Sleight of Hand by Charlie Cochet

Two

Sacha was worried.

Gio didn’t dare smile at the thought. Not when faced with the explosive whirlwind and contradictory force of nature that was Sacha Wilder. The man captivated him. From Sacha’s first growl, he’d been struck. Why? At first, he hadn’t been certain, but the more Gio interacted with Sacha, the more he wanted to know him, talk to him, be around him. Gio had never met anyone so… passionate, so expressive, so damned honest.

When Laz had told Gio about the Kings’ charity bachelor auction, Gio had asked his brother if Sacha would be one of the bachelors. At Laz’s confirmation that he would be, Gio spent an obscene amount of money to not only make sure he was there that night, but that he’d have the winning bid. No way was he losing out on an opportunity with Sacha Wilder. It was the first time they’d met face-to-face, and oh! What a face. Gio had been swept away.

The man’s online photos didn’t do him justice. Mainly because there wasn’t one photo where Sacha wasn’t growling, scowling, or glaring. The intensity in his eyes, his intimidating stance, and the set of his jaw screamed, “Danger! Approach with caution!” Yet Gio couldn’t seem to keep away.

That night at the auction, in a moment of shock when Sacha had stared up at Gio, every stunning feature had been on display. Bright, sharp blue-gray eyes, the most expressive eyebrows Gio had ever seen, a heart-shaped face, cupid-bow lips, stubble, and tousled honey-colored hair. His personality made him larger than life, but physically, he was petite and slender, with a body that appeared better suited to a dancer than a soldier. He was absolutely beautiful.

Sacha’s lips had parted ever so slightly, revealing a minor imperfection Gio found charming. His two top front teeth were ever so slightly longer than the rest. With Sacha’s defenses momentarily down, Gio had said hello, placed his fingers under Sacha’s chin, and kissed his flushed cheek. His sharp intake of breath, his blown pupils, and more importantly, the slip of vulnerability had sealed the deal for Gio. In that heartbeat, he’d made his decision.

Sacha Wilder needed to be his.

“Are you fucking listening to me?”

“Always,” Gio replied with a smile.

Sacha grunted. “Why are you so annoying?”

“Why are you so delightful?”

“You know what the worst part is? Most guys would say that and I’d know they were fucking with me, but you actually mean it.”

“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t.”

“Hence why you’re annoying.” Sacha snorted. “I’m a lot of things, pal, but believe me, delightful is not one of them.”

Gio chuckled. “If you say so. The answer to your question is none. I have no security detail.” He shrugged. “Why would I need security?”

Sacha’s eyebrows flew up, and he thrust both hands in the direction of Gio’s bandaged arm. So dramatic, his sweet man.

“I’m sure this was a one-time incident. There’s no need for a security detail. I’ve faced far more dangerous men than that.”

“I don’t want to know, and I don’t care. You’re getting a security detail. I’m assuming you have a whole itinerary of saintly do-goodery events scheduled?”

Gio smiled, captivated by Sacha’s wrinkled nose. He was too endearing. “I have several charity events scheduled over the next few months, yes.”

“Send me your schedule. I’m going to put a security team together, and you’re getting assigned executive protection.”

“That’s not necessary.” While traveling abroad, he’d had security with him at all times, naively believing they’d keep him safe. He’d been foolish, and it had cost him. He quickly pushed that thought away. It didn’t matter now. He was back in the United States with his friends and family. Round-the-clock security wasn’t needed.

“Gio!” Laz’s frantic cry broke through the crowd, and Sacha’s evil grin was not lost on Gio.

“Not necessary, huh? We’ll see about that.”

Gio sighed, knowing the argument was over before it began. With a warm smile for his little brother, he opened his arms, and Laz threw himself against Gio, who made the mistake of wincing when Laz accidentally brushed against his injured arm. Laz jerked away, his eyes huge and his gaze locked on Gio’s arm.

“Oh my God.”

“I’m okay,” Gio promised, bringing Laz back into his embrace and squeezing him with his uninjured arm. He hated worrying Laz. His little brother had been through enough. The familiar guilt of not having been there when his brother had needed him most tried to overwhelm him, but he remembered his therapist’s words. You can’t feel guilty for not being somewhere you didn’t know you needed to be. You couldn’t have known. Sometimes it helped, but even if he hadn’t known what Laz was going through at the time, he still felt that if he’d been around more, maybe Laz wouldn’t have landed in the hands of that predator.

Sacha’s voice intruded on his thoughts. “I’m putting a security team together for your brother.”

“Oh, that’s perfect! Thank you so much, Joker.”

“Laz, that’s not—” His little brother’s glare could have turned him to stone. Gio cleared his throat. “Right. I suppose a little security wouldn’t hurt.”

