"We've got the room to ourselves for the next hour," Sloane said, his low growl sending a shiver through Dex. "No one's going to interrupt."

  Dex wrapped his fingers around Sloane's wrist and moved his hand down to the bulge in his pants. "Ride me, cowboy."

  Sloane grabbed a fistful of Dex's shirt, then pulled him off the stage, spun him, and pushed him. The back of Dex's legs hit the banquette and he dropped down onto it, his heart pounding fiercely. He sat, mesmerized as Sloane slipped two fingers into his pockets and returned with what Dex assumed was a packet of lube. He tossed it at Dex, who caught it, his eyes never leaving Sloane as his hotter-than-hell fiance unbuckled his belt, then shoved everything down. Sloane removed his boots, then stepped out of what few clothes he had on. He straddled Dex's lap, and with a sultry smile, he took the cowboy hat off Dex and secured it back on his head.

  Their eyes met, and Dex felt a swirling, thundering storm of desire and possession. Sloane sucked in a sharp breath, and Dex knew his eyes had changed. It was hard to control his new feral instincts where Sloane was concerned.

  "Get ready for the ride of your life, cowboy." Dex brought their mouths together in a searing, bruising kiss, teeth gnashing, tongues tangling. Sloane scrambled to unfasten Dex's pants. He unzipped Dex, and Dex lifted his hips so Sloane could tug his pants down. His cock sprang free, leaking and ready. Sloane didn't bother with the buttons on Dex's shirt, yanking the sides open, buttons popping all over. He pushed it off Dex's shoulders and waited only long enough for Dex to pull his arms out before he was tugging Dex's T-shirt up and over his head, then dropping it to one side. He tweaked one of Dex's nipples, and Dex jerked beneath him.

  Tonight was definitely surpassing all his expectations. Dex put his fingers to Sloane's lips, and Sloane sucked them into his mouth as he writhed on Dex, his breath as labored as Dex's. Tearing through the packet of lube with his teeth, Dex prepped Sloane as fast as he could with one hand while his free hand palmed Sloane's leaking cock.

  "Do it," Sloane growled and leaned forward.

  Dex shivered. He slicked himself up, and before he could exhale, Sloane was sinking down onto him.

  "Oh fuck. Sloane," Dex half moaned, half groaned.

  It was a slow start as Sloane moved torturously up and then down, rolling his hips when he was fully seated on Dex, only to do it over again, driving Dex crazy. Sloane was breathtaking. Everything about him, from his sculpted tanned body, the corded muscles of his arms, the mouthwatering abs, even the scar from one of the most terrifying moments of Dex's life, where he'd almost lost Sloane to an explosion.

  Dex ran his hands up Sloane's torso reverently. No one could compare to Sloane, and no one would ever have all of Dex's love and affection the way Sloane did.

  "You're thinking too much," Sloane murmured, bringing Dex's hand over his rock-hard cock. As promised, Sloane rode Dex like he was riding a bucking bronco. Dex was in serious danger of coming way too soon. He ran his hand up Sloane's chest, his fingernails scraping over Sloane's taut nipple. Sloane bucked, and Dex leaned in to flick his tongue over one pebbled nub. He licked, laved, and sucked before nipping at Sloane's skin, his other hand stroking Sloane's cock. Dex ran his tongue up the side of Sloane's neck, tasting his salty sweat-slicked skin, making Sloane groan.

  "Fuck me, Dex." Sloane grabbed another fistful of Dex's hair and jerked his head back. He kissed Dex within an inch of his life, stealing his breath and setting his blood on fire. Dex dug his fingers into Sloane's hips as he drove himself into Sloane time and time again, the sound of skin slapping skin mixing with their labored breaths, moans, and whimpers.

  "Baby, I can't wait to marry you," Sloane said against Dex's lips, breathless.

  Dex grinned and thrust up hard, making Sloane gasp, then curse under his breath. "After I come inside you, I want you to fuck my mouth." Sloane made a sound between a groan and a whimper that sent a tingle through Dex.

  "Dex," Sloane gasped, closing his hand over a fistful of Dex's hair and gripping tight. Dex lost his rhythm, pounding into Sloane as he held on, his muscles tightening as his release exploded through him, his mouth covered by Sloane's to stifle his cry. When Sloane's ass had milked every last drop from Dex, Sloane slumped against Dex, who wrapped his arms around Sloane as they both worked on steadying their breathing. Dex absently rubbed circles on Sloane's back as he softened and pulled out. He left little kisses on Sloane's shoulders, smiling at the contented sigh Sloane released.

  "Thank you," Dex said softly, wrapping his arms just that tiny bit tighter around Sloane.

  Sloane stood, a sinful smile crawling across his face as he traced his thumb over Dex's bottom lip. "Night's not over yet, sweetheart. Open wide."

  Dex did so with pleasure, humming around Sloane's thick length. He slipped his hands around Sloane's thighs, his eyes on Sloane's as he moved slowly, one hand in Dex's hair and his bottom lip between his teeth as he watched himself slide in and out of Dex's mouth.

