Page 40 of Fallen Rook

The doors slid closed between us.

The entire way up, I spiraled in an avalanche of headache, anxiety, and an untamable obsession.

I couldn’t believe not only was I letting Enzo break every rule I’d given him, but I was actively breaking the rules I’d set for myself nearly a decade ago, in order to protect me and others from myself.

Clawing two fingers into my bow tie, I tugged it loose.

You’re blowing this out of proportion.

I wasn’t here to apologize.

I wasn’t here to extract vulnerable information—not this time, anyway.

I wasn’t even here to fuck him.

I was here to check that he was okay, that the concerning marks on his wrists were no longer fresh and prominent, and that he wasn’t on suicide watch.

Simple as that.

Nothing out of the ordinary in being a good Samaritan. I’d been this way my whole life, doing what I thought was right, no matter the price tag on my personal life.

In the same way I’d enlisted fresh out of high school.

Why I joined the FBI.

Why I spent every minute of my personal time with people who needed me.

The elevator dinged and I stepped out, standing in front of Enzo’s apartment.

I stared at the door, yet again confused by the reason I was here.

Move. Knock. Function, Tom.

I’d fought, battled, and made difficult decisions since I was eighteen. Had seen my closest friends die in combat. I’d known sorrow, anger, even guilt—but never fear.

What the fuck was happening to me?

I punched the doorbell, thrusting my hand into my hair and dragging my fingers through it. It was one thirty in the morning, but fuck it, he didn’t need beauty sleep. He was already gorgeous.

The sound of his bare feet slapping the floor on the other side made my heart beat faster. He tossed the door open, shirtless and freshly showered. His hair was damp and mussed in messy curls atop of his head, his body sleek, golden, and inked. A modern-day gladiator. Hard as stone, with the softest lips.

He squinted. “Did you not read my doormat? It says no soliciting, bitch.”

My concern and gnawing desperation were out the window, replaced by good old annoyance and exasperation.

“Step back.”

Enzo rolled his eyes. “Where’s your warrant, fucker?”

I clenched my jaw tight to prevent myself from snapping at him. Letting go of my rules and structured had been hard, and he’d been nothing but pure fucking chaos.

“Can’t try to arrest me again. This is a residential property, and one you’re not welcome in, by the way.”

“I’m hoping we’ll reach…an understanding.” I raked my gaze along his body, making sure to halt at his impressive package.

He snorted, shaking his head. “This is like the beginning of a very badly plotted porn.”

“As opposed to all those well-plotted porns?” I smiled back. I actually smiled in front of him. He didn’t fail to notice.