“Maybe no,” Lucky said softly. “You’re a good man, Mason.”

  “But?”

  “I will hurt you, or you will hurt me, and I don’t want any of those things.”

  “Neither do I. Who says those things have to happen?”

  “Why did my cousin leave you?”

  Mason sighed heavily. “Because despite what you think, I’m not a good man, darlin’, but I’m trying to be.”

  “And whatever it is that makes you think you’re not a good man, did Ace know this?”

  “No.”

  “Ah, that’s why he left.”

  “Yes. You know your cousin. The truth is everything to him.”

  “And to me.”

  “Yeah. Which is why you’re right, about us hurting each other.” They were too combustible as it was, and that didn’t bode well for any kind of long-term relationship. Once the explosions were over and the smoke evaporated, what then? What would happen to them after the fire fizzled?

  “I am not my cousin.”

  “I know, baby.”

  Lucky let out a little huff at the pet name, making Mason smile again. The man had no idea how endearing he could be, or how Mason smiled more around him than he did with anyone else in his life. Despite their heated arguments, Mason felt safe around Lucky, like maybe he wasn’t as terrible a person as he believed himself to be.

  “How long will you be punishing yourself for whatever it is you did?”

  Mason opened his eyes. “What are you talking about?”

  “I’ve seen many terrible things in my life. In Cuba and as a soldier. I know a man haunted by his past deeds when I see one. It’s in your eyes. You have very sad eyes.”

  Well, shit. What the hell was he supposed to say to that? Lucky was certainly more observant than Mason gave him credit for, but then it made sense. Lucky had said it himself. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

  “You lose yourself in your job. It’s what drives you. When was the last time you took time off? I bet the answer is never. That’s why you went to King for work, no? To not be alone with your thoughts?”

  “I knew you were more than just a pretty face.”

  Lucky chuckled. “Cabrón.”

  “I like you, Lucky, I really do.” Too much.

  A quiet pause before Lucky spoke, his voice soft, resigned. “I like you too, Cowboy. Most days.”

  Mason laughed at that. “Little shit.”

  “Goodnight, Mason.”

  “Goodnight.” Mason hung up, knowing if he didn’t do it now, he wouldn’t do it at all. He loved listening to Lucky talk and could easily just lay there listening to him breathe until he fell asleep. He returned the phone to his nightstand, grabbed a couple of wet wipes from the drawer, and cleaned himself off. He tossed the little towelettes in the small trashcan beneath the nightstand, then put away his e-reader and turned off the lights. Rolling onto his side, he closed his eyes, and despite the finality to Lucky’s words, Mason didn’t feel them in his heart. He needed to give them some serious thought. If he wanted any kind of future with Lucky, he’d have to come clean. It wouldn’t guarantee Lucky would want to keep him—in fact it was likely he’d never want to speak to Mason again—but at least he’d stop wondering what if.

  Chapter 6

  Today was a suit-and-tie day.

  It was odd having to change his wardrobe based on the job he was doing. As a detective, his job was always the same—investigate. Working for the Kings, he’d learned he needed to adapt to each job. One day he was working surveillance, the next protection. It certainly left no room for predictable routine.

  The next morning, Mason dressed in the black suit, white shirt, and black tie, as per Lucky’s instructions. It had been a while since he’d worn his suit. Thank God it still fit. Lucky arrived to pick him up, dressed the same, though he looked far sharper in what was clearly a slim-fitting designer suit. It was tailored for his athletic frame. Mason smiled as he clicked his seat belt into place, his eyes landing on Lucky’s black clover cufflink, the center of which housed a small black jewel.

  “Looking fine, Mr. King of Clubs.”

  “You too, Cowboy.”

  Fine was an understatement. Lucky was breathtaking. Yet, all Mason could think of was unwrapping him like a Christmas present. Maybe he should turn the AC up in the SUV before he melted from his sinful thoughts. Mason was pleasantly surprised when they stopped at Colton’s house for breakfast on the way to Orlando. He reminded himself it was Ace’s house too, but it was hard associating Ace with the multimillion-dollar mansion. They got out of the SUV, and Mason groaned as he was met with a waft of hot air.

