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Garrett

Garrett wasn't a man to keep his hands still, especially when he had something on his mind. And gosh, did he ever have someone roaming in his mind now? Imani was the object of his desire. He wanted her but could only wish to always be around her.

Not just her, but also Dylan. Her son adored Garrett and insisted on playing basketball whenever he had the chance. However, Eugene's daily medical tests made it challenging for Garrett to make it some days.

It was Friday, and it was close to Halloween. Four days have passed since Imani forgave him. A cold, bitter west wind replaced the warm autumn air. Though the rain had stopped for nearly twenty-four hours, the forecast predicted more storms. To survive the downpour, many residents had lowered their storm shutters or nailed plywood to their window sills. Garrett recalled trick-or-treating with boots and an umbrella when he was younger. Nothing like trying to hide thin Peter Pan tights under a raincoat.

He discussed the housing project with Isaiah and Rhett this morning. After that, he drove to the hospital to eat lunch with his grandfather. Eugene was something of an anomaly for the staff. He nearly died two weeks ago. But now?

Eugene resumed eating and gained a few pounds two days before his next procedure. The operation had been a success, and he remained at Holden General for now. It impressed all of the doctors. Especially with Dr. Sinclair.

When the phone rang, Garrett took it out of his jacket pocket and crossed the street to where he had parked his truck. He had promised to meet Ramón at his house before five this afternoon, and it was getting close to four. He sighed and groaned at the number as he climbed into his truck.

"Agent Beaumont?" When Garrett turned on the Bluetooth, his truck resonated with Jack Hammond's Boston drawl and raw edge.

The two men had worked together on several FBI assignments, but Garrett hadn't heard from his colleague since they had taken down a capital terrorist cell earlier this year.

"Agent Hammond. What's going on?" Garrett maneuvered through traffic with ease and crossed the bridge. He couldn't see Imani's house from his vantage point, but that didn't stop him from craning his neck to look as he drove by.

"I'm going about my usual business and staying busy at work," Jack replied, appearing breathless. "When should we expect your return? It appears that everyone is unaware of your whereabouts."

"I don't know," Garrett replied. "I have been here for a little over three weeks now. My grandfather is sick."

"Do you have a time limit for that?"

"Four weeks off." At the green light, Garrett turned left onto Magnolia Pathway. "Hammond, why are you calling?" He and Jack were not close friends outside of work, so it was likely the FBI calling.

"Zane Blackwood has a new target."

Garrett quickly stopped, ignoring the loud honks from around him. "Do you know who they are?" he demanded.

"I have a twenty-four tail on him, and last night we overheard a conversation on Staten Island. Someone reportedly hired him to track down a woman in Manhattan."

"Fuck," he muttered, gripping the steering wheel. "This is bad." The criminal in question was a hired gun who targeted and silenced people on behalf of his clients. That meant Blackwood was likely close to finding his next victim. "What more can you tell me about this case?"

"The situation is sensitive, but we are still confirming who hired him. However, our intel appears promising." Garrett took a moment to process the information, allowing silence to fill the air before Hammond continued. "Do you want to take Blackwood down if I send you what we have? We need our best agents on this, especially those closest to him."

Garrett clenched his teeth and cursed again before hitting the center console. The criminal remained in hiding. After seven cases, Garrett only failed to close this one. Once, Zane Blackwood consumed him. He couldn't stop seeing the man's victims in his head. The case haunted him, but he continued to help civilians.

"Agent Beaumont?" Hammond's voice startled Garrett out of his thoughts.

"I'm here." Raindrops started falling on the windshield. They shimmered in the gray sky before slithering away. He cleared his throat and, after checking the road, returned to the river. "Let me know what you find out. If he makes a move, I want to stop this bastard."

Garrett hated leaving his grandfather, Imani, and Dylan, but he had to. He took an oath to serve and protect, and he was the best for taking down this criminal. He would protect innocent people from this lunatic. If Blackwood's target died when he could have saved them, it would break his heart.

"All right." Hammond sounded content. "Keep your phone on. I will contact you soon."

Garrett grumbled before visiting Ramón. From his truck, he watched the dark river and trees. Brown leaves nearly covered the pier. The vibrant fall colors faded to orange. His surroundings brought him life, even in moments of sadness.

Particularly now.

The thought of a notorious assassin being released with a target in mind disturbed him. The inability to do anything was killing him.