Sacha snorted and smacked Gio in the abdomen. “Not like you can’t afford it.”

“I’ll accept any security proposal from you, on one condition.”

Narrowed eyes met Gio’s. So much suspicion. Gio had noticed a trust issue with Sacha from early on, more so than with his brothers-in-arms. What had happened to cause such deep-rooted distrust?

“I’m not going to be a part of it,” Sacha replied, arms crossed over his chest. “So don’t even think about it.”

“Not you. Chip.”

Sacha looked endearingly puzzled. “What?”

“I will accept any security you decide, providing Chip is part of my security detail.”

“Is that so?” Sacha said, one thick eyebrow arched.

“Yep.” They both knew Chip only worked with Sacha.

“I see.” Joker widened his stance; his chest puffed up as he seemed to consider it. Laz turned to Sacha, big eyes pleading.

“Please, Joker. I’ve been trying to get him to hire security for eight months now. He’s already had the press show up at his office. How much longer before all the media outlets find out he’s back for good and where the new house is? It wouldn’t be the first time they’d show up wherever he was staying.”

“Jack installed a very robust security system in the new house,” Gio reminded his brother. If anyone so much as approached his property without the proper credentials, a security team would be alerted.

“And I suppose the house is going to secure you when you’re not in it?” Laz asked, looking unimpressed. He turned his attention back to Sacha. “Please.”

“Fine,” Sacha said through a grunt. “I’ll let you know when the proposal is done.”

“Wonderful,” Gio replied cheerfully. “And thank you for coming to check on me.”

“Yeah, um, okay.” Sacha turned to Laz. “He staying with you guys tonight?”

Gio frowned. “That’s not—” The warning look he received from Sacha had Gio holding back a smile.

“Yeah, it is.”

“Of course,” Laz said, scowling at his brother.

“Good. I’ll discuss it with King, and we’ll have someone assigned as your executive protection first thing in the morning.”

Executive protection? “I really don’t think—”

“Well, I think it is. Now, how about you go home with Laz and stay out of trouble.” With that, Sacha stormed off.

Laz continued to fuss over him, and Gio sighed. “Laz, I’m fine. It’s just a scratch.”

His brother’s glare told him he disagreed. Feeling a little dizzy, Gio didn’t have the energy to argue, so he simply nodded, even if the only thing he wanted to do right now was take a nice hot shower and get into his own bed, though it was probably best he not be alone. Twice in one day. He needed this kind of excitement not to become a habit.

Colton appeared and gently placed a hand on Gio’s shoulder. “Why don’t you come home with us,” Colton said, then moved his gaze to Laz. “We’ll look after him.”

“That’s a wonderful idea,” Gio replied, perking up. “Then I’ll already be there for the barbecue.”

Colton blinked at him. “You don’t want to reschedule it?”

“Are you kidding? No. I’ve been looking forward to it. Starting next week, I have a full schedule of events.” Now that his move back was official and his affairs were all in order at home and the office, it was time to get back to it.

“Are you sure?” Laz asked, uncertain.

“Positive.” Gio hugged his brother once more. “Give Red a hug from me and tell him not to worry.”

“You call me if you need anything, you understand?” Laz demanded, and Gio promised he would. When had his little brother become so forceful? It was good to see. At one point, Laz seemed to have lost all his self-confidence. Or more likely, it had been slowly stripped away by his bastard ex-boyfriend.

Once Gio hugged Laz and promised him for the hundredth time that he’d rest and call if he needed anything, Laz went off with the guys, and Gio climbed into the back seat of Ace’s car. The two lovebirds murmured from the front seats, holding hands. Gio was so happy for Colton. Never in a million years would he have predicted his best friend would end up married to a man like Ace, but after spending only a few minutes in their presence, Gio understood.

Colton laughed softly at something his husband said, and Gio smiled. Once upon a time, Colton had been so serious, devoting himself to nothing but work, afraid to risk his heart after the utter betrayal from his previous relationship. He’d been cold and detached. He laughed and smiled easily these days, his eyes filled with life and love, even when Ace drove him mad. All Ace had to do was pull Colton into his arms and murmur a few soft words and Colton dissolved; his anger evaporated much like the rain on a hot and humid Florida day.

An image of bright blue-gray eyes came to mind, and Gio found himself smiling again. Sacha put on a formidable front of dislike for Gio, but the truth was Sacha did care. Why he seemed so against showing it had Gio stumped. He recalled the night of the auction, replaying the memory for what had to be the thousandth time.

