“I’m glad you’re here,” Gio said quietly, his near-black eyes intense. “No one has ever made me feel as safe as you.”

  Well, shit.

  Joker was fucked.

  FOUR

  Distracted.

  A word Gio had never associated with himself. For the first time in a very long time, he wanted to be somewhere else—or more accurately, be with someone else—and he didn’t quite know how to feel about it.

  Every day Gio woke up eager to get the day started and dive into his work, organizing like-minded people, attending events, having long chats about upcoming projects and the various ways he could make a difference in the world. He loved to lose himself in discussions with his peers, people who contributed to bettering the lives of others. It gave him a rush like nothing else. He was passionate about what he did and couldn’t picture himself doing anything else. He’d always been a people person and loved making new acquaintances. Attending social events energized him.

  An old colleague of his, Ada Young, was hosting tonight’s charity auction, the proceeds of which were going toward the resources needed for a small village in Africa to start sustainable businesses. The hotel ballroom holding the event was decorated elegantly in a black-and-white theme with pops of color, courtesy of the exquisite centerpieces of bright orange orchids, sugarbushes, monstera leaf, and fan palms. Several three-tiered gold-and-diamond chandeliers glittered from the ceiling as a live band dressed in white tuxedos played a lovely tune from a bygone era.

  Hundreds of guests mingled in their finest suits or cocktail dresses, champagne flutes or glasses filled with expensive whiskey in hand. Instead of being swept away by the conversation, instead of getting inspired or excited to start his next new project, Gio was scanning the room for a certain grumpy former Green Beret and his furry companion. He seemed to be doing that more often than not these days.

  Since Sacha wasn’t his bodyguard, he wasn’t around Gio the same way Saint was, but knowing Sacha was somewhere close put Gio at ease. If he needed Sacha, he’d be there without hesitation. Why Gio was so sure of that, he had no idea, but he was, and the times he’d spotted Sacha, Gio had been thrilled to see him searching Gio out.

  Their relationship had changed, but Sacha seemed determined to continue fighting his attraction, and Gio was under no illusion that Sacha wasn’t attracted to him. As much as Sacha tried to hide it, Gio felt it down to his core. It was in the lingering looks, the slight quirk of his lips, the way those bright eyes stormed over when their eyes met. Gio lived to hear Sacha’s little intakes of breath or the way he shivered at Gio’s touch.

  Throughout the evening, Gio felt Sacha’s eyes on him like a fiery caress, and the intensity of that attention, the heat radiating from him, had Gio thrumming with need at all times. Talk about uncomfortable and awkward. Sporting wood during a charity event was far from ideal. And yet something about Sacha calmed Gio, made him feel safe. Like Sacha could handle anything life threw at him, whereas these days, Gio wondered if he could say the same about himself.

  Patience had never been a struggle for Gio, personally or professionally. His job required a steady dose of waiting on this government agency or that agency, on paperwork getting filed, signed, or delivered. At any given time, he waited on any number of items to be completed before he could move on to the next step, but when it came to Sacha, Gio experienced desperation he’d never encountered before, and he was more than willing to throw caution to the wind.

  Movement caught his eye, and he shifted his gaze to the sinewy figure dressed in black moving across the floor by the far wall. As if sensing Gio’s eyes on him, Sacha turned his head in his direction, a wicked little smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, as if he somehow knew Gio had been thinking about him. That look promised all kinds of trouble, and Gio welcomed it.

  “Giovanni?”

  Gio blinked, his face heating. “I’m so sorry, Ada. What were you saying?”

  Ada craned her neck to spot the source of his distraction. She turned back to him, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, honey, he’s scrumptious.”

  “Don’t let him hear you say that,” Gio said with a chuckle.

  Ada hummed and took a sip of her champagne. She was a gorgeous woman, the white Stella McCartney cocktail dress stunning against her flawless dark skin. Gio had known Ada for years. There was no one as genuinely kind and fearless. When she walked into a boardroom, she had everyone’s attention, and not because of her beauty. “He looks like the best kind of trouble.”

  That was an understatement if he’d ever heard one. “Yes, well, I’m hoping to find out.”

