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“I didn’t say he did it,” I hiss. “I’m just saying in the beginning, you were stuck on it being her. Now you don’t think it is. Crooked cops are involved. He’s up our asses when we normally don’t see his face more than once a month. Something is up.” I say the last few words slowly and firmly, hoping he gets the point.

Forge gets up and steps close to me, cupping my face in his hands. His eyes search mine.

“I will always be on your side, no matter what. At the end of the day, it’s you and me. We can go back and forth, we can argue, we can have different opinions. I don’t give a fuck about any of that. I care about you. Us. What we have. Work is work, Pierce. That’s it.”

His admission has me feeling a little emotional, and I cover his hands with mine. It’s rare for us to have moments like this, especially at work, because we’re usually on the same page, only playing different parts. It’s normal for us to go back and forth because he’s too pushy and he thinks I’m too timid. But this is different, and we both know it.

“This feels like it’s getting between us and I don’t like it,” I admit.

“It’s not,” he says firmly, his gaze holding mind. “I won’t let it.”

I swallow hard and take a deep breath.

Forge leans in, kissing me gently before brushing his thumb over my bottom lip.

“Nothing gets between us. Ever,” he promises.

I nod. “Yeah.”

“Good.” He smiles. “Now lets finish up and get the fuck out of here.”

I huff a laugh. “Yes, sir.”

I spent a good portion of my day searching for the perfect restaurant to take Raewyn to. When the words on my computer screen were blurring together, I picked up my phone to take a break and look for a good place to go. I wanted to make sure it was nice but wouldn’t be overcrowded or too loud. It’s her first time at a restaurant and I want her to have a good experience. Something that she will be happy to remember.

There’s a small Italian place, Tino’s, right on the outskirts of Dallas. It’s quiet and reservation-only. Thankfully, because it isn’t a weekend, I was able to get a table for the three of us without having to beg, which I was ready to do.

The look on her face when we walk inside is priceless. Both Forge and I have our eyes glued to her while she looks around, taking everything in. Fairy lights sparkle along the top molding and twist around the columns alongside vines. Oil paintings hang on the walls, giving the place a warm, rustic charm with just enough elegance to make it romantic.

I give my name at the hostess stand and we’re lead to our table. Raewyn’s gaze flicks around, taking in the people, the decorations, and the overall look of the place. I try to see it through her eyes; for the first time. It’s nearly impossible to imagine seeing a restaurant for the first time. It’s one of those things most people see from a young age, so you don’t have that wow moment.

“Your server will be right over,” the hostess says, leaving menus on the table before taking off.

We’re seated at a round table, not making it awkward for us to choose seats. No matter where we sit, we can see each other.

“This place is beautiful,” Raewyn says, still looking around in wonder.

“So are you,” I say.

Her cheeks turn pink.

“More than beautiful,” Forge adds.

She’s in a deep green satin dress that brings out her red hair and freckles.

“Thank you,” she says with a small smile.

“No need to thank us,” I say. “It’s just the truth.”

She ducks her head, smiling again. When she looks up at us, she asks, “Do all restaurants look like this?”

“Oh, no,” Forge says with a chuckle. “There are plenty of places I wouldn’t eat at if you paid me.”

She makes a disgusted face, then picks up the menu to look it over. She laughs and looks up at me. “I can’t read this.”

“They’re Italian dishes,” I explain. “The description is beneath title in English.”

“Oh.” She laughs again, then goes back to look at the menu. “There are so many options, I don’t know what to choose. I’ve never had any of these things before. I don’t even know what they are.”