After the kiss to Sacha’s cheek, Sacha had stormed off backstage, and Gio had quickly followed him to a darkened corner away from the busyness of the stage area. Sacha whirled on Gio, hissing at him like a bristled wild cat with sharp fangs and sharper claws.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

The way his eyes shone, even in the dim lighting… Good God, he was beautiful. “You’re stunning.”

Sacha stared at him before seeming to shake himself out of it. “What the fuck, Gio? You’re supposed to be halfway around the world.”

“And miss taking you out on a date?” Gio shook his head. “Never. Besides…” He shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. “I’m home. For good.”

That seemed to shock Sacha more than Gio’s sudden presence. “You… You’re staying?”

Gio stepped closer to Sacha, and with a warm smile, tentatively reached out to move a lock of Sacha’s hair away from his brow. “Yes, I am. Consider this my homecoming.” A host of emotions crossed Sacha’s face, none of them decipherable.

“Holy fuck! You just paid a hundred thousand dollars for a date.”

“With you.”

Sacha didn’t appear impressed. Not that it had been Gio’s intention. Quite the opposite. Sacha’s reaction had him even more captivated, but then Gio shouldn’t be surprised. A man like Sacha had little interest in pompous gestures. He’d been aware of Gio’s wealth from the beginning and couldn’t have cared less. He seemed more suspicious of it than anything.

“The truth is, I spent a hundred thousand dollars on a very worthy cause.”

Sacha regarded him with narrowed eyes. So suspicious. “Why?”

“You and your family saved my little brother’s life. More than once, in fact. The more I’ve gotten to know Red, and through him your family, the more I want to help where I can. Tonight provided me with the perfect opportunity. A date with you is simply a lovely bonus.”

Sacha glared at him and thrust a finger at him. “Whatever your game is, I’m not playing; you got that?”

Gio moved closer, and Sacha quickly retreated a step, unaware he had nowhere to go until his back hit the wall behind him. His eyes widened.

“I never play games,” Gio whispered, cupping Sacha’s face. He ran a thumb over Sacha’s bottom lip, his pulse racing when those gorgeous eyes fluttered shut and Sacha leaned into Gio’s touch. His lips parted ever so softly, and Gio lowered his head to brush his lips along the side of Sacha’s mouth. Heat flared through him at the sound of Sacha’s sharp intake of breath. A barely-there moan escaped from between those sweet lips. “Let me give you what you need.”

Sacha shivered beneath his touch. Then his eyes popped open, and he glared at Gio. “I don’t need anything from anyone, especially you. Get the hell out of my way.”

Gio held up his hands in front of him and stepped aside. After that, Gio had canceled the date. Of course, he’d still donated the money, but he wasn’t going to force Sacha into doing something he didn’t want to do. To his absolute bewilderment, Sacha texted him several days later, informing him the date was back on. Gio had no idea what had prompted the change of heart, but he’d been thrilled. The heat and tension between them had almost killed him, but spending that time alone with Sacha had been worth every second.

“Home sweet home.”

Ace’s voice interrupted Gio’s thoughts, and he climbed out of the parked car. He followed the two into the house from the garage, thanking Ace for everything. Colton led Gio to one of the many guest rooms and went to find him some clothes he could change into, along with something to wrap his arm in so he could shower.

“Thanks, Colt.”

“You let me know if you need anything, okay? And don’t worry if your bandage needs changing. Ace can do that for you.” He smiled brightly. “Having a former Green Beret for a husband is pretty handy.” His eyes widened. “Just don’t ask him to fix anything.”

Gio frowned. “I would have thought he’d be good at fixing things.”

“Oh, he is. The problem is that when he goes to fix something, like oh, let’s say the bottom board on the steps of the walkway leading from the deck to the beach, upon further inspection, he discovers how uneven the rest of it is and ends up tearing the whole thing up.” Colton looked slightly traumatized. “Our house might get swept away by a hurricane, but the military-grade walkway will survive. Also, he fixed the Roomba, so unless you want to get sucked into another dimension, stay away from it.”

Laughter bubbled out of Gio so hard, he had tears in his eyes, and Colton was right there with him. They were so loud, Ace appeared, a bemused smile on his handsome face.

“You two are adorable. By the way,” Ace told Colton, “the showerhead broke in our bathroom, but don’t worry, I fixed it.”

Colton and Gio exchanged glances before they started laughing again. Gio could barely breathe.

“What?” Ace said. “What’s so funny?”

Colton wiped a tear from his eye and wrapped his arms around Ace’s waist. “Nothing, baby. Let’s go to bed. Goodnight, Gio.”

“Goodnight, you two.” Gio shook his head and closed the door behind his friends. It was so good to be home.

