Javier told himself he was just grabbing another drink. That he just happened to be passing by. That his sudden need to be near his partner had nothing—absolutely nothing—to do with the fact that they were sitting with someone else.

And laughing. With someone else.

He clenched his jaw, swallowing back the bitterness that had nothing to do with the whiskey in his hand.

It should be him sitting there. It should be his dumb jokes making them smile. Instead, some stranger had taken his spot—leaning in too close, talking too easily. Javier forced himself to look away, to sip his drink like he didn’t care. But he'll be damned if he say that the sightdoesn't affect him.

It affect all the hell out of him! But he was hesitant due to his massive ego and pride. Hell, Javier couldn't even admit it to himself that all of these actions and emotions were all manifestations of his inner turmoil—that he was already catching feelings with his DEA partner.