Federal Paranormal Agency 6 - Leannan Read online

  “Yes, sir,” Niall murmured.

  Duncan dropped his hand and stepped back, schooling his features. Thomas saved my life. Just the thought of someone hurting the young man sent him into an unexplainable rage. Normally, Duncan stayed in complete control. In his line of work, he couldn’t allow anyone to see weakness. Thomas was getting to him. The young man had the ability to crawl beneath all of Duncan’s walls and expose his vulnerable heart. In the future, Duncan would need to be careful. Luckily, he could trust his men.

  “I’ve got a meeting in the morning,” he said, changing the subject. “Find out who hired this bastard.”

  Niall nodded. “Yes, sir. I’ll lock up when we’re done.”

  “Good.”

  Leaving Niall, Aiden, and Brandon to clean up the mess, Duncan made his way to his bedroom.

  His heart pounded erratically against his chest as fear and nervous energy churned in his gut. Would Thomas be upset? Would he demand answers, and could Duncan be completely honest? Did he want Thomas to know every aspect of his life? Shaking his head, Duncan realized that he didn’t want Thomas to know the truth. The young man was a clean slate, his mind untainted by what Duncan truly was. Thomas didn’t know about Duncan’s life or his business.

  When he stepped into his bedroom, Duncan found Thomas curled into a ball on the bed. Breathing out a quiet sigh of relief, he strolled over, careful not to make a sound. Duncan took a moment to just look at Thomas, his eyes wondering over each feature.

  With his eyes closed, Thomas looked like an angel with baby-soft skin and pouty lips. The memory of the kiss they shared still lingered on his lips. Duncan pulled the blankets back and climbed onto the bed. He carefully maneuvered Thomas, hoping the man didn’t wake up.

  Thomas groaned, a little whine slipping from his lips as he shifted restlessly against Duncan.

  “Shhh,” he whispered. “It’s okay, baby. I’ve got you.”

  Baby. Duncan couldn’t believe how easily the pet name rolled off his tongue. Tucking Thomas against his chest, Duncan held him close. He moved his hand up and down Thomas’s back, gently petting him, coaxing the young man back to sleep.

  He saved my life.

  Duncan was still having a hard time wrapping his mind around all that had occurred. He wasn’t sure how Thomas had even heard the intruder. The hired gun sent to kill him had bypassed his security system and managed to get inside Duncan’s home. Instead of being scared and hiding from the danger, Thomas ran toward it, protecting him. He laid his cheek on the top of Thomas’s head. Now that the young man was in his arms, Duncan was able to rest a little bit easier.

  Chapter Five

  Duncan woke up to an empty bed. Frowning, he slowly sat up and looked around. When the sound of running water reached his ears, Duncan climbed out of bed and strolled toward the bathroom. Stepping over the threshold, he leaned against the nearest flat surface as his knees weakened. Duncan licked his lips, his eyes roaming over the most beautiful naked form he’d ever seen. Jesus Christ.

  With his body covered, Thomas was a vision. Naked, the young man was absolute perfection with lean muscles and graceful lines. Toby stood under the heavy spray with his head tilted back and his eyes closed. Duncan allowed himself a few moments to feast with his eyes. Thomas’s facial features were delicate and lovely. His button nose was set against high cheekbones, emphasizing his full lips and jaw line. His skin was smooth and carried a light tan. Bubbles, from the shampoo he’d been lathering, slid down his body.

  When he’d spotted Thomas inside the alleyway, outside his pub, it was as if all of his prayers had been answered. And now, there wasn’t any doubt in his mind. Thomas—the beautiful angel—would be his.

  “Are you just going to stand there and stare?”

  Dragging his gaze back up Thomas’s body, Duncan met the young man’s beautiful blue eyes. He pushed himself off the wall and strode toward the shower stall. The question seemed more like an invitation to join him. Pulling off his clothes, Duncan dropped them to the floor before stepping into the shower.

  The steam caressed his naked flesh before hot droplets of water peppered his skin. Duncan kept his eyes firmly planted on Thomas as he stepped under the spray. His cock hardened instantly, curving back toward his stomach.

