Angel

Part Five

After dinner, Rafael dropped me back at my apartment.

"Seems I'm not the only one interested in you now," he said quietly, glancing at me, "if the Russians come for you, call me immediately." I let out an exasperated sigh. Perfect. So much for my peace and quiet. I would like to blame him for the trouble I was currently in, but honestly, trouble seemed to find me no matter where I went. I headed up to my apartment and crashed. It was quite a busy day for me.

The rest of my week was surprisingly calm. Rafael didn't come into the store to bother me, Adrian texted me during the week to see how I was doing, and no Russians came for me. Hopefully, they'll forget about our little interaction last week.

It was Friday now and I asked Mr. Ronaldo if I could leave early to meet Adrian tonight. He said it was no problem and he would cover the rest of my shift. I headed back to my apartment and got ready. Adrian said he would pick me up around eight. I made sure I had all my stuff before heading down to meet him. He was driving a black truck and parked by the curb.

"Hey." I greeted him, smiling as I slid into the passenger seat. He gave me a friendly smile.

"Hey, Milo," he greeted back, "you ready?" I nodded as he pulled out and started down the road. We were both silent for a few minutes as he drove.

"You look nice." Adrian said, glancing at me. I looked down, feeling my cheeks warm slightly. It wasn't an outfit I just chose randomly. I very purposefully picked these jeans and shirt.

"Thanks," I said softly, "you too." And he really did. He wasn't wearing his usual outfit instead he was dressed more casually in a tight-fitting black t-shirt and jeans. He pulled into the parking lot of a bar that I've never been to before. It didn't look like it was too crowded. We climbed out after he parked and headed inside.

It was nice inside. It was an older bar but well-kept. We paused at the entrance and I heard somebody call out his name. I looked over and saw two guys sitting at a table, waving at him. Adrian nodded back at them and I felt my breath catch in my throat when his hand slipped onto the small of my back and he guided me through the crowd over to the table. I could tell right away that both of these guys were probably cops. One looked older with very short black hair, gray strands sprinkled throughout, and a neatly trimmed goatee. He had warm brown eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled. The other was probably closer to Adrian's age. He had honey brown hair, cut short and neat, and had pretty blue eyes. They both glanced me over curiously.

"This is Detective Antonio Reyes," Adrian said, motioning to the older man, "and Officer Eric Bailey...this is Milo." Antonio extended his hand to me, smiling.

"Hello, Milo," he said, his voice was very calming and deep, "it's nice to meet you." I shook his hand and then turned to Eric as he extended his hand towards me as well.

"Hey, Milo." He said, smiling as we shook hands. I slid down into the seat across from them, Adrian lowering himself beside me.

"What do you want to drink?" He asked, glancing at me and waving to the server to get her attention.

"Oh...um...beer is fine." I replied. The server came up to our table and quickly took our order before heading off again. We chatted casually, just basic 'getting to know you' type stuff. I thought it was funny that both guys didn't seem bothered that Adrian brought me with him. I wondered if this was something he did often? Antonio and Eric certainly looked cozy, sitting side by side, and seemed to get closer as time went on. I started wondering if they were actually a couple.

"You want to play?" Adrian asked, motioning to the pool tables. I took a sip of my beer, nodding.

"Ok, but I'm not very good." I replied, sliding out of the booth behind him. We headed over to an open table and he handed me a pool stick while he racked up the cue balls. Adrian took the first shot and quickly sunk two before missing his third. I managed to sink my next three balls. He chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"I feel like I'm being hustled." He joked smiling. I smiled back at him as I leaned over the table to take my next shot.

"I just have impressive stick handling abilities." I stated simply, winking. Adrian laughed, shaking his head.

"Well, I'm definitely impressed with your stick handling." He said, giving me a lazy grin. I got distracted watching his lips wrap around the top of his beer bottle and missed my next shot. He set his drink down and lined up to take his turn.

"It's also important to handle the balls correctly." He said, smirking. Our cringey innuendos and playful flirting continued on through our game.

After our game, I excused myself to the bathroom and when I was done, Adrian was waiting in the dim hallway for me, resting his shoulder against the wall and scrolling through his phone. He put it away when he saw me, smiling. I leaned my back against the wall beside him.

"Are you having fun, Milo?" He asked softly. I nodded, smiling back.

"Definitely." I replied. He shifted a little closer and lifted his hand to my face.

"You're not drunk, are you?" He whispered. I placed my hand on his chest, looking up at him.

"I had one beer," I whispered back, "I'm not a lightweight." That seemingly invisible barrier between us vanished as I clenched the front of his t-shirt in my fist and drew him closer. Adrian smiled as he leaned down before brushing a soft kiss across my lips. It was short and sweet, but left my lips tingling and wanting more. I slipped my hand onto the back of his neck and pulled him down, quickly deepening the kiss. Adrian's hand that had been on my cheek slid down to the side of my neck and his thumb rubbed against the vein, feeling my pulse. I'm sure he could feel how fast my heart was beating. He pulled back suddenly, both of us breathing hard, to look into my eyes.

"I don't do one-night stands." He murmured lowly. I gave him a confused look.

"If this goes further, I fully expect you to stay the night and be there when I wake up," he went on his tone so deep and husky it sent a shiver down my spine, "does that work for you?" I gave him a little smirk.

"Bold of you to assume I want to have sex with you." I murmured. His other hand went to the top of my jeans and I let out a small gasp when his fingers danced along the bare skin just beneath the hem of my shirt.

"You don't?" He demanded. I took a shaky breath, my mouth suddenly dry.

"I just have one question." I whispered. Adrian leaned down and nuzzled his nose against the side of my neck where his other hand was.

"Hmm?" He hummed his warm breath fanning against my skin, making me break out into goosebumps.

"Why the fuck are we still here?" I stated simply.