Slipping out from between two rows of containers, Colton headed for what he knew was the bow of the ship. He wasn’t entirely sure what he would do when he arrived, but he couldn’t stand here and wait for Ferris or one of Ferris’s men to find him. With his back to one of the containers, he edged toward the end and peeked out. Nothing.

  Carefully he continued forward, away from the commotion happening far off toward the stern of the ship. When he reached the end of the platform, he peeked out, and again didn’t see anyone. No shadows moving, no footsteps. On the other side of the smaller platform, a walkway with a set of stairs on each end led down to the bottom deck. He made a dash for it, but a bullet hitting the container ahead of him and to the left brought him to a halt.

  “Don’t fucking move,” Ferris snarled.

  A shadow swept over Ferris, and he looked up in time to get knocked to the floor, Ace landing on top of him. Ferris quickly recovered, pushing Ace off him and regaining his footing. Colton watched as they battled in hand-to-hand combat the likes of which Colton had never seen. It appeared Ferris had some kind of training as he held his own against Ace, blocking his punches and kicks. Ferris retaliated, throwing a right hook that Ace ducked under, each man trying to reach the assault rifle. They struggled to get the upper hand, punching the shit out of each other. The rifle went skidding across the deck and over the edge onto the deck below. Colton took off after it, the sound of scuffling, grunts, and fists coming into contact with body filling the air. He hurried down the stairs and bolted for the rifle, but he was tackled to the ground, the air rushing out of his lungs when he hit the floor, his head cracking against the hard metal and momentarily stunning him.

  A shot rang through the air, and Ferris’s man fell to his knees before slumping over. In the distance, Lucky and King sped toward him. Colton pushed to his feet, swaying as a wave of dizziness hit him. He stumbled back but spun on his heels regardless to look for the rifle just as Ferris snapped it up with a painful grunt. Ferris was holding on to his side, a huge military-grade knife plunged into his flesh, as blood flowed over his fingers and trickled from the side of his mouth.

  Colton shuffled back near the edge of the deck as Ferris aimed the rifle at his chest. A shot rang out, and Ferris stared at Colton, stunned.

  “Colton!” Ace came running, and Colton smiled as suddenly a heavy weight slammed into him, and the boat slipped away from beneath his feet. He gasped for breath, the world spinning off its axis as he tumbled along with Ace and Ferris. It took Colton a heartbeat to realize Ferris had barreled into him, and Ace had tried to stop it, sending them all hurtling over the edge. Colton hit the boat’s hull with his shoulder, and he cried out at the pain, another thunk resonating seconds later. Then he was swallowing saltwater, darkness surrounding him as he kicked his legs and tried to find the water’s surface.

  Colton’s lungs burned, his muscles ached, and panic threatened to drown him. A strong arm wrapped around him and dragged him. He broke the surface, coughing and sputtering ocean water.

  “Lucky,” Colton gasped, clutching on to him.

  “Are you okay?” Lucky asked, wiping water from his face before swimming with Colton toward the emergency rope ladder someone had tossed over the side of the boat.

  Colton nodded. “Yes,” he wheezed, reaching the ladder. “I can’t climb with these.” He showed Lucky the cuffs, and Lucky nodded.

  “Throw your arms around my neck and wrap your legs around me. I’ll take you up.”

  Colton did as instructed, holding on tight as Lucky climbed. “Where’s Ace?” The ladder shook, and Colton glanced down over his shoulder, his blood going cold. “Ace!”

  King gripped the ladder with one hand, the other holding Ace, who was slumped over his shoulder.

  “Colton, you need to stop moving, or you’re going to knock us both down,” Lucky ordered.

  “Sorry.” Colton closed his eyes, wishing he could do more than hang on to Lucky. At least Lucky didn’t seem too bothered by Colton’s weight. They reached the top fairly quickly, where Joker and Jack pulled Colton onto the deck. Lucky climbed up, and then the three of them helped grab Ace and drag him onto his side before assisting King.

  “Ace!” Colton shoved his wrists at Joker. “Get these off me.”

  “Colton—” Joker tried to calm him, but Colton was terrified. Ace wasn’t moving. “Get these off me!”