  “Fucking Florida. It’s October and still ninety degrees.” Combined with the humidity, he was sweating in his suit by the time they got from the driveway to the front door.

  “Don’t worry. In a month or two, it will drop down to, like, maybe seventy,” Lucky teased. “Who knows. This could be the year you get to wear a Christmas sweater.”

  The thought horrified Mason. “Sweater? You think I own a sweater living in this ostentatious overheated swampland you call a state?”

  “You are so precious in the morning before coffee.”

  Was he?

  “You know, for someone who is from Texas, you bitch about the heat a lot. Like, a lot.”

  Mason shook his head. “Not the same. Yeah, in the summer Texas is hot as all get-out, but it’s the goddamn Florida humidity that’ll kill ya, and the bugs. And stupid people. I have a list.”

  Lucky laughed at him. “I bet you do, Cowboy.”

  The door opened, and Colton greeted them with a big smile. “Mason, so good to see you. Look at you. You clean up nice, Mr. Cooper.”

  “What about me?” Lucky asked, holding his arms out. “I’m chopped liver?”

  Colton rolled his eyes. “I see you every day, but yes, you look very handsome as always.”

  “Thank you.”

  At the end of the hallway, Ace popped his head out from around the corner, his eyes narrowed. He motioned between Colton and Mason. “Have I mentioned how deeply I disapprove of this?”

  “Yes, love. Many times.” Colton chuckled and stepped aside so they could come in.

  “You better not have eaten all the bacon already,” Lucky warned his cousin.

  “Bacon? What bacon? I’m making oatmeal. Healthy, mushy oatmeal.”

  “Don’t mess with me, Ace.” Lucky stormed off and disappeared around the corner.

  Mason shook his head in amusement. Never a dull moment around those two. He started to follow, but Colton caught hold of his elbow, his big gray eyes filled with worry. Mason was glad Ace had found a good man like Colton, someone who made him happy and gave him what he needed.

  “How are things between you two?”

  Mason patted Colton’s hand where it rested on his elbow. It was good to have friends who cared. As much of a pain in the ass as the Kings and their significant others could be, they were good people, and Mason considered himself blessed to have them in his life. “We’re working through it. Neither of us is very good at the whole relationship thing.”

  “Do you want to be?”

  “I think so.” He was shocked at how true that was. And Jesus, wasn’t that just so fucking typical of him? The guy who had wanted commitment, who’d wanted a life with him, Mason hadn’t been able to hold on to, but the guy who’d clearly stated he wanted nothing more was the one Mason wanted to keep. Fuck my life.

  “Then work at it. I know it doesn’t seem like it at times, but I really do think you’re good for each other.”

  “Thanks, Colton.”

  They walked into the kitchen, and Mason smiled at Red and Laz, who sat at the kitchen counter, heads close together, talking quietly. Red stood when he saw Mason and hugged him, giving him a hearty pat on the back.

  “Hey, Cowboy.”

  “Hey, Red.” Mason turned to Laz. “Hey, Laz. Nice to see you both.” There was a commotion at the door, followed by a bark. “That the neighbor’s golden retriever come to fetch some more of Lucky’s shoes?”

  Lucky glared at Mason over his shoulder from where he stood by the stove with Ace. “Very funny, Cowboy. We’ll see how funny you think it is when she turns your shoe into a chew toy.”

  “Hey, if she can haul one of my steel-toed boots off, she deserves it. Things weigh a fuckton.”

  Joker and Jack rounded the corner, something furry and black whizzing by them to get to Mason.

  “Well, who’s this now?” Mason asked, crouching down in front of the gorgeous black dog wagging its tail at him.

  “That’s Chip. He’s an attention whore,” Joker replied with a crooked grin.

  “Like his human,” Ace pitched in from beside Lucky.

  Joker flipped him off.

  “It’s true, though,” Lucky said, laughing when Joker rushed over, threw an arm around him, and playfully punched him in the ribs. He planted a sloppy kiss on Lucky’s cheek.

  “Pot, kettle, Morales.”

  Mason ruffled Chip’s fur, giving him some good scratches behind the ears. Speaking of which…. “You’ve got some epic ears there, buddy. What breed is he?”

