Why the Devil Stalks Death by L. J. Hayward

Author:L. J. Hayward [Hayward, L. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: assassin, Contemporary, Mystery, spy, serial killer, romantic suspense, Romance, action, multicultural releationship, Thriller
ISBN: 9780994457189
Amazon: B07KV436Q4
Goodreads: 40614258
Publisher: L.J. Hayward
Published: 2018-12-09T00:00:00+00:00

Ethan finally looked at Jack, and the fist on top of his car loosened, fingers spreading out over the black duco. “Jack, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. You’re right. I don’t have experience with any of those things, and I can’t promise that I won’t make mistakes upon occasion. I can, however, assure you that regardless of what anyone else thinks or says, I want to be here. With you.”

Jack wanted to believe him. Desperately. Yet, he could still clearly feel the way Ethan had reacted to his touch, the same way he did when threatened. If he wasn’t worried about being openly gay, then what had caused him to pull away?

“I want you here, too.” Jack took a couple of steps towards him, testing his limits. “It’s why I asked you to come and stay. I know it’s not going to be easy. I don’t have a great track record with relationships. I’m undoubtedly going to mess something up at some stage.”

The corner of Ethan’s mouth quirked up. “We’re not incapable men, Jack. I’m sure we can weather the rough patches. And if you were to leave me, I should remind you, I’m retired, not disabled.”

Jack snorted, that involuntary draw he constantly felt for Ethan, especially at times like this, bringing him another step closer.

“Too soon?” Ethan leaned back against Victoria’s side.

There was barely ten inches between their chests. “Too cheesy.” Jack let his voice drop into a husky rumble.

The panes of Ethan’s glasses angled downward, judging the distance. “Jack, am I required to remind you we’re not exactly in private?” His little smile turned brittle, and his tone flattened.

And there it was. What had made Ethan pull away from Jack in front of Mr. Cesare. Ethan didn’t want to be touched in public not because he feared being seen as gay, but because it was a risk to his control. Jack was fascinated and aroused by how tranquil and easy Ethan could be when they were together, but only when he felt secure. Outside of his lairs or Jack’s apartment, he was constantly on alert, wary, ready to face any threat. Having someone touching him hindered his ability to react, and perhaps having Jack touch him was distracting on other levels, as well.

“No,” Jack whispered and backed off. “Just wanted to tell you that I’ll miss you today.”

Before he got out of range, Ethan put his palm on Jack’s chest as he said, “And I you,” then let it drop, unspoken thanks for understanding.

Exchanging smiles, they got onto and into their respective vehicles. Jack watched while Ethan backed the Vanquish out and turned her towards the exit. He wasn’t a publicly demonstrative person, but he took a moment to mourn the loss of simply holding hands as they walked together, then started the bike and headed in to work.

His welcome at the police station wasn’t quite as warm as Ethan’s parting smile. Steph and Adam were both on their phones, having tense conversations. Adam was

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