Elusive Relations (Valor and Doyle Mysteries, #2)

by Nicky James

You’re all torn up because you have a big sensitive heart, Quaid.

Large warm hands landed on my shoulders, making me jump. I was oblivious to my surroundings with the headphones on and hadn’t heard anyone sneak up on me. The person lifted one of the ear coverings and whispered with hot breath, “You are so goddamn stubborn. I thought I told you to stay away from this.” Aslan.

I wanted to dig deeper, understand what made him tick. He was vulnerable and softer than I ever believed possible. I wanted to know everything he hid from the world.

Then I turned to face him. “I’m not like you. This is starting to mess with my head.” “If you don’t want it, then take me home.” He stared out the window, his face an unreadable mask. “I didn’t say I didn’t want it. The problem is, I do. More than I should.” He glanced over, his eyes dark, fathomless pits. “And that’s bad?” “Yes. Because when this case is over, it will mean we go back to our typical jobs and lives, and this”—I swung a finger between us—“whatever it is, will be done again.” Aslan said nothing, but the intensity of his stare was enough to make my heart gallop.

I would never tell him, but I was kind of sad he hadn’t added a second notch to my bedpost.