“Because after seeing you in action, it’s pretty obvious who you are. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner, but then I guess when we first met, I didn’t really know you, but now it’s so obvious.”

  King eyed him warily. “I’m listening. Wait, where did Ace go?” Oh, this couldn’t be good. He hated that Ace could do that. Disappear in the blink of an eye. No good ever came from Ace pulling a vanishing act. He was worse than Leo.

  Ace popped out from behind the counter, arms out. “Ta-da!”

  “What the hell are you wearing?” King peered at the two comic book characters on Ace’s T-shirt. He knew one of them was Spider-Man; the other one was….

  “My new ship,” Ace declared. “That’s what the kids call it.”

  King stared at him. “What’s happening right now?”

  “Ship,” Leo pitched in cheerfully. “It means relationship. It’s when fans want to see certain characters in a relationship. Hence, Spideypool!”

  “Spider-Man and Deadpool,” Ace explained, motioning to the two characters on his shirt tangled together in Spider-Man’s webbing.

  “It’s totally a thing,” Leo added.

  “Deadpool? Really?” King shook his head. “I don’t see it.”

  “Come on, Ward. All the dudes you took down by yourself, your getting boners over weird things like my brain, and the fact that you kept fighting despite having been shot three times and beat up by a small army?” Leo jumped over the couch, his smile huge. “It’s a perfect fit! Wade Wilson—Ward Kingston. Come on. He was even Special Forces!”

  “But he’s a smartass,” King argued.

  Leo’s eyes widened, and he threw his hands out at King.

  “I’m not that much of a smartass.”

  Ace snorted.

  “Deadpool also never shuts up.”

  “Okay, so you’re a bit less talkative.”

  “I’m too broody,” King pointed out.”

  “What? No, you’re not. You laugh and smile all the time. Ace is broodier than you. Okay, maybe he just pouts more.” Leo waggled his eyebrows, and King sighed.

  “Really?”

  Leo nodded enthusiastically, and King knew he wasn’t going to win this.

  “Fine.”

  “Also, Ace is Hawkeye.”

  Ace spun to face Leo, and King barked out a laugh. “What?”

  “Who am I?” Lucky asked, heading over.

  “You’re totally Wolverine.”

  “Yes! I am a badass!” Lucky wiggled his fingers in Ace’s face and stuck his tongue out at him, then laughed when Ace smacked his hand away.

  “Aw, come on, Leo! I thought we were friends? How come Lucky gets to be Wolverine, and I’m a purple-suited Katniss Everdeen?”

  Leo took a seat on one of the kitchen stools while Jack, Joker, and Red joined them at the counter, Red coming around to help King in the kitchen. “First of all,” Leo said, “Katniss Everdeen is a badass. Second of all, so is Hawkeye. The movies don’t do him justice. Sure, when you put him next to huge-ass superdudes with powers, he doesn’t seem like a badass, but he totally is. He’s also a rebel and has mad skills with weapons. Lucky has to be Wolverine because the guy is seriously scary when you put a knife in his hand. Have you seen the way he chops veggies?”

  “Who am I?” Jack asked, taking a seat next to Leo.

  “You’re Tony Stark, obviously.” He and Jack high-fived before Leo moved on to Joker. “You’re totally Gambit. I mean, what better weapon for you than exploding playing cards.”

  Joker nodded his approval. “Sweet.”

  “Come on,” Ace pleaded, shoving Jack out of his seat, so he could sit next to Leo. With a chuckle and roll of his eyes, Jack slipped into the next chair. “I’ll even take Black Widow.”

  “Sorry, she’s already taken.”

  King shook his head in amusement, removing the bacon from the pan as Ace continued to argue his case on being assigned what he believed would be a more appropriate superhero. Red came to stand next to him at the stove, his smile warm.

  “He’s a perfect fit, isn’t he?”

  King glanced over his shoulder at his family. Lucky had an arm around Leo’s shoulder while he teased Ace, who had a hand to Joker’s chest as he explained how Joker should be the Hulk. That wasn’t going to end well. Jack laughed his ass off at his best friend’s unimpressed expression.

  “Yeah, the guys love him.” King turned back to Red.