  Joker walked over, giving the tip of one a little rub. “He’s a Belgian Malinois. His hearing is so good, sometimes he howls when we’re at the park and I swear it’s because he can hear Ace’s bad singing from all the way over here.”

  “Keep it up,” Ace grumbled, thrusting a fork in Joker’s direction, “and Chip’s going to get all your bacon.”

  At the word bacon, Chip barked and darted over to Ace, pawing at him and wagging his tail.

  Joker threw up his arms. “What did I tell you guys about using the B word around him?”

  Mason stood with a chuckle. “Won’t stop bugging you until you give him some, huh?”

  “If only.” Joker planted his hands on his hips, his expression firm as he narrowed his eyes at Chip. “No bacon.”

  Chip studied Joker’s face before letting out a little whine.

  “No.”

  With a huff, Chip sat, flopped onto his side, and just lay there in the middle of the kitchen giving Joker the side-eye.

  “You see. This is what happens. He will literally lay there until you give him what he wants.” He shook his head at Chip. “Get up. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

  Chip made some doggy noises that sounded like he was arguing, making everyone laugh.

  “Don’t encourage him. He’s being an asshole.”

  Chip barked, and Joker crossed his arms over his chest. “Don’t you take that tone with me, pal. I’m the boss around here, not you.”

  Chip continued to argue his case for bacon while Joker argued in return. The more Joker refused, the louder Chip got.

  “What if you’re on the job?” Mason asked, curious.

  “That’s different. Despite his diva attitude, if he’s focused on the job, you can slap him with a steak and he won’t budge. My boy’s a soldier like his daddy.”

  “Smarter than his daddy too,” Ace teased.

  Joker flipped him off again. “Chip’s better trained than most people.” He cast Ace a pointed look before turning his attention back to Chip. “Watch.” Joker’s demeanor changed from one heartbeat to the next. His body tensed, and he turned deadly serious. “Chip, steh.”

  Lunging to his paws, Chip’s body went rigid, his complete focus on Joker.

  “Setzen.”

  Chip sat, his gaze never leaving Joker’s.

  “Wait, that’s German, isn’t it?” Mason had come across a few K-9 units whose dogs were trained to follow German commands. In some cases, the dogs were actually from Germany and had been trained there.

  “Yep. On the job, he follows German commands, but he only takes orders from me anyway. It helps with security and keeps him from getting confused. Braver hund!”

  Chip immediately relaxed, tail wagging, mouth open, and tongue out in a happy smile. Joker took the bacon Ace handed him and put a finger up. “Don’t scarf it.” He held out the bacon, and Chip took it gently between his front teeth, then trotted off with it.

  “Okay, breakfast is ready,” Ace announced. “Sit your asses down.”

  Lucky stole a piece of bacon, ignoring his cousin’s curses. He stopped in front of Mason, snapped the crunchy piece in half, and held one end up to Mason. “Here. Try it. It’s really good.”

  Mason wrapped his hand around Lucky’s wrist, leaned in, and took the piece of bacon into his mouth, his eyes never leaving Lucky’s. The way Lucky’s whiskey-colored eyes filled with scalding heat was a thing of beauty.

  “Mm, that is good, darlin’. Thank you.”

  “This is weird,” Ace muttered, staring at them. “My boyfriend is friends with my ex, who’s got the hots for my cousin. This is my life. It’s like one of my mom’s telenovelas but with less slapping and flaring nostrils.”

  Colton chuckled and kissed Ace’s cheek. “You’re so cute when you’re scandalized. Now come on, the horde is getting restless.” He helped Ace carry plates of bacon and scrambled eggs into the dining room.

  Mason leaned into Lucky, murmuring in his ear. “Ace isn’t wrong, you know.”

  “That his life is like a telenovela? Yes, I know this.”

  “No, that I have the hots for his cousin.”

  Lucky gasped. “You have the hots for Checho?”

  Mason blinked at him. “Your cousin’s name is Checho?”

  “Well, his name is Sergei, but everyone calls him Checho.” Lucky headed for the table with Mason at his side.

  “Oh, right. The whole nickname thing.” Mason sat at the table, smiling to himself when Lucky took a seat next to him instead of near Ace. “Wait, what’s your nickname.”