  Jack hurried over and unlocked the cuffs, and Colton darted to Ace and dropped to his knees beside him. King had rolled Ace onto his back to swiftly and efficiently check him over.

  “He’s not breathing.”

  “Does he have any injuries?” Colton asked, not seeing blood anywhere, but it was hard to tell since Ace was wearing all black.

  “I think he hit his head on the way down.” King tipped Ace’s head back, pinched his nose, and proceeded to give Ace mouth to mouth. Colton shivered, the chill going through him having nothing to do with his wet clothes. Even with it being late in the evening, the heat and humidity kept the cold away, but Colton couldn’t stop shaking.

  Ace spasmed and King jolted as Ace sputtered and threw up water. King rolled him forward, patting his back gently as Ace coughed and wheezed. Police sirens filled the night, but the best sounds were coming from Ace as he hacked up water.

  “He’s okay,” King said, falling back onto his ass in relief. “He’s okay.”

  “Ace.” Tears blurred Colton’s vision as Ace sat up. He wiped at his mouth before turning that beautiful smile on Colton.

  “Hi, baby.” Ace’s voice was raspy and hoarse, but when he opened his arms, Colton threw himself into Ace’s embrace, not caring about the tears that rolled down his cheeks. He was exhausted, and had had the life scared out of him. “It’s okay,” Ace purred softly. “We’re okay.” He rubbed soothing circles around Colton’s back.

  Colton pulled back, cupping Ace’s face. “I love you, Ace.”

  “You do?” Ace blinked at him before his lips spread into a huge grin. “I love you too, Colton.” He kissed Colton, and Colton melted against him, allowing Ace’s warmth and affection to flood him.

  “Where’s Ferris?” Colton asked. Not that he was concerned about the man’s safety. Ferris had been a monster. Yes, he’d saved Lily’s life, but he hadn’t done it to help a little girl. He’d done it for financial gain.

  King’s gaze turned hard. “Sinking to the bottom of the ocean, I imagine. When the three of you fell over the edge, Lucky went in after you, and I went after Ace. I didn’t see Ferris.”

  “His injuries were fatal,” Ace said, his gold-green eyes clouding. “I made sure of it.”

  “Nolan,” Colton gasped.

  “He’s in police custody.”

  “It wasn’t his fault, Ace.” Colton explained what had happened, but both Ace and King remained stoic.

  “I understand what he did for his granddaughter,” Ace said, his expression softening as he brushed his thumb over Colton’s cheek. “But that doesn’t excuse what he did to you. He signed your death sentence the moment he agreed to hand you over to Ferris. Baby, if they’d managed to get you to Colombia, you would never have made it home alive. They would have taken what they wanted from your father and then killed you, or worse.”

  Worse than being killed? Colton shuddered at the thought. “I know, but—”

  Ace cupped the back of Colton’s neck and brought him in close. “He had a choice. Instead of turning to the authorities for help, he chose to sacrifice you. That’s not what family does, Colton. He needs to answer for his crimes.”

  Colton nodded. Ace was right. Of course he was right. Colton was just having trouble wrapping his head around everything.

  “Come on,” King said, helping them both to their feet, then ushering them toward the stern. “We need to get you both checked out by the paramedics.”

  Ace wrapped an arm around Colton, pulling him close. They walked huddled together until they reached a sea of law enforcement. Police and SWAT had swarmed the boat, and were shouting orders at Ferris’s men who were either on their knees with their arms zip-tied behind their backs or unconscious on the floor. Ace led Colton to the yellow stairs. By the time Colton reached the bottom, his knees were a little shaky. The events of the evening were beginning to catch up with him, and Ace was immediately at his side.

  “You’re okay, Colt. Everything’s going to be okay.” Ace led Colton to the back of one of the ambulances, and Colton sat, smiling his thanks at the nice EMT who wrapped him up in a warm blanket as she checked him over. In the ambulance to his right, Ace sat with his own blanket, those beautiful eyes on Colton.

  “Well, someone’s smitten,” the EMT teased, motioning to Ace.

  The butterflies fluttered like crazy in Colton’s stomach despite the situation, and he let out a dreamy sigh, making her laugh. “Yes, well, the feeling is mutual.”