  “That too. What I meant was that he’s a perfect fit for you.” After stealing a piece of bacon, Red joined the others in teasing Ace.

  King started to get to work on making their sandwiches, his eyes lifting to meet Leo’s. The happiness and love reflected in those big brown eyes squeezed at King’s heart. Thanks to the General, they were able to start their lives together without having to look over their shoulders.

  General de Loughrey had been true to his word, and after pulling every string he had, every favor owed, Leo was safe. If the government wanted something from Leo, several security measures had to be put in place for them to simply speak to him, and part of those security measures included King and his brothers-in-arms. There’d be no black ops, no secret government projects. If they wanted advice or to hire Leo, it would have to be on the up-and-up, and on Leo’s terms. Leo was back to freelancing, which lately included doing a fair amount of work for Four Kings Security now that he’d found a kindred spirit in Jack. The two of them had way too much fun coming up with new security systems.

  With it being a Saturday, King wasn’t surprised when the doorbell rang, and Lucky opened the door for Colton, Laz, and Mason, the last of whom he kissed in greeting. The room erupted into cheers at the arrival, and King had never been happier.

  “Hey, Wade. I mean, Ward,” Leo teased.

  King wrapped Leo up in his arms and brushed his lips over Leo’s. “Very funny, smart guy.”

  “That’s me.” Leo hugged him close, melting into King’s embrace. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” As he kissed Leo, surrounded by the boisterous cheers of his brothers, of his family, King thought about his life and how he’d always seemed at war with something—his guilt, his past, his demons. It was time for him to stand down. Although he would always protect those he loved, his war was over.

  King was finally home.

  The shenanigans continue with Jack and Fitz’s story in Stacking the Deck, the first book in the Four Kings Security spin-off series, The Kings: Wild Cards, available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Turn the page for an excerpt from Chapter One!

  Up to date on the Four Kings Security Universe? Joker and Gio’s book, Sleight of Hand, The Kings: Wild Cards Book 3 is now available for preorder on Amazon!

  Stacking the Deck

  Enjoy this excerpt from Chapter One of Stacking the Deck, book one in The Kings: Wild Cards series

  The top floor was bustling with activity as usual. Mondays tended to be admin heavy and was the only day of the week when most of the Kings could be found at the office at the same time. The office was expansive, with the Kings, Jack, and Joker having their own office running along the left side of the floor, past the reception and waiting area, executive assistants stationed outside the offices. HR was on the right of the floor, along with conference rooms, the stationery closet, and a small armory—the main armory having been moved to the basement near the training bay.

  From across the room, Lucky sat on the edge of Mason’s desk, flirting with his boyfriend. Chip trotted over to get some love from both men.

  “He’s such an attention whore,” Joker said, shaking his head in amusement.

  “Yeah, but Lucky was like that before he met Mason, so nothing’s really changed.”

  Joker blinked at him, then barked out a laugh.

  “Uh-oh. It’s the Dastardly Duo,” Mason teased, his Texas drawl thick.

  “Look who’s talking, Cowboy,” Joker said with a sly grin, leaning in to whisper loud enough for the four of them—and Chip—to hear. “We’re not the ones who got caught with our pants down by Ace in the stationery closet. Word to the wise, lock the door next time.”

  Mason’s face did a great impression of a tomato while Lucky cursed under his breath in Spanish.

  “Ace told you?” Lucky growled quietly.

  Jack stared at him. “What, are you new around here? It’s Ace. Of course he told us.”

  “Damn, darlin’.” Mason turned to Lucky with a pout. “Whole damn building probably knows by now.” His eyes went wide. “Shit. What if King knows?”

  “¡Santo cielo! Lo voy a matar.” Lucky jumped to his feet, and Mason grabbed his arm before he could storm off to obliterate Ace.

  “Darlin’, as much as I’d love for you to inflict whatever painful vengeance you have on your cousin, maybe wait until after the wedding? Remember Colton’s warning? No bullet holes, bruises, or injuries requiring a cast.”

  Joker nodded his agreement. “As scary as King is, I don’t think anyone is as scary as Colton in wedding mode.”

  Lucky seemed to consider their words. “This is true. Also, I do not have to maim him to get my venganza.” An evil smile came onto his face. “You know, it’s been a while since I’ve talked to my tía. I should call her.”