  Thomas lifted a hand, as if he wanted to reach out and touch Duncan, but quickly dropped it. He covered his crotch, trying to hide his erection from Duncan’s view. Thomas’s jaw tightened, and he looked down. It seemed as though he were fighting an internal battle.

  “Thomas?”

  The young man’s head jerked up. “Yeah?”

  “Come here.”

  “I…” He took a shaky breath but still stepped forward, moving closer to Duncan.

  “You can touch me.” Hell, he wanted Thomas’s hands on him.

  Thomas stood frozen for only a moment, as if contemplating his options. He grabbed a bottle of shower gel from the nearest shelf. He flicked the lid open and poured a generous amount out on his hand before placing the bottle back where it belonged. Thomas worked the soap into a lather between his palms.

  Reaching up, he set both his hands on Duncan’s shoulders. He moved slowly, massaging the lather down Duncan’s chest and stomach. His movements were stiff, but it didn’t take long for his confidence to grow, and he visibly relaxed. Thomas didn’t look up at him or even try to make eye contact. Instead, he studied Duncan’s body, running his smooth hands over his skin. Thomas lowered himself to the floor at Duncan’s feet, washing his thighs and legs.

  “I didn’t realize you had so many tattoos. I mean…” He swallowed rapidly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I saw the one on your wrist. It matches the design on the sign at The Temple. And then last night I caught a glimpse of your arms, but I didn’t really get a chance to look because, well, you know...”

  He didn’t need to finish the sentence. Duncan knew exactly what he was talking about.

  Thomas was obviously a very observant young man. He’d noticed the Celtic design tattooed on the inside of Duncan’s wrist and easily matched it to the pub’s sign. Each man that worked for him carried the same tattoo. It was a mark of allegiance. Duncan rarely showed off his ink. It was personal and private. He usually wore suits to keep the black and gray designs hidden from the outside world.

  Duncan looked down at the man on his knees before him and found Thomas looking up at him. Desire and need shone brightly within the blue depths, tempting Duncan. Even with the water pouring down over him, Duncan’s arousal couldn’t be doused out.

  Duncan held out his hand and Thomas took it. He pulled the man to his feet and wrapped his arms around Thomas’s waist, drawing him in close. When their naked bodies touched, Duncan groaned, and Thomas let out a heavy sigh of delight. Duncan leaned down and caught a brief flash of surprise cross Thomas’s face before he brought their lips together.

  * * * *

  Fuck! Hot, strong, and delicious. Thomas whimpered. His teeth ached as his fox rose to the surface, desperate to sink his canines into Duncan’s flesh.

  When he’d woken up, surrounded by Duncan’s strong arms and spicy scent, Thomas’s first thought had been to mark and claim his mate. It scared him, forcing Thomas to get up and put some distance between them before he acted without thought. Even though they were mates, Thomas knew he wouldn’t be able to keep Duncan. With all the uncertainty about their future, Thomas needed to stay strong.

  Pushing all thought away, he focused on the feeling of Duncan’s lips against his own. Duncan’s tongue swept across Thomas’s lips, and he opened his mouth, granting access. Rising on his tiptoes, Thomas flung his arms around Duncan’s shoulders. The man’s body was a work of art, roped with muscle and covered in tattoos.

  Duncan pushed him back, pressing him against the cool, wet tiles. Duncan leaned into him, connecting their bodies and their mouths. His cock rubbed against Duncan’s as the older man pinned him to the wall. Thomas whimpered. He moved his hips, trying to gain more friction against his shaft,
and arousal raced through Thomas’s veins. He moaned as Duncan’s tongue danced against his.

  “Please,” he whimpered against Duncan’s lips. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was asking for.

  Duncan rocked his hips, moving his thigh between Thomas’s legs, teasing his cock. Thomas groaned and squirmed against the wet tiles. He started moving with Duncan, their bodies coming together frantically. Whining into Duncan’s mouth, Thomas tried to hold back his approaching orgasm, but it was impossible. Pleasure tore through him, strong and sharp. Disconnecting their lips, he cried out Duncan’s name, his voice echoing throughout the bathroom. His hips jerked, and his muscles flexed as he came, shooting hot jets of spunk against Duncan’s thigh.

