Page 68 of The Professional

“Forrest.” Rourke stroked his face as gently as he could, avoiding any pressure to the bruises forming there. “The only one who’d ruin his reputation is that bastard the guards dragged out. Where are you hurt?”

Forrest shrugged, but he held his arm against himself in a way that told Rourke it hurt. “It’s just bruises and sprains. You came at the right time.”

“I still want a doctor to have a look.” Rourke’s tone said he didn’t want any arguments.

“Can’t argue with the boss.” Forrest ducked his head. “What are they going to do with him?”

“I can’t tell you that, baby.” He pressed a tender kiss to Forrest’s forehead. “The less you know, the better.”

Forrest let out a breath and snuggled closer. “I fucked up, didn’t I?”

“No.” Rourke wished his voice hadn’t cracked when he said the word. “You didn’t. Montague did. He’s going to regret ever touching you.”

Forrest shivered, and Rourke held him tighter. “I didn’t realize he’d go this far.”

“I know, but he won’t ever again.”

“You really beat him up.” He raised his gaze to meet Rourke’s and he smiled. It hurt Rourke to see the purpling bruises on his beautiful face, with one already nearly black on the right side of his jaw. Forrest didn’t warrant this kind of treatment.

“He deserved it.”

“I guess I’ve seen your monster now.”

Rourke laughed and slid his thumb over Forrest’s bruised jaw. “You have.”

“I like him because he’syou.”

“Baby….” Rourke pressed a soft kiss against Forrest’s mouth, and Forrest leaned into it. “I wish you had trusted me with this.”

“I know. I’m sorry for being a fucking idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot, Forrest. I know that I keep on about my rules, but out of all of them, not abusing one of our men or women is the one that shouldn’t ever be broken. It was, and you didn’t tell me. It makes me wonder if I’m doing my job correctly or not.”

Forrest hesitated. “We trust you, but sometimes you’re all about the business, about making clients happy.”

“None of that is important if you’re not safe with them.” Guilt speared Rourke right in the heart. Maybe he hadn’t been doing his job correctly. Laying his forehead against Forrest’s carefully, he sighed. “I think it’s time the entire Virtue sits down and discusses a few things.”

“You mean like an open discussion?” Forrest asked.

“Exactly. Maybe I’ve been very authoritarian.”

Forrest laughed but also winced at the same time. “That’s a big word, Rourke.”

“I went to college.”

“You did?” Forrest leaned back. “Where? What did you study?”

“You wouldn’t believe me.”

Forrest poked him. “Try me.”

Rourke brushed his hand over Forrest’s head. “Environmental Science.”

“Shut up.”

Rourke laughed. “I’m serious.”

“Why, though?” Forrest frowned at him. “You don’t seem the type of guy to study it.”