“Yeah?”

  “Sacha, I’d like to introduce you to Nia. Nia, this is Sacha Wilder. He’s the one who found the man in your dressing room and caught him.” Chip barked from behind Joker, and Gio laughed. “I’m so sorry. Chip was technically the one who caught him.”

  “Oh, he’s beautiful,” Nia cooed. “Such a brave boy.”

  “Yes, he is,” Gio said, his gaze on Joker rather than Chip, who Nia fawned over, though to her credit, she hadn’t tried to touch Chip.

  Chip wagged his tail slowly, suspiciously, as he stared at Nia, making Joker hold back a snicker. That’s my boy. Chip looked from Nia to Joker and waited for the verdict.

  “Say hello,” Joker finally said. It wasn’t Nia’s fault she was stunning. Besides, if she was interested in Gio, it was none of his business. She’d also known Gio longer than Joker had, which didn’t matter since Joker wasn’t interested in Gio.

  As soon as Nia finished greeting Chip, she turned to lavish her attention back on Gio. Time to get gone. Joker excused himself. He had a job to do, and it didn’t include babysitting the billionaire and his “good” friend.

  Chip came to heel and remained at his side as they headed backstage to make another round. They’d just turned away from the dressing rooms when Nia and Gio emerged through the curtains, their heads close together as they spoke quietly, her arm wrapped possessively around his as they headed for her dressing room. Whatever they were talking about seemed to have Gio mesmerized.

  Chip whined, and Joker dropped his gaze to his furry friend. “It’s fine. Like I care?”

  “And once more with feeling,” Ace said, his grin stretching from ear to ear.

  “Where the fuck did you come from?” Joker hadn’t even heard Ace, and that was a freaking terrifying notion because when didn’t you hear Ace?

  “You must have been too busy being fine over the hot pop star wrapped around the guy you definitely don’t care about.”

  Joker narrowed his eyes at Ace, and his friend threw up his hands in surrender.

  “Only an observation.”

  “If I want your observation, I’ll give it to you. Now fuck off.”

  With a chuckle, Ace walked away. If his friend thought he’d meddle in Joker’s love life, he had another think coming. Not that Joker had a love life. Which was exactly the way he liked it. He had a sex life, and a very active and glorious one at that. Love had nothing to do with it.

  Okay, so maybe he was in the middle of a dry spell, but it would pass. Work had been busy, and he’d been doing a lot of overtime, so he hadn’t been to Sapphire Sands in a while. None of the hookups on his app had been particularly enticing. Didn’t mean a thing.

  “It’s fine,” he assured Chip. “A momentary setback. We’re good. It’s all good.” He got another side-eye from Chip. “Listen, mister. I don’t need any of your sass, okay. Get to work. Earn your extortionate bone-and-toy budget.” Chip barked and trotted off ahead of Joker to do his thing.

  The rest of his shift went on without incident, and he certainly didn’t spend any time at all thinking about Gio or what he and Nia might be getting up to in her dressing room. Thankfully, his shift was officially over. The arena was a thrum of bustling activity as teams of people ran around making sure everything was ready while crowds of people lined up outside.

  Ace approached him by the security office. “Hey, Colton and Gio got the Boyfriend Collective a bunch of rooms at that swanky guitar-shaped hotel about twenty minutes from here. My shift ended, so I’m gonna hang out in our room and order room service while Colton’s at the concert. Wanna come? You can feed your beast and chill.”

  “Sure, why not.” The rest of the guys had been invited to watch the concert from the manager’s box with Leo, and Joker wasn’t about to turn down some tasty—and more importantly free—room service from Colton’s fancy hotel suite.

  They checked in with King before hopping in Ace’s red Corvette Stingray Coupe. Being married to a billionaire certainly had its perks. Colton loved to spoil Ace, and Ace loved to be spoiled. Joker wasn’t sure exactly how they managed it, but the two were disgustingly happy and in love, so whatever they did worked.

  A couple of hours later, they’d ordered enough food to feed a small army and eaten every single delicious morsel. No one could eat his weight in french fries like Ace. With all three of them fed, they popped open a couple of beers and settled in to watch some TV. Chip was out of his work vest and lay on the couch on his back, paws in the air and head on Joker’s lap, because why would he lie on the floor like a sucker when there was a comfy couch and someone’s lap?