  “You’re going to call his mother?” Mason whistled. “That’s low, darlin’. Damn, I love you.”

  Joker nudged Jack and leaned into him to murmur quietly, “Let’s get out of here before we get roped into this.”

  With a salute, Jack was off, Joker at his side, with Chip on their heels. As much as they’d love to see whatever mayhem Lucky was about to bring down on Ace, Jack and Joker didn’t mess with the Cuban Mama Mafia. Ace, Lucky, and their cousin Quinn’s moms were terrifying. The three lived in Miami with the rest of their huge family and got together often. When Quinn got married to his boyfriend, Spencer, the Cuban Mama Mafia had been out in full force, their optimum momness activated. They’d dubbed Jack and Joker the wild childs of the group and then nicknamed them the Wild Cards, which had stuck. It was hilarious watching Joker with the moms. He had never faced a more terrifying enemy and had no idea what to do with them, their coddling, or their tireless efforts to continuously feed him.

  Jack had embraced it. He was used to it. As the youngest of five siblings, all male, he was the baby of the family, and growing up, he’d milked it for all it was worth. His parents had been busy working, trying to earn them a living, and when they were home, they were exhausted, but they always tried to make time for him. Being the youngest had its challenges, what with his parents’ attention pulled in so many directions. Sometimes it was hard for him to get a word in edgewise. He’d spent a lot of time with his Nonni, who’d spoiled him rotten. If the Cuban Mom Mafia wanted to spoil Jack, he’d smile and graciously accept. He also wasn’t a fool. No way was he going to do anything or be anywhere near anyone who crossed the moms.

  “Where’s my pretty boy?”

  “I’m right here,” Joker teased, earning himself an uninspired expression from Jay. Chip hurried over, tail wagging excitedly. He promptly plopped his butt down and sat back on his haunches, paws up as he asked for a treat. Jay was the only one authorized to give Chip any treats. They were organic, specially ordered for him, and kept in a jar sporting his name surrounded by a cute bone-and-pawprint motif.

  “Who’s your favorite?” Jay cooed, getting a bark from Chip in response, which made Jay laugh. “That’s right.” He held out the bone-shaped doggie cookie. “Gentle.”

  Chip stretched his neck out and took the cookie with his front teeth before prancing off toward Joker’s office, treat proudly displayed, as if he knew no one but him had one. Joker waved at them over his shoulder as he followed Chip, who received several more pets on the way to the office.

  Jack shook his head. “Mr. Popularity.”

  “He’s the only guy I let drool on me,” Jay said with a smile as he wiped his hands.

  “Love the sweater.” Jack motioned to Jay’s colorful ensemble.

  “Thank you.” Jay did a little dance in his seat and preened. The easiest way to get on Jay’s good side was to compliment his appearance. Not that Jack didn’t mean it. Some of Jay’s patterned shirts were on the eccentric side, but Jay always looked cute and put-together. Jack didn’t know anyone who could pull off a blue-and-red checkered cardigan and matching bow tie combo like Jay. Everyone had quickly learned that getting on Jay’s good side meant getting on King’s good side. As King’s executive assistant, Jay was as terrifying as he was adorable, with his big bright blue eyes and quiff hairstyle. The only one who couldn’t seem to stay on Jay’s good side was Ryden. The Marine just seemed incapable of getting along with Jay. Thankfully, the guy was nowhere in sight.

  Jack settled in his office and spent the afternoon catching up on invoices, reports, and checking in with his staff, some of whom were on job installations. Just after lunch, he was doing some routine system checks when Ace walked into his office.

  “You’re up.” Ace tossed an elegant-looking black envelope adorned with a gold crown in the center onto Jack’s desk.

  “What’s this?” Jack picked up the envelope and removed the fancy invite inside. “Four Kings Security cordially invites you to our fifth annual black-tie dinner and charity auction event benefiting military veterans and their families. Join us for cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a—” Jack’s head shot up. “No.”

  Ace’s grin was pure evil. The bastard. He waggled his eyebrows at Jack. “Oh yes.”

  “Are you doing this?”

