“What happened?” Jack asked.

  Sil looked to Maury, who sighed. “Tell him what you told me.”

  “Emmett and I were… fooling around. He’s the one I meant to send that email to.”

  “Wait, Emmett was Jackmeoff69?”

  Sil groaned and covered his red face with his hands.

  Jack winced. “Shit. Sorry. Go on.”

  “It started a few months ago. He asked me if I wanted to go for coffee, said he wanted to end the rivalry between us. He was nice, funny, flirty… cute. Anyway, we ended up kissing, and then seeing each other. He told me we needed to keep things quiet since we worked for the same department. He didn’t think you’d approve.” He shifted uncomfortably, his gaze going to Fitz before moving back to Jack. “One night, I woke up in the middle of the night to take a piss, and he was on his laptop. At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but then I saw him upload a photo of Fitz into the message app he had open. He was talking to someone. I thought it was weird.”

  “So you decided to do some snooping,” Jack said.

  Sil nodded. “I pretended to be asleep, and the next day I got this really bad vibe from him. At one point I looked over at him and he had this blank look in his eyes, like there was nothing there. It scared the shit out of me. He was up to something, I could feel it, but I didn’t want to stir shit up at work in case I was wrong. I started to quietly investigate on my own.”

  “That’s why he was so secretive,” Maury said to Jack.

  Sil looked confused.

  “Maury noticed,” Jack explained. “He was worried about you.”

  “Oh, right. Well, I knew he was up to something, but I didn’t think it was as bad as what I found.”

  “What did you find?” Fitz asked, looping his arm with Jack’s, needing the contact for comfort. Jack placed his hand over Fitz’s in response, his gaze still on Sil as they waited patiently for him to answer.

  “I was at his apartment watching TV when I dropped the remote. The battery lid popped off, and when I went to put it back on, the corner of something black poked out. I pulled at it and found an SD card. He was in the shower, so I put it in my phone. It was filled with photos of you, of Fitz.” Sil glanced at Fitz before dropping his gaze to his fingers. “Of you guys having sex.”

  Jack cursed under his breath and a ran a hand through his hair. “Let me guess. He used our mini surveillance cameras.”

  “He put cameras in my house?” The knowledge horrified Fitz. How long had that psychopath been watching him? His expression must have said it all because Jack wrapped an arm around him and pulled him in close. He made a quick cell phone call to Joker, letting him know Fitz’s house had been compromised.

  “The guys are going to do a full sweep. Whatever’s in there, we’ll find it.” Jack kissed Fitz’s temple before turning his attention back to Sil. “What happened next?”

  “I put everything back where I found it and told him I had to go, that something came up, and when I turned around, he was standing there with a gun.” Sil’s bottom lip wobbled, and tears filled his eyes. “He said if I didn’t go with him and do what he said that he was going to kill my little sister. I’m so sorry.”

  “Hey, it’s okay.” Fitz’s heart went out to poor Sil. He couldn’t imagine being in that position.

  “I’m so sorry,” Sil cried, teary eyes on Fitz. “I didn’t want him to hurt you or Jack, but she’s my little sister. She’s just four years old. He was going to go to her daycare and—”

  “Hey, it’s okay,” Fitz promised, going to Sil’s side. He crouched down and ran a hand over his head. “You did what you had to do to protect your family. I understand. Believe me.”

  Sil nodded and sniffed. He took the tissue Maury gave him with a mumbled “Thanks” and blew his nose. Fitz stood to one side as Jack, Maury, and Sil talked some more. The day seemed to be a million hours long by the time they were released from the station. A full investigation was being launched into Emmett.

  The storm continued to rage outside, but it was moving fast. With Fitz living on the beach, but mostly because of everything that had happened, Fitz was more than happy to go back to Jack’s apartment with him. They’d been invited to stay with King and Leo, but Fitz had taken one look at Jack and Jack had politely declined, stating he wanted Fitz to himself for a while. Everyone cheerfully seconded the motion.

  A heavenly steaming-hot shower later, Fitz changed into a pair of cotton pajama bottoms and a T-shirt he’d found in Jack’s dresser after Jack told him to wear whatever he wanted. Fitz had spotted the shirt and immediately claimed it as his own. Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere” floated through the apartment, and Fitz did a little sensual dance out in the living room as he sang along. He blew a kiss over his shoulder at Jack, then turned around.

