Hetch (Men OF S.W.A.T #1)(46)

“I don’t know, Hetch. One minute I’m checking in with his caseworker, letting her know he’s been doing well, the next I have to pull rank and give him extra chores and take his community visits away. I don’t think it’s sticking.”

“I think it’s sticking. I just think there are other factors playing a huge part here.”

“What do you mean?” I sit up a little straighter, unsure what he means.

“I mean, Dominic’s hold on Mitch is a bit more complex than you might think.”

“What’s more complex than family? Trust me I get it.”

“It’s more than family to him. Mitch confided in me, but it’s more to do with you, rather than him.”

“Me? What do I have to do with it?” I sit back, more confused than I care to be.

“Dominic’s using you over him.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, he’s found Mitch’s weakness, and he’s using it.”

“I don’t understand.” I shake my head, still trying to figure out what exactly he means. “Why would he be using me over Mitch? I mean, we’ve had one run-in so this doesn’t make sense.”

“Mitch cares for you as much as you care for him. He’s doing it for you. He doesn’t want to follow his brother’s footsteps. Dominic knows he can’t make him, so he’s using other forms of getting him to play.”

“He’s threatening harm to me to get Mitch to join his crew?” I stand, not realizing how loud my voice has risen.

“Relax, Lib. It’s going to be okay.” He tries to reassure me, but it doesn’t help. Mitch is doing this shit because of me? To keep me safe.

“It’s not okay, Hetch. This is getting way out of hand. I’ve worked so hard the last six months with him. He’s come so far, and now Dominic’s going to drag him down. I can’t stop him from seeing his brother. Other than banning him from coming to the house. I can’t stop him from getting to him at school. On rec time. I mean where does this leave me? I’ve no resources for these kinds of issues. The department doesn’t give a shit. I’m at my wits’ end.” I finish my rant only to find Hetch standing in front me, holding my face in his hands.

“You need to bring it down a notch, babe. I know this is overwhelming, but it’s gonna work out.”

“How? Tell me how?” I want to believe things will find a way of working out, but right now, I can’t see it happening.

“We’re gonna bring him in, sweetheart. We have plays in motion. The little prick we picked today up is gonna flip on Dominic, so we might be able to get him on something. And I’m gonna help with Mitch.” His thumb starts stroking my cheek in a soft circular pattern and for a second, it helps soothe me, until I realize him becoming involved will only complicate things.

“Hetch, you can’t get involved.” I try to pull out of his grasp, but his hold stays firm.

“I can and I will, Lib.”

“How, Hetch? How do you propose you get involved?”

“Well for one, I can spend some one-on-one time with him.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.”

“Why the hell not?” He pulls back, like the rejection slapped him.

“Because it’s a conflict of interest. You can’t walk in here and hang out, you need to be cleared. Plus, after this stunt, Mitch is gonna be on strict house lockdown.” I ramble off all the reasons why it’s a bad idea, completely ignoring the reasons why it could also be a great idea.

“You forget, Liberty, I’m an officer of the law. I’m pretty sure you can clear me.”

“This is true.” I stop trying to fight the reasons and contemplate the idea. He’s right. It would be as easy as a phone call and some paperwork being filled out. “You’d do that for me?”

“For you, for Mitch.”

“But why?” The question hangs in the air between us. Not in an awkward silence, but expectantly. It’s only been two weeks since we fell into bed together. Granted it’s been an amazing two weeks, but it’s hardly anything serious. Besides getting to know each other’s bodies exceptionally well, he’s barely opened up to me.

“Because I like you and despite the issues you’re having with Mitch and the bad decisions he’s making lately, he’s a good kid.”

“He is,” I repeat, without missing a beat.

“So figure it out and I’ll do what I have to do.” I nod, still not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Instead of messing my head up anymore on it, I decide to let it happen. Hetch is right. Maybe having him around here, having one–on-one time with Mitch, as well as some of the boys, would be good for all of them. Especially Mitch.

“I like you, Liam,” I whisper hesitantly, finally making the decision in my mind.

“I know you do.” His smirk is way too cocky for the moment. “I like you too.” His lips steal the words I want to say, in a soft, innocent kiss.

“I missed you.” He steals my lips this time, gently soothing me with the soft caress of a promise.

“You did?” I ask before his lips whisper over my jaw and down my neck. “You only left my bed this morning,” I remind him. We’ve been taking turns between each other’s bed. One night it’s my place, the next it’s his.