  “Your dog is ridiculous,” Ace said, his smile wide. Chip let out a huff, making Ace laugh. “He seems to have really taken a liking to Gio.”

  “Wow, was that you trying to be subtle? Because I hate to break it to you, pal, you’re about as subtle as your Cuban mama.”

  Ace barked out a laugh. “She asks about you every time she calls.”

  “I’m sure she does,” Joker said with a hum. Heaven forbid one of her boys not be in a relationship. “Tell her I’m perfectly happy having lots of amazing sex.”

  “If you think I’m going to even hint to the word sex while talking to my mother, you’re nuttier than I thought.”

  “Maybe if you two didn’t gossip about everyone’s love life, it wouldn’t come up.”

  Ace blinked at him. “But then how would I know that my cousin Lolita’s best friend’s father’s second cousin’s nephew showed up to his sister’s quinceñiera party with his straight best friend, and the two got caught making out in the janitor’s closet?”

  “I…” Joker shook his head. “I don’t even know what to say to that.”

  “See? That’s vital intel.”

  “Of course it is.” Joker snickered and shook his head. They went back to watching TV and ribbing each other over nonsense. Joker had just dozed off when Ace’s phone rang.

  “Hey, baby. Miss me— What? Are you okay? Are you safe? Hang tight. I’m on my way.”

  Joker jolted awake. “What happened?”

  Ace hung up and shot to his feet. “I gotta go. Colton went to meet Gio at Nia’s tour bus when someone shot at Nia and Gio.”

  “What?”

  Chip rolled off Joker as Joker jumped to his feet, his heart pounding in his ears.

  “Security thinks they meant to hit Nia and Gio got in the way. Either that or the guy, lucky for us, had shit aim. They tackled him and restrained him. The police are on their way.”

  Joker grabbed Ace’s arm. “Is Gio okay?”

  “I think so.”

  “You think so?” Joker asked, incredulous. He was going to kick Ace’s ass.

  “Colton said he looked okay.”

  “Jesus Christ! He looked okay? I’m going with you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’ll be busy with Colton and Red’s in the middle of a job over an hour away. Plus, he’ll have his hands full with Laz. The moment Laz finds out about Gio, he’ll freak out.”

  Ace pursed his lips. “Your argument is sound.”

  “Shut up and let’s go.” Of course his argument was sound. He quickly made sure Chip had water in his bowl and some dry kibble, just in case. With a scratch on the head, he told Chip to stay, then quickly left the room.

  As soon as Laz discovered someone had shot his brother, he’d lose his shit. “Have you told Red?”

  “Unless Colton called him, he doesn’t know. Laz was with Fitz, waiting for Leo and the others.”

  Which meant Laz didn’t know. They had some time.

  “Colton won’t call Red or Laz,” Joker assured him.

  “How do you know?” Ace asked as they hurried to the elevator. Joker did his best not to think of worst-case scenarios. If Colton said Gio looked okay, then it was probably nothing. That’s twice in one day Gio had put himself in harm’s way. For fuck’s sake. The guy was a trouble magnet.

  “Gio won’t let him. He’s a stubborn shit.”

  “Yeah, I mean, trying to protect his little brother.” Ace shook his head, his lips quirked in amusement. “What an asshole.”

  “Shut up.”

  With the concert let out, traffic was a nightmare. They’d had to park blocks away and run to the arena. Joker made no apologies to the assholes who didn’t heed his warning and get out of his fucking way. They were still dressed in their uniforms, so flashing their credentials meant they were allowed past the barriers and security behind the arena, where Nia’s ginormous tour bus was parked.

  “Where the fuck is he?” Joker demanded of no one in particular. The crowd parted and people got the hell out of his way as he thundered toward the ambulance and the tall figure with broad shoulders he’d recognize anywhere, much to his annoyance. From the looks of it, Gio was alive and well. How dare the bastard cause him concern!

