Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 80660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“You couldn’t help a brother out? I had you getting shanked by an assassin six months ago,” the other guy said. He and Soren gripped hands and pulled each other in a half hug with heavy thumps on the back.
“You’re a dumbass for taking that bet,” Soren replied with a chuckle.
“Well, now. Aren’t you a cute thing?” Charlie purred in a low, rumbling voice. His eyes swept over Alexei from head to toe and up again. Yep, he was going to shoot Soren’s friends.
As if reading his mind, Soren jumped to Alexei’s side, wrapping his arm tightly around his shoulder. “You’ve got to ignore him, Angel. You’re beautiful, and Charlie lets his dick control his mouth far too often. He’ll behave, I promise.”
Alexei tipped his head up, offering his lips to his lover. “Since he’s your friend, I won’t shank him in his sleep. Yet.”
“Thank you, Angel.” Soren kissed him slowly and softly, clearly staking his claim.
“Wait! This is the assassin who was trying to kill you?” the other man demanded.
“One of them,” Soren murmured.
“He’s lucky I changed my mind,” Alexei purred.
“Very lucky,” Soren agreed. “Now, put the safety on the gun, Angel, and let me introduce you to my friends.”
With a smirk, Alexei pulled the gun from behind his back and held it up so Soren could see him secure the weapon. Soren chuckled while the two other men watched him with a new cautiousness.
“Charlie Sands, this is Alexei Prescott, accomplished assassin,” he introduced. He looked at Alexei as they briefly shook hands. “Charlie served as our team leader, keeping us well supplied and on target.”
“And generally out of trouble,” Charlie added. “Sorry about the comment. I wasn’t expecting…”
“No one expects me,” Alexei said with a wink. “That’s part of the fun.”
Another low chuckle rippled from Charlie, and it was like hearing distant thunder roll across the plains. “I can believe that.”
“And this lunatic here is Kairo Jones, recon specialist.”
Alexei smiled and shook his hand. “A pleasure.”
“We’re grateful that you let our boy live. He probably didn’t deserve it, but we like knowing he’s running around Europe and getting into trouble.”
“What about Ed and West? They’re not still pissed at me, are they?” Soren inquired. There was a hint of something in his tone that had Alexei returning to his side.
“Nah. They were already mixed up in something in Turkey. Couldn’t get away,” Charlie said easily.
“They send their regards and asked that we not blow up anything without them.”
Alexei sent Soren a questioning look and Soren smiled, seeming to relax again. “Edison Walker was our demolitions expert. The only man I’ve ever known to make an actual coconut bomb. It’s amazing he still has all his fingers.”
“But he has lost his eyebrows on more than one occasion,” Kairo pointed out.
“West St. James was our sniper.” Soren looked over at Charlie, frowning. “You let Ed and West go off on their own?”
“It’s supposed to be just a little thing in Ankara.” Charlie rubbed his grizzled chin with one finger. “If it becomes a not-so-little thing, would you be interested in giving a hand after this job?”
Soren swallowed hard and looked at Alexei, his lips parting but no sound came out. Would Soren and his friends even consider letting him tag along? Adventure in Ankara with a demolitions expert, sniper, his crazy thief boyfriend, and his other friends? Yes, please.
“Could you use another gun?” Alexei inquired sweetly.
“Really? You’d go with me?” Soren sounded breathless and hopeful.
Alexei snorted. “Like I can let you out of my sight. I’ve saved your ass too many times to leave you on your own. I—”
He didn’t get to finish. Soren slammed his mouth on Alexei’s in a hard kiss that left Alexei’s toes curling in his shoes. This man just got him. Action, adventure, explosions, and the promise of sexy times? Hell yes, Alexei was interested.
“All right, kids,” Charlie grumbled. “Some of us aren’t getting laid as often anymore.”
Kairo cackled. “What about that hot redhead in Barcelona a few days ago?”
“Shut up.”
“Oh, and that guy with the painted-on pants in Athens?”
Charlie’s growl was nearly lost under Soren’s bark of laughter. “Glad to hear that you haven’t slowed in your old age,” Soren taunted.
“We should probably head up. You can meet my uncles and catch up on some sleep if you’d like,” Alexei instructed. It was probably best to head off an argument before it started. From the easy way they bickered and teased, Alexei had a feeling they could spend several hours standing in the hall talking and laughing.
“You’re right, Angel,” Soren agreed. He brushed a kiss across the top of his head, then motioned for Alexei to lead the way up the stairs. They paused on their way up to show Charlie and Kairo to the rooms they’d be using while in Amsterdam. The men dropped off their stuff, murmuring how nice the house was and the general loveliness of the location.