Midnights, p.5
In The Cards: A Four Kings Security Short, page 5
In The Cards
A Four Kings Security Short
Charlie Cochet
In the Cards
Copyright © 2019 Charlie Cochet
http://charliecochet.com
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of author imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Cover content is for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted on the cover is a model.
Cover Art Copyright © 2019 Cate Ashwood
http://www.cateashwooddesigns.com/
Proofing by Jenni Lea, LesCourt Author Services
Formatting provided by LesCourt Author Services
www.lescourtauthorservices.com
Contents
Four Kings Security Universe
Synopsis
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
A Note From the Author
Also By Charlie Cochet
About the Author
Four Kings Security Universe
Welcome to the Four Kings Security Universe! The current reading order for the universe is as follows:
FOUR KINGS SECURITY UNIVERSE
STANDALONES
Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts - Standalone
(Spencer and Quinn. Quinn is Ace and Lucky’s cousin.) Can be read any time before In the Cards.
FOUR KINGS SECURITY
Love in Spades - Book 1 (Ace and Colton)
Ante Up - Book 1.5 (Seth and Kit)
Free short story
Be Still My Heart - Book 2 (Red and Laz)
Join the Club - Book 3 (Lucky and Mason)
Diamond in the Rough - Book 4 (King and Leo)
In the Cards - Book 4.5 (Spencer and Quinn’s wedding.)
Free short story
FOUR KINGS SECURITY BOXED SET
Boxed Set includes all 4 main Four Kings Security novels: Love in Spades, Be Still My Heart, Join the Club, and Diamond in the Rough.
THE KINGS: WILD CARDS
Stacking the Deck - Book 1 (Jack and Fitz).
Raising the Ante - Book 2 (Frank and Joshua)
Sleight of Hand - Book 3 (Joker and Gio)
Synopsis
IN THE CARDS
Love is in the air, and what says ‘romance’ more than a Valentine’s Day wedding? Anston “Ace” Sharpe is down in South Florida for his cousin’s wedding and with his boyfriend Colton accompanying him, Ace has some Valentine’s Day plans of his own. Surrounded by his huge Cuban family, his brothers-in-arms from Four Kings Security, and a groom with a penchant for chaos, what could possibly go wrong?
One
Absolutely stunning.
Ace had never seen anything so beautiful. He stood beneath one of the many arches of the Mediterranean-style villa as he gazed out at the brilliant blue sky, the bright sun shining down making the water’s surface look as if it were covered in millions of tiny glittering diamonds. The weather for South Florida this weekend was in the high seventies, making it perfect for a Valentine’s Day wedding. Music floated from the open windows behind him. From early that morning, the two-story, backwards h-shaped villa was filled to the brim with members of his huge Cuban family, all of whom were gathered to celebrate his cousin Quinn’s marriage to the love of his life, Spencer Morgan. As the time drew nearer, everyone prepared by sharing funny stories, amazing food, and plenty of booze.
Inside there was laughing and dancing, cooking, kids running around. His brothers had been commandeered the moment they’d stepped foot in the house by one relative or another. Red was in the kitchen with the moms cooking enough food to feed the whole of Miami, while Lucky and Mason fended off the horde of children that wanted to play cops and robbers with the former weapons sergeant and his cowboy. Laz was busy capturing special moments with his fancy camera, the professional photos his gift to the grooms. Jack and Joker kept the teens busy by being the smartasses that they were, playing video games with them, and showing off all the amazing things Chip could do.
King, despite being grumpier than usual since his plus one couldn’t make it—when the Pentagon comes calling, you can’t really say “Sorry, but I’ve got a wedding that weekend”—had attempted to sulk in the corner, but instead found himself constantly surrounded by either moms trying to feed him, the men in the family hoping he could show them some cool defensive moves, or their brothers annoying him to the point he’d forget why he was in such a bad mood to begin with. Of course, the latter didn’t last long. Hard to forget the reason half your heart was missing. But Ace was doing his best. Distraction through aggravation was one of his many talents.