  A growl rose up in Joker’s throat. “What the fuck did you—” He stilled at the sight of the bloodied shirtsleeve. He swallowed hard as Gio turned to face him, the left side of his torso bare, his shirt hanging off one shoulder to reveal the white bandage around his arm. It was a stark contrast against his tanned skin.

  “Sacha,” Gio said, warmth filling his tone, a warmth that reflected in his dark eyes.

  Joker snapped himself out of whatever stupid trance he’d been in and narrowed his eyes at Gio. “Don’t call me that.”

  “What are you doing here?” Gio asked softly.

  “I’m here because you got yourself shot, asshole.” Why the hell did the guy look so amused? He’d just been shot. Fucking Gio.

  “Why do you say that so accusatory?”

  “What happened?” Joker demanded.

  Gio cocked his head to one side, his lips quirked up in the corner. “Someone shot at me.”

  Sweet Jesus, give me strength. “And someone’s about to shoot at you again,” Joker hissed. “What the fuck happened?”

  A weary sigh escaped Gio, and Joker’s anger subsided despite his better judgment. It was only then that Joker noticed the dark circles and harsh lines. Gio was exhausted. No. Nope. You are not going to feel bad for him. He’s an asshole, remember?

  “The truth is, I don’t know what happened. One minute Nia and I were leaving the bus, the next minute someone screamed and I saw the gun. I pulled Nia behind me and felt my arm burn. By then the man had been tackled to the ground. I’ve never seen him before in my life, and believe me, I have an excellent memory when it comes to people.” The heat in his eyes told Joker exactly which memories he was revisiting. Not that Joker thought about that night backstage. Nope. Not ever.

  Don’t meet his gaze. Don’t look him in the eye. It’s a trap, and you know it.

  Joker’s jaw muscles tightened. Fuck that. He was no coward. Defiantly, he lifted his chin and met Gio’s gaze. A slow, wicked smile spread across those full lips, and Gio took a step closer. He stood looming over Joker and leaned in, his lips next to Joker’s ear. His breath was hot, his words a low, sultry purr.

  “I was hoping you’d come for me.”

  Fuck.

  TWO

  Sacha was worried.

  Gio didn’t dare smile at the thought. Not when faced with the explosive whirlwind and contradictory force of nature that was Sacha Wilder. The man captivated him. From Sacha’s first growl, he’d been struck. Why? At first, he hadn’t been certain, but the more Gio interacted with Sacha, the more he wanted to know him, talk to him, be around him. Gio had never met anyone so… passionate, so expressive, so damned honest.

  When Laz had told Gio about the Kings’ charity bachelor auction, Gio had asked his brother if Sacha would be one of the bachelors. At Laz’s confirmation that he would be, Gio spent an obscene amount of money to not only make sure he was there that night, but that he’d have the winning bid. No way was he losing out on an opportunity with Sacha Wilder. It was the first time they’d met face-to-face, and oh! What a face. Gio had been swept away.

  The man’s online photos didn’t do him justice. Mainly because there wasn’t one photo where Sacha wasn’t growling, scowling, or glaring. The intensity in his eyes, his intimidating stance, and the set of his jaw screamed, “Danger! Approach with caution!” Yet Gio couldn’t seem to keep away.

  That night at the auction, in a moment of shock when Sacha had stared up at Gio, every stunning feature had been on display. Bright, sharp blue-gray eyes, the most expressive eyebrows Gio had ever seen, a heart-shaped face, cupid-bow lips, stubble, and tousled honey-colored hair. His personality made him larger than life, but physically, he was petite and slender, with a body that appeared better suited to a dancer than a soldier. He was absolutely beautiful.

  Sacha’s lips had parted ever so slightly, revealing a minor imperfection Gio found charming. His two top front teeth were ever so slightly longer than the rest. With Sacha’s defenses momentarily down, Gio had said hello, placed his fingers under Sacha’s chin, and kissed his flushed cheek. His sharp intake of breath, his blown pupils, and more importantly, the slip of vulnerability had sealed the deal for Gio. In that heartbeat, he’d made his decision.

  Sacha Wilder needed to be his.

  “Are you fucking listening to me?”

  “Always,” Gio replied with a smile.

  Sacha grunted. “Why are you so annoying?”

  “Why are you so delightful?”