As much as Gio would have loved to take a long hot shower, it wasn’t a good idea after the night he’d had, so he made it quick, mindful of the bandage on his arm, and then changed into the pajamas Colton had brought him. He was a little lightheaded but okay. Knowing he wouldn’t be getting much sleep despite his exhaustion, he stepped outside onto the balcony that ran along the back of the house facing the beach.

The March weather was perfect. Still early enough in the year for a cool evening breeze, but late enough for the winter chill to have gone. He’d forgotten how peaceful it was to be on the beach.

When he’d returned home, he’d stayed with Colton and Ace while his broker found him the perfect house. Laz had been hurt at first that Gio hadn’t stayed with him, but Gio gently reminded his brother that moving back to the States meant his life was going to be chaotic before it settled, and the last thing he wanted was to interrupt Red’s routine.

As someone who lived with PTSD, Red needed to keep to his routines as much as possible. He also required quiet time, and the constant phone calls coming through Gio’s phone to the video conferences and meetings were anything but quiet. Red was a good man, and he’d done so much for Laz, Gio refused to do anything that would cause him any setbacks.

After just a few days of watching the sunset from his bedroom balcony, Gio informed his broker to find him something on the beach. He’d also insisted on being near his brother. His broker had come through for him, finding him a gorgeous five-bedroom house on the beach smack in the middle between Colton and Ace’s Ponte Vedra mansion and Laz and Red’s condo in St. Augustine Beach.

Gio closed his eyes as he listened to the lulling sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The night sky was cloudless, with twinkling stars scattered here and there. When sleep crept up on him, he dragged himself inside. He locked the balcony doors behind him, then dropped onto the comfortable recliner, his feet propped up. He drifted off soon after and managed to get about four hours of sleep.

By the time he’d dressed and wandered downstairs, Ace was in the kitchen serving Colton breakfast.

“Good morning,” Gio chirped. “Thank you again for letting me stay last night.”

Colton waved a hand in dismissal. “As if there was any question. Did you sleep well?”

“I did,” Gio lied. His best friend didn’t need to know he rarely slept, or when he did, the nightmares were so terrible they left him shaken and even more tired in the morning.

“How’s your arm?” Ace asked.

“Sore, but on the mend.” Gio slid into the chair at the counter next to Colton and thanked Ace for the plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast placed in front of him. He still marveled at his new family. At one point, it had just been him, Laz, and Colton. Now his days were filled with the boisterous sound of laughter and hijinks, thanks to the rowdy and lovable mischief-makers who’d embraced Gio upon his return without hesitation. It’s what Gio hadn’t even realized he’d been missing for so long.

After breakfast, Ace kissed Colton. “Okay, I’m heading out to get the new showerhead and the, uh, the stuff to replace the tile. Let me know if you need anything while I’m out.”

Gio opened his mouth to ask, but Colton gave a slight shake of his head, his smile barely suppressed.

“I will,” Colton replied. He waited until Ace had left before turning to Gio. “Fancy a morning run?”

“Sure. What happened to the showerhead? I thought he fixed it last night?”

“He did,” Colton said, standing. “He also fixed the water pressure. The showerhead is now embedded in the tile. Thankfully, he hasn’t lost his killer reflexes, or the showerhead would have knocked him out when it shot off the wall.”

If Gio hadn’t known Ace, he would have thought Colton was exaggerating. The two of them laughed on their way upstairs to change for their run. One thing was for sure—his best friend would never be bored.

Once changed, they headed down to the beach and the wet sand by the shore. The day was beautiful, and although still hot even at this time of the morning, a nice cool breeze was coming off the ocean. They jogged up the beach, greeting fellow joggers and several dogs. Gio stopped to pet each dog, because how could he not? He loved dogs, had always wanted one, but his busy schedule didn’t leave room for a furry friend. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them, especially with all the traveling.

“And here I thought you’d slowed down,” Colton teased.

How he’d missed Colton. “Are you saying I’m getting old?” He wiped the sweat from his brow and slowed to a walk.

“Never. Especially since we’re the same age.”

“Ah, of course.” Gio smiled warmly at him. “Though I have to admit, some days I can certainly feel myself aging.”

Colton’s smile turned sympathetic. “When was the last time you took some time off? And I mean real time off. You haven’t stopped since you got back, and I can only imagine what kind of schedule you kept while you were abroad.”

“What are you talking about? I’ve traveled the world for years, met all kinds of amazing people. I’m incredibly lucky.”

“And you’ve made such a difference in people’s lives. You’re an inspiration, Gio. I mean, look at Nia. You helped her make her dream come true.”

Gio waved a hand. “I’m just a guy with a shit ton of money.”

Colton didn’t appear impressed, but then no one knew Gio like Colton. “Right. Tell me, which other billionaires were out there with you, living in unholy conditions, almost dying while transforming people’s lives?”

