“I’m trying to expand my horizons.”

  That had Laz cracking up. “Oh my God, you are so full of shit!”

  “Whatever,” Fitz huffed.

  “You’re excited because Jack is going to be there.”

  “Nobody likes a know-it-all, Lazarus.”

  Laz cackled. He loved teasing Fitz. Though in reality he was happy Fitz was moving on from that lying asshole, Jiles. Fitz was a good man. He deserved to find his Prince Charming, or in the case of Jack, a knight.

  “I love you, Fitz. I know I don’t say it enough, and I’m sorry I was away for so long, but I just wanted to tell you that.”

  “Aw, boo, I love you too. I’m glad to have you back. I missed my bestie.”

  “I missed you too.” For the first time in forever, Laz felt truly happy. Like his life was finally on track after he’d taken that wrong turn and gotten so epically lost. He couldn’t wait to see where this new path led him. Wherever it was, he hoped it included Red.

  Chapter 8

  Red was torn.

  On the one hand, he was extremely happy for Laz. The fancy charity event they were attending was a fantastic opportunity, giving Laz the chance to mingle with big names in the fashion industry who he might not have had a chance to meet otherwise, and it was clear from the moment Laz stepped into the room, that he was going to be a hit. He was gorgeous, charming, yet sweet, genuine, and kind. His smile lit up the room, and everyone he spoke to seemed enchanted by him.

  On the other hand, the last few days with Laz had been amazing, and Red wished they were back in Colton’s house making out on the couch while watching one of Laz’s ridiculous movies or cheesy TV shows. After Red’s workout at the gym on Wednesday, he’d showered, then joined Laz outside on the balcony. They’d talked for hours before going for a walk on the beach, a walk that ended in Red chasing Laz, and both of them stumbling into the crashing waves. They’d laughed and kissed. It had been perfect.

  When Laz brought up the charity gala, Red hadn’t been thrilled about him being out in such a public venue, but he understood what the event could mean for Laz and his career. When Laz explained the Kings would be providing security for the event, Red felt better about it, but he needed to speak to King first and let him know Laz would be attending. If the Kings were working security and Laz was going to be there, it would have an impact on whatever security plan had been devised for the event. King hadn’t been thrilled either, and as Red suspected, the security would have to be reconsidered, what with the possibility of a threat following Laz. But King assured them he’d make the necessary changes. He would do everything in his power to make sure Laz was safe while at the gala. Of course no plan was a hundred percent foolproof, not when you were dealing with the public.

  The Kings could put together the most sound security plan possible and have it all fall apart because one person decided to make a change they believed was insignificant. They always tried to have a contingency plan in place, and if all hell broke loose, they fell back on their military training to ensure everyone made it out safely.

  Just recently, Joker worked personal security for a famous pop singer on tour, several stops of which were in cities around the state of Florida. She traveled with a stylist, which was common. However, on the day of the singer’s Tampa concert, the singer’s usual stylist—who’d been vetted and cleared by Joker—never showed up, but a replacement did. Joker instructed the singer to stay put in her dressing room and not leave until he looked into the matter. Protocol dictated that Joker keep the client and possible threat as far away from each other as physically possible until one or the other could be removed. Until the stylist was cleared, Joker had her placed in the farthest room away from the singer.

  With only minutes until the singer was supposed to be on stage, she panicked, lied to the security detail outside her dressing room, and gave them the slip. She burst into the room with the stylist, demanding Joker release the woman because her hair needed attention immediately. While the singer threw an epic tantrum, called Joker names that would make a hardened criminal blush, and tried to sucker-punch him, the stylist—who was actually a crazed fan—tried to stab the singer. Had the singer gotten her way, or Joker not been there to disarm the fan so quickly and efficiently, things could have ended very badly. All because one person didn’t stick to the plan or do as they were told. Sadly, that one person was often the person they’d either been hired by or for.