Outside it was blissfully peaceful, and among the lush greens, swaying palms, and scent of tropical flowers, the most beautiful vision of all wasn’t the scenery, but the tall, elegant man in the tailored gray slacks and white designer shirt, the sleeves of which were rolled up his defined arms to his elbows. His shoulders were wide, his back tapering to a slim waist with long legs that Ace loved to have wrapped around him. The breeze coming in from the bay ruffled his light brown hair, and Ace could picture those sharp, blue-gray eyes as they watched the boats go by from where he stood on the small wooden dock. Colton Connolly was truly a beautiful man. And he was all Ace’s.
Ace walked down the stone steps, past the pool, the blue tiles of which made the water appear a tantalizing azure blue, and headed for the little dock. He stopped behind Colton and slipped his arms around him from behind, his chest pressing to Colton’s back. Since Colton was taller at six and a half feet to Ace’s six-foot-one, Ace let his chin rest on Colton’s shoulder as he often did. This was one of his favorite positions, and he never tired of having an armful of his sexy man.
“If you’re trying to signal a boat over to make your escape,” Ace teased, “make sure there’s room for me too.”
Colton chuckled. He turned in Ace’s arms, his eyes filled with so much adoration it made a lump form in Ace’s throat. How had he ever gotten so lucky?
“As if I would go anywhere without you.” Colton’s full lips curled into a wicked smile. “You drove us here, remember?”
Ace threw his head back and laughed. God, he loved Colton. He brought their lips together, savoring the taste of Colton’s mouth on his, the feel of his hard body against Ace’s. Having Colton in his arms calmed him, soothed his frenetic soul. The world around him always seemed brighter with Colton near him. How had that happened in such a short amount of time? In just a couple of short months, it would be a year since they’d met, yet it was like they’d been together for so much longer.
“I love you,” Ace murmured against Colton’s lips when they came up for air, his embrace becoming a little tighter. He inhaled Colton’s familiar scent that included a soft cologne Ace would forever associate with the beautiful man smiling at him.
“Mm, I love you too, Anston.” Colton ran a hand up Ace’s chest, leaving it over his heart. He let his head rest against Ace’s, eyes closed, a content sigh escaping him. “I’m so very grateful for you. Have I told you that lately?”
“You tell me every day.”
“I do?”
“Yep. From the moment I wake up and see your beautiful face,” Ace said, stroking Colton’s cheek with his thumb, “to the moment I fall asleep with you in my arms. It’s in every smile you give me, every touch, every unspoken word when we make love.”
Colton blinked at him, his face turning a lovely shade of pink. “That’s so very beautiful, Anston. Is the wedding making you sentimental?”
“Maybe.” Ace ran his fingers through Colton’s hair. “Or maybe it’s just you. Could be that third helping of Tres Leches I had earlier.”
Colton laughed, the sound never failing to make Ace smile. “There’s the Ace I know and love.” He kissed Ace again, when the music switched to a fast-paced merengue and with a wiggle of his eyebrows that made Colton laugh, Ace slipped his left arm around Colton’s back, lifting Colton’s left hand. “Ready?”
“Oh God, no, Ace. Merengue’s too fast for me.”
“Pfft. You’re a natural. Remember, it’s just walking in place, swinging your hips, and letting me lead you.” Ace started moving and Colton followed.
After Colton had happily agreed to come with him to his cousin’s wedding, he’d insisted on having Ace teach him some of the Latin dances they’d be seeing. The wedding would be a mix of American and Latin music but with the majority of the guests being from Quinn’s Cuban family, there’d be a good deal of hip swinging and fast-paced stepping going on. Before Spencer had met Quinn, he hadn’t had much in the way of family, mostly his mom and some close friends, but he’d pretty much been adopted by Quinn’s mom, Mimi, from the moment she’d met him. Spencer hadn’t just gained the love of his life, he’d gained enough family members to fill a small country.
