Page 64 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘You always did.’

And maybe it’s waking after the attack, the post-adrenaline comedown or something else that leaves him shaky and needy, but whatever the reason, Kade thinks, fuck it.

He gives in.

Lets himself have what he desperately wants as he closes the gap to press a light, almost shy kiss to the corner of Lachlan’s mouth. The contact sends a bright shock through his dark interior. Confusing yet right, despite everything wrong hanging in the air like humidity after a storm.

He stays close enough to whisper, ‘You kept us safe.’

Lachlan is barely breathing. ‘Wasn’t enough.’

‘Nah, you did good, Bodyguard.’

Rough fingertips trace the line of Kade’s jaw. Lachlan’s voice is a low rumble when he says, ‘Makes me crazy when you call me that.’

‘I know.’

The tension tightens like the loving contractions of a snake, pulling them together. Kade wants to make the kiss a proper one, full-on. He wants to go somewhere and be alone with Lachlan, somewhere there’s a bed, somewhere—

‘Kade,’ Riley calls out mildly.

Lachlan moves away, clears his throat. ‘Sorry.’

‘Why are you sorry?’ Kade says, throwing Riley an annoyed glance his boss can’t see. ‘I started it, not you.’

‘I shouldn’t…’

The palm of Kade’s hand fits perfectly against the left side of his face.

‘Shouldn’t what? Tell me.’

Riley sighs. ‘First Captain,’ he calls out in a patient lilt.

Kade rolls his eyes, drops his hand. ‘Coming.’

They join Riley and Finn at the console.

‘You’re positive?’ Riley is asking Finn quietly, his arms crossed.

‘I’ve double-checked multiple times,’ Finn says. ‘They’re not the same.’

Kade looks between them. ‘What’s not the same?’

‘The silicone cuffs,’ Finn explains, giving Kade a smile in greeting. ‘Hey, you. How are you feeling? I was worried.’

‘I’m fine.’

‘Yeah? Your ears are better now?’

‘Much. Where’s Cole?’

‘He’s helping with repairs downstairs.’

Lachlan reaches out for the cuff that Finn is holding. ‘I don’t get it.’

‘The Resets wear these,’ Finn tells him.

‘Who are they?’ he asks, examining the cuff. ‘A rival outfit?’