Red carefully removed the condom, tied it up, and dropped it into the wastebasket across the room. He went to his en suite bathroom, grabbed a damp washcloth to clean Laz up and the spot on the bed before he lay behind Laz, curling around him protectively. He trailed his fingers up and down Laz’s side. They were plastered together as they tried to catch their breath. The only sound in the room came from their quiet breathing and the waves. Laz suddenly jerked up.

  “Is that the ocean?”

  Red smiled, bemused. “Um, yeah. We’re on the beach.”

  Laz scrambled off the bed, almost tripping over himself, and Red chuckled, wondering what on earth had gotten into him. He stood from the bed as Laz ran over to the balcony doors and slid one open before stepping outside.

  “Why didn’t I know you had a condo on the beach?” Laz asked in awe. He leaned against the balcony, his smile stretching from ear to ear.

  “I don’t know. It just never came up. You like it?”

  “Red, I love it! This is amazing.” Laz inhaled a deep breath and closed his eyes, listening to the waves crashing against the shore. When he opened his eyes, they were almost wistful. “I’ve always dreamed of living on the beach.”

  Red didn’t ask why he wasn’t. From snippets of conversations, he’d gathered money was tight at times and Laz’s career was only now just starting to take off, what with his invite to Paris next year. Beachfront property was expensive, and depending on the area, out of most people’s price range.

  “I bought this place a few years ago. I don’t know what it is, but we Kings seem drawn to the ocean. We’ve all ended up living on or near the beach. I guess it’s not such a surprise for Ace and Lucky. They were born and raised Florida boys. I’ve always found it soothing. When I talked to my therapist about it, he thought it was a great idea. On the job, I deal with a lot of noise and crowds. Sometimes there’s the threat of danger, at times actual danger. Being able to have somewhere peaceful to come home to after a hectic case, a safe place away from the outside world, is vital.”

  “I’d never want to leave,” Laz said.

  Red moved behind him and wrapped his arms around Laz. He rested his chin on Laz’s shoulder. “You should see it in the morning when the sun rises.”

  “Can we?”

  “Of course. I’ll set an alarm. Want to see the rest of the place?”

  “I’d love to.”

  Red turned, releasing a surprised yelp when Laz slapped his ass. He spun on his heels, and Laz laughed before taking off, swiping Red’s shirt off the floor as he went. Red darted after him, chasing him into the living room. Thankfully, the kitchen light was on. He had a habit of leaving it on when he knew he was going to be home late or away for a few days. It cast a warm glow through the apartment, and left enough light so Laz wouldn’t bump into anything.

  Red easily caught up to Laz and scooped him up into his arms, loving the sound of Laz’s laughter, but more importantly, loving the way it filled his home. Red popped a kiss on Laz’s lips before putting him down, his heart swelling with joy when Laz slipped into Red’s shirt, leaving a couple of buttons on the top and bottom undone. The sleeves were too long, so Laz rolled them up to his wrists, while the rest of the shirt fell to midthigh. Red turned on the lights, and Laz’s smile was radiant.

  “Oh my God, Red, your place is amazing!” Laz walked around the spacious living room decorated in soft hues of creams and grays with pops of blue-green. Did Laz realize he’d pulled the collar of Red’s shirt up and was sniffing it? Like he couldn’t get enough of Red’s scent. “It’s so bright and spacey.”

  Red winked at him. “I’m a growing boy.”

  “Don’t I know it,” Laz purred before he continued his tour.

  Red loved his condo. It was a large three bedroom, two bathroom apartment he’d painstakingly decorated himself. His home was his lion’s den, his sanctuary. It had taken years to get it exactly how he wanted it, and now he couldn’t imagine himself anywhere else. He used one of the spare bedrooms as a guest room, and the second as an office, though he barely used it as he preferred to take his laptop out onto his balcony so he could face the ocean as he worked. He’d spent several nights out on his balcony in his comfy lounge chair with a blanket, often falling asleep. It was usually after being woken up by a nightmare. Not one of the bad ones, but enough for him to seek out the comfort the ocean provided.

