Page 63 of Broken Wheels
“Okay, I will.” He sat up, but Dix pulled him back down and held him. Doc frowned. “I need to get up. I’ve got stuff to do, remember?”
Dix stroked his hair. “Rest first, okay?” Doc’s frown deepened, and Dix leaned in to kiss him. “Do it for me. You’ve been running on fumes for too long. Get some sleep, and I’ll find you something to eat for when you wake up and?—”
“No.”
Dix blinked. “Excuse me?”
Doc stuck his chin out. “If I’m going to rest, I need you here with me. You…. You keep the nightmares at bay, and I need that right now.”
There was no way Dix would argue. Instead, he wrestled the two of them under the comforter and snuggled in. He kissed Doc on the head. “Then let’s rest for now. When we wake up, we can start figuring out what’s happening here. Okay?”
“Sounds good.” Doc rested his head on Dix’s chest. “And thank you.”
You don’t need to thank me, Doc. Not now, not ever.
Because even if they weren’t together, Dix would kill to protect the precious man he held in his arms.
Chapter 19
Dix sat up, determined not to wake Doc. He needed his rest. It had taken Doc at least two hours last night to calm down enough to finally fall asleep. Doc’s brain was a fascinating thing. It was scattered, sure, but when he latched onto something, it was hard for him to get rid of it.
Fucking him into oblivion was as good a way as any to wear him out, and much more effective than warm milk.
Much more enjoyable too.
Dix scribbled a note to say he was going to the cafeteria to pick up some pastries, then headed downstairs. As he entered the bright room, he waved at the staff working in the kitchen before making a beeline for the counter where he’d find Doc’s favorites.
Except someone had beaten him to it.
“What the hell are you doing up already?” Dix demanded. “Does Michael know you’re down here?”
Gary jerked his head in Dix’s direction, his cheeks stuffed with some baked goodies, giving him the appearance of an overly ambitious chipmunk. He stood there like a deer caught in the headlights.
Dix shook his head, chuckling.
Gary swallowed hard, then took a swig of orange juice from the bottle he pulled out of his pocket.
“He was sleeping when I left. We talked long into the night about this whole thing with Josh.” His brow furrowed. “I have to admit, I don’t know how to proceed. Michael made a compelling argument for finding someone in the government to talk with, but Josh’s was equally persuasive.” He cocked his head to one side. “You got a few minutes to sit and talk?”
“Sure. Doc’s sleeping too. I’m hoping he’ll be out a few more hours. He… didn’t sleep well last night.”
Gary’s chuckle was downright filthy. “Because of thinking or fucking?”
Dix should have been surprised, but Gary had known Doc a lot longer than he had. “A little from column A, a lot from column B.” He pulled out a chair and sat down. Gary did the same across from him.
Gary smirked. “Man, Michael had you pegged. I have no idea how I missed the signs.”
“You’ve had other stuff to worry about.” Dix frowned. “This shit has me worried, especially if they’ve been after him this whole time.”
“I’m pulling in extra people. Josh has to be protected at all costs. Especially if the government is somehow involved.” He lapsed into silence for a moment, and then arched his eyebrows. “So… I hear from Michael that you and Josh are… close now.”
Dix squirmed under Gary’s flinty gaze. Even as banged up as he was, the man was still an imposing figure.
He went with nonchalance. “Yup.” Dix stilled. “Is that going to be a problem?”
Gary’s gaze didn’t falter. “Michael said he warned you not to hurt him. I’m only going to add one stipulation.” He leaned in close. “Dix? Don’t fuck this up.” Then he smiled. “Please.”
Dix blinked. “You’re not going to give me a lecture about the hazards or ethics of having feelings for a client?”