  “Judging by the way he’s watching you, I’m guessing you won’t be waiting long.”

  “Really?” Gio resisted turning around.

  “Mm-hmm.” Ada fanned herself with her hand. “If he looked at me that way, we’d be getting to know each other in a much more intimate setting.” She waggled her eyebrows, making Gio laugh. “I’m so glad you’re back. You were away far too long.”

  “I know,” Gio replied with a sigh. “I got so caught up in my job, I forgot what I was missing back home.” It was his brief interactions with Sacha that had him wishing for more, for something he hadn’t expected to find for himself—someone to come home to who’d love him and know what he needed.

  Her red lips pulled into a frown, and she shook her head at him. “You’ve always worked so hard, Gio. When’s the last time you did anything for yourself? For God’s sake, man, enjoy some of that ridiculous wealth! Sweep your man off his feet and take him to some remote beach where clothing is optional.”

  Gio wondered how Sacha would react to Gio sweeping him off somewhere on some luxurious vacation. Would he refuse to let Gio spend money on him? Or would he embrace being pampered, the way Ace did with Colton? Something told Gio the answer—much like Sacha—would be a little more complicated than either option. But the idea of having Sacha to himself on a remote beach where they could sip cocktails and enjoy each other… It sounded heavenly.

  “I might have to try that,” Gio said, turning to find Sacha motioning him over. “Will you excuse me?”

  “Go get ’em, tiger.”

  Gio left Ada and headed toward Sacha, who stood to one side of the kitchen doors, Chip at his heel. Saint remained close as usual, but far enough away not to call attention to himself. “Hi. Everything okay?”

  “You tell me.” Sacha arched a thick eyebrow at him. “You plan on eating something today?”

  Gio blinked at him. “I’m sorry?”

  “You will be if you don’t eat.” He motioned to the glass in Gio’s hand. “You’ve also been nursing that same glass of water for the last two hours.”

  “I have?”

  “Yes.” Sacha took the glass from him and stopped a passing waiter. “I need you to bring Mr. Galanos a fresh glass of ice water.” He handed the glass to the waiter, who nodded.

  “Yes, of course. I’ll be right back.”

  “Thanks.”

  Sacha turned back to Gio and waited. Had Sacha been keeping an eye on him this whole time? He must have known Gio hadn’t eaten anything since his arrival. With all the guests he’d talked to, it sort of slipped his mind.

  “Well?”

  “I suppose now is as good a time as any to have a little something to eat.”

  “There’s a couple of salmon things you might like.”

  Gio loved salmon. He smiled knowingly at Sacha, whose cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. So he had been paying attention to Gio all these months.

  The waiter arrived promptly with Gio’s water, and Gio thanked him. “And thank you, Sacha.”

  Sacha had no idea how much it meant to Gio that he cared. Did he realize how sweet and attentive he was? Unlikely.

  “Go on,” Sacha said, motioning toward the buffet table with appetizers. With a smile, Gio headed off, took a small plate, and added several scrumptious-looking items, including the salmon appetizers Sacha had recommended. A couple of charity organizers he was familiar with approached him, and he listened to them chat about their upcoming events as he ate. He agreed to consider their invitations and asked them to send the relevant information over to his assistant.

  The auction would be starting in half an hour. Catching sight of Sacha standing to one side of the room between one of the pillars and a set of curtains gave Gio all kinds of ideas. He excused himself from the small group he’d been standing with and left his empty plate on one of the many trays for used dinnerware. Discreetly popping a mint into his mouth, he headed in Sacha’s direction. Saint moved closer, and Gio chose to ignore the little knowing smile that slipped onto Saint’s face when he realized where Gio was going.

  “Hi.” Gio stopped in front of Sacha, blocking the room’s view of him. Thankfully, Saint stood at attention on the other side of the pillar where he could see anyone approaching Gio, but not see what Gio and Sacha were getting up to, not that Gio expected anything to happen.

  “Um, hi.” Sacha’s lips quirked in the corners. “Everything okay?”

  “Yes. No. I’m having a bit of a crisis.”

  “Crisis, huh?” Sacha peered at him. “What kind of crisis?”

