Page 19 of Zero Divergence

“We need your help,” Royce replied grudgingly, sounding as if the words were ripped out of him instead of offered freely.

“On?” Felix asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Sawyer recognized the stance and resolution in his eyes. He wasn’t budging from the spot until he knew what he was facing. His dogged determination made Felix a stellar reporter and had kept him alive when facing off against criminals who didn’t want their activities exposed. He’d made a lot of enemies.

“Catching Humphries before he can kill again,” Royce said. “I’ve heard you’re good at getting people to talk to you and uncovering truths killers don’t want dragged into daylight.”

Felix looked from Royce to Sawyer, his amber eyes searching and assessing. “I can’t stand injustice.”

“We need that passion,” Sawyer said, then nearly swallowed his tongue at his poor word choice, considering he was standing with his former one-night stand and his boyfriend. “Christi, Tara, Abby, and Harper could really use your skills.”

“I’m in,” Felix said, nodding firmly. He stepped around Sawyer and Royce to head into the kitchen until Sawyer called out his name. Felix stopped abruptly, then turned to face him.

Sawyer kissed Royce quickly and winked. They’d discussed the conversation Sawyer was about to have with Felix. Royce didn’t agree it was necessary, but he respected that Sawyer did.

Royce leaned closer, pressing his mouth against Sawyer’s ear. “Mine.”

“Always,” Sawyer replied.

Felix watched the exchange with a quirked brow and smartass snarl. “You wanted me to watch you too play kissy-face?” he asked once he and Sawyer were alone.

“No. I wanted to apologize to you,” Sawyer said. “I should’ve done it a long time ago.”

It took a few blinks for Felix to clear the astonishment from his eyes. “For what?” he asked, sounding befuddled.

“For using you,” Sawyer replied simply. “And for ignoring you during all the times you reached out after that night. I felt guilty for betraying Vic and ashamed I used a friend to ease my loneliness.”

“Horniness,” Felix corrected, rubbing the back of his neck as awkwardness bloomed between them. “Did you know how I felt about you?”

Sawyer shook his head. “I would’ve acted differently had I known, or at least I think I would have, but I wasn’t making good decisions then. I was so fucking depressed and lonely.”

“Don’t forget human,” Felix said, then chuckled. “I just thought I was horrible in bed.”

Sawyer shook his head. The shared laughter that followed eased the tight ball of tension in his gut. “I’m sorry I let you think that by ignoring you.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, Sawyer,” Felix said softly. “I knew you weren’t emotionally ready for sex, even if your body was. I couldn’t stand the thought of you with someone else. I had convinced myself we would be great together, but I got over my disappointment quickly enough. And contrary to what some of my stupid stunts would leave you to believe, I haven’t been pining for you. I was just being a petty bastard. Maybe we both forgive each other and put it behind us.”

“Deal,” Sawyer said.

Felix’s gaze wandered to the kitchen. Sawyer shifted his attention there, too, and his eyes locked on Royce chatting with Jonah while filling two plates. “Vic would really like Royce, and he’d love seeing you this happy again.”

“He would,” Sawyer agreed, nodding. He still felt Vic’s presence in his life, but it was different now. The memories were no longer steeped in pain. They were a warm, shimmering part of his past. After his death, Sawyer hadn’t been sure loving Vic was worth the misery of losing him, but he knew better now. He wouldn’t change a single moment they shared, not even the last ones before Vic died. Sensing their eyes on him, Royce looked over and winked at Sawyer. That dickhead was his future.

“What’s the deal with the PI guy and GBI agent? What’s their role?” Felix asked, pulling Sawyer’s attention back to him. The reporter narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

“So, you already know Rocky Jacobs?” Sawyer asked.

“I knowofhim,” Felix clarified. “I’ve never introduced myself to him.”

Sawyer tipped his head toward the kitchen. “There’s no time like the present. Besides, you don’t want to miss out on the lobster rolls.”

“I sure as fuck don’t,” Felix replied, heading toward the kitchen. He paused after a few steps. “Don’t think I didn’t notice how you avoided my question about Jacobs and St. John.”

“You’ll know soon enough, Felix.”

“Tell your boyfriend to stop calling me Fleabag,” he groused. “I prefer something like Felix the Fabulous.”

Sawyer snorted. “It would take a miracle for you to earn that title from him, but I’m going to enjoy watching you try.”

“What’s the deal with St. John?”