Out to Protect by Amber Skyze Page B

shot?”
    “Impressive, but not infallible. Just because he’s managed to outrun a few bullets doesn’t make him Superman. He could be hit by a train tomorrow. He’s not a superhero.”
    At one time, he had been in Grant’s eyes. But Parker was right—anything could happen. It didn’t ease Grant’s fears. If Ralph wanted him dead, Grant would likely turn up dead.
    His body shook. Damn, it was going to be a long day.
     
    PARKER SILENTLY CURSED. They weren’t in a good situation no matter how he assessed it. If Ralph wanted Grant dead, it meant Parker putting his life on the line for his partner. He knew there’d be a day when he’d have to risk his own life for someone else; he just didn’t expect it to be so soon.
    “Keep a look out for Ralph, please. I don’t want him sneaking up on us. We’re supposed to be following him, not the other way around.”
    “Right.” Parker studied the side mirror, trying to determine if they were being tailed. He didn’t see anything suspicious. Grant was likely being paranoid. He could see the stress written all over his face. That’s why Parker had reached out to him. The only reason he’d shown any sign of comfort toward his partner. What the fuck was he thinking touching Grant in such an intimate way? He had to keep his distance. Yes, he’d do everything in his power to protect Grant, but when it came to being overly friendly, he had to tone it down a notch. He couldn’t risk being outed as the homosexual he was.
    “I don’t see anything, Grant.” He didn’t, but he knew better than to believe there wasn’t the chance they were being tailed. Ralph was smart and a killer. A deadly combination.
    “How do you do it?”
    Parker spun around so he faced Grant. “Do what?”
    “Be super-supportive one minute and cold as ice another?”
    Parker didn’t want to explain his actions to Grant. He didn’t want to explain anything to anyone. He’d been supportive because he couldn’t help himself. Grant made Parker want to be protective. He was attracted to Grant. Parker longed to feel Grant’s lips on his again. Parker wanted to touch him all over. Parker craved Grant so bad he could taste it. Only he couldn’t let his feelings rule his head. One little distraction, and they could both end up dead. One little slip, and he could be sitting in Grant’s shoes. Parker didn’t want the department looking at him like he was some kind of freak.
    “I don’t want to see you stress over this. I understand the enormity of the situation, but stressing over it won’t change the facts. We have to stake out your former partner. We need to have a clear mind. If you’re constantly worrying about Ralph, it will distract you when you need to be on your game. I’m here for you.” Parker shrugged. He didn’t know what else to tell him. It was his job to protect, and that included Grant. He wouldn’t admit that he wanted to protect him for other reasons. No, Parker planned to keep his growing feelings for Grant a deep secret.

Chapter Five
    Grant didn’t feel comfortable returning to his apartment. He didn’t know if Ralph would be waiting for him, lurking in the stairwell or even in his apartment. The chief would blow a gasket if he learned Grant left Parker to stake out Ralph’s place alone.
    Parker had insisted. He felt it would be a quiet night. If Ralph suspected they were on to him, he wouldn’t be out killing anyone. Grant had agreed. He felt Ralph would wait a week or two and let the heat die down, unless he was looking for Grant. Then he figured all bets were off.
    He neared the local pizza place where he planned to pick up a pie, stop in for clothes at his apartment, and head to a local hotel when his phone buzzed.
    “Yeah.”
    “Ralph’s on the move.”
    “Shit.”
    “Where are you?” Grant pulled over to the side of the road to talk.
    “He hasn’t pulled away from the curb yet. He’s just sitting in his car. I don’t want to get too close, but I wish I