  Ace stood, said something quietly to the EMT, who nodded, before he made his way over. God, the man was sex on legs, his hair wet, his clothes molded to his powerful body.

  “Hi,” Ace said quietly, smiling at Colton.

  “Hi.”

  “I’m, uh, going to go check on one of the other guys,” the EMT said, sounding amused.

  Colton moved over and opened one side of his blanket, his heart beating wildly when Ace sat beside him, wrapping the end of the blanket around his shoulder, his right arm slipping behind Colton, and tucking him against him. They pulled the blanket closed, and Colton turned his face to press his lips to Ace’s. He wasn’t sure if Ace might say something, considering how many people were around, including team members from his own company, but Ace didn’t. Instead, he deepened their kiss, his mouth hot, and his lips soft. When they came up for air, Colton shifted so he could lay his head on Ace’s shoulder. He was finally where he was meant to be.

  In Ace’s arms.

  Epilogue

  “One hell of a turnout.”

  Colton couldn’t agree more. The crowded club filled his heart with joy, and he beamed brightly at Frank, who stood beside him at the packed bar. “Even better than last year.”

  The annual Sapphire Sands Charity Masquerade was always a hit, but this year the tickets had raised more money than ever before, and because of that, a new LGBTQ youth center would be opening in Jacksonville in the fall, one that could help triple the number of youths than they’d anticipated, thanks to the generous donations of tonight’s guests, many of whom happened to be clients of the Kings. Colton had a feeling his boyfriend might have had a hand in tonight’s success.

  The club was crammed with guests from all walks of life, all coming together to help LGBTQ youth. Frank had spared no expense in tonight’s décor. It was elegant and all white, from the seating to the tall fiberglass palm trees strategically placed around the club, tiny crystals seeming to rain down from the ceiling. The white twinkling lights and neon blue lighting gave everything an ethereal glow.

  “This is going to mean so much to these young people,” Frank said, his eyes getting a little misty, and Colton covered Frank’s hand with his own and gave it a squeeze. If anyone could appreciate the safety and support the youth center offered, it was Frank. He’d spent time on the streets as a homeless youth after his parents kicked him out with nothing but the clothes on his back. Frank was a survivor, a fighter, and he was determined to show the world it couldn’t break him. Now the man was an ex-fireman who owned one of the hottest, most exclusive gay clubs on the East Coast. He’d accumulated a small fortune through his business prowess, and he used part of that fortune to help LGBTQ youth in the hopes they wouldn’t have to suffer the way he had. Colton was grateful to have a man like Frank Ramirez in his life.

  “I know how privileged I am,” Colton said, his voice thick with emotion. “A rich white boy with an expensive college education he didn’t have to pay for and wonderfully supportive parents. I was spared the horror and tragedy so many of our LGBTQ youth face. I know what it’s like to be scared of admitting to the world who you are, but since I’ve never had to risk what these young people have, it’s my honor to be able to help in any way I can.”

  “I’m so happy you’re here, Colton.” Frank grabbed him, pulling him off the barstool and into a tight embrace.

  “You trying to steal my man, Frank?”

  Frank laughed and turned to Ace, who winked at Colton as he stepped up beside him and wrapped an arm around his waist to draw him close against him. He placed a kiss to Colton’s cheek. “I leave you alone for five minutes and already they’re all over you,” he teased before turning his attention back to Frank, poking his thick bicep. “You’re looking exceptionally muscular in that Spartan costume.”

  The man did look particularly impressive. Frank always looked good, but he was never without his signature black suit, shirt, and tie. Now wearing nothing but a red cape draped around his shoulders, brown leather loin cover, and arm and leg guards, his chiseled physique was on display. You could bounce a quarter off the man’s pecs.

  “Yeah, um, it wasn’t my first choice,” Frank muttered, absently putting a hand to his bare chest. “A friend of mine’s a costume designer, and when I asked for his help, this is what he insisted on. Usually the only ones this naked are the patrons after happy hour.” He looked Ace over and whistled. “Well, damn, Sharpe. Don’t you look pretty. The king of spades, huh?”