  “I’m surrounded by all these people, and they’re charming people, yet I can’t seem to stop myself from getting distracted.”

  “That so?”

  Gio nodded. He leaned an arm against the wall to the left of Sacha’s head. “Any suggestions on what I can do about it?”

  “I don’t know. That sounds like a you problem, not a me problem.”

  “Oh, but it’s very much a you problem, and I think you know why.”

  Sacha’s pupils were blown wide, and he stepped farther into the shadows. The curtained-off area led to a small empty room with extra serving carts, trays, and stacked chairs. Gio followed him past the curtain, his heart thundering in his ears when Sacha let him step close, his leg between Sacha’s.

  “You’re very distracting,” Gio murmured as he placed a hand on Sacha’s hip.

  “How’s that?” Sacha asked, his face lifted toward Gio’s. He dropped his gaze to Gio’s lips before moving it back up to his eyes.

  “Every time I see you, all I can think about is how I would much rather be with you. Alone.” Gio brushed his lips over Sacha’s temple, closing his eyes at the sound of Sacha’s low groan.

  “What the hell are you doing? I’m on the job. I can’t be walking around with a hard-on.”

  The words caught Gio by surprise. Having Sacha admit he was in danger of sporting an erection because of Gio was almost as hot as the thought of Sacha’s erection itself.

  “At least then I wouldn’t be the only one.”

  “Fuck.” Sacha adjusted himself. “Gio…”

  “Yes?” Gio slid his hand to Sacha’s back and gently brought their bodies together, their hardening lengths pressing against each other, making them both gasp for breath. With his heart pounding in his ears and his breath quickening, Gio moved his lips lower, kissing the corner of Sacha’s lips as he rocked ever so subtly against Sacha. “You have no idea how desperate you make me feel.”

  “Yeah, I think I do,” Sacha replied, breathless. He punched his hips forward and moved his face, his lips touching Gio’s without kissing. Shattering plates made them both jump, and the atmosphere around them changed instantly. Sacha stepped around Gio with a growl. “I have work to do.”

  Damn it. With a sigh, Gio nodded and waited for Sacha to put some distance between them before he casually stepped out from behind the pillar. Sacha Wilder was going to be the death of him. Then again, it was one hell of a way to go.

  Gio stood next to Saint, who smiled softly at him as he leaned in.

  “If it’s any consolation, I think he likes you.”

  “You think so?”

  “Believe me. I’ve been around him when people have wanted to hook up with him and he’s not interested. Let me just say they don’t ask twice. He also doesn’t keep an eye on anyone to make sure they eat.”

  Gio’s heart did a little flip, and he couldn’t help smiling. “Thank you.” He kept Saint’s words close to him as he returned to the event, forcing himself to focus on the auction and helping where he could.

  The auction only lasted an hour, as the items were limited but high-value, from an eighteenth century Stradivarius to a 1947 Cheval Blanc. One particular item caught Gio’s attention, and even if a certain someone didn’t accept it, Gio would make sure the unique item was put to the best use. Thankfully, a certain someone seemed to be on a break during the auction, or Gio was certain he’d have felt Sacha’s glare from here.

  Once the auction was over, everyone went back to mingling. Gio had other ideas. He found Ada and thanked her for the invite. He also promised her they’d have lunch next week. As soon as he’d said his goodbyes to a few guests, he checked his watch and went in search of Sacha. Saint helpfully pointed out that Sacha had stepped outside the ballroom, so Gio hurried out with Saint close behind. Sacha had his bag slung over his shoulder as he stood in the hall, his phone in his hand.

  “Hey,” Gio said, casually strolling up to Sacha.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yes, I’m finishing early. I have some work to catch up on.” Which wasn’t entirely untrue. “Fancy joining me for some room service? I hear the hotel makes a mean jerk chicken. My treat.”

  Sacha seemed to think about it. He shrugged. “Eh, why not? I’ve got Chip with me since Jack and Fitz are busy tonight.”

  At hearing his name, Chip lifted his gaze to Sacha and wagged his tail.

  “Chip is always welcome.”