Garrett scowled as he exited his truck and walked up the porch stairs, two at a time, to the screen door. He noticed Ramón's rainbow flag hanging over the window. After seeing an old stove and refrigerator pushed up against the wall, he entered the house, but his friend wasn't around. He observed the new appliances and headed out to the boathouse.

He saw Ramón inside, frustrated with the wiring. His friend seemed annoyed, but he glanced up and acknowledged Garrett.

"Everything in here needs fixing," Ramón grumbled. "None of the sockets are working."

"This place looks like a death trap," Garrett said, looking around.

"No shit." Ramón stood up and tossed a small toolbox on the floor, uttering another expletive. "I figured you weren't coming."

"I had a business call on the way here."

"I hope it's not too serious."

Garrett nodded as he thought about the case. "Yes, but before I take action, I need more information."

"Oh." Ramón turned the toolbox and peered inside. He grabbed the pliers quickly and smiled.

Garrett motioned toward the house. "I see you have almost finished clearing out the old stuff."

"It wasn't much." His friend exhaled deeply. "I only pulled a few muscles. Thank you for stopping by, though. Want a drink? I have whiskey or beer."

"No, thanks. Imani and I are going to meet up later. Can't be showing up drunk."

Ramón pushed through Garrett and took a beer out of the cooler for himself. "Have the two of you figured out this whole 'friends' thing?"

"We're getting there." Garrett's reply had a unique twist, but Ramón looked at him with raised eyebrows.

"You want something extra at the end of this."

Garrett then explained everything to Ramón. How Imani forgave him for abandoning her. They had a strong bond and an incredible sexual drive. Since their first night together, their love has grown to new heights. He feared losing her if he messed up again. There was no way he could screw this up.

"Honestly, I do want to be more with Imani, but I shouldn't think about it right now," Garrett said, rubbing his chin. "It's complicated, and I have a lot to keep track of between work and my leave."

"I get that. Plus, you and Isaiah are both working on the new housing development. I'm sure that ties you down."

That news shocked Garrett. He had not specified the housing location or explained why he was at Isaiah's house that night. Ramón only knew Garrett and Isaiah were trying to reconcile for Imani's sake. They had already invited Rhett Cunningham and his wife, Addison, to the dinner party. There was little work-related chatter.

Ramón shrugged, indicating that he had noticed Garrett's expression. "Angela Coleman spoke about it at Holden Bank."

Right. Ramón knew that, and it made sense. The town gossip queen, Ms. Coleman, worked for the city council. Her job was to handle Isaiah's paperwork, and she spoke openly about her responsibilities and anything she learned about the community.

"Once we have the license, we can start construction," Garrett said.

"So, you're staying in town now?"

He nodded at Ramón's inquiry.

"Even if it takes another six months, Beaumont?"

Garrett took a deep breath, and his friend kept talking. He hated the idea that this situation could go wrong. "I'm still figuring things out, but I have committed to the community outreach program. I'll travel between here and DC if necessary."

Ramón clenched his teeth and shook his head. "If you don't hurt my best friend, everything will be fine."

"That's like trying to avoid stepping on broken glass without shoes. I hope that doesn't happen, even though we're both vulnerable. My entire life revolves around her, and you know that."

Ramón chuckled and nodded. "I do, and you continue to put her on a pedestal."

"Bro, that's because Imani is the only one for me. I love her and Dylan." Garrett smiled, thinking of them and his love. They were his family.

"I believe you."

The two men stood still and laughed.

"Are you good here?" Garrett asked. "Do you still need me to help with anything?"

"Nah. I've got this. Holden Appliances will deliver more equipment later on." Ramón exhaled a breath as he glanced around. "So, what is next on your agenda? Are you going to check on Eugene before seeing Imani?"

"No. Granddad and I chatted at lunch. As soon as I leave here, I'm heading straight to her place. Dylan has basketball practice after school and Art Club until eight-thirty."

Ramón whistled softly. "Damn. You get three hours with her. Better make them count."

He stayed silent. Other thoughts distracted him. Eugene. Balancing life in two cities. Blackwood. What the criminal was up to. Who his victims were. The unexpected appearance of him set Garrett off, and he hated it.

He breathed deeply and hated that the man he wanted to arrest would soon make a move, forcing him to leave Holden for the sick son of a bitch. This couldn't have come at a worse time.