  “Oh my God, I forgot about that shirt.”

  “It called to me,” Fitz said, looking down at the cartoon unicorn dragging its butt across the floor, leaving a rainbow streak behind, the words Blaze your own trail scripted along the bottom.

  “Ace got it for me at last year’s Pride.”

  “I guess I can’t steal it, then,” Fitz said with a pout as he jumped onto the couch beside Jack, making him laugh.

  “Oh no, please steal it. I would love for you to steal it.”

  “He wouldn’t mind?”

  “Are you kidding? He’d love it that someone was wearing a shirt he’d picked out.” Jack gathered Fitz up in his arms and pulled him onto his lap.

  “I can’t believe this is the first time I’ve been in your apartment.”

  Jack shrugged. “It’s nothing special. It’s close to work, and I’m not home much. I didn’t see the point in buying something when I was always either crashing with Sacha or out working a job. I didn’t really have much of a reason to want to be home.” He brushed his lips against Fitz’s temple. “Maybe you can help me make it look nice.”

  Fitz’s couldn’t argue that Jack’s apartment could use a bit of… life. It was immaculate and clean, but it looked more like a furniture showroom than a lived-in home. Actually, there were showrooms with more decor than Jack’s apartment. Whenever they’d been together, Jack had suggested Fitz’s place, stating how cozy and at home he felt. The two-bedroom apartment was bright, the walls a pretty pale gray and plenty of natural light coming in from the big windows. The spare room had been set up as an office, and Fitz hadn’t been able to stop himself from smiling at all the dog stuff for when Chip came to visit.

  The furniture around the place was a beautiful cherrywood, the plush brown leather sectional big and comfortable, but there wasn’t one piece of decor in the entire place. No throw pillows, soft blankets, or art on the walls. In fact, the only thing on the wall was a large flat-screen TV.

  “I’m going to have so much fun with this place,” Fitz said with a happy shimmy. It was a little too soon for them to discuss moving in together, so until that day came, which Fitz was certain wouldn’t be too far off, he was going to help Jack make this place the epitome of coziness.

  “Good. Have at it.”

  But first, there was something else Fitz wanted Jack to have at. He slipped his arms around Jack’s neck. “You know, I just realized you’ve yet to fuck me in your bed.”

  Jack blinked at him. “I haven’t?”

  “Nope.”

  “Oh, well, let’s fix that, shall we?” Jack stood, carrying Fitz in his arms.

  “Yes, let’s fix that right away.”

  Fitz’s heart was ready to burst out of him. He’d been so foolish. What if he’d lost Jack before he’d had the chance to tell him how much he loved him? Life with this amazing man wouldn’t be perfect, and there was a good chance of Jack facing more danger, but was Fitz going to give up on the chance of having so many happy moments for the possibility of some bad? Life was full of risks, whether small or life-threatening, and only Fitz could decide which were worth taking. Risking his heart, leaving himself vulnerable was worth it to have Jack looking down at him the way he was now, the lines forming at the corners of his eyes because his smile was so bright and beautiful, his silver eyes sparkling. It was the smile he had just for Fitz.

  “Whatever happens, we’ll work through it, because I can see myself spending the rest of my life with you, loving you.”

  Fitz wrapped his arms around Jack’s neck. “I want that. So much.”

  With a warm smile, Jack kissed him, and Fitz surrendered completely to Jack’s kiss, his hard body, the love and adoration pouring from him. Their kisses grew heated as the storm raged outside, the sound of howling wind and rolling thunder competing with the rain beating against shuttered windows. The lamps cast a soft glow in the room, their shadows playing on the wall as Jack turned Fitz into a whimpering mess.

  They scrambled to undress each other, clothes flying around the room, and then Jack was on him again, tongue and teeth teasing one of Fitz’s nipples. He arched his back, his fingers in Jack’s hair as Jack explored every inch of Fitz’s body with his hands and mouth. For such a sweet-looking guy, he had an incredibly sinful mouth. Fitz dropped his hands to the bed and grabbed fistfuls of the blanket as Jack trailed kisses down his abdomen before sucking Fitz’s hard, leaking cock into his mouth.

