been clear that it’s certainly not my favorite office on the planet. But good news, Brooks, you got what you wanted. I’m waiting for a call from the RKs to find out when I report to Vegas.”
“You know that any meeting with JKs is considered confidential, but this is important, so I’m going tell you what happened, okay? I’ll break the rules because you are what matters most. A few days ago, you came up before cases were added to our already overflowing piles. The other JKs wanted you back or to have you replaced with several other people. Obviously, they can’t pull from other cities, and nobody fucking compares to you anyway, so VK Arvandus said he’d talk to the RKs. If they decided to pull the plug on DC, it had nothing to do with me because I never uttered a word. How could I? Nobody knows about us. How could I suddenly profess to know your feelings without telling them we’re mates? Pierce, your boss knows you want cases. You’ve asked her on multiple occasions. If anyone can attest to your frustration besides me, it’s her.”
Pierson said nothing, but his chin quivered as he tried to process Mitchell’s words and keep a tight leash on his emotions.
“Blondie, we aren’t going to do this. We’re not going to allow something that has nothing to do with you and me rip apart what we’ve built. I’m sorry things didn’t turn out the way you anticipated. But if I’m being honest…I want you in Vegas. I’d like to take you to the condo I bought for us decades ago. I’m greedy, so I’d like more time with you and with us working out of the same office, I’ll get it. I’m also your best friend, so I’m okay with listening to your dislike of the situation. After everything we’ve gone through, this isn’t even a blip on our radar. You can tell when I’m being dishonest with you. We’re close enough that any untruths are impossible to miss. Look at me and tell me what you see.”
After swallowing heavily, Pierson’s eyes grew watery. “I see…I see determination.”
“Nothing is going to get in our way. Is that everything?”
“No,” Pierson whispered. One fat teardrop fell, and Mitchell whisked it away. Getting out of his chair, he held out a hand to Pierson, who hesitated for a second before meeting his gaze. Seconds later, Mitchell had his arms full of his mate.
“We’re okay,” he crooned to Pierson who was trembling slightly.
“I’m sorry.”
“You needed to get mad. I understand. It’s not what you planned.”
Pierson pulled back and scowled. “You think I was pissed because it wasn’t my plan? I was hurt and angry because I thought it meant nothing to you, and you’d go running to anyone to tell them how I was feeling.”
“I would never do that.”
“I forgot that no one would believe you,” Pierson muttered. “Everyone thinks we’re enemies.”
“I’mnotyour enemy. I never was. I just acted like an ass. Are you ready to go to your new home?”
“Mitch, we can’t live together. We’d have the same address. People are bound to notice.”