“Turn,” Ace said, twirling Colton to the right and then twirling him back, Colton’s laugh making him grin like the lovesick dope he was. Ace had suggested professional d
ance lessons for Colton, but his love had decided he would rather have Ace teach him. They did a little every week and when it didn’t lead to them getting all sweaty for a different reason, Colton managed to learn some moves. He was a fantastic dancer, his body capable of moving in the most sinful ways. Ace would know, he had firsthand experience with it. His ability to move fluidly translated beautifully to the rhythmic Latin dances. The challenge for Colton came with the turns, especially when you involved more than one arm.
“That’s it, baby.” Ace moved a little quicker, brought them closer, the hand he had on Colton’s back slipping a little lower. Colton’s face flushed a sweet pink as he met Ace’s gaze. “I love dancing with you,” Ace admitted.
“Because it gives you the excuse to feel me up in public?”
Ace mock gasped. “You’re not supposed to know that. And here I thought I was being all discreet and smooth. Let’s pick up the pace, Azulito.”
Colton shook his head at the nickname. “I can’t believe your mom nicknamed me Prince Charming.”
“That’s what happens when you have a name that doesn’t translate well to Spanish. Besides, you are el Príncipe Azul. My Prince Charming.” Since it was rather a long nickname, it was, of course, shortened to Azulito—little blue. Somehow it all made sense to Ace’s family, and once someone received a nickname, that was pretty much it. “Now come on. Show me what you got.”
Never one to ignore a challenge set forth by Ace, Colton put Ace through his paces, keeping up with the steps, the movement of his hips giving Ace all kinds of naughty ideas. When they were hot and sweaty, Ace twirled Colton and dipped him, ending their dance.
“¡Bravo!” Lucky called out, clapping as he made his way over, Mason in tow.
Colton’s bashful laugh was sweet, and Ace kissed him, turning to throw his arm around his cousin’s neck, planting a loud kiss on his cheek and a playful punch to his ribs. Lucky laughed and pushed him away, cursing him out in Spanish.
“What island is that over there?” Mason asked, and Colton slipped his arm around Mason’s, leading him toward the small dock to point out the various islands around them.
“It’s still weird,” Ace muttered, shaking his head at the sight of his ex, arm in arm with the love of his life.
“You just say that because you’re afraid Mason will help Colton conspire against you.”
Ace narrowed his eyes. “They should hate each other.”
“But they don’t. Because unlike some people, Mason and Colton are mature adults.”
“Are you saying I’m not a mature adult?” Ace asked, turning to Lucky with an arched brow. “Choose your words carefully, Eduardo, or I’ll be forced to remind you of the time you thought it would be a great idea to skip class to go bowling.”
Lucky groaned. “Come on, bro. How was I supposed to know our mothers would just happen to be driving down Bird Road at that time?”
“It’s Bird Road. It’s the vortex of all traffic. And it’s our mothers. Of course they were going to end up driving past at the exact same moment we should have been in fifth period! I told you, didn’t I? When that blue-green minivan drove by, I knew it was them. Did you listen? Nope. Why? Your exact words? ‘Pero, Felicia Garcia asked me to go, and she’s wearing a mini skirt, Ace. A mini skirt!’ Then we get home and oh, who’s waiting for us in my living room? Judge Dredd and the Punisher! The mark from my mom’s chancelta is still tattooed on my ass because of you!” He punched Lucky’s arm for good measure.
“What the fuck, Ace? We were fourteen. Let that shit go.”
Ace squinted at him and hissed, “Never.”
“What are you two arguing about now?” Mason asked, sauntering over and looking far too amused for his own good.
“Don’t ever wear a mini skirt, or we’re all fucking doomed,” Ace growled.
