That was vague but Warden didn’t elaborate.Bryn shrugged.Nothing new there.
* * * *
That evening, Bryn discovered the GCR had a private jet at its disposal.He hadn’t expected an operation of the GCR’s size to command such resources, but it spoke volumes about the organization’s, and Warden’s, influence.He felt disappointed that the flight would be too short to fully appreciate the experience, but the prospect of spending uninterrupted time with Gunnar at a high-end hotel that night more than made up for it.The boutique establishment they arrived at was all understated elegance.At check-in, the receptionist maintained professional composure and processed their information without remarking on Bryn’s dark glasses.
“Where did Emmett find this place?”Bryn asked Gunnar.“He had no time to set this up.”
“Have you seen that man’s contact book?The admin army is all-powerful.”Gunnar carried their bags as they made their way to the top floor via the elevator.“This is us.”The room was along a short hall.
The door to their room closed with a soft click.Bryn took in the luxury around them.There was a warm glow from recessed lighting, a plush carpet beneath his feet, and the crisp linens on the king-sized bed were already turned down.
“Wow,” he said, running his fingers along the polished wood of the dresser.“Emmett really outdid himself, and he booked us a double rather than a twin.”
Gunnar moved to the window, drawing back heavy curtains to reveal a panoramic view of the city lights.“I told him we’d only need one bed.He blushed.And he likes taking care of the team,” he said.“Especially after close calls.”
“Like the bomb that wasn’t,” Bryn murmured.He crossed to the wet bar, examining the selection of crystal decanters.“Drink?I think we’ve earned one.”
“I’ll take a soda if there’s one in the mini-fridge.Please.”
“Yeah, I guess alcohol isn’t a great idea.”
Feeling fancy, Bryn poured two glasses of soda rather than handing Gunnar a can.Their fingers brushed and he caught the briefest glimpse of Gunnar’s intent.His breath caught.
“To cheating death,” Bryn said, raising his glass.
“To quick reflexes,” Gunnar countered, his eyes not leaving Bryn’s face.
They drank in silence.Bryn set his glass down, heart hammering.“I don’t know how to do this,” he admitted.
Gunnar’s expression softened.“Do what?”
“You know I touched you, right?”
“Nearly dying has a way of clarifying things,” Gunnar replied.“Look at this view.”The city stretched out below them, a tapestry of lights and shadows.“I’m tired of holding back.I want you.”
The directness took Bryn’s breath away.“Then take me.You know I want it too.More than anything.”
“Even after I let you down by not telling you about Templeton’s letter?”
“I shouldn’t have blamed you.It was a knee-jerk reaction.It was Warden’s decision and he’s our boss.Plus you have a protective streak the length of the Mississippi.”
Gunnar’s hand came up to cup Bryn’s face, thumb tracing the line of his jaw.“We still don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.”
“I’m ready,” Bryn insisted, leaning into the touch.“I’m just…nervous.Which is ridiculous.I can look into a serial killer’s head, but this…”
“This is different,” Gunnar finished for him.“This matters more.”
“Yeah,” Bryn agreed.“It does.”
When Gunnar kissed him, it was gentle, questioning, giving him every opportunity to pull away.Instead, Bryn pulled Gunnar closer and kissed him harder.
“Okay?”Gunnar asked when they broke apart, his forehead resting against Bryn’s.
“Very okay,” Bryn confirmed.“Though I reserve the right to panic later.”
That earned him a smile, the kind that transformed Gunnar’s serious face.“Noted.”
They moved toward the bed by unspoken agreement, shedding layers of clothing along the way.Bryn fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, his coordination gone.