  Once they’d gotten the okay from King for Laz to attend, the next two days had been just as blissful as the previous, and they’d fallen into a routine Red could easily grow accustomed to. Laz worked on a few smaller freelance jobs that involved photo retouching. He updated his online portfolio, and took some stunning photos of the beach at different times of the day, along with what he said was called macro photography, which Red found fascinating. He’d listened intently as Laz explained all the different pieces of equipment he used on a shoot at any given time. They’d spent the rest of the day cooking for each other, walking on the beach, or exploring each other’s bodies, both enjoying the slow, delicious torture of getting to know every inch of each other. This was the first time in days where they’d had any interaction with the outside world.

  The fashion charity event was taking place in a fancy studio in Orlando. Joker, Lucky, and Jack had been sent along with dozens of the company’s armed and unarmed security officers. Thankfully, the layout made everyone’s job easier as it was just a huge rectangle with a few smaller areas and only two exits, one on each side of the structure. Red could easily keep an eye on Laz as Laz and Fitz worked the room. The fashion portion of the evening had been in the main part of the studio, which was the largest, then the guests moved to the reception area where the party was. Other than those two areas, there was a private section for the organizers behind a white brick wall in the main area, and next to that, a green room. The equipment room, like every other space, had been checked and rechecked by the Kings, then locked.

  Red tugged at the tie around his neck. “Stupid tie,” he grumbled to himself. This was hardly the first occasion that called for him to be in a suit, but he preferred his work attire, or his T-shirts, and cozy yoga pants to a suit and tie, unlike Lucky who was making his way toward Red, strutting like he’d been born to wear Armani. Lucky moved gracefully and confidently, his head held high like he belonged there, and he fit in perfectly with the crowd of pretty people. Red had no idea how Lucky did it. The suit made Red feel boxed in, like his clothes restricted his movements.

  “Hey, Red. You doing okay?”

  “Yeah, thanks. Just feeling a little… crowded.”

  “If you want to go, I can look after Laz. It’s not a problem.”

  “No, I’m good. If I change my mind, I’ll let you know. I appreciate it, though.”

  Lucky nodded. He worried his bottom lip, then let out a sigh. “Listen, I’m sorry about blowing up at you like I did the other day. I got some things I need to work through, and I didn’t mean to take it out on you. You know I love you, bro.”

  “I love you too. I’m sorry I got defensive and started poking you.”

  “Eh, speaking of poking….” Lucky waggled his eyebrows. “How are things with you and Laz?”

  Red shook his head with a chuckle. “They’re good. He’s going to be my date to your cousin’s wedding down in Miami.”

  “That’s fantastic, Red! Good for you. I’m so happy for you, man. I really am.” Lucky touched his ear piece, and Red knew he was about to be called away. “I have to go. There’s a couple of drunk models trying to break into the equipment room. Probably trying to find a place to, you know.”

  “Resist the temptation,” Red whispered loudly as Lucky walked away, earning himself the middle finger and making him laugh.

  Big parties were never his thing. He preferred small intimate get-togethers to loud gatherings with hundreds of guests. He felt self-conscious standing in the large room filled with beautiful people. This type of event wasn’t new to him. As a King, he’d worked security for even bigger events, but this time, he was seeing it through a different lens, one he would have to grow accustomed to if he wanted to be a part of Laz’s life. This was Laz’s world. These were the people he was constantly surrounded by. People with flawless skin, perfect teeth, and slinky figures, with legs that went on for miles.

  Red felt a little like a bull in an antique shop. Every time he turned around, he was apologizing for bumping into someone. They weren’t rude about it, but he just felt so out of place. He wasn’t the tallest in the room, but he was certainly the widest. He’d also noticed he wasn’t the only redhead with prominent freckles, but those redheads were stunning creatures. Not that he had a problem with his looks, it was just all so… intimidating. Maybe because they all seemed so comfortable in their own skin, and as he wasn’t here on official duty, he couldn’t hide behind his tactical uniform and the Four Kings Security crest.