“Thank you, by the way, for not telling my brother about my brush with death.” Gio hated lying to his brother, but Laz had spent so much time worrying about Gio while he was away, the last thing he needed was to know Gio had been in some makeshift hospital somewhere fighting for his life. What good would it have done?

Gio never discussed the dangers he faced while abroad with Laz. His brother wouldn’t have understood why Gio had to be the one to go out there, spend time with the people he was trying to help, live in the conditions they did, get to know the challenges they faced. Some problems couldn’t be solved by throwing money at them. What he did was more than charity. He helped people set up and maintain a new, better life, one they’d been too afraid to dream of. After that, he made sure they had the support they needed every step of the way to continue operating in their new life, checking in with them and offering support.

“I only did it because you promised me you’d tell him eventually.” Colton stared off at the ocean. “I felt like such a bastard, telling him you had no phone signal when we had no idea where the hell you were. If I had known you were in some godforsaken hospital hanging on by a thread, I would have gone out there and dragged you home myself.”

Gio smiled and patted Colton’s arm. His best friend didn’t even know the half of it. “I know you would have.” Colton would have at least tried. Lord knew, there would have been nowhere for any kind of plane or helicopter to land. Hell, the tent they’d set up as a hospital for the tiny village would have been nearly impossible for anyone to find. Would Sacha have found him? Gio was pretty sure Sacha could do whatever he put his mind to.

“You’re thinking of him again.”

Gio lifted an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Yep. You get this look of deep concentration on your face whenever you think about him.”

“You know me too well.” Gio wiped his brow again. The humidity was intense, and it was still early in the morning.

“Yep. Which is why, as your best friend who knows you so very well, I’m going to say this with nothing but love. Please be careful. Joker isn’t like anyone you’ve ever dealt with.”

“Oh, I know.” The mention of him had Gio’s entire body buzzing.

“I’m not saying he’s not a good guy, because he is. If you’re in trouble, in danger, hell, if someone so much as looks at you funny, he’ll probably launch a counterstrike.”

The thought warmed Gio all over. “You think so?”

“You’re family, so yes. You’ve seen the way Ace and the guys are. Family is everything, whether through blood or bond. Joker might act like a jerk at times, but he’ll never let you down.”

“An admirable quality in a partner, don’t you think?”

“Yes.” Colton’s brows furrowed, his expression one of confusion. “He’s… so unlike anyone you’ve ever dated, Gio.”

“And you and Ace are alike?”

“We both know that’s not what I’m saying. Joker is… intense. He’s got a lot of baggage, and he doesn’t open up the way the rest of the guys do.”

“Who doesn’t have a lot of baggage?” Gio had plenty, that was for damned sure. Between his father, his brother, what happened before he ended up almost dying, and the ramifications of it? He had his own airport terminal’s worth of baggage.

“He’s also the most volatile. The guy has one hell of a temper.”

“He’s… expressive.”

Colton laughed. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

“Do you think he’s dangerous?”

“Do I think he’s dangerous to you physically? No. Of that, I’m certain. Do I think he’s a danger to your heart? Absolutely. Gio, he doesn’t date. And believe me, we’ve tried.”

Gio narrowed his eyes behind his sunglasses. “Are you still setting him up with people?”

“Um, no. Joker’s been too busy with work lately. Or so he says.”

“That so?” Interesting. Gio’s heart did a little flip. “I’ve been around him long enough to know that everything you’re saying is true, and I appreciate your concern, but there’s something about him that calls to me. I think he needs me.”

Colton’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that so?”

Gio nodded. “He simply doesn’t know it yet.”

“And you need him?”

“I think I might,” Gio replied softly, his gaze off toward the house as they approached.

“What aren’t you telling me?”

“I’ll let you know once I’ve figured it out myself. In the meantime, please, trust me.”

“Always have. Please be careful. I don’t want to see you get your heart broken.”

“Don’t worry. I’m rather experienced when it comes to broken hearts.”

“Gio…”

“It’s okay. Thank you.” Dating when he’d had nothing had been a challenge. Between working several jobs, taking care of his little brother, and going to school, Gio had barely had time to sleep, much less date.

Dating once his investments paid off and made him rich had been a more significant challenge. Suddenly people who’d never given him a second look were calling him, messaging him, flirting with him. On the few occasions he’d taken a chance, he’d ended up with a broken heart. One guy had even tried suing him, stating Gio breaking up with him had caused him such deep anguish he couldn’t work—but not enough anguish to keep him from going clubbing and fucking some stranger in the back room. Suffice to say, the guy hadn’t gotten a penny.

