Page 47 of The Thief's Mark

“We need to start planning how best to approach each of the councilors,” Griff said, scribbling frantically on the pad. “We’ll also need to review all the intel we’ve gathered thus far to make sure our records are accurate in case they need to be used as evidence.”

Cal stood there for a long moment, watching the inspector work. The lingering embers in him kindled to life, and he was startled to find a fond smile stretching his lips.

Eternal Dark, what had come over him?Sure, he’d had his fair share of celebrations as Blackjack after a successful job. But those usually amounted to enjoying a drink or a fine dinner. And before that, there’d been Kelsith, but their celebrations had been short-lived at best. Kelsith had never been one to stop and rest,always eager to move on to the next big thing, their next huge heist.

Cal recalled what Griff had confided in him the other night about his ex-wife. He had a sneaking suspicion that, left to his own devices, Griff had that same impulsive drive as Kelsith. Which meant, if there was going to be any genuine break, it would be up to Cal to facilitate it.

Striding over to Griff, he said, “Later. There will be plenty of time to plan tomorrow. First though, we need to stop and celebrate.”

Griff didn’t look up, continuing to write. “I can’t. The gala’s tomorrow night, and every moment until then might be critical. We need to be prepared.”

“We will be, I swear.”

Cal rested his hand atop Griff’s shoulder. Griff’s writing slowed as he cast a surprised look up at Cal. Smirking, Cal took advantage of the distraction to snatch the pen from Griff’s grasp. He danced back out of reach as Griff followed him up and tried to grab it back, then held it up.

“You can have this back after you’ve taken a break. Eternal Dark, Griff, you did it! You put in the hard work and finished the investigation. This part of it, in any case. Now, it’s time to rest and enjoy the fruits of your labor. There will be chance enough in the morning to figure out what to do next. Okay?”

Griff sighed and rubbed tiredly at his eyes. “I suppose it has been a long week. A short break might help clear our heads.” He surprised Cal by meeting his gaze with an intent look. “ButIdidn’t do anything.Wedid.”

Cal snorted, feeling slightly uncomfortable. “You’re the investigator here, not me. I’m just a lowly thief along for the ride.”

“Whatever you call yourself, I never would’ve gotten this far without you. Certainly not so quickly. This is your victory as much as it is mine.”

A faint blush colored Cal’s cheeks, and he glanced away. Kelsith had never been much for praise, doling it out only sparingly. Cal found he rather liked the feeling…especially when it came from Griff.

“In that case, here’s to us,” Cal said.

Raising an imaginary glass, he looked up just in time to see Griff snatch the pen back while he was distracted. Griff held up the pen triumphantly, and Cal muffled an amused snort.

It was only then that he realized how close they were now, Griff a mere handful of paces away. The tension from last night returned, thickening the air around them until Cal swore he was about to boil alive from the heat consuming him.

He knew he should pull away. Not even a week ago, Griff had been nothing to him except the inspector sworn to apprehend Blackjack. What they were doing flirted with disaster on so many different levels.

And yet…he made no move to retreat. He couldn’t.

Neither did Griff. Cal studied the inspector’s face, his expression as composed and unreadable as ever. Cal’s skin prickled beneath his steadfast gaze. For the first time, he wished he had Griff’s power instead of his own. What he wouldn’t have given to be able to read Griff’s aura in that moment and know what he was thinking. Was he struggling to decide what to do next?

Sudden shame welled up within him. He didn’t want to force Griff into anything. A bit of light-hearted flirting was one thing—making him genuinely uncomfortable quite another.

Faking a yawn, he raised his hands above his head. “On second thought, I’m pretty beat. Perhaps I’ll call it an early night and…”

All words and rational thought fled him when Griff reached out to cradle his cheek. His coarse fingers stroked over Cal’s stubble.

Cal found himself leaning into the touch. “This is a bad idea,” he murmured. “It won’t end well. For either of us.”

Griff snorted. His fingers didn’t falter in their gentle caress. “Trust me, I know. It doesn’t take much sleuthing to deduce that.”

Tentatively, Cal draped his arms around Griff’s muscled back. His leather coat was slick to the touch. “Then, why aren’t you walking away?”

Griff’s finger’s stilled, but he didn’t lower his hand. His brown eyes were liquid pools drawing Cal in. “Because no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to stay away from you.”

Cal managed a wavering smile even as his heart beat a staccato rhythm against his rib cage. “I told you. It’s this Dark-cursed face of mine. Gets me into trouble every time. Or maybe it’s my winning sense of humor?” Shifting, he twisted his backside around toward Griff. “Or is it my bottom that has you so riled up?”

“No,” Griff said, staring intently right at Cal. “It’s the color of your soul.”

The words stole Cal’s breath, along with what little remained of his resolve.To the Void with caution.

Surging forward, he slammed their lips together. Griff’s fingers tightened on his jaw, and a light moan escaped him as he tasted Griff for the first time. He felt aflame, desire pulsing in his veins like liquid heat. His fingers mapped the muscled ridges of Griff’s back while their fronts ground together with desperate need.