Page 82 of The Professional
“She mentioned a twin brother.”
“And?” Forrest held his gaze, but apprehension flickered across his face.
“I know you can’t find out more information from her, baby, but are you going to track down some leads, figure out if what she’s saying is true or not?” Rourke pushed himself to his feet and touched Forrest’s hips, dragging him closer until Forrest’s cheek rested against his stomach. Stroking Forrest’s hair, Rourke continued, “If that’s what you want to do, I’ll help you. I’m sure Conall and Sloan would lend us some resources too. They’ll have names of people we can pay off for info.”
Forrest let out a raspy breath and leaned into him. He curled his arms around Rourke’s waist. “If it’s true, I don’t want to know about him.”
“Why?” Rourke’s hand went lower, caressing down the length of Forrest’s spine, earning him a shiver in response. “He’s your twin brother.”
“What if he’s an asshole, or a homophobic piece of shit?”
“Then you know, and it’s no skin off your back. You continue on with your life like he never existed.”
“It’s not that easy, Rourke.” He rested his chin on Rourke’s belly, staring up at him with sad eyes. “You have your family, you know who they are. Other than you, I have no one, and I’d rather keep it that way than find out my twin brother, if he exists, is a prick. It’d hurt less.”
Rourke didn’t understand, but he hadn’t lived in Forrest’s shoes. Tracing his finger down Forrest’s temple, over his cheek, and down his chin, Rourke nodded. “If that’s what you want, I’ll support you.”
The smile Forrest gave him was worth it. “Thank you.”
“But we do need to organize the room situation.”
“Is he actually putting Shell in my room already?” Forrest laughed. “He hasn’t given me a chance to move any of my personal belongings out of there.”
“Your panties will be there tomorrow.” Rourke kissed the tip of his nose, joining in with the laughter.
“Will they, though? What if Shell likes my panties?”
“Then I’ll buy you some more.”
“You better. Let’s talk about my role as the Head of Professional Affairs. This is an important career move for me, and I can’t start on the wrong foot.” Forrest sat up and grabbed his glass of whiskey from the desk. He swallowed the booze in one gulp and then slammed the glass back on the desk again. “The others won’t be happy he’s getting my room. He hasn’t earned it and that room is for the highest earner.”
“Be honest with them, it was Conall’s choice.”
“But it’s not fair for them,” Forrest argued. “That room hasalwaysbeen for the top earner.”
“What do you suggest?” Rourke carded his fingers through Forrest’s blond strands, tugging on them gently.
Forrest swiped his tongue over his bottom lip, irises blown with need and desire. “For my first act as Head of Professional Affairs, I’d like you to talk to Conall about moving Shell to another room, and give mine to the highest earner.”
“Shell hasn’t been given a chance yet. We don’t know how much he’s going to earn.”
“He has to prove himself like everyone else.” Forrest pressed his palm against Rourke’s chest. “If he wants that room, he makes the most money by the end of the month.”
Rourke grinned. “You’re such an advocate for the professionals.”
“It’s the rules.” Forrest rose to his feet and curled his arms around Rourke’s shoulders. “And I know how much you love your rules.”
“Mm. A man after my own heart.” Rourke slanted his mouth over Forrest’s, savoring the tangy taste of whiskey on his lips.
“Which brings us to the second main issue, where am I going to sleep?” Doubt and uncertainty lingered in his words and he glanced away.
Rourke grabbed Forrest’s chin and dragged his face back so that they looked at each other. “With me. My bed’s big enough.”
“I’ve never been in your room....” Forrest frowned. “Do you sleep, or are you a vampire?”
“Vampires still sleep, but yes, I do have a room. Let me show you.” Rourke slid his hand into Forrest’s and entwined their fingers, leading Forrest out the door of his office and toward his room, third door to their left.
“Does it have a walk-in closet and bathroom? Because if not, I’ll be very upset.”