  Soon, Duncan followed him over the edge into bliss. His muscles tensed, and his hips thrust forward. He buried his face against Thomas’s neck and growled as he came. The shower rained down on them, washing away the scent of Duncan’s arousal. Lifting his head, Duncan kissed him. His lips lingered for only a moment before he stepped back, giving Thomas space.

  “You’re so beautiful.” He winked.

  Duncan pulled Thomas under the spray. He ran his large hands over Thomas’s body, rinsing him off before reaching around him and shutting the water off.

  “Are you ready for your first day of work?”

  Thomas shrugged. “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “After my meeting, I’ll stop by the pub, and we’ll have lunch.”

  Duncan opened the shower door and stepped out. He grabbed a towel and handed it to Thomas before getting one for himself. Thomas watched as Duncan dried off, rubbing the soft cotton material against his skin and short, black hair. He wrapped the towel around his waist, cinching the material tightly before leaving the bathroom as if nothing had happened in the shower.

  Thomas wasn’t really sure what to think of the whole situation. Now that Duncan was gone, he felt cold and alone. Drying off in a rush, Thomas wrapped the overly large towel around his shoulders. He knelt down and picked up the clothes he’d worn to bed. Tucking the pile of material under his arm, Thomas made a hasty exit, practically running toward the guestroom.

  He opened the door and slipped inside, closing it behind him. Leaning his back against the door, Thomas closed his eyes and took a couple deep breaths. “What the fuck am I doing?”

  A little bark pulled Thomas out of his slump, and his eyes flew open. He looked down and found the little puppy sitting only a few feet away. He tilted his head to the side, staring up at Thomas.

  “How could I forget you?” Thomas sighed heavily. “I’m screwing up big time, buddy.”

  Dropping the towel to the ground, Thomas grabbed his backpack and dumped out the contents onto the bed. The clothes were still slightly damp from the heavy downpour on his walk to the pub, but he didn’t have any other options. Thomas pulled on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt before hanging the other clothing items around the room to dry. Turning on his temporary cell phone, he shoved the device into his back pocket.

  The smell of urine hit his sensitive nose, and he looked around, searching for the source. “Crap,” he muttered.

  Thomas grabbed the discarded towel from the floor and tossed it over the little puddle on the carpet. He did his best to clean up the mess, hoping Duncan wouldn’t be pissed.

  The pup whined sadly, as if sensing Thomas’s emotions, and Thomas grinned. “It’s not your fault, little guy. It’s mine. C’mon.” He picked the puppy up, holding the little beast in one arm as he left the bedroom.

  He met Duncan in the hallway. The other man was dressed in a very expensive looking suit. Standing next to him, Thomas felt as though he didn’t measure up. How could this gorgeous man be his mate? It almost seemed impossible.

  “I need some supplies for the puppy.”

  “Are you planning on keeping the little beast?” At Thomas’s raised brow, Duncan rolled his eyes heavenward. “Puppy.”

  “What else can I do?” He shrugged. Thomas wasn’t going to abandon the little guy, not when he’d just rescued him. “Do you know anyone that wants a puppy?”

  “Assisi Animal Sanctuary. It’s the largest animal welfare center in the area. We can drop him off.”

  “No.” Thomas scowled. “He needs a family.”

  “So, you’re going to stay and take care of him?”

  “I…” he started. Thomas wanted to stay, and it wasn’t just because of the pup, either. He was desperate to be near Duncan. The older man was his mate, but the outcome of the mission was out of his control and their future hung in the balance.

  Duncan sighed. “I can see how important this is to you. Why don’t you take him to the pub? I’ll send someone out to buy supplies for the little guy.”

  Thomas smiled. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Turning on his heel, Duncan headed down the hallway, and Thomas followed along.

  When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Thomas paused. He looked at the spot where the dead body had been the night before. There wasn’t a single drop of blood, and Thomas wondered if it had all been a dream. The only reminder that it hadn’t been a figment of his imagination was the heavy scent of disinfectant hanging in the air. Thomas covered his nose with his free hand, preventing the potent odor from burning his nostrils, as moisture filled his eyes.

  “Are you ready?” Duncan asked, holding the front door open.

  “Yeah.” Thomas cleared his throat, marching out of the house.