  The fucker pretended to look disappointed as he placed a hand over his heart. “Alas, I’m no longer an eligible bachelor.” His evil grin returned. “But you are.”

  “A bachelor auction? Really?” Jack narrowed his eyes. “Wait, so none of you are being auctioned?”

  Ace shrugged.

  “But it’s just a date. For charity. We both know Colton would be fine with that.”

  “King, Red, Lucky, and I discussed it. We decided we didn’t want to take the focus off the charity event or overshadow the rest of the guys on auction. I mean, I wouldn’t want King to feel bad if I brought in more money than him. It would bruise his manly ego.”

  Something would bruise all right, but it wouldn’t be King’s ego. “King would get four times whatever someone ponies up for you.”

  Ace’s offended gasp made Jack laugh. “Ouch! Harsh.”

  “It’s that ‘Daddy’ vibe he gives off,” Joker said, hopping up to sit on Jack’s desk. “Like bees to nectar.”

  “First off, get your ass off my desk. Second of all, please, please, walk up to King and call him Daddy. I will pay good money for you to do that right now.” Jack pulled some bills out of his wallet and tossed them on his desk.

  “Pay good money to do what?” Lucky asked as he entered Jack’s office.

  “For Joker to call King Daddy,” Jack offered cheerfully.

  Lucky pulled his wallet out and removed several bills. “I will give you this if you go to his office right now and do that.”

  “Do what?” Red asked, poking his head in. He narrowed his eyes at them. “Whatever you all are up to, I want no part of it.”

  Ace patted Joker’s shoulder. “We’re paying Joker to walk into King’s office and call him Daddy.”

  Red’s eyes went huge. “I’m taking a break and won’t be anywhere near this building. You’re on your own.”

  Jack had never seen Red move that fast.

  Joker threw his head back and laughed before growing serious. “You are all out of your fucking minds.”

  Lucky waved the bills in Joker’s face. “Come on. Easy money.”

  “Yeah,” Joker said with a snort. “And all it’ll cost me is my life.”

  “You’re right,” Ace said, dropping down onto the couch to Jack’s left. “Ain’t no one in this place got the balls for that.”

  “Got the balls for what?” Ryden asked from the door.

  Jesus, was everyone hanging outside his office door just eavesdropping? He blamed Ace. Whatever happened, it was no doubt Ace’s fault. Shit. Jack spun in his chair to face Ace, groaning at the wicked grin on his face.

  “Ace, no.”

  “Bro, no,” Lucky said in agreement.

  “What? What’s going on?” Ryden asked, stepping into the room.

  Ace stood and shoved his hands into his pocket, his innocent expression fooling no one. “We have a bet going on that no one has the balls to walk into King’s office and call him Daddy.” He pulled his own wallet out and added to the growing pile of cash on Jack’s desk.

  Joker shook his head sadly. “So far there are no takers.”

  Ryden peered at them. “Just walk in and call him Daddy?”

  “That’s it,” Ace replied, smile wide.

  Ryden shrugged. “I can do that.”

  Jack quickly rounded his desk and stopped in front of Ryden. “Look, you’ve been here longer than six months. Your grace period for getting away with shit where King is concerned is over. Do not listen to these assholes.”

  “Come on, Jack. Leave the soldier alone,” Joker said, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

  Jack cringed. Joker was such an instigator.

  Ryden took a step around Jack. “The fuck did you just call me?”

  Joker blinked at him. “What?”

  Never call a Marine a soldier.

  Ryden marched over to the desk and grabbed the cash. He stuffed it into his pocket, then poked Joker in the shoulder. “You want to see some balls? Never send a Snake Eater to do a Marine’s job.” He stormed out of the room, and Jack turned to glare at his friends.

  “Great. You just killed the new guy.”

  Jack and Joker exchanged glances before they bolted for the door, Ace and Lucky on their heels. Three of them got stuck in the door from trying to leave at the same time. Jack shoved Joker out, taking advantage of Sacha stumbling forward so he could dart toward King’s office.

  Jay sat at his desk, one leg crossed over the other, e-reader in his lap. He didn’t so much as bat an eyelash at the stampede heading his way, just pressed the button to turn the page, eyes never leaving his novel.