They returned to the house in companionable silence and spent the morning and afternoon hanging out. Gio managed to doze for a couple of hours while Colton watched a movie and Ace fixed the showerhead, water pressure, and tile. Soon the house was filled with rowdy conversation and laughter as the guys started to show up. Colton and Ace’s house was a home away from home for everyone, and it showed.

Outside on the pool deck, Mason stood at the barbecue with Red, chatting and drinking his beer, while Laz sat with Ace, Lucky, and Colton, laughing so hard he was in tears. Gio made his way down the private walkway that led to the beach and stopped at the end, where King sat on the steps, smiling contently as he watched Leo running and laughing with Fitz and his black poodle, Duchess. A Frisbee whizzed by, chased by Chip, who leaped and caught it before darting back to Sacha and Jack.

Gio was mesmerized by Chip’s skills. The speed at which he took off after the Frisbee, the way he tracked it as it soared through the air, knowing precisely when to leap and chomp down to catch it, landing gracefully on his paws. He then trotted proudly over to Sacha and dropped it at his feet, tail wagging. The second Sacha picked up the red disc, Chip took off in anticipation.

“How’s the arm?” King asked in his deep rumbling voice, his gaze still on his boyfriend. He moved over, and Gio took the hint, sitting beside him.

“Sore, but healing.” The sharp pain had lessened to an annoying throb, but in a couple of days he wouldn’t even need a bandage.

“Glad to be back?”

“I should have returned sooner,” Gio admitted. “I owe you and your brothers a debt.”

King shook his head. “You owe us nothing. Laz is family, as are you. We take care of family.”

“Thank you.” Gio’s words were quiet. No matter what King said, Gio would forever be grateful to King for what he’d done. The man had flown across an ocean and hunted down the bastard who’d hurt Laz. He’d brought the monster back to the United States and handed him over to the FBI, where the guy faced a lifetime in prison for the dozens of young men like Laz that he’d preyed on.

Despite King’s words, should he or his brothers need anything, Gio would make it happen. He might not have the skills the Kings had to pull off a manhunt across the globe, but being rich had its perks, and if he couldn’t use his wealth to help those he cared about, what good was it?

“I approved Joker’s security proposal. Frankly, you should have had a security detail the moment you landed back on US soil.”

Gio could feel King’s gaze on him, which was impressive, considering the man wore sunglasses.

“Google is a thing,” King grumbled. “All it takes is for the wrong people to look you up and realize you don’t have security. What were you thinking?”

“That I’d settle in and have somewhat of a normal life before I was back to having suits standing outside the bathroom door while I took a piss.”

“I hate to break it to you, buddy, but you gave up normal a long time ago. Hard to remain anonymous after all the press you’ve had.”

Gio sighed. King wasn’t wrong. He’d appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine more than once and even been featured in People magazine, as well as several other high-profile editorials. He’d lost count of how many interviews he’d done over the years, how many charity events he’d attended or photos he’d posed for.

“Now that I’m home, I’m thinking of pulling back a bit. Enjoy time with my family.” Chip barked, getting his attention. He smiled at Sacha playing tag with his best boy.

“You strike me as the kind of guy who doesn’t shy away from a challenge,” King said, surprising Gio.

“You’d be right.”

King seemed to think about something, then nodded. “Good. He’s worth it.”

“I know,” Gio replied quietly, his stomach doing somersaults. There was something special between him and Sacha. He just needed to figure out why Sacha was so afraid to let Gio in, give them a chance.

They sat in companionable silence, watching the guys play with their furry friends until Mason called out that dinner was ready. Standing, King laughed softly when Leo ran to him and jumped on him. He wrapped himself around King’s back, arms around his neck as King carried him down the walkway, asking him if he’d had fun.

The two were incredibly sweet. Individually, no one would believe they worked as a couple. Still, the adoration on Leo’s face when he gazed at King and the very gentle and obvious way King cherished Leo removed even the tiniest shred of doubt that they were meant for each other.

“Hey, Gio,” Jack greeted cheerfully as he walked by, his hand in Fitz’s. They laughed as Duchess pranced past them, her fluffy tail wagging happily.

A familiar bark had Gio turning around, and he dropped to one knee, arms wide for Chip, who bounded over excitedly, tail going at full speed, tongue lolling out as he howled and barked, telling Gio of his adventures.

“Is that so? Oh my goodness! Well, you’ve certainly had a busy day.”

Sacha snorted, and Gio stood.

“Hungry?” Gio asked.

“Starving. If he had it his way, we’d be playing day and night,” Sacha replied, playfully smacking Chip’s doggy butt. Chip spun in a circle with a series of happy barks before darting off, making them laugh.

“He must have been quite a handful when he was a puppy.”

