Devlin and Garrick by Cameron Dane (short story to read txt) 📕

of our priorities, but your domestic abuse history and stalker ex-husband isn’t that unique. The second something more scintillating happens--and it always does--what little interest anyone might have about you and your ex will disappear.” He shifted his focus to Garrick. “I can’t promise you anonymity, man. Keep your eyes and ears open for a while, just in case, but I think everything will be okay.”

Garrick reached out and shook Wyn’s hand. “Thank you. I always do.”

“Yes, thank you, Wyn.” Once again, Devlin could have smothered the guy with slobbery kisses. “For everything.”

“It’s my job,” Wyn said. He pushed his chair back and got to his feet.

Devlin walked around the table and pulled the man into a suffocating hug. “It’s a whole hell of a lot more than that to me.”

Wyn thumped his hand against Devlin’s back, and murmured, “No problem.” He quickly broke contact and palmed the bagged gun off the table. “I’ll take care of this.” He tucked it discretely against the side of his body. “You guys take care of getting that back door and window fixed. I don’t want to have to come back and file a report of a crime of opportunity.”

Garrick held out his arm and led Wyn to the front door. “I’ll hit the home improvement store the second it opens and take care of the door. We’ll call someone in to replace the window ASAP.”

“I’ll get on the phone and get someone here today,” Grace said. “I don’t mind paying extra for Sunday work. I want it taken care of right away.”

“Good deal.” Wyn stepped out onto the porch. “I think you’re all set. Garrick, it was good to see you again. Grace,” he shifted to her, “I’m sorry it was under these circumstances, but it’s nice to meet you. Try not to let this keep you awake for days on end. Goodbye.”

From inside the open door, Garrick and Grace each offered Wyn a wave goodbye. Devlin took the opportunity to walk his friend to his car. “I can’t say thank you enough,” Devlin said. He had to give his appreciation one more time. “You came through for me, and I owe you one. Let me know when you want to cash it in, and I’m there, whatever you ask.”

Wyn chuckled, and it was that reckless sound the man sometimes let escape him. “That’s a dangerous offer, Morgan.” He opened his car door and planted his hand on the roof. A dangerous darkness deepened his eyes to pitch. “Someone you love might put your balls in a vise when I collect.”

Maddie.

Devlin’s heart raced on behalf of his sister. He loved Garrick with everything in him, but physically, Wyn Ashworth was sexy-as-hell and something to behold. “As long as it’s not physically or emotionally damaging to,” Devlin caught himself, “whoever, I will help you.”

“Something to consider.” That flash of fire flared in Wyn’s eyes again but it was quickly banked. “Get some rest.” He climbed in behind the wheel of his car. “You’ve all had a trying night.”

Devlin chuckled. You don’t know the half of it. “Will do.” He closed Wyn’s car door for him and banged the roof a couple of times. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

Wyn lifted his hand in a small wave. Devlin stayed on the walk, watching as the man backed his car onto the street and drove away.

Just as Devlin turned to head back inside, Garrick emerged from the house and jogged down the steps, meeting Devlin halfway. A sudden, sharp breeze brought a gust of cold. It swept right through Devlin; he rubbed his arms, but he wasn’t sure the shiver racing down his spine was from the chill in the air.

Garrick didn’t hold eye contact with Devlin for more than a blink as he said, “Listen, I’m going to shower and start making myself a to-do list before I head into town for supplies.”

“I figured you would.” Devlin curled his hand around Garrick’s upper arm. “Come on, I’ll help you out.”

“No.” Garrick’s refusal came at Devlin bullet-fast, and Devlin’s hand fell dead to his side. Garrick backed away until half a dozen feet of what felt like a bottomless chasm existed between them. “You’ve had to process a lot of information in the last few days, Devlin. Shit, in the last ten hours, I’ve rewritten part of your history. You don’t even have shoes or a change of clothes, and you look exhausted.” Excuses flew from Garrick’s mouth in rapid order. “Why don’t you go home, get cleaned up, get some food, and try to catch up on some sleep.” Garrick didn’t form his suggestion as a question. “I’ll talk to you later.”

Devlin put a hand to his stomach in an effort to control the pain of the blow. “Is that what you want?”

With his focus somewhere to the left of Devlin’s face, Garrick murmured, “I think you need some time. I’ll call you tonight. Bye.” Garrick spun and sprinted across the front yard to his garage apartment before Devlin could take even one step and attempt to grab him back.

With difficulty, Devlin swallowed down a shout that would have woken up this entire neighborhood. He scratched his fingers through his dirty hair and breathed in Garrick’s scent still clinging to his skin. He stood perfectly still for one moment and took in the beauty of the sun twinkling through the trees in the early morning sky.

“Thank you.” Devlin basked in the sunlight that didn’t yet bear down on him with muggy heat, and let the invigorating vitamin D sink into his pores. “I needed that.”

Soon enough, baby, it will be time for round two.

Chapter Fourteen

Garrick looked up from replacing part of the frame for the back door to find Shawn and Chloe watching him work. Chloe chewed on her lip; Shawn scuffed his dirty sneakers into the linoleum, and Garrick’s chest hurt for them all over again. As it had been doing all morning long.

“It’ll be fixed soon, guys,” he told them. “I promise. Just