  Once they were done with the tour, they ended up back in the bedroom and out on the balcony. Red wrapped Laz up in his arms as they faced the beach, the moon casting its glow across the deep blue water, giving it a magical feel. The sky was clear, and beneath it, nothing but the miles and miles of ocean.

  “Is it wrong that I love seeing you in my shirt?” Red placed a kiss to Laz’s temple, enjoying the little hum that escaped Laz as he continue to nuzzle him.

  “Not at all.”

  “What about if I said I love seeing you in my home?”

  Laz turned in his arms, his cheeks flushed, and a shy smile tugged at his lips as he drew circles on Red’s chest with his finger. “I’d say I love being in your home.” He lifted his eyes to meet Red’s. “With you.”

  “Maybe you could stay over sometimes,” Red said, his heart pounding in his ears. God, they were moving fast, but it all felt so right. “And so you know, I don’t invite anyone here who’s not family… or someone I’m serious about.”

  Laz worried his bottom lip. He clearly wanted to say something but seemed unsure.

  “You can say anything you need to say, Laz. I want us to always be open with each other. Trust is very important to both of us.”

  “Earlier, you said no one else.” Laz lifted his gaze to meet Red’s. “Did you mean that?”

  “I did,” Red replied, brushing his fingers down Laz’s jaw. “I really care about you, Laz, and I’d like to see where this goes. I’d like to see you.” He remembered Laz’s words to Richard earlier that evening. “I want to be your guy.”

  Laz’s smile was breathtaking. Then he leaned back, looking thoughtful. “Hm, on one condition.”

  “And what’s that?” Red asked, holding back a smile.

  Laz stood on his toes, wrapped his arms around Red’s neck, and placed little kisses up his jaw as he murmured seductively, “You take me to bed and make a mess of me all over again.”

  “You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Galanos.” Red pulled Laz up against him, his cock already filling at the thought of having Laz in his bed again. “I think I can make that happen.”

  “Then you’ve got yourself a deal, Mr. McKinley.” Laz brought him in for a kiss, and Red hauled him up into his arms, enjoying Laz’s legs wrapped around him. He carried Laz into the bedroom, intent on spending the whole night making a mess out of Laz, and if they happened to end up making love… well then, that sounded just fine with him.

  Chapter 9

  Heaven.

  A night of hot, filthy sex had turned heart-achingly tender, and the Sunday morning had been just as incredible. Red’s alarm had gone off at dawn like he’d promised, and they’d sleepily pulled on T-shirts and shorts—Laz practically swimming in Red’s clothes, but he hadn’t cared—and they’d gone out onto the balcony to watch the sunrise. Red had wrapped Laz up in his arms, and they’d stood in companionable silence as the oranges, reds, and yellows of sunrise gave way to pinks and purples as the sky lightened. It had been absolute perfection. The only sound around, came from the ocean. It was like something out of a dream, especially since he’d shared the experience with Red. Or rather, his boyfriend.

  A smile spread across Laz’s face now as he thought about it, and he rubbed his foot against Red’s, still unable to believe this was happening. Red was wrapped around Laz, like he’d been every morning for the last four days when they’d watched the sun rise over the ocean, except they were no longer in Red’s gorgeous condo, but in Laz’s bedroom at Colton’s house.

  As much as Laz would have loved to stay at Red’s, he agreed the best place for him until this was all over was at Colton’s. Even if it was farther from Four Kings headquarters, Colton’s house had undergone a huge security overhaul during his case, which included everything from strategic exit plans to vehicles equipped with ballistic features. No other attempts had been made on Laz’s life, but that didn’t mean the threat was over, or that he could afford to get complacent.

  The police were no closer to finding the shooter than they had been a week ago. Laz understood it wasn’t like on TV. These things took time. Some sexy detective in a leather jacket didn’t just walk out onto a crime scene and find the clue that would break the case wide open. In the meantime, he would enjoy the peace and calm while he could.

