Don't Judge (Nothing Special, #4)

by A.E. Via

The precinct had a nice facility for them to work out in for free, but he’d been coming to Charlie’s Gym since he’d been in Atlanta. He’d left college in Virginia and immediately moved there to work with his father, but after hearing about God and Day, he knew where he belonged.

Duke is NOT in Virginia. And if the “he left school...” refers to Charlie then it needs better clarification as it doesn’t make sense in the context of the paragraph.

Day leaned toward God and hissed, “Why the fuck is he bringing a horse into our office?”

LOL! Gotta love a Great Dane!

Michaels turned and made a sharp whistle. The dog’s ears pointed up higher turning in his direction. Michaels voice was deep and commanding when he spoke to it. “Come. Go outside with me, big boy.” With his hand lowered, fingertips curved under, Michaels waited while the large Dane sniffed his hand, familiarizing himself with his scent. When he was satisfied that Michaels wasn’t a threat, he happily followed him outside. That oughta show him. He’d walked off with the asshole’s dog.

for this good-smelling, eager-to-prove-himself, straight asshole.

He chanced a look at Michaels and was shocked to see him slouched and confident riding with him. He had a dark pair of aviator shades on, staring out the window with one hand propped on the door. It was almost as if he didn’t know he was hot. And damnit if that wasn’t sexy in itself.

All he knew was the man was too close, too hot, too sexy, too fucking annoying.

Judge watched Michaels hold his dad’s hand like he was special. Saw him look him in his eyes and wish him well. It was probably safe to say that Michaels wouldn’t see his father alive again. Judge had a feeling Michaels knew it too, the way he quietly spoke his father’s disease into the air. Somehow Michaels had said goodbye to his father without making it sound hurtful or morbid and he appreciated it more than he could voice.

Judge gritted his teeth. “Look Day. I realize you don’t like me very much right now but—” Day barked a humorless laugh. “Like… did you just say like? Judge you are way beyond me not liking you. You’re not even standing close to the word like. You’re standing two blocks from the corner of despise and hate.”

“Did you suck the heart and soul out of my best friend for sport, or did you receive some kind of nourishment from it?”

“You got forty-eight hours to bring our brother back. Back the way he was when you met him.” Judge sighed in annoyance at being put on a time restriction. “Fine. I’ll bring him back.” “Good. Forty-eight hours to bring back my sniper.” Judge stood. “Where is he?” “You’re the tracker. Find him,” God snarled,

“Honey. I’ve never apologized to anyone. I’ve never begged for anything a day in my life.”

“But I’m here begging you for your forgiveness. Wanting another chance. Even if you say no right now, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll ask tomorrow and the next day and the next, until you tell me you want me, too.” Judge put one large hand on Michaels’ waist and applied just the right amount of pressure to make Michaels fall back into his embrace. “I love you Austin, and I’m not gonna stop begging until you tell me you love me too.”

He stared at Judge; saw the honesty and the sorrow. Knew his apology was genuine. If Judge hurt him again then.... Michaels squeezed his eyes shut. “You leveled me, Judge. I… I couldn’t even function.” Judge nodded his head like he understood. “I know. I know I did. But I’m asking you to trust me.”