  “Oh f-f-fuck!” Fitz writhed on the bed beneath Jack as he sucked Fitz down to the root, his slick finger pushing against Fitz’s entrance. When had he gotten lube? Fitz didn’t care. Jack was magic. His fingers were magic. His mouth, tongue, body, fuck, everything about him. Fitz had lost the ability to form words as Jack circled the rosy tip of his cock with his tongue, one finger fucking Fitz, then two, his free hand sliding up Fitz’s body to pinch his nipple. Sounds were all Fitz could make, his body trembling and desperate for Jack to be inside him. Just when he thought he’d come apart, Jack replaced his fingers with his cock, and Fitz cried out at how damned good it felt.

  With a groan, Jack pushed himself inside Fitz until he was seated against him. He leaned in to kiss Fitz, their tongues doing a slow waltz as Jack rocked against him gingerly, small movements that nonetheless reverberated through Fitz. They moved slowly together like they had all the time in the world.

  “Jack,” Fitz pleaded, needing to feel more of him, his heart swelling and ready to burst from the love he felt for this amazing man. Jack obliged, kissing Fitz with a fervor Fitz eagerly returned as Jack’s hips smacked against Fitz’s ass, setting Fitz on fire, or so it seemed. He dug his fingers into the muscles of Jack’s back, their breath mingling and drowned out by the sound of the rain. Outside the storm did its worst, but in here, in Jack’s arms, he was safe, and oh-so very happy.

  Fitz’s orgasm exploded through him, and he cried out as Jack pounded into him, his fingers in Fitz’s hair and lips against Fitz’s neck. He whispered promises Fitz wouldn’t have believed from anyone else. Jack’s hips moved wildly against Fitz before he buried his roar in Fitz’s hair, heat spreading through Fitz as Jack came inside him. Jack slowed his movements, then gently pulled out. He kissed Fitz, their tongues twining, tasting, caressing until sleep threatened to pull Fitz under. Tender as always, Jack cleaned them both up, and then they huddled under the covers together.

  “From the first moment I looked into your eyes, I knew you were something special, that you were meant to be in my life.”

  Fitz smiled as he peppered Jack’s face with kisses. “I knew it too. The moment I saw you, my heart knew. It’s why I stopped panicking even though my heart was ready to beat out of me. The world just seemed to slow down and there was nothing but you. Your eyes, the way you smiled at me. I’d just had my heart broken. It wasn’t strong enough to give to someone else yet, no matter how much I wanted to.”

  “Whenever you’re scared or unsure,” Jack said as he brushed Fitz’s hair off his shoulder, “know that all you have to do is come to me, use my strength as your own. I’ll be there to fight for you or stand behind you and support you. Just tell me what you need from me, and you’ll have it. Always.”

  That’s what Fitz loved most about Jack. He saw Fitz as his equal, asking Fitz first what he needed or wanted rather than assuming and jumping to action for Fitz. The events of the last few months had shaken Fitz’s confidence. He’d hated feeling scared all the time, but Jack never failed to find a way to remind him that he was braver and stronger than he gave himself credit for. If he needed Jack, all he had to do was say so. Together they’d make one hell of a team.

  “You’re so warm,” Fitz said with a hum as he cuddled against Jack, his skin cooling and a shiver running through him as the AC kicked in. “I hope you’re ready for a lifetime of me plastered to you.”

  “I see. You’re just using me for my body heat.”

  “Yep. And your best friend’s dog.”

  “Can’t argue with that.” Jack kissed Fitz and smiled against his lips. “I think we’re in for one hell of an adventure.”

  “I can’t wait.” And it was the absolute truth. For so long, Fitz had been on his own, faced the world on his own, and he’d grown used to it. He’d forgotten what it was like to have a partner treat him as an equal, someone who shouldered some of the weight when the world around him threatened to overwhelm him. In Jack he hadn’t just found love, but a friend. Fitz’s world didn’t have to revolve around him, because Jack was confident enough in himself, in them, that Fitz wasn’t expected to give up his identity for their relationship. Jack loved him exactly how he was, and the same went for Fitz with Jack.

