Chapter 16 #2
“I’m not saying that I don’t have issues. That some missions don’t resurrect a lot of bad memories. And I know I’m nowhere close to being normal, but… I didn’t survive all that time in that shit hole, to pack it in now.”
Buck nodded. “Okay. I just hope you know that you’re not alone. That if you ever need anything, and I mean anything, all you have to do is ask. No questions. No hesitations.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He sipped his coffee, finishing off half his bacon before leaning back in his chair. “So, you and Tierney. About time you two finally made it official.” He arched a brow. “You two did make it official, right? This isn’t just a one-off? It’s the start of forever?”
Buck snorted. “God, I hope so. I mean, I think we’re on the same page, it’s just…
” He blew out an exasperated breath. “I don’t know where we go from here.
While I love her cabin, I’m not sure it’s the safest option after all that’s happened.
Especially, if there’s some operative out there itching to finish what Pike failed to do.
But my RV doesn’t exactly scream, welcome home. ”
Dalton placed his elbows on the table and leaned forward.
“Have you considered that maybe you’ve outgrown that thing?
Don’t get me wrong, it’s served you well over the years.
Was what you needed in order to survive the initial trauma.
And it would make a great mobile response unit.
But maybe it doesn’t feel like home, because it was only ever supposed to be temporary.
That you need something more… Permanent.
Like Nick and Sloane. Somewhere on the outskirts, but not so isolated you need a full-time security squad just to sleep at night. ”
“Squad? Brother, all I’d need is you.”
Dalton tipped his mug at him. “Now, you’re just being mean.”
“The truth hurts sometimes. But I think you’ve got a point. Which I’m sure you’ll enjoy reminding me of on a daily basis.” He chugged more of the coffee as he looked around the loft. “I’m surprised Nick isn’t breaking down the door, demanding more intel.”
Dalton chuckled. “Avery’s keeping them all busy trying to wrap up Pike’s dark-web hunting club. Apparently, it’s a mess. Though, she told me to tell you that she has something for you, and that she’s put out a few feelers… Hopes to have more information for you soon.”
Buck nodded, noting the way Dalton’s eyes darkened a bit at the mention of Avery’s name. How his entire demeanor changed — his muscles tensed, a hint of a smile replacing the previous scowl. How he shifted on his seat as if he couldn’t quite sit still.
Buck pushed back his chair, staring at his buddy. “So, you talked to Avery. Didn’t realize you two chatted.”
Dalton shrugged it off. “Occasionally. Why?”
“Please, even I can tell she’s interested. Has been since she helped out Rowan months back. Why do you think she keeps hanging around?”
“Because Sloane’s her best friend.”
“Maybe. Or maybe, she’s hoping you’ll notice her. Which, based on how you’re looking at me as if you want to throttle me for asking you about her, you already have.”
Dalton gestured to Buck’s mug. “Just drink your damn coffee.”
“Deflection. Nice. And for what it’s worth, I think she’s great, and you should definitely ask her out.”
Dalton stared at Buck over the rim of the mug. “As you pointed out, I have issues. Hell, you just asked me if I was spiraling. Does that sound like the kind of man who’s dating material, let alone relationship material?”
Buck met Dalton’s intense gaze. “Have you stopped to consider that maybe she’s exactly who you need to help with all that?”
“Or, maybe I should deal with it before I put her in a potentially dangerous situation.”
“You’re not dangerous. If anything, she’d never be safer than when she was with you.”
“Until I fall asleep.”
Buck paused. Dalton had crashed in Buck’s RV more than a few times while they’d been watching out for Nick and Sloane, and Dalton had woken, once, from a nightmare.
He’d stormed out of the room, eyes dark, muscles primed, gotten Buck in a choke hold before Buck had finally jolted him out of the delusion — gotten him to stand down. ”
Buck thumbed the handle. “You’re… intense when you’re in the midst of a flashback.
I won’t deny it. But I knew you wouldn’t hurt me.
Not really. And Avery doesn’t strike me as the kind of woman who frightens easily.
She knows the broad strokes — that you were held.
That Nick finally got you out. And I know there’s way more to the story.
Pieces you won’t talk about. But none of that has scared her off, yet. Might be worth giving it a shot.”
Dalton stared for another minute before breaking eye contact. “We’re not talking about screaming and bolting awake. I could have killed you.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Not for lack of trying.”
“Dalton. Eric. No one expects you to walk out of five years’ worth of torture and not have the kind of scars that go soul deep. But I thought you’d survived all that so you could have a second chance? Doesn’t that include love?”
Dalton rolled his shoulders, looking as if his skin didn’t quite fit.
Buck sighed, pushing to his feet. “I’m not trying to pry.”
“Sure, you are.”
“Are you saying you don’t have feelings for her?
” He waited, but Dalton just sat there. “Just, keep an open mind. It took meeting Tierney, having Chase and the others save my ass, before the voices quieted long enough for me to pull myself together — give myself permission to move on. All I’m saying is, I think she’d be good for you.
And I think you’ve got way more to offer than you give yourself credit for.
” He held up his mug. “I’ll grab a cup for Tier. Take her some food before we head in.”
Dalton waited until Buck had grabbed the stuff, headed for the room before clearing his throat. “If you two need a day…”
Buck stopped, glanced at him over his shoulder. “Thanks, but this thing with Pike and whoever sold out her team is eating at her. I think she’d prefer to get an update in person, even if there’s nothing new.” He grinned. “Thanks for everything. Not sure what I’d do without you, brother.”
Dalton nodded, though, Buck had obviously struck a nerve. Proof the guy cared far more than he was letting on. Buck just needed to find a way to crack that stubborn exterior. Which all had to wait until after they’d uncovered who’d set up Tierney’s team for that ambush.
Until she was finally free.