  Lucky shook his head, his gaze everywhere but on Mason. “I don’t have one.”

  Ace let out a bark of laughter. “Oh my God, you are so full of shit!”

  The table burst into laughter at Lucky’s scowl. If looks could kill, Ace would be in a whole heap of trouble right now.

  “His nickname is Candi,” Joker offered, earning him a daggered look from Lucky.

  Mason put a hand to his heart. “Aw, your family calls you candy?”

  “No,” Jack corrected. “Candi. It’s short for candela. Fire.”

  “Is that right?” Mason laughed. “That is just perfect.” He knew Ace’s nickname because he’d heard his family call him Chulo—meaning cute—rather than his real name, though his mother tended to use a different term of endearment every time she spoke to him. Mason had learned real quick that everyone in Ace and Lucky’s family had a nickname, either a shorter version of their name or one relating to their personality. It still confused the fuck out of him, and he had no idea how the family kept track of everyone, but they did.

  “What’s all the ruckus about?”

  “There he is!” Ace grinned wide at King as he rounded the corner, shaking his head at them.

  “Looks like they just let anyone in here,” Jack teased, getting a flick to the ear from King.

  Mason snickered. “Well, I’ll be damned. Ward Kingston eats?”

  “Didn’t know you were a comedian in your spare time, Cowboy.” King took a seat in the empty chair across from Ace.

  The room filled with the sound of ribbing, talking, and laughter. It struck Mason that this was the first time he’d been invited to a meal with the Kings in one of their homes. When he’d been dating Ace, he’d eaten with Ace in his apartment, and although they’d joined Ace’s brothers-in-arms for plenty of meals, it was usually at Bibi’s or a local bar, never in their home where they all gathered.

  The Kings shared meals together, often at Colton’s house since it was the biggest, had a game room, and access to a private section of the beach. These meals were reserved for family, and although Mason had been informed he was family, this was the first time he’d truly felt it, and it was because of Lucky.

  Lucky leaned into Mason, his tone concerned. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I am. Thanks.” And it was the truth. He beamed brightly at Lucky, nudging his shoulder playfully to reassure him. The meal was amazing, a combination of Cuban and American dishes, everything from bacon and scrambled eggs to chicken croquettes, café con leche, and Cuban bread. Lucky frowned as he scanned the table.

  “¿Oye, Ace, y las empanadas?”

  “Shit. They’re in the oven. I didn’t want them to get cold.”

  Jack scoffed. “Yeah, right. You just wanted to keep them for yourself.”

  Ace gasped. “How dare you insinuate I would try to keep such deliciousness from my beloved brothers. I am offended.”

  “Wow.” Joker shook his head. He turned to look at Jack. “He actually said that.”

  Jack snickered. “You’re talking about the guy who told his last boyfriend he had food poisoning so he could wait in line for the new iPhone.”

  Mason sat up. “Wait a second. I was your last boyfriend! You shit. I was worried about you puking your guts out, and you were standing me up for a phone?”

  Ace blinked at him. “My usual contact got the flu, so I had to wait in line like normal people. It sucked.”

  “Ace,” Colton said sweetly, and the whole table went silent. Uh-oh. “Remember last month when we were going to visit my mother and you got food poisoning?”

  Ace cringed. “In my defense, I was actually sick.”

  Joker and Jack exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. Joker wiped a tear from his eye. “Oh my God, I can’t believe you did it.”

  Colton narrowed his eyes at Ace. “What did you do?”

  “Um….” Ace shot to his feet. “I should get those empanadas.”

  “Anston Sharpe! Did you make yourself sick to get out of visiting my mother?”

  “Only a little bit,” Ace admitted. “Come on, babe. Your mom’s real nice and all, but she keeps trying to dress me.”

  Colton stood and threw his napkin on the table. “She’s trying to connect with you.”

  “By making me wear a wool suit? It’s Florida! You know how itchy wool makes me?”

  “I hope the couch doesn’t make you itch because that’s where you’re going to be sleeping for the foreseeable future!” Colton stormed off and a door slammed somewhere in the distance not long after.