  The dreary day didn’t help his mood. Thick gray clouds covered the sky, promising more rain. Would he ever get used to the weather in Ireland after blue skies and sunshine in California?

  “You’re going to freeze your ass off,” Duncan tsked. Taking off his jacket, he draped the thick wool material over his shoulders. “I’ll take you clothes shopping later.”

  Thomas started to refuse the offer but quickly clamped his mouth shut. Instead of answering, he merely nodded his consent.

  “Good.” Duncan kissed the tip of his nose. “Let’s go.” He glanced down at his watch as he strolled toward his SUV. “I’ve got a meeting.”

  Thomas didn’t bother responding. He walked around the Range Rover and climbed in. After situating the puppy on his lap, Thomas buckled up.

  As Duncan drove them back toward the pub, Thomas’s mind was in turmoil. He needed answers. He had to know if what the other agents said about Duncan was true because he didn’t think fate would match him with a total bastard. It was obvious that Duncan was involved in something that wasn’t completely legal. Why else would a man break into his house intent on killing him? But still, Thomas believed there was some good inside his mate.

  “Why are you so quiet?”

  “I have a question, but I don’t want you to get mad at me.”

  “I won’t get mad at you.”

  Taking a deep breath, Thomas built up his courage. He turned his body, facing Duncan in order to see his facial expressions. “Are you a bad guy?”

  Duncan chuckled. “Why would you ask that?”

  “Someone broke into your house and tried to kill you last night. So, I’m just wondering if you’re a bad guy.”

  He was silent for so long that Thomas didn’t think he would actually bother to answer the question. Finally, after several minutes, Duncan glanced at him. “I’m not really sure what to say.”

  “Just tell me the truth. Yes or no…are you involved in anything illegal?”

  “It’s not that easy.”

  “Yeah, whatever,” Thomas mumbled. His shoulders dropped as the small bit of hope he’d been holding on to, disappeared.

  “Who has the right to judge me? The police? The government? Some people may not like my methods, but I’ve done a lot for Northern Ireland. This is my home. These are my people. I’m the one keeping the streets safe. If someone needs money, they come to me. And, after a period of time, I ask for it back. I don’t deal drugs or sex. I’m not going to lie to you. I’ve hurt people. But, guess what, people get hurt every day. I wasn�
��t raised in your world, Thomas. I had to work my ass off. My father beat this life into me every day. He taught me how to be the man I am today. I survived.”

  Thomas blinked. He leaned his head back and swallowed the ball of emotion clogging his throat. He couldn’t believe they actually had something in common. The timing was completely fucked up, but perhaps fate wasn’t wrong.

  “I only met you last night, Thomas. I found you outside in the rain. I brought you into my pub and fed you. I took you into my home and gave you a warm bed. I also gave you a job. Would a bad guy do that?”

  Thomas shook his head, still unable to speak.

  “If you don’t think you can trust me, I’ll drop you off at the next corner. The choice is yours.”

  “I want to stay with you.” He didn’t realize how true those words were until he spoke them aloud.

  Duncan pulled up along the curb in front of The Temple pub. “Niall’s inside waiting for you.”

  He unbuckled Thomas’s seat belt, but before Thomas could open the passenger side door, Duncan grabbed hold of the front of his shirt and pulled Thomas in close. He planted a fierce kiss on his lips, stealing his breath and making Thomas’s toes curl.

  “Have a good day at work, baby.”

  Chapter Six

  Thomas spent the morning cleaning the pub—wiping tables, mopping the floor, and scrubbing the bathrooms. It wasn’t a glamorous job, but it was his first day working at The Temple. His mind was filled with thoughts and images of Duncan.

  Waking up wrapped in the man’s strong arms and their rendezvous in the shower had affected him more than he cared to admit. Everything about Duncan called to him, waking the fox within and tempting the little bugger to come out and play. He wasn’t overly surprised by his reaction to the other man. How could he be when Duncan belonged to him?

  As time ticked by, Thomas completed each task Niall assigned. He wasn’t sure what to make of the bartender at first, but Niall turned out to be a decent guy. He even picked up a few supplies for the puppy and set up a portable playpen so that Thomas wouldn’t have to chase the little guy around the pub.