Mercer watched him, wanting more than anything else to go with him. Gio lifted his head then murmured something to the man.
Mercer assumed wasn’t related to Gio then handed him his keys. Gio walked toward Mercer with sure strides. Leashed power was all Mercer could think of as he came nearer.
“Time to go, Investigator.” Gio rocked back on the heels of his shiny shoes and grinned.
“Why the hell do you still look so impeccable?”
“It’s a gift. I’ve been told it’s irritating.” Gio laughed.
“And I bet you love that it is.”
“Of course I do, Investigator.”
“Stop calling me that. My name is Mercer. Repeat it with me, Mercer,” he said slowly so Gio could get it.
“Again with the slow.” Gio touched his shoulder. “I’ll have you know I do understand things very well. I just like how investigator sounds. Also, I knew it would irritate you, too.”
“So you’ll call me investigator to irritate me. You like to mess with people. You better be careful they don’t mess back.” Mercer rose and turned to step inside the rig.
“But, Mercer, I’m always prepared when people do,” Gio said behind him.
Somehow, Mercer believed him. He sat on the gurney and Gio got in beside him. They were silent as Treat got in and sat across from them. His partner in the front started the vehicle. Mercer turned to look at Gio and found him watching out of the small window at the back of the ambulance. Mercer placed his fingers over Gio’s clenched fist, resting on his knee. Gio glanced at him sharply.
“You looked like you needed someone to hold your hand. Seems like you were about to jump out and go back to your house.” Mercer studied him. “And from your expression, you want to hurt someone very badly. But I’m not going to let you. I’m going to do my job and find out who burned your house down.” He squeezed Gio’s fist then went to pull back.
Gio unclenched his fist and took Mercer’s, sliding their fingers together, and returned the gesture. “You do what you have to do, Investigator. And I’ll do what I must.”
“Gio—”
“Thanks for being here. I so hate hospitals and would run screaming if your calming presence wasn’t here next to me. And that would be so bad, after all that happened today to damage my rep with my fellow fire people. So I thank you from the depths of my heart for saving me from my folly.” Gio winked.
“Interrupting and finishing my sentences is really irritating. Especially when that is not what I was going to say.” Mercer leaned back against the side of the rig and sighed. “I can tell you’re going to be a handful.”
“You’re wrong, Mercer.” Gio’s voice was low and it felt like a caress and a promise.
Mercer met his gaze and held his breath at the intensity in his eyes.
“I’m so much more than a handful.” Gio smirked. “Getting that through your head will help you.”
“And it would benefit you not to assume that I’m easily led.”
“Mercer, I never would assume such a stupid thing. You’re fascinating, and there are many layers within you.” Gio chuckled.
The decadent sound made Mercer’s erection, which had waned, return full force. He closed his eyes, not wanting to look at the temptation that was Giovanni Murray. Even as he visually shut him out, he couldn’t get away from his touch as they still held hands. Also Gio’s scent of freshness, pine and musk was filling his senses. With all that had happened, he should have smelled sweaty, but he didn’t.
Yep, he’s a puzzle with a voice of dark chocolate. Damn, he’s two of my weaknesses wrapped in an enticing package. What am I going to do with him? |
