“To family,” King said, lifting his pint glass.

  They cheered and toasted, clinking glasses. The position of the booth off to one side of the expansive floor allowed them to have conversations. It was still loud, as nightclubs tended to be, but less so where they were. The club was impressive, with its sleek décor in all black with pops of its signature blue. Go-go boys in sparkly blue shorts danced seductively to the pulsing beat from atop raised platforms, and beyond the dance floor, the backrooms and curtained-off areas concealed men getting up to all kinds of naughty things, things he really shouldn’t be thinking about with Lucky pressed up against him.

  With their first round of drinks almost gone, Mason had been about to ask Lucky what he wanted from the bar when King pulled something out of his pocket and slammed it onto the table as he yelled, “Coin check!”

  To his bemusement, the rest of the Kings, Jack, and Joker, hurried to shove their hands in their pockets. They each whipped something out, slamming their palms on the table, Ace being the last to do so.

  “Damn it!” Ace threw his hands up as the rest of the guys cheered and teased him.

  Mason leaned in to Lucky. “What’s going on?” He motioned to the large coin Lucky had slammed on the table. The rest of the guys seemed to have something similar.

  “It’s an old tradition. When someone whips out their challenge coin and says what King did, everyone else has to quickly slam their coin down. Last one to get theirs down has to buy a round of drinks for everyone.”

  That would explain Ace’s grumbling as he stood.

  “What’s a challenge coin?”

  “They were given to us by our commander during our service for different challenges. Sometimes they’re given out for morale or camaraderie. You’ll find them everywhere in the military, and even certain branches of government. For some it’s a symbol of solidarity, for others, bragging rights. It’s also a good way to get yourself some free drinks,” Lucky replied with a wink. He held his coin out to Mason, who took it.

  “Wow, that’s impressive, and heavy.”

  Lucky nodded, returning the coin to his pocket after Mason gave it back. Begrudgingly, Ace called over one of the waiters, and everyone put in their drink orders. Mason couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so relaxed, and having Lucky here with him, pressed to his side as if it was where he belonged, had Mason wishing for things he had no right wishing for.

  “What’s wrong?” Lucky asked, leaning into him.

  “I feel like shit.”

  “Why?”

  Mason moved his hand to the back of Lucky’s neck, caressing his skin. The more he was around Lucky, the harder he found it to keep his hands off him. They were so close Mason felt Lucky’s warm breath against his face. He loved how Lucky leaned into him.

  “I don’t want this to end,” Mason murmured against Lucky’s temple. It felt so damn good being here with him, like he’d finally found where he belonged.

  “What do you mean?”

  “For the first time in a long time, I’m looking forward to going to work on Monday at Four Kings, and that’s real shit because I wanted to make detective. I worked fucking hard for it, and now the thought of going back to it makes me feel… I don’t know. I’m being an ungrateful shit, aren’t I?”

  Lucky’s smile was radiant, and Mason wondered if Lucky knew something he didn’t. He leaned in and kissed Mason, the table erupting into whistles and catcalls, Ace’s voice being the loudest as he shouted, “About fucking time!”

  Mason laughed against Lucky’s lips, both of them flipping Ace off at the same time, making everyone laugh.

  “Come on.” Lucky took hold of Mason’s hand, pulling him to his feet. “Dance with me.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Are you telling me you can’t dance, Cowboy?”

  “Oh, I can dance, but probably not as good as you.” Mason ignored the cheers from the guys as Lucky led him out onto the packed dance floor. The music’s pounding beat grew louder as they made their way through the crowd, Lucky’s grip on Mason’s hand tight. Finding a spot, Lucky turned to face Mason and wrapped his arms around his neck, his knee between Mason’s legs as they started to move, their bodies pressed together as the beat of the music washed over them and swept them away. Mason gripped Lucky’s hips, but he couldn’t stop his hands from roaming over Lucky’s body. Lucky’s designer clothes molded to his body like they’d been made for him.