  Life together would certainly be an adventure, one sure to involve a few storms, but like the one outside, it would soon pass, and because their love could weather any storm, they’d stand together, enjoying the sunshine and rainbows that followed.

  EPILOGUE

  One month later.

  “Watch out for the poodle!”

  Jack laughed as Ace somersaulted over the large fluffy black poodle and landed on the sand on the other side. He fell onto his back dramatically, legs and arms spread out like he was about to make snow angels in the sand before Chip and Duchess descended on him.

  “Colton, save me!”

  “Oh, the humanity! Won’t someone save my fiancé from the vicious attack? So much licking!” Colton chuckled but didn’t move from the comfort of his beach chair, eyes closed behind his sunglasses. “I thought you enjoyed a good tongue bathing?”

  “From you! Not these furry monsters. Ah! Damn it, Chip, right in the ear!”

  Jack chuckled and shook his head. Duchess was a standard poodle, eight months old and as gorgeous and graceful as her person. Fitz had wanted a dog so bad, but with the repairs to the salon underway, he didn’t have the time to train a puppy. Jack did what he did best and got the word out. Soon he’d gotten a phone call from a client who trained dogs about an eight-month-old poodle they’d been training for someone who sadly could no longer keep Duchess. Jack set up a surprise meeting between Fitz and Duchess, and the moment they laid eyes on each other it was over. Love at first lick.

  Duchess was meant to be Fitz’s. The two were so alike it was a little scary. She was the most graceful, beautiful poodle Jack had ever seen, prancing across the sand, her black coat glossy and flawless. She had long legs and sass for days. Next to Chip, Jack had never come across a dog with so much attitude. Speaking of sass, Jack moved his gaze to Fitz, his tanned skin glistening in the sun, a rainbow sarong tied around his waist over his flamingo-pattered swim trunks and his hair clipped back away from his face as he played frisbee with Joker, Lucky, and Mason.

  “I’m happy for you,” Colton said, getting Jack’s attention. “You two were meant to be.”

  Colton’s words made Jack’s heart swell. Whether it was true or not, Jack wasn’t about to deny something had been there from the start. He supposed everything happened in its own time, and sometimes all you could do was be patient. Though he wondered what it might have been like without the pressure Emmett added by targeting Fitz. Six years. He’d worked with Emmett for six years, and not once had he gotten so much as a hint that something was wrong. Since that day at the pier when Jack had been on the verge of losing everything, all he could think about was how he hadn’t seen it coming. How had he missed it? Communication was his life. Surely at some point Emmett must have said or done something that Jack should have questioned.

  “Get out of your head.” Joker’s growl snapped Jack out of his thoughts.

  “Sorry,” Jack murmured. He hadn’t even noticed Joker running over until he was with them in the tent they’d set up that morning.

  “What’s wrong?” Colton asked, concerned.

  “Our boy Jack is still beating himself up over Emmett.” Joker grabbed a bottle of water and knelt next to Jack, elbow on the armrest of Jack’s chair as he gazed out at the ocean and sipped his water. “But like we keep telling him, it wasn’t his fault.”

  “But I’m the one he was obsessed with. I should have seen it. I almost lost Fitz. If Emmett had succeeded—”

  “It still wouldn’t have been your fault,” Joker snapped. “I love you, man. We all do, and we get the guilt thing. Baby, you don’t gotta explain guilt to us. But fuck it. Emmett’s actions were on him, not you. Was it our fault we lost Deuce, Pip, Spider, and Kicker?”

  Jack glared at Sacha from behind his sunglasses. “You fucking know it wasn’t.” It had taken them a really long fucking time to come to terms with the loss of their brothers, to know deep down in their souls that what happened that day hadn’t been their fault, that no amount of “what-ifs” would change the outcome.

  “That’s right, it wasn’t. Just like it’s not your fault Emmett did what he did. We all worked with him, talked to him every day, just like you. Hell, I can usually read someone from a mile away, and I didn’t see it. Is it my fault you were almost killed?”

  Jack shook his head. “I hate it when you’re right,” he grumbled. Sacha was right. They’d all interacted countless times with Emmett, and none of them saw or heard anything that would have set off alarm bells.

  “You good?” Joker asked as he stood.