Page 46 of Risky Taste
His words lighten the mood as my face flames, heat rushing up my neck, and I hide it in my hands, the words ‘son-in-law’ running around in my head.
“She’s not wrong, Bunny,” Logan muses and I groan, peeking through my fingers as they all crack up, the tension breaking fora moment. I want to sink into it, the comfort of them, but the message replays in my head, a reasoning I never saw coming.
“What now? That picture’s out there. Kurt’s gone. They’re still looking at me. Why the fuck would they have let him leave? They have actual evidence on his dirty dealings.”
“And that’s where the problem lies,” Ed begins. “Because Kurt is not the entire operation. Neither is Heath. There are several of Kurt’s superiors involved, some of which I’m sure are actively on the case.”
I frown at the multitude of knowledge Ed has absorbed in the last hour or so. “How do you know so much?”
He throws me a sheepish grin. “Because Maura called me the moment you showed up at her house. Said that I might be needed. Mentioned Kurt’s name and I did a little digging. There’s way more out there than is currently just circling the web but it’s damning. The only reason Kurt isn’t currently in jail has to be because someone’s looking out for him. This is going to be a big case, Noah, probably as big as his parents. And everyone involved doesn’t want the limelight. For now, you four, stay put. Don’t do anything stupid. If an officer shows up at the house, call me.”
“So… we just sit here?” I’m not sure I’m okay with that. I tilt my head, lightly rubbing at my ear before focusing on Ed.
“Yes, sit here. Enjoy the silence because it’s about to get really fucking messy.”
Chapter thirty-three
DECLAN
I sit at the kitchen table, my hands flat on the worn wood, staring at a cold cup of coffee that’s been sitting there for hours, its surface dull under the dim light. Logan’s across from me, his jaw tight, and Sebastian’s beside him, his bulk slouched, both of them quiet, brooding. Noah told us he was going to bed ages ago and now it’s just us three, the air heavy with the shit we’re wading through.
We’re trying to figure out the best plan of attack, something to claw Noah out of this mess Kurt’s dumped on him, but the only option we have left is the one that might end up with me in deep shit. After all, Eddidsay not to try anything.
Logan leans forward, his elbows on the table as he gaze flicks to me. “We both know Declan’s the best man for this, but it’s also the most dangerous option.”
I nod, my mind drifting back to the missions with Kurt, the shit we pulled—dark, fucked-up things I’d never touch inmy right mind. Breaking into supply caches, fudging reports, leaning on people who didn’t deserve it—all Kurt’s ideas, his orders, and I followed, loyal like a damn dog until I wasn’t.
Those memories churn—I can’t even truly say I was young and stupid—but they’re an in, a crack Logan and Sebastian don’t have. They’re loyal to a fault, always have been, so when they turned on Kurt, he’d see through any play they tried—showing up at his doorstep or wherever the fuck he’s hiding, they’d get nothing but a door slammed in their faces.
Me, though? I can play it differently, lie my ass off, twist the story until Kurt opens up, spills the truth. It’s risky as hell, something we should leave to the professionals, but sitting here, waiting, watching Noah fray at the edges—it’s not an option. Not after seeing him tonight, his headache worse, his neck twisting right just to hear us, like Kurt’s still tearing him apart piece by piece.
I pat the table, breaking the silence. “I’m gonna say goodbye to Noah,” I say, pushing my chair back, the legs scraping loud against the floor.
Logan’s eyes narrow as Sebastian sits up straighter. “You’re coming back,” Logan tells me, leaving no room for argument.
“Of course I am, but that doesn’t mean right away. If things go south, I’ll be wrapped up in all this. Look, Noah isn’t the only one feeling a little lost, alright?” My voice cracks and I turn away, heading for the stairs before they can say more.
I push Noah’s door open, the room dark except for the faint glow from the streetlight sneaking through the blinds. He’s curled on the bed, the blanket tangled around his legs, his breathing uneven, his gaze focused on me as if he hadn’t been sleeping. Unable to help myself, I cross the room and drag him into a deep kiss. His lips meet mine and I taste the exhaustion on him, the weight he’s been carrying. I sink into it, my hand cupping his jaw, holding him there, needing this before I go.
He pulls back, just enough to breathe, his voice shaky. “The ringing stopped.” I start to smile, relief flickering, but then he adds, “But I can’t hear anything in that ear. Just barely.” His eyes search mine, fear running through his expression. My stomach drops, and I brush my thumb across his cheek, trying to offer the comfort he so desperately needs.
“We’ll get you to the doctor,” I offer. “Figure out what we can do. Whatever happens, we’ll be right there with you.”
He snorts, a weak laugh, before kissing me back. “Is that why you came up alone? No, I get it. We all want this shit over with.” His breath fans my lips, the desire to take more than just a few kisses growing.
I sigh against his mouth, resting my forehead on his. “I just needed a moment with you before I left.” My voice cracks and I hate how small it sounds, how much I need him right now.
“A moment isn’t enough, Declan,” he murmurs, his hand sliding to my neck, pulling me closer. “I want to feel you.”
I nod, no hesitation between us as I kick off my boots, my jacket hitting the floor with a soft thud. I peel my shirt over my head, the cool air prickling my skin, and turn to him, my hands finding the hem of his shirt, lifting it slow. He shifts, letting me tug it off, and I trace my fingers down his chest, feeling the heat of him and the way he shivers under my touch.
Pulling the sheet off of him, I start on his pants, keeping my gaze locked with his. I take my time, caressing him and kissing him until he’s merely putty in my hands.
The mattress dips as I climb onto it, my lips finding his neck as I kiss a path down his jaw, his collarbone, tasting the salt lingering on his skin. His fingers dig into my shoulders as I move over him, my body pressing against his, every touch a quiet claim. Slowly, he relaxes beneath me, the tension melting under me, and I keep it tender, rocking us together, my hands framing his face, my breath mingling with his. The world narrows to this—just us, the heat, the way he clings to me, soft sounds slipping from his lips that I swallow with every kiss.
It’s slow, consuming, and I pour everything into it, every ounce of love, every fear I can’t say. As much as I want to be inside him, this erotic dance of us against each other, holding each other is exactly what I need.
He arches, his fingers digging into my back, and I hold him as he rocks himself against me, my lips brushing his ear, his cheek, until he’s curling into my chest, clinging to me like I won’t return. I ease beside him, pulling the blanket over us, my arm draping across his waist, and mumble against his shoulder, “I love you.” My voice is rough, scratching my throat but truer words have never been spoken.
