Page 46 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

That left God’s team.

When they needed Wes and Law in Atlanta, those two reckless pyrotechnic maniacs had come through for the task force in a way few men would’ve, risking their lives and careers to help him and his team.

It made them brothers, and God honored brotherhood above everything.

Wes and Law had asked them to protect their friend, so Xander Vale was their responsibility now.

Morrison stood close behind him. A little too close for standard protective spacing. His position blocked half the room from Xander’s back, his body angled in a way that shielded him completely.

Tipping his head down so his mouth was near the rim of Xander’s ear, Morrison spoke in a rough, but quiet voice, as though a loud sound might startle him.

“Xander, these are Wes and Law’s friends from Atlanta.”

Xander’s gaze moved around the room, landing on each of them for a second before flicking back to Morrison.

“Lieutenants Godfrey and Day head-up an elite task force in Atlanta. They protect a very big city from a lot of dangerous people. I checked them out.” Morrison’s eyes shifted briefly to God. “They’re good…better than good.”

Morrison’s hand rested at the small of Xander’s back, and Xander leaned into the contact.

Interesting.

Neither of them seemed aware of what their bodies were doing.

God stood from where he’d been leaning against the back of the couch, and Xander’s eyes widened when he rose to his full height.

Six-four had a way of changing the dimensions of a room.

Xander pushed back half a step into Morrison’s chest.

God softened his approach, stopping at a respectable distance before extending his hand.

Xander blinked at it for a second before he took it.

His grip surprised him. It was firm, strong, despite the tremors.

“Xander,” God said. “I’m sorry for what happened tonight. But I can promise you this. It won’t happen again.”

Xander swallowed, then nodded, but he didn’t look convinced.

God couldn’t blame him.

Promises didn’t mean a damn thing when fear was still breathing down his neck.

“This is my husband,” God said, as Day stepped up beside him. “Lieutenant Leonidis Day. We head up the task force together.”

Xander’s eyes widened again, bouncing between them.

He usually just introduced Day as his partner and left it at that. But he wanted no uncertainty regarding his ability to do this job.

Xander had enough anxiety plaguing him without wondering whether the men protecting him cared that he was gay.

Day gave Xander a small nod. “We’re glad you’re okay.”

“Thank you,” Xander said, voice raw.

God gestured toward Tech.

“This is Detective Murphy. We call him Tech. He’s one of our intelligence and systems specialists, also one of my enforcers. He’ll be assigned to your personal detail.” God huffed. “Don’t let the preppy shit he wears fool you. He’s no one to fuck with.”