  They writhed together, losing themselves to the pleasure of being in each other’s arms. As far as Mason was concerned, there was only the beautiful man he held close. Lucky slipped his fingers into Mason’s hair, pulling him down for a scorching kiss that set Mason’s insides on fire. Mason returned the kiss, his desire for Lucky all consuming. Coming up for air, Lucky took a step back and with a sinful smile that went straight to Mason’s cock, he started dancing for Mason.

  The way he moved was wicked, and his hips? They gave Mason all kinds of naughty ideas. He danced with such fluidity, oozing sex and confidence as if he were one with the music, as if it flowed through his veins. Men around them undressed Lucky with their eyes, and Mason knew the moment he left Lucky on his own, they’d be all over him, which was why he wasn’t going anywhere.

  Listening to his most basic instincts, he wrapped his arms around Lucky from behind, brought their bodies together, and pressed his lips to the side of Lucky’s neck. With a groan, Lucky tilted his head, giving Mason better access, inviting Mason to mark him, claim him. Mason had never felt anything like this. He’d never been possessive, and although he had no intention of starting now, he couldn’t resist the opportunity Lucky presented him. To show all these men who Lucky belonged to.

  Words Mason wasn’t ready to put out into the world bubbled up from deep inside him, and he grabbed Lucky, spun him around, and crushed their lips together to keep the words from escaping. It was too soon, and Mason wasn’t sure either of them were ready to hear such declarations.

  “Hey, Mason!”

  Shit. It couldn’t be. Who was he kidding? They turned, and Mason wondered who the hell he’d pissed off upstairs to find himself in this mess.

  “Oscar,” Mason greeted pleasantly over the music. “Hi.”

  “I was hoping to run into you. I tried to get your number from Nash, but he’s being all weird about it.” Oscar turned to Lucky with a smile. “Hey, Lucky. Nice to see you. Mind if I cut in?”

  Lucky smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Sorry, but he’s taken.”

  Oscar looked puzzled. Had Mason not been crazy about Lucky when he’d met Oscar, he might have pursued something with the petite, pretty man, who looked up at him with his bright gold-green eyes. He was a nice guy, but when he was pissed, the claws came out, and judging by the way Oscar was sizing up Lucky, he was clearly itching to sink said claws into Lucky. Perfect.

  “I don’t understand,” Oscar said, looking between Lucky and Mason. “What do you mean taken?”

  “Taken, as in not available to fuck anyone but me,” Lucky replied, enunciating each word loud and clear.

  Oscar’s jaw dropped, and Mason stood dumbstruck. Oscar spun to face Mason, his hands planted on his hips and his nostrils flaring. “Wait, you’re dating him? Since when?”

  Before Mason could respond, Lucky spoke up, his eyes narrowed. “That is none of your business.”

  Oscar let out a humorless laugh. “Oh my God. Is that why you left so quick that night after he showed up?”

  Oh fuck.

  “You said you had no interest in a guy intent on fucking his way through the male and female population of St. Augustine. How he didn’t give a shit about anyone but himself.”

  Mason opened his mouth, but Lucky cut him off, hurt in his eyes. “You said I didn’t care about anyone but myself?”

  Somehow it didn’t surprise Mason that Lucky wasn’t offended by the words against his sexual conquests, but about his selfishness. And he had every right to be hurt. Everything he did for his family, his brothers, the families of his fallen brethren, his company’s charity? No one could accuse Lucky of being anything other than amazing.

  Mason took hold of Lucky’s shoulders, afraid he’d run off. “I did say that, but that was me letting my anger get the better of me. After what happened at the beach, I was so damn pissed off at you. It was immature, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any of it, darlin’. You know when it comes to you, I’m a damn fool sometimes.”

  “Really.” Lucky crossed his arms over his chest.

  Mason wasn’t sure what to expect. This whole situation was volatile, with the potential to escalate out of his control at any moment. He expected Lucky to curse him out and storm off, but neither happened. Lucky simply waited. That made Mason’s heart skip a beat. At one point, Lucky wouldn’t have even given him a chance to talk, much less wait around for an explanation.

  “Darlin’, we were both fit to be tied that day, remember?” He brushed his fingers down Lucky’s jaw. “Do you think I’d have been that damn stupid if I weren’t crazy about you? I was an asshole, and I hope you forgive me.”