  Ace chuckled. “It was Colton’s idea.”

  “And a brilliant idea it was. He looks gorgeous.” Colton didn’t second-guess himself when it came to picking their costumes, because no costume would have done Ace justice like the tailored, specially designed three-piece suit. It was a rich black, hugging his broad shoulders, tapering at his waist, and enfolding his strong legs. The gold design was elaborate yet elegant and incorporated the card suit he’d been nicknamed after on each side of the suit jacket. His Venetian-style mask was black and gold, the top of which formed a kingly crown, the tips little spades. Colton had chosen a Regency era aristocratic riding outfit consisting of polished black boots, taupe-colored high-waisted pants, brocaded vest, and black tailcoat. He had a top hat and a riding crop that Ace seemed unable to stop touching. It was usually accompanied by a riding innuendo.

  “You both look amazing,” Frank said as Joshua appeared.

  “Hey, guys.” His gasp was echoed by Frank’s as they stared at each other.

  From next to Colton, Ace laughed, and Colton elbowed him gently to shush him. Ace loved taunting poor Frank. Though Colton understood why. He’d never seen two men more awkward around each other than Joshua and Frank. Joshua finally managed to snap himself out of it, and his smile stretched from ear to ear as he looked up at Frank.

  “Hi.”

  “Hi,” Frank replied, his voice low and gruff despite the crooked grin.

  “You look great,” they said at the same time, and Ace groaned. It was kind of sweet. Both men blushed, neither saying a word. Colton had never known Frank to get tongue-tied, but the big guy seemed to have trouble forming sentences when Joshua was around. Whenever Colton spoke to him, Frank always asked about Joshua and how he was getting along at his new job, how he was doing in general, and in his own Frank way, subtly inquiring as to whether Joshua had met anyone. Then when he was finally faced with the man, Frank’s brain vacated the premises.

  “You’re looking very handsome,” Colton told Joshua, who wore a costume that was reminiscent of a 1940s pilot. The tucked white shirt and vintage-style pants accentuated his slim frame, while the brown leather flight jacket with the cream-colored scarf draped around his neck made him look dashing. “Joshua?”

  Joshua blinked and turned to Colton. “I’m sorry, what?”

  “Baby, can’t you see the poor guy was distracted by Frank’s eight pack? By the way, you wearing anything under that skirt, Frankie?”

  Frank groaned and covered his face with his hands while Joshua looked like he was about to pass out.

  “Why don’t we all go dance?” Colton suggested, pressing his lips together to keep from laughing when Joshua let out a squeak.

  “Great idea!” Ace smacked Frank on the chest with the back of his hand. “Joshua can lend you his scarf to cover up your boy parts if things get a little awkward beneath your skirt. But hey, easy access, right?”

  Frank growled and lunged for Ace, but he wasn’t quick enough. Ace darted through the crowd toward the dance floor with Colton in tow.

  “You’re such an ass,” Colton scolded, but his reprimand quickly gave way to laughter when Ace swung him around into his arms and started dancing with him.

  “Yes, but I’m your ass.”

  “You are,” Colton replied with a dreamy sigh. God, he was so stupidly in love with this man. His damned face hurt from smiling so much, but he couldn’t help it. The more time he spent with Ace, the more trouble he had picturing his life without him. Before Ace, Colton had been married to his job, and he’d been fine with that. He worked extra hours because why not? It wasn’t as if he had anyone to come home to. Not that he didn’t enjoy having some time to himself. He’d never been lonely when he’d been in his house. But now that he’d experienced his home with Ace in it, he didn’t want to go back. His job would keep him busy, especially once he took over from his father, but he’d make time for them. They’d already discussed it, how they’d build in time for each other despite their busy schedules. He understood Ace would have to be away sometimes for days on end, maybe longer, but they would always be coming home to each other.

  “How’s Red?” Colton asked as he slipped his arms around Ace’s neck, their bodies pressed together as the lights hit the many crystals dangling from the ceiling, creating a blanket of glittering diamonds. The music was a heart-pounding dance beat, but Ace led him in a slow dance. He shook his head in shame, though his eyes were filled with amusement.