  Laz was a little concerned at how quickly he was becoming addicted to Red, even if he couldn’t wrap his head around the fact Red was his, that a guy like Red was happy to be his. When Red brought Laz into his embrace, whether in bed or watching a sunset together, Laz melted. He loved sleeping with Red at his side, waking up with Red curled around him, or finding himself half sprawled over Red, like he was making sure Red didn’t escape. He tried to put off thoughts of what would happen when this was over. He’d miss waking up to Red’s kisses and sleep-laced purrs, miss the warmth of Red’s big, strong body pressed to Laz’s as he fell asleep. He’d miss reading in bed, and hearing Red’s soft snores when he fell asleep before Laz, usually a page or two into whatever he’d been reading.

  Red kissed his temple, his voice a low rumble. “Let’s get back into bed.”

  Laz hummed, then let out a soft laugh when Red walked them in together, his chest plastered to Laz’s back.

  “You’re warm,” Red murmured, squeezing Laz.

  Colton was due to return from his trip in five days, and Ace would be back as well. Laz had a feeling Ace was purposefully staying away to give them time alone. The case that had required him to be on-site was over. Ace checked in with Red by phone, as did Lucky and King, but none of them came to the house. They really weren’t as subtle as they thought they were, but it was sweet. Laz made sure to check in with Colton every day like he’d promised. He knew he’d have to call Gio at some point, but he was hoping to have more news on the case before he worried his brother.

  Laz snuggled up to Red, releasing a happy sigh. Before he knew it, he’d fallen asleep and didn’t wake up until his phone alarm went off. With a groan, he rolled over to shut it off, and when he rolled back, he realized Red wasn’t in bed. Wide-awake, he got out of bed and brushed his teeth before he went in search of Red. Downstairs, as he drew closer to the kitchen, the mouthwatering smell of bacon filled the air, as did the sounds of some upbeat disco song. Laz bit down on his bottom lip so he wouldn’t make a sound. He didn’t want to disturb Red, who was dancing around the kitchen while he made breakfast. There was no doubt in Laz’s mind that he was falling for Red. How could he not?

  The more time he spent with Red, the more he wanted. He loved everything about the man. From his red hair and freckles strewn across his nose and cheeks, to his sinful body and boyish smile. Red was a warrior through and through. He was also the kindest, gentlest man Laz had ever known. Always thinking about others, putting their needs before his own. Laz felt an overwhelming urge to take care of him because Red was the kind of man who was always looking out for everyone else.

  “Morning,” Red said, spinning on his heels and winking at him.

  “You knew I was here the whole time, didn’t you?”

  “Yep.” Red popped a piece of bacon into his mouth. “Green Beret, remember?”

  Laz ran his gaze over Red, from his broad shoulders and muscular chest encased in the snug T-shirt down to his powerful thighs and legs accentuated by the skintight boxer-briefs. “Believe me, I remember.”

  “I can see that,” Red said with a chuckle as he closed the distance between them. He brushed his lips over Laz’s before kissing him, sweet and deep, and Laz melted in his embrace, giving himself over to the strength that radiated from Red. Laz groaned in protest when Red pulled away. “No funny business this morning. You have an interview, remember?”

  “Shit. You’re right.”

  “Let’s have some breakfast, and we can talk about it.”

  “Talk about what?” Laz asked, taking a seat at the counter as Red instructed. The smile had gone from Red’s face, and Laz missed it already. Man, he was in so much trouble. Falling in love with Red wasn’t a question of if, but a question of when.

  Red fixed Laz a plate and placed it in front of him along with a frothy mug of heaven. He served himself and poured some coffee, then joined Laz at the counter.

  “Thank you for making breakfast,” Laz said, kissing Red’s cheek, happy to see that smile again.

  “You’re welcome.”

  As they ate, Red confessed his concern regarding Laz’s interview. Laz was supposed to be lying low, and he understood that, but he couldn’t put his life on hold any more than he already had.

  “I know you’re not happy about this, and I’m sorry, but this is a big opportunity for me. The last thing I want to do is cause you problems, but I can’t hole myself up in Colton’s house until who knows when. I can’t not work, Red.” He didn’t have that luxury. His rent and bills still needed to be paid. He had work expenses and a trip to Paris to save up for.

  “I understand,” Red said sincerely. “Who else knows about this meeting?”

  “I don’t know. The assistant who called me, I suppose. I mean, no one on my end. I don’t know who else Ms. Vargas may have told.”