  Lucky searched Mason’s eyes, and whatever he found seemed to do the trick, because his expression softened, and he leaned into Mason’s touch, covering Mason’s hand with his own. “I forgive you. I was pissed off too and said some not-too-nice things.”

  “Oh, please.” Oscar rolled his eyes and put his hand on Mason’s arm. “Mason, he’s the guy you fuck, not the guy you build your life around. He’s a total slut, and hey, there’s nothing wrong with that, but he’s just going to break your heart.”

  This time it was Mason who cut Lucky off before he could speak. “What did you call him?”

  Oscar threw up his arms in frustration. “Come on, Mason! Lucky doesn’t date. Everyone knows that. As soon as the next hot piece of ass comes along, he’ll drop you like a bad habit.”

  “I’m sorry if I gave you the impression I was interested in more, but I’m not, and I never was.” Mason removed Oscar’s hand from his arm, his tone icy. “I would also greatly appreciate you not speaking of the man I love in such a manner. We’re together, so please respect that.”

  Oscar’s eyes went huge, and Lucky choked on air. And holy shit had he just…? He had. Well, damn.

  Excusing them, Mason took hold of Lucky’s arm and led him off the dance floor, where he left Oscar standing there, stunned stupid. He walked Lucky to the back, found an empty room, and closed the door behind them. He pulled the curtain shut to let others know the room was occupied and no one was invited. It was small but comfortable, painted in all black with a lush black velvet couch, and in front of that, a fancy black coffee table with a bowl of condoms and lube in the center. Beside the couch sat a trash can and a small, high-black table with a silver tray of wet wipes. Frank seemed to think of everything.

  “I’m sorry. I know this is not the appropriate time and place for this, but I meant what I said out there, Lucky. I love you.”

  Lucky slowly sank onto the couch, his eyes wide. He swallowed hard, and Mason took a seat beside him but didn’t touch him, afraid he might spook Lucky.

  “Darlin’?” Mason prodded softly. “Please say something.”

  Lucky let out a shuddering breath before turning to meet Mason’s gaze. “Say it again.”

  Mason took Lucky’s hands in his, his heart in his throat, and his smile so wide his face hurt. “I love you, Lucky. I don’t know when it was that you stole my heart, but you did.”

  “Why?”

  “Why do I love you?”

  Lucky nodded.

  “Because you’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met, that’s why. Because you set my soul on fire, along with everything else in me. When you came into my life, not only did I feel truly alive for the first time in years, but you made me realize how wrong I was, thinking I didn’t deserve the love of a good man. You turned my whole fucking world upside down, and I secretly loved every minute of it.” Mason put his hand to Lucky’s cheek. “I love you, Eduardo Morales. Love how damn ornery you are. Love how passionate and expressive you are. I love all your little quirks, like your obsession with good coffee, expensive shoes, and ability to drive your cousin batshit crazy. Baby, you are something else.”

  Mason brought Lucky’s fingers to his lips for a kiss.

  “Now you don’t have to say nothing. I just needed you to know that no matter how pissed off I was with you that night, I never thought of you as anything other than the beautiful, generous, kind-hearted man you are. You steal my breath away, darlin’, every time I look at you.”

  Lucky drew in a sharp breath, his eyes quickly filling. “Mason, I…. No one has ever said such things to me. I….” A tear rolled down his cheek, and Mason brushed it away.

  Damn, but Lucky was perfect. Perfectly imperfect. And he was all Mason’s. “It’s okay, darlin’.” Mason leaned in to press his lips to Lucky’s ever so softly. “You don’t need to say a word. When you’re ready, I will be here, but, baby?”

  “Yes?”

  “The day you give me your heart—and I know you will—I promise I will cherish it.”

  “You seem very sure of this,” Lucky teased softly, brushing his lips over Mason’s.

  “You sayin’ it won’t happen?”

  Lucky nipped at Mason’s bottom lip, his voice quiet when he spoke. “Who says it hasn’t happened already?”

