With all the drugs and experimentations involving blood, while the vampire community at large was the focus of the market, that didn’t mean that a vamp was behind it. We’d be foolish to jump to conclusions.
At the moment, the issues were largely in the greater Sydney region, but we knew it wouldn’t take long to spread. It was that we also needed to control.
We all turned and faced the door as Jenson appeared. He opened the door when Thatch indicated he should enter.
“You know that looked freaky weird, right? You all did this fast head turn at the exact same moment when I was about ten feet away from your door.” He gave a mock shudder.
“Get your arse in here.” Thatch’s gaze settled on the paperwork in Jenson’s hands. He reached out for it, and as he flicked through, he ordered, “Debrief.”
“We have the warrants for the three supe clubs you wanted us to get. We have three SICB teams taking point on all of them. They’ll be hit at the same time. Jamison is going to lead, and all reports are going back to him.”
While I was already paying attention and was aware Thatch had wanted to focus on a few clubs, Jamison’s name had me sitting up straighter. When I looked away from Jenson and at Thatch, his eyes were on me. I eased back a little, trying to appear unaffected, but only the human in our midst would be buying that.
“Did you ensure the specifics of it being a drug bust were given?” Thatch asked.
“Sure did. They’re not looking for any drug specifically, nor has anyone been made aware we’re behind the raid. As far as even Jamison is aware, orders are coming from vice and Detective Thatch Miller in a joint operation.”
Thatch nodded, and I eased back even more at that as I spent too much time figuring out Jamison didn’t even know Thatch’s real name or role. A welcome heat filled me at the thought, right alongside my desire to sucker punch myself for focussing on what really didn’t matter in the moment.
“Sounds good. Thanks. Anything else?” Thatch’s focus returned to the paperwork in his hands.
“Nope, that’s it for the moment.”
Kent stood. “I’ll walk you out. I want to go over something with you.”
Jenson nodded, and I couldn’t help but wonder why she never gave him shit like she did me.
“Call me when you get home, Callen, if you have something that requires my immediate attention. If not, I’ll see you both in the morning.” She flashed her teeth at me, and I closed my eyes in return, giving a soft shake of my head.
Before the door closed, I heard Jenson’s question: “What was that about? Are they legit official now or—”
I tuned him out and squinted in Thatch’s general direction. “So, I best get going.”
When Thatch remained silent for a beat, I hesitated before finally standing, still unsure about his hard stare. It was common knowledge he could be a scary arsehole at the best of times, but throw in that intensity and I wasn’t sure what exactly he was feeling or doing.
“All good?” I dared to ask, not quite sure if I wanted to know his answer. But I was rarely one to pussyfoot around a situation.
Remaining seated, he didn’t shift, didn’t twitch. The intensity ramped up a notch before he said, “I know you trust Lucas, and it’s the only reason I’m allowing you to go this alone.”
My brows sprang high, and I opened my mouth to challenge him, but he continued, quickly saying, “One, because I’m your boss and this is work-related, but also because if I thought you were in danger, there’s no way I’d be letting you step out there alone.” The slightest of pauses led him to say, “I just need you to get in, get what you need, stay safe, and come home to me. Got it?”
With my heart beating wildly, it was a struggle to hear myself think, and I wasn’t quite sure of the volume of my voice when I said, “Because you like me.” My shit-eating grin was all sass; it belied the flood of emotions raging through me at his words. He really bloody likes me. That knowledge alone was enough to make sure I got back to him safely. “Home” to him. I totally didn’t miss that drop, whether teasing or not.
Thatch quirked his brow. “I said, got it?”
I nodded, my smile becoming less of a grin and more of “I really wish I could kiss your face off right now.” So not appropriate in his office. “Thanks for trusting me to know my friend.”
“From what you’ve told me, he’s been the only one for the past twelve years who’s had your back.”
I didn’t need to respond to that since he spoke the truth.
“That means I’ll put my faith in you, but you need to know you can trust me too.”
My response was immediate and threaded with my truth. “I do. Completely. Shit, maybe more than anyone, and isn’t that a mindfuck moment?”
Thatch pressed his lips together, which I didn’t see him often do. He was holding something back.
“You best go before I hold on and can’t let you walk out of here.” His gaze was unwavering, the intensity still the same. And without a doubt, if I didn’t hightail it out of there, I’d be throwing myself on his lap.
“Got it.” I turned my back on him, my skin burning up, so very aware of his gaze following me. After opening the door and turning to shut it, I said, “Steak sounds good.” I threw him a wink and made my way to my desk, all too aware what lay between Thatch and me wouldn’t be going away and couldn’t remain undiscussed.
After I