  “Is that the only person you’re meeting with?”

  “I think so.”

  “Well, at least we got lucky with the location. The building we’re heading to is situated off Treasury Street and Cardova Street, just a couple of blocks over from Four Kings headquarters, so if there’s an emergency, King can send reinforcements in a heartbeat. I’ve updated him on the situation, so he’s prepared. I also did some recon work on the building, making note of the layout, number of floors, and exits. I need you to stay close to me at all times, and I’m going to need you to get me into the interview with you. I know that seems like overkill, but we’re talking about your safety. I’m not taking any chances.”

  Laz blinked at him. “I’ll try.” How was he supposed to explain Red escorting him into his interview? He’d worry about it later. As they carried on with breakfast, Laz was both in awe of and concerned by the amount of prep work Red had done for his interview. It was a stark reminder of not only what Red did for a living, but why it was necessary. Every time he started to feel at ease, he was reminded of the dangers lurking out there, and he hated it.

  Poor Colton. No wonder he’d lost it when his dad hired the Kings. One minute he was free, the next he had a small army following his every move, making sure whatever he did, wherever he went, he wasn’t in danger. Laz was grateful he had Red, and touched that despite not being on duty, Red would go through so much trouble for him, but Laz also looked forward to getting his life back so he could start living it with Red without the threats.

  After cleaning up, they showered and dressed. Laz went with a blue slim-fit, button-down shirt with quarter-length sleeves, the collar and upturned cuffs of his sleeves in white. He wore it tucked into a pair of navy dress slacks, a brown belt, and brown oxfords. He’d somewhat managed to tame his curls, and when he met Red downstairs, his heart skipped a beat at the stunning smile he received.

  “You look amazing,” Red said, pulling him in for a kiss but being mindful not to wrinkle him. “Ready?”

  “I’m kinda nervous.”

  “It’s just a formality, remember? You’ll do great.”

  Laz nodded and took Red’s word for it. He was secretly glad for the near-black tinted windows Red’s car had so no one could see inside. It helped with Laz’s nerves. Now that he was leaving the house and they were heading toward A1A and back to St. Augustine, he was starting to worry.

  “It’s going to be okay,” Red assured him, taking Laz’s hand in his and giving it a squeeze. “I’m going to be right beside you, and King will be a couple of blocks away. Mason won’t be far either.”

  “Okay. I’m sure it’s just the interview making me restless.”

  “Remember the breathing technique I showed you?”

  Laz nodded. He breathed in deep through his nose and released the breath slowly through his mouth. He did it several times, his eyes closed as he concentrated on filling his lungs with air, on feeling the movement. They pulled into a parking spot just behind the building’s entrance fifteen minutes early. Thankfully the building had plenty of parking to the side and back, otherwise Red would have had to drop him off and go find parking on the street, which was never fun. Under normal circumstances, they could have easily parked elsewhere if they’d needed to and walked, but that was out of the question when a killer could be lurking in the shadows. Okay, Laz really needed to not watch so many crime dramas.

  Red scanned their surroundings before he climbed out of the car. He came around and opened Laz’s door for him, keeping himself between the outside world and Laz as they headed for the main door of the building. Man, it was hot as hell outside. Just the few steps it took to get to the door had Laz’s sunglasses fogging up from the humidity. It was in the nineties and wasn’t even 10:00 a.m. yet. Inside, the lobby was wonderfully air-conditioned, and decorated in a subtle tropical theme with plaques and awards on the walls, along with elegantly framed photographs of all the celebrities and high-profile guests the magazine had featured. The receptionist was super cheerful, and Laz informed her he was there to see Ms. Vargas. She put in a call and then asked them to take a seat in the waiting area, that Ms. Vargas would be out shortly.

  Before Laz could get any more nervous, a striking Hispanic woman in a white pantsuit and five-inch taupe heels walked through a set of glass doors, her smile wide when she saw Laz.

  “Mr. Galanos?”

  Laz stood and returned her smile. “Yes. Please, call me Laz.” He took her outstretched hand and shook it. She was a beautiful woman in her mid to late forties, with long dark hair tied in a high ponytail and eyes so dark they were almost black.