"Bro." Garrett turned to face Ramón as he waved his hand. "For a moment, you looked lost. Imani will ignore you if you don't gather yourself when you get to her house."

He bit his lip and turned away from his friend. "Thanks for the pep talk."

"I'm being for real." Ramón raised an eyebrow. "Be careful with her."

Garrett sighed, looking out over the water. "Do you ever feel like a leaf lost in the wind? Like you can't control where the wind blows it. You can't choose the destination or path to get there. You just go with the flow."

"All the time, brother." Ramón was no longer smiling. He was dead serious. "That's how things work sometimes. You cannot place all your trust in one entity. That's just scratching the surface. To get what you want, you have to fight a battle. The most difficult step is deciding what your goal will be."

"You make a valid point, my friend." Garrett patted him on the back. "I need to go."

"Sure." Ramón moved back. "Keep me in the loop."

Garrett stared at the door, contemplating his friend's mysterious statement. "Repeat that?"

"Once you figure your shit out, keep me updated."

He laughed as he climbed the stairs to his truck. Garrett checked his phone, and it was six o'clock. He quickly started the engine and drove toward the old factory to meet her at her house. He had limited time.

When he arrived in her driveway, the sky was completely black, and the wind howled. The moonlight's soft glow streamed through her car windows, casting a gentle light on her usual parking spot. He noted that she had painted the walls in the front but not the inside. So far, so good. She had become remarkably independent.

Garrett exited his vehicle and strode up the steps. He didn't get a chance to knock. The door swung open before he could grab the handle.

His hormones kicked into overdrive.

"Hot damn, Mani."

She had wet, frizzy hair from her shower. Like a wave had swept over her shoulders, her dark eyes, lovely smile, and light makeup made her look nothing like the teenage girl she once was. Her body evolved as she grew more intelligent and mature. Her curves were extraordinary.

She stood completely naked across from him. Garrett looked around, but none of the neighbors were outside this time. It worked out perfectly that Dylan wasn't home, allowing him and Imani to spend a few hours together like this.

He brought his attention back to her and couldn't peer his gaze away. Desire kicked in, and he had to act.

When she opened her mouth, Garrett rushed forward and grabbed the back of her head. He held her close in his arms. This allowed him to appreciate all of the parts of her that were showing. He shut the door and shoved his tongue in her mouth.

Garrett hugged her tightly, enjoying how close they were. Simply breathed her in and tasted her. He loved her, and it felt like his cells were on fire. He took a moment to rest his hands on her hips.

"Let's take a moment," he pleaded, his voice barely audible. "I might explode before I can bring my pants down."

"Mhm," she moaned when he let go, smiling seductively. "I know, but I've been waiting for you all day, Gray."

"Mani." When she kneeled and grabbed his zipper near the staircase, he stopped protesting. "Fuck."

The second his cock became loose, her mouth opened. He pulled her up and gripped her waist tightly, eager to taste her warm mouth.

Imani dropped back down and mumbled, "Hmm," clutching his hips and cock. Before she could stop, his length touched her throat. She nibbled slightly on the tip before bringing him to her mouth. "You shaved."

He whispered, "I did, baby. For you."

She resumed what she was doing and placed both hands around him. He was short on time due to his constrained balls. If he died now, Garrett would die a happy man and treasure her tenderness as she kneeled before him.

Her beautiful hair twirled in his hand, and he closed his eyes in an attempt to relax, but that didn't work. He was seconds from climaxing.

He gritted his teeth and stared at her. His gut and balls tightened. That tension rose.

"Mani, I'm about to burst any second now." His voice cracked when he was close to the finish line.

"Good, because I love you, Gray."

After she said that, Garrett looked at her and felt a sense of relief. Her saying those three words after so long was music to his ears. He couldn't believe it but knew it had happened.

"You mean that?" he asked as she nodded. "I love you, too. A lot."

He couldn't do anything else while she sucked and worked on his groin. His attention stayed on her, which made him feel at home. Her lips and face had the power to transport his soul into a happier existence.

My queen.

Garrett moaned as Imani took him in and didn't stop to catch a breath. It was a sexually exciting scene for him to watch as she sucked him dry.

A mischievous grin spread across his face. The evening was off to a promising start, and there was plenty more to come. At least for a few hours until Dylan returns.

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