Mason blinked at him. “Uh, okay. Shouldn’t be a problem. Why are we talking about me wearing a mini skirt?”
Colton shook his head. “I don’t think we want to know.”
Lucky rolled his eyes. “It’s nothing. Ace is just being Ace and totally blowing things out of proportion again.”
“Really?” Ace turned to Mason and Colton. “Tell me something. If our moms were your moms, would you have skipped school?”
Colton looked like he was going to pass out, and Mason turned green.
“Oh God, no,” Mason said, shaking his head adamantly. “Why the hell would I do a fool thing like that? I may be thick skulled, but I ain’t stupid.”
“I concur,” Colton added, nodding furiously.
“See.” Ace thrust a finger at Lucky. “He thought it was a good idea. You can thank him for my aversion to flip flops.”
“You wear flip lops all the time,” Lucky muttered, rolling his eyes.
“It’s a figure of speech.”
Mason looked thoughtful. “No, pretty sure it’s not.”
“Not the point, Cowboy.”
Lucky opened his mouth when Colton smiled brightly, motioning behind them. “Oh, look. It’s Quinn.”
They all turned as Quinn jogged over, Ace’s greeting dying on his lips when he saw the worry on his cousin’s face.
“What’s wrong?”
Quinn shook his head, his voice rough when he spoke. “I need your help. Spencer’s missing.”
Two
Ace’s heart slammed into his chest, and he told himself not to panic. Everything would be fine. He put a hand to Quinn’s shoulder.
“Define ‘Spencer’s missing’?”
Quinn looked from Ace to Colton and back. “What do you mean ‘define Spencer’s missing’? He’s fucking missing, Ace. Not where he should be. Gone. No esta.”
“Okay, calm down. I’m sure he’s around here somewhere.”
Quinn threw his arms up in frustration, his voice a low hiss. “I’ve searched the whole damned villa.”
“It’s a big villa, Quinn,” Lucky said.
Ace nodded his agreement. “You could have checked somewhere and just missed him. Spencer’s like, the size of a kitten. Easily misplaced.”
Quinn arched an eyebrow at him. “You misplace a lot of kittens, do you?”
“It’s just an expression.”
“What? No, it isn’t. No one says ‘it’s like misplacing a kitten’ when they lose something.”
Lucky shook his head at Ace. “You are terrible at this whole expressions thing.”
“Fine, okay, whatever.” Ace turned his attention back to Quinn. “The point is, we’ll find your fiancé.”
“Thank you.” Quinn let out a sigh of relief, and Ace felt for him. As if this being Quinn’s wedding day wasn’t stressful enough, now the man he was marrying was missing. Surely Spencer couldn’t have gone far. They were on an island for crying out loud.
“We should ask the guys to help,” Lucky said, turning when Quinn caught his arm.
“Whoa there. No. No way. Red’s with our moms. We go anywhere near the kitchen and they’ll know something’s wrong. Just you guys. No one else. And make sure none of our moms see you. The last thing I need is for them to start a damn panic. Next thing you know this place is overrun with SWAT, police, and the damned army.”
Lucky and Ace exchanged glances before Lucky spoke up. “You think you can keep this from our mothers?”
Quinn groaned. “We can at least try, right?”
Ace and Lucky burst into laughter, tears in their eyes. “That is some funny shit right there,” Ace said, wiping away a tear.
“They remind me of the Amazons,” Colton said thoughtfully. “If the Amazons were tiny women with a penchant for flower print, were far more terrifying, and always wanted to feed you.”
Mason let out a bark of laughter, and Ace shrugged.
“Seems legit.”
Quinn and Lucky nodded their agreement.
“Okay, everyone split up,” Ace said. “Mason, you and Lucky take the right wing of the villa. Colton, you and I will take the left. Quinn, you search the middle. Call if you find him. We’ll meet in the movie room in an hour, because let’s face it, you’re going to get pulled into a conversation by someone at some point.”