  "Fuck, you're beautiful." Sloane stroked Dex's cheek, and Dex pulled back so his lips were around the head of Sloane's cock. Sloane stilled, moaning as Dex pressed his tongue into Sloane's slit. He flicked his tongue before tightening his lips around Sloane and taking him down to the root. Sloane cursed under his breath and started fucking Dex's mouth in earnest, the sounds coming from him making Dex hard all over again. He palmed his erection as Sloane's thrusts became quick, his hands holding Dex's head in place. Dex felt Sloane stiffen just before he doubled over, coming in Dex's mouth.

  Sloane shivered, his arms wrapped around Dex's head as he emptied himself inside Dex's mouth, and it was all Dex needed to reach his own release. He eased Sloane back down onto his lap, enjoying his mate's languid kisses and soft caresses. The tension Dex had been feeling was gone, his heart happy. They made the most of the time they had in the private room, with Sloane announcing it was only fair that Dex get to ride his cowboy, and boy did he ever. Dex loved being inside Sloane, but there was nothing like the feel of Sloane's thick, hard cock stretching him, or the way Sloane held him in his arms. It was like nothing could touch him because Sloane had him.

  They'd switched positions, Sloane sitting back against the tufted banquette while Dex straddled him, kissing him everywhere. Their movements slowed, and Dex brushed his lips over Sloane's closed eyelids. He kissed Sloane tenderly, his arms around Sloane's neck, fingers caressing the back of Sloane's head. Dex pulled back to look into those amazing glowing amber eyes, his movements slow and steady.

  "It's kind of scary how much I love you," Dex said quietly.

  "I was just thinking the same thing," Sloane admitted.

  "Yeah?"

  Sloane nodded, his fingers tracing Dex's spine as they moved together. "You've become everything. I can't think of a better way to spend the rest of my life than at your side."

  Dex kissed him, pouring all his love and need into his kiss. They laced their fingers together as Dex rode toward his climax, his body shivering as he felt Sloane's release seconds before his own. They held each other for what seemed the longest time until there was a knock on the door.

  "Give us a minute," Dex called out gruffly. He kissed Sloane's brow, then got up. They got dressed, Dex's shirt hanging open due to his missing buttons, and Sloane shirtless, wearing just the snug dark jeans and the leather chaps. Dex wasn't about to leave those behind. He grabbed the cowboy hat and stuck it on his head, grinning up at Sloane.

  "I definitely approve of the sexy bad-boy cowboy."

  "I thought you would," Sloane said with a chuckle. They walked out to find their friends outside. Everyone cheered and whooped, whistling at Sloane and catcalling. Ash stuck a twenty in the waistband of Sloane's jeans.

  "There you go, buddy. Put that toward your college fund."

  Sloane laughed and shoved Ash away from him. "You're such a dick." He nodded to Hudson--who handed Sloane his clothes and long gray overcoat--then winked. "Thanks for the idea."

  Dex stared at Hudson. "This was your idea?"

>   Hudson's cheeks flushed. He nodded. "Cael helped me arrange it."

  Dex threw one arm around Hudson's shoulders, the other around Cael's, drawing them in close for a hug. "You guys are the best." He got a little teary-eyed as he looked at his friends. He couldn't have been more blessed. "Thanks, everyone."

  Sloane said his goodbyes, then turned to Dex and wrapped him up in his arms. "Enjoy the rest of your night, sweetheart."

  "This has already been the best night ever," Dex said, kissing Sloane. "I love you."

  "I love you too."

  As Dex watched Sloane go, his smile couldn't get any bigger. Once Sloane was gone, Dex headed back toward the dance floor. No way he was ever going to forget this night.

  Chapter 4

  SLOANE COULDN'T believe he was doing this. As nervous as he'd been before his striptease in the club, he was far more nervous now. After changing at the club, Sloane had come straight to Tony's. He'd made sure to leave his stripper clothes in the trunk of his car, in case they decided to go out for food or something. Last thing he needed was to have to explain leather chaps and a cowboy hat to his sergeant.

  The front door opened, and Sloane smiled. "Hi."

  Wow. Not. Awkward. At. All.

  Tony nodded. "You gonna come in, or you planning on hovering in my doorway all night?"

  "Right. Sorry." This was going to be an interesting evening.

  Tony stepped to one side, and Sloane walked in. He waited for Tony to close the door, then followed him into the living room. This was hardly his first time in Tony's house. He'd been over plenty of times for holiday dinners, birthdays, and weekend family dinners along with Ash, Cael, and Dex. Sloane always had a great time. However, each of those times, he'd been with Dex, except for the day Sloane came to tell Tony that he planned to marry his son.

  "I guess Dex arranged this little playdate so we could bond or whatever." Tony took a seat on the armchair, and Sloane on the large couch.

  Crap. Should he have brought something? Dex rarely did. Then again, this was Dex's second home. It's where he grew up. Sloane could almost see a young Dex running around, high on sugar, wreaking havoc with his little brother. He couldn't help his smile. "Yeah."