  Mason sucked in a breath, and Lucky kissed him, once again showing Mason when words failed him. Lucky slipped his fingers into Mason’s hair, grabbing fistfuls of it. He might not be ready to say the words, but with every breath he took, every kiss, every caress, Lucky told Mason how much of his heart belonged to him.

  Whether old fears kept Lucky from saying those three little words, Mason had no clue, but he would take whatever Lucky gave him, because he knew he had Lucky’s heart, and he couldn’t wait to see where this adventure took them, because life with Lucky would be nothing short of one hell of an adventure.

  Chapter 11

  Eight weeks.

  That was how much time had gone by since Mason’s suspension. For a very brief amount of time, he’d forgotten all about IA, the investigation, Major Crimes, and the fact that his time with the Kings would eventually come to an end. Had things not worked out like they had, Mason would have been up in arms, believing someone was drawing out the investigation on purpose, but as it was, he hadn’t cared how damn long they took. Now, it was over.

  Mason sat on the edge of his bed and stared down at the letter of Not Sustained. Next week, he’d be back on duty. He should be happy about it, so why wasn’t he? With a sigh, he dropped the letter onto the mattress beside him, then ran his hands over his face and through his hair. He’d already told Lucky about it, hence their sleeping in their own beds. Not because Lucky was upset with him, but because he was feeling the same sense of loss Mason was. And wasn’t that just ridiculous?

  It wasn’t like Mason was going far. True, they weren’t going to be based out of the same office, and sometimes Lucky would be off working in a different city, but when they were working cases for the Kings, it wasn’t like they were attached at the hip. They’d been paired up often, but that was only because Mason had been learning the ropes. Lately he’d been working with one of the other Kings or their teams. Besides, he didn’t work for Four Kings Security. It had all been temporary anyway.

  That night after they’d come home from Sapphire Sands, Mason made love to Lucky, pouring his heart and soul into showing Lucky how much he meant. It had been hot, sweet, and achingly intimate. The following two days had seen them scrambling to take control of several events another security company had pulled out of at the last minute, which meant Mason and Lucky hadn’t had any alone time together in forty-eight hours, but that was the job. They’d be compensated handsomely for the overtime, obviously, and Lucky informed him he’d put in a request for the following weekend off. ’Course that wasn’t going to happen now because Mason would be back working Major Crimes.

  This was their last case together.

  With a grunt, Mason got up. He needed to pull his head out of his ass and stop acting like some lovesick teenager whose crush turned him down for the prom. This wasn’t even about him and Lucky; this was about his career. Something had changed in the time he’d been working for the Kings, and Mason was struggling to figure out what the hell is was.

  After a quick shower, he got dressed, had some coffee—not as good as Lucky’s—some breakfast—also not as good as Lucky’s—grabbed his overnight bag, and headed for the door. He was in big trouble. Lucky was spoiling him something fierce with his espresso lattes and delicious Cuban cooking. Lucky’s house was also nothing to scoff at. It was a gorgeous four-bedroom house on the beach with a pool, and more importantly, a huge king-size bed, where Mason enjoyed making a mess out of Lucky.

  Mason ended up at Lucky’s more often than not, and he cautioned himself about getting too used to waking up with Lucky wrapped around him. Things were moving fast between them, and Lucky had yet to tell Mason how he felt, but Mason was okay with that. Good things were worth waiting for. He’d been about to step out of his apartment, when he spotted something on the floor. Picking it up, he wondered when Lucky had dropped it, and if he’d even noticed it was missing? Lucky would have certainly mentioned it.

  Slipping the coin into his pocket, Mason locked up and headed outside into the cool fall air to his truck parked out on the curb. Today he was picking Lucky up at Bibi’s, since Lucky had texted last night to say he was having a breakfast meeting with King. Dropping the coin into his cupholder so he wouldn’t forget, Mason started up the truck and drove a whole seven minutes to get to Bibi’s. The best part of living in St. Augustine Beach was that he was never more than a few minutes away from anything—good food, the beach, Lucky’s house….

  “Hey, Cowboy,” Bibi greeted him when he walked in, the little bell above the door alerting everyone to his arrival. It was Friday morning after 10:00 a.m., so the café wasn’t busy, what with the morning crowd having come and gone hours ago.