“Training is brutal when the dog you’re training is as smart as you are, not to mention just as stubborn, but with any shepherd breed, it’s essential. They’re going to push you, try to take charge. Chip had to learn I was the boss, not him. He accepted it, but he reserves the right to bitch about it, and he does. Often.”

Gio laughed. “He’s very vocal, isn’t he?”

“Oh yeah. He’s also a master of the side-eye. No one gives attitude like my boy.”

They reached the pool area and joined the guys as they served themselves from the buffet. He’d never seen so much food, but then at the rate Ace and his brothers-in-arms put away food, Gio understood the need for quantity, and thanks to Ace, Lucky, and especially Red’s culinary skills, they were also gifted by quality. The guys liked their good food.

“Here.”

Gio lifted his gaze, surprised to find Sacha standing beside his lounge chair, holding out a cold bottle of water.

“What did I say about staying hydrated?”

With a smile, Gio took the bottle from him. “Thank you.”

“Not what I said.”

Gio held up an empty bottle and waved it at him. “I’ve been a good boy.”

Sacha’s pupils blew, and his nostrils flared, but he didn’t reply. Trying a different tactic, Gio held back a smile when Sacha sat in the lounge chair next to Gio’s. Chip hurried over and sniffed the air near Sacha’s plate.

“Hey. Manners.”

Chip whined and sat, his tail wagging and his gaze locked on the steak on Sacha’s plate.

“How do you resist that face?” Gio asked.

“Very skillfully.”

“How do the rest of the guys resist that face?”

“They all know not to feed him, but Ace is the biggest sucker.” Sacha shook his head. “He thinks he’s all sneaky when he slips Chip a piece of steak or b-a-c-o-n.”

“I’m guessing there’s an excellent reason you spell that word.”

“My boy will shank you for some b-a-c-o-n, so yes.”

As if knowing Sacha was talking about him, Chip whined and lifted onto his haunches, his front paws up.

“Don’t beg,” Sacha said, shaking his head in mock shame, his eyes filled with amusement. “That’s beneath you. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

Chip barked, making Gio laugh. He was adorable. Sacha reached into his pocket and pulled out a plastic baggie and removed a treat that he tossed to Chip, who caught it in midair.

“Now settle.”

Chip did as he was told, lying down on the cool floor between their lounge chairs. The two of them ate, making small talk about how good the food was, the weather, how spoiled Duchess was, as evidenced by the way Fitz cooed at her and had her in his lap on the lounge chair like she didn’t weigh over fifty pounds.

After a few heartbeats of silence, it was obvious Sacha wanted to say something. He’d open his mouth, then close it. Gio was going to ask, but Sacha finally spoke.

“So, did you and Nia have a good time last night?”

Gio managed to keep his expression neutral despite the urge to beam at Sacha. “We did. It was nice to catch up.”

“I bet,” Sacha grumbled.

“She’s a beautiful woman.”

Sacha grunted.

“And so talented.”

Another grunt, then silence. Sacha shifted in his seat. “So, uh, what’s the deal with you and her? She seems comfortable around you.”

“That’s because she is. We’re good friends. Stay in touch.”

Sacha nodded, his gaze off in the distance.

“But then I stay in touch with all the people I’ve helped.”

“You do?” Sacha whipped his head around to stare at Gio. “Why?”

“Despite what many people believe, I don’t simply show up somewhere and make it rain money. My charity invests in people who are unable to find help from the usual places. We spend time with them, work out business proposals, plans, schedules, and walk with them through every step of their new journey. We teach them to start and run their own business. Some of them are artists, some inventors, entrepreneurs, athletes, you name it.”

“How’d you meet Nia?”

“Every few years, I travel to Crete, where my mother was born. When I was little, she’d tell me about her home, how beautiful it was, her big family, and how much love surrounded her. It’s my way of remembering her. Anyway, I was at a cafe when I overheard a loud conversation regarding Greek singers, who were the best, that sort of thing, and one of the men said the best Greek singer he’d ever heard wasn’t famous. She was a young woman who lived in an impoverished, tiny village he’d visited the previous month. He talked about how tragic it was that the world would never hear her voice.”

“So you rode in like a white knight and rescued her?”

Gio laughed softly. “No. I gave her the tools so she could rescue herself. Nia was in a difficult position. Her family was very poor, her father ill and unable to get out of bed, much less work. She worked tirelessly to earn enough money for his medication and to put food on the table, and some days she went without so her father wouldn’t starve. When we met, she was understandably very wary of me.”

“Of you?” Sacha cocked his head to one side as if he were studying Gio from behind his sunglasses. “Yeah, I can see how you might come across as shifty.” His tone was light and teasing.