  “You know what the worst part is? Most guys would say that and I’d know they were fucking with me, but you actually mean it.”

  “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t.”

  “Hence why you’re annoying.” Sacha snorted. “I’m a lot of things, pal, but believe me, delightful is not one of them.”

  Gio chuckled. “If you say so. The answer to your question is none. I have no security detail.” He shrugged. “Why would I need security?”

  Sacha’s eyebrows flew up, and he thrust both hands in the direction of Gio’s bandaged arm. So dramatic, his sweet man.

  “I’m sure this was a one-time incident. There’s no need for a security detail. I’ve faced far more dangerous men than that.”

  “I don’t want to know, and I don’t care. You’re getting a security detail. I’m assuming you have a whole itinerary of saintly do-goodery events scheduled?”

  Gio smiled, captivated by Sacha’s wrinkled nose. He was too endearing. “I have several charity events scheduled over the next few months, yes.”

  “Send me your schedule. I’m going to put a security team together, and you’re getting assigned executive protection.”

  “That’s not necessary.” While traveling abroad, he’d had security with him at all times, naively believing they’d keep him safe. He’d been foolish, and it had cost him. He quickly pushed that thought away. It didn’t matter now. He was back in the United States with his friends and family. Round-the-clock security wasn’t needed.

  “Gio!” Laz’s frantic cry broke through the crowd, and Sacha’s evil grin was not lost on Gio.

  “Not necessary, huh? We’ll see about that.”

  Gio sighed, knowing the argument was over before it began. With a warm smile for his little brother, he opened his arms, and Laz threw himself against Gio, who made the mistake of wincing when Laz accidentally brushed against his injured arm. Laz jerked away, his eyes huge and his gaze locked on Gio’s arm.

  “Oh my God.”

  “I’m okay,” Gio promised, bringing Laz back into his embrace and squeezing him with his uninjured arm. He hated worrying Laz. His little brother had been through enough. The familiar guilt of not having been there when his brother had needed him most tried to overwhelm him, but he remembered his therapist’s words. You can’t feel guilty for not being somewhere you didn’t know you needed to be. You couldn’t have known. Sometimes it helped, but even if he hadn’t known what Laz was going through at the time, he still felt that if he’d been around more, maybe Laz wouldn’t have landed in the hands of that predator.

  Sacha’s voice intruded on his thoughts. “I’m putting a security team together for your brother.”

  “Oh, that’s perfect! Thank you so much, Joker.”

  “Laz, that’s not—” His little brother’s glare could have turned him to stone. Gio cleared his throat. “Right. I suppose a little security wouldn’t hurt.”

  Sacha snorted and smacked Gio in the abdomen. “Not like you can’t afford it.”

  “I’ll accept any security proposal from you, on one condition.”

  Narrowed eyes met Gio’s. So much suspicion. Gio had noticed a trust issue with Sacha from early on, more so than with his brothers-in-arms. What had happened to cause such deep-rooted distrust?

  “I’m not going to be a part of it,” Sacha replied, arms crossed over his chest. “So don’t even think about it.”

  “Not you. Chip.”

  Sacha looked endearingly puzzled. “What?”

  “I will accept any security you decide, providing Chip is part of my security detail.”

  “Is that so?” Sacha said, one thick eyebrow arched.

  “Yep.” They both knew Chip only worked with Sacha.

  “I see.” Joker widened his stance; his chest puffed up as he seemed to consider it. Laz turned to Sacha, big eyes pleading.

  “Please, Joker. I’ve been trying to get him to hire security for eight months now. He’s already had the press show up at his office. How much longer before all the media outlets find out he’s back for good and where the new house is? It wouldn’t be the first time they’d show up wherever he was staying.”

  “Jack installed a very robust security system in the new house,” Gio reminded his brother. If anyone so much as approached his property without the proper credentials, a security team would be alerted.

  “And I suppose the house is going to secure you when you’re not in it?” Laz asked, looking unimpressed. He turned his attention back to Sacha. “Please.”

  “Fine,” Sacha said through a grunt. “I’ll let you know when the proposal is done.”

  “Wonderful,” Gio replied cheerfully. “And thank you for coming to check on me.”