  Red had been nursing the same glass of champagne for over an hour now. Mostly, he just needed something to do with his hands. He wasn’t a big drinker, much less a champagne drinker. He stood to one side, monitoring the room, his eyes always returning to Laz. He smiled to himself when he thought about how sweet Laz had been when they’d arrived. Red had told him he was going to check in with the guys and that Laz should do his thing. His pout had been adorable. He hadn’t wanted to leave Red, but Laz was here to mingle and network, and Red didn’t want to get in the way of that. It was childish, but a part of him thought he’d be forgotten once Laz started rubbing elbows with all the big names, but his stomach filled with butterflies when he realized that was not the case at all.

  After conversing for a while, Laz would excuse himself and search out Red. Then he’d come over and stake his claim by kissing Red, not caring who saw. They’d gotten plenty of intrigued looks, but Laz didn’t seem to notice. He’d say something sweet to Red, touch his arm, brush some nonexistent lint off his shoulder or smooth down his shirt, as if letting everyone know Red was his. Red really liked it.

  As if sensing Red was thinking of him, Laz lifted his gaze, his eyes meeting Red’s from across the room. He said something to Fitz and the women they were talking to before he headed straight for Red. In a room full of beautiful people, none of them could hold a candle to Laz. The slim-fitting, navy three-piece suit looked incredible on him, the color making his eyes pop, but it was his smile that stole Red’s breath away. It was a smile that was just for him.

  Laz stopped in front of Red and smiled up at him. “Hi.”

  “Hi,” Red replied, breathless. Everything faded into the background—the hip music, the chattering, the people, anything that wasn’t the beautiful man standing in front of him. “Having a good time?”

  “I am, though if I’m honest, it’s not really my scene. It’s part of the job, though.”

  “Really?” That was a surprise. Laz seemed to be having a great time, but then the smile he had for those people was different from the one he had for Red. It was still friendly and warm, and he gave each person his undivided attention, but it couldn’t compare with the smile he had only for Red. His eyes didn’t light up with affection or need, the way they did when his gaze was aimed at Red.

  “Don’t get me wrong, I know how lucky I am to be here right now, and I’m grateful to Fitz for inviting me, but… do you want to know a secret?”

  Red leaned in and smiled. “Always.”

  Laz moved in close, his lips inches from Red’s. “I’d rather be home watching Netflix. Preferably with a big, strong, handsome redhead wrapped around me.”

  Red’s smile couldn’t get any wider. “As long as I get to be that redhead.” He placed his fingers under Laz’s chin, tipping his head up so he could look into his dazzling blue eyes. “What do you say? Netflix and chill with me?”

  Laz threw his head back with a laugh, little creases forming at the corners of his eyes before he brushed his lips over Red’s. “Only you. You look amazing, by the way. Is it wrong that all I want to do is get you out of this suit?”

  “Either kiss already or go find a room before you turn into the next floor show.”

  Red straightened, aware of several pairs of eyes on them, some looking a little too interested. He turned his attention back to Laz and their newest arrival. Joker. His friend was stylishly disheveled as usual. Most people thought Joker worked hard to look like he’d just rolled out of bed, but fun fact: he most likely had just rolled out of bed. Joker did a lot of the evening and party events for the Kings, and once the event was over, the party usually continued.

  Lucky might be the playboy of the group, but Joker was the wild child. Whenever King asked him if he ever planned on becoming an adult, Joker replied he was just living up to his namesake. Sacha “Joker” Wilder was the same age as Red, but he’d always been the smallest of the group at five foot seven and a hundred and forty five pounds. His face sported permanent scruff because the last time he shaved he got carded buying alcohol. He had the most expressive eyebrows of anyone Red had ever known, and his pale blue-gray eyes reflected a sharp mind that belied his aloof and unruly demeanor. Behind that wicked smile lay a fiery temperament many had tried, and failed, to tame.

  “What is up with your hair?” Red asked with a laugh, tugging at a lock that had fallen over his brow. “You do own a brush, right?”

  Joker playfully swatted his hand away. “It does what it wants, man.”

  Much like a certain disheveled someone.

  Red shook his head in amusement before turning to Laz. “Laz, this troublemaker is Joker. Joker, this is Laz.”

  Laz smiled brightly and held his hand out to Joker, who shook it. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. The guys are always talking about you.”

  “Uh-oh.” Joker’s wide smile turned wicked, and he waggled his eyebrows. “It’s all true.”