  “Okay.” Sacha joined him and Saint as they left the hotel. As beautiful as it was, several events and conferences were happening alongside the auction, so Four Kings Security decided it best to stay at a different hotel for security reasons. That suited Gio just fine. He wasn’t a fan of staying in overcrowded hotels in the middle of the city.

  Outside, Saint handed the valet the SUV ticket. When the car was brought around, Saint opened the back passenger door. Sacha motioned for Gio to get in first, smiling when Chip jumped in after him. He sat in the center, tongue lolling as he waited for his person to climb in, then lay down across Sacha’s lap, his tail wagging happily, making Gio laugh as he was forced to dodge getting whipped repeatedly by it.

  “Watch out; it’s lethal,” Sacha said with a laugh as he patted Chip’s bottom. Chip howled and barked in response, then proceed to attack Sacha with doggie kisses. “Yeah, thanks. I appreciate you bathing me with your tongue. That wasn’t the kind of bath I had in mind for tonight, but sure.”

  In less than ten minutes, they were at Gio’s hotel and riding the elevator up to his suite. They greeted the two security agents posted outside Gio’s door, and he couldn’t help smiling at the way their serious expressions broke when Chip wagged his tail at them. Sacha let Chip say hello, and Gio shook his head with a chuckle. The two huge men went from terrifying muscle to goo as they loved on Chip.

  They went inside, and Chip hurried off to sniff every square inch of the place.

  “Have you already eaten?” Gio asked Saint.

  “Yep. I’m good.” Saint cast a knowing glance at Sacha before moving his gaze back to Gio. “I’ll, uh, be in my room. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “I will. Thank you.”

  Saint saluted and disappeared inside his room while Sacha took a seat on the couch and called Chip over. He removed Chip’s vest and laid it on the floor by his feet, where Sacha placed what appeared to be a black tactical backpack. Chip happily went back to familiarizing himself with the room.

  With a heavy sigh, Gio dropped onto the couch. He motioned to the center coffee table and the menu. Sacha didn’t need prompting. He picked up the menu and scanned it, going over the best-looking options.

  “Hey, they have a Chimichurri salmon with roast vegetables and whipped garlic potatoes.”

  “Perfect,” Gio replied. “I’ll have that.”

  Sacha nodded and stood. He called down and put in their order, the salmon for Gio and a jerk chicken for himself, along with some kind of macadamia nut dessert that sounded heavenly.

  Chip finished his exploration and trotted cheerfully over to Gio, tail wagging and mouth open. He stepped in between Gio’s legs and laid his head on Gio’s lap, big brown eyes looking up at him.

  “Oh, you’re good,” Gio said, leaning forward to scratch Chip behind his ears and on his cheeks, which Gio had quickly learned was one of Chip’s favorite spots. Chip leaned into the scritches, then seeming to need more, he surprised a laugh out of Gio by climbing onto his lap.

  “Chip!” Sacha hurried over, eyes wide. “Shit, I’m sorry. He never does that.”

  Gio laughed, his arms around Chip as Chip licked his face. “It’s okay.”

  “He’s not exactly a delicate flower,” Sacha said, seeming unable to keep himself from smiling. “Okay, that’s enough. Chip, off.”

  Chip jumped down immediately and shoved his nose against Sacha’s leg, then barked and hopped away.

  “You accosted Gio, and you want to be rewarded for it with a toy?” Sacha crossed his arms over his chest.

  “But he’s so cute. How can you resist that face?”

  “Because if I don’t, he’d be even more spoiled than he already is.” Sacha picked up Chip’s backpack. “Mind if I toss him a toy? Fair warning, he might get the zoomies. If he does, I would just stay out of his way.”

  “Got it.” The suite was plenty big enough for Chip to run around, the furniture minimal.

  Sacha removed a tennis ball from the backpack and tossed it at Chip, who caught it in midair. He trotted over to Sacha and dropped it at his feet expectantly. The two played catch until, as Sacha had predicted, Chip got the zoomies. He darted through the room, racing around furniture at full speed. It was impossible not to laugh, though Gio now understood why it was important to stay out of his way. Poor Saint made the mistake of walking out of his room to investigate.