“Yes, well, I was used to it. Believe it or not, people distrust strange men showing up out of nowhere, offering money and help without wanting something in return. It took me a month to convince her I was telling her the truth, and that was only after I was finally able to bring in a full medical team to tend to her father. When she finally spoke to me, I’d just received the news that his transfer had been accepted. He was being moved to the best hospital in Athens. We spent days talking about her dreams, what she would do if money weren’t an issue. If her father was receiving the best care.”

“Wait, had you heard her sing yet?”

“Not yet.”

“What if she’d been a horrible singer?”

Gio shrugged. “We would have remained committed to helping her father. Depending on her skills, we might have hired her a voice coach. Lucky for me, she was even better than we imagined. I set up meetings with an agent and several people from the music industry who were thrilled and eager to work with Nia.”

“And now she’s a very wealthy, award-winning pop star. No wonder she looks at you like you hang the stars.”

“Like I said, I simply provided the opportunity and the means. I don’t have the power to make anyone a success. Like so many of the others my charity has helped, Nia’s forged her own path and worked hard for what she’s achieved.”

Sacha nodded but didn’t respond. He stared off into the distance, and Gio would have given anything to know what he was thinking. Instead, he enjoyed Sacha’s company, loving the way they could sit together observing their friends and family without needing to fill the silence. It was such a change from a few months ago when Sacha didn’t even want to be in the same room as Gio. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so… relaxed.

Jack and Fitz decided to stay in one of the guest rooms since both had been drinking, and wherever Jack stayed, Sacha was never far, so he and Chip took another guest room, the one next to Gio’s.

After two hours of lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, it became painfully clear he wasn’t about to fall asleep. With a sigh, Gio got up and left his room. He went into the living room and lay on the long couch near the glass wall. It was unlikely he’d fall asleep, but at least he could still hear the waves crashing against the shore.

Shadows moved around the room, and Gio startled awake, nothing but pitch-black surrounding him. He could have sworn he’d heard something. Probably just the wind or an animal outside. He’d been about to lie down again when a hand clamped over his mouth and several hands grabbed him. Hisheart thundered in his ears, and his breath caught.

“Gio!”

A familiar voice pierced the haze.

“Gio, wake up. It’s me. It’s Sacha.”

Gio’s eyes flew open, and he sprang forward, grabbing the man’s shoulders. Blinking through the wetness and fog, he stared into wide blue-gray eyes.

“Sacha?” The word left his lips on a whisper.

“Yeah, it’s okay. You’re okay.” Sacha cupped his face, his brows drawn together in concern. “What the hell aren’t you telling us?”

Gio swallowed hard. He shook his head. “It was just a bad dream.”

The expression that crossed Sacha’s face told Gio precisely what he thought about that bullshit. With a sniff, Gio pulled back and ran a hand through his hair.

“I’m all right.”

“That’s not what I asked you.”

As much as he wished he could confide in Sacha, he was far too exhausted even to contemplate the conversation that would entail. “Please.”

Sacha nodded, but he wasn’t happy about it. “How often do you have these dreams?”

“More often than I’d like,” Gio admitted.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it, and you don’t have to talk about it with me, but you need to talk to someone.”

“I know.” Gio had hoped the nightmares would end with time, but after almost a year of them, nothing had changed.

“When was the last time you had a full night’s sleep?”

Gio couldn’t remember, so he didn’t reply.

“Well, that’s just great,” Sacha grumbled. “There a reason you’re sleeping on the couch instead of the queen-size memory foam bed?”

“It’s… easier to fall asleep. What about you?”

Sacha motioned over his shoulder to Chip, who sat watching them. “Potty break.” He went thoughtful. “Okay.” Sacha straightened, then walked off.

Gio sat confused. Had he said something wrong? Sacha was unpredictable at the best of times, but he never simply walked off without a few more words, at least. Before Gio hurt himself wondering what he’d done, Sacha returned with a couple of pillows and blankets. He tossed a set to Gio, then dropped his pillow onto the couch across from him.

“What are you doing?”

“What’s it look like?” Sacha lay down and covered himself with the blanket. “Go to sleep, Gio. Chip, time for night-night.”

Chip padded over to Gio’s side, licked his hand, then curled up on the floor next to Gio’s couch.

“There you go. If a frog so much as farts, Chip will hear it, so go to sleep.” Sacha rolled over and pulled his blanket over his shoulder, his back to Gio.

Gio’s smile couldn’t get any wider or his heart any fuller as he lay down. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Knowing he was safe, Gio drifted off to sleep. For the first time in many months, he dreamed of being wrapped in the warm embrace of an untamable whirlwind with blue-gray eyes.