  “Should have known you’d be here,” Red teased.

  “Of course. You know King hates anything frivolous and fun,” Joker said, his gaze following a long-legged male model who sauntered by. He didn’t say a word, but he didn’t have to. It was written all over his face.

  “You’re on the job, remember?”

  “Doesn’t mean a man can’t peruse the menu before the feast.”

  Red shook his head. God only knew who—or how many—he’d end up going home with this time. Joker refused to be defined by any labels. He did what he wanted, when he wanted, with whom he wanted, and if someone didn’t like it, that was on them. He certainly wasn’t going to lose any sleep over it.

  “There you are, Laz.” Fitz appeared, taking hold of Laz’s arm and hiding behind him, or at least attempting to, since Fitz was several inches taller than Laz. “Please, save me from the Bennett twins.”

  Here we go.

  “Twins?” Joker was suddenly on high alert as he scanned the floor for said twins. At hearing his voice, Fitz stepped out from behind Laz, his smile wide.

  “Oh, hey. Joker, right?”

  “That’s right,” Joker beamed brightly. “Nice to see you again, Fitz.”

  “You remembered.”

  “Of course. Jack was asking about you.”

  Fitz’s cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. “He was?”

  “Yeah, he was worried. Wanted to know how you were holding up.” Joker leaned in, talking quietly. “I’ll make you a deal. You introduce me to the Bennett twins, and I’ll give you the name of his favorite coffee place. If you should happen to bump into him one morning around 7:00 a.m. when he’s getting his morning espresso, then….” Joker shrugged.

  Fitz worried his bottom lip between his teeth when Laz nudged him with his elbow and motioned toward Joker.

  “Deal.” Fitz looped his arm around Joker’s and winked at Laz before they took off in search of the Bennett twins, both whispering to each other conspiratorially. Something told Red that Jack was going to have his hands full with those two.

  Someone waved to Laz, and he smiled cheerfully, returning their wave. They motioned him over, and Laz seemed reluctant to leave.

  “Go on. Go be your awesome self. I’ll be right here.”

  “Are you sure?” Laz asked worriedly.

  “Positive. Knock their socks off.”

  Laz’s smile was dazzling, and Red knew he’d done the right thing. With a quick but sweet kiss, Laz went off. Red would have loved to spend time with him, but that’s not why Laz was here. Every event he went to was a step closer to his dream, and Red wanted to do everything in his power to help Laz achieve that dream.

  Red checked in with Ace, Lucky, and Joker throughout the night in case they needed anything, but mostly he stayed close to Laz. Not enough where he was intruding or where someone would wonder why he was stalking Laz. He’d managed to swap his champagne for some water, and ate a couple of the very delicious appetizers on offer. It would seem Ace wasn’t the only one with terrible timing. He’d just stuffed a caramelized onion and pear tart in his mouth when a young man in a long silk dressing gown of sorts, sauntered up to him.

  “I remember you. You’re one of the Kings.”

  Red nodded as he chewed, giving an apologetic smile. The guy didn’t seem to notice. He smiled brightly at Red.

  “I was at Colton’s house the day of Laz’s party.”

  Red swallowed and took a sip of his water. “Hi. Sorry, I had a mouth full of tart.”

  “Mm, lucky tart.”

  Red almost choked on his water. Was the guy flirting?

  “I’m Adonis.” He held out a slim hand to Red as if he expected Red to kiss it. With a bemused smile, Red shook his hand. The only models who had been at Colton’s house the day of the party were Bryan’s friends.

  “It’s nice to meet you, um, Adonis.” Was that his real name? Didn’t matter. Red needed to excuse himself. What he’d seen from Bryan’s friends that day of the party had disgusted him. Although their loyalty to Bryan was commendable, they were mean, spiteful people. Red didn’t understand it. How could someone live that way? Did hurting others truly make them feel good? He tried not to judge because everyone had their demons and one never knew the battle another human being was fighting inside, but he hoped that at some point they realized that taking their hurt and anger out on others wasn’t good for their body or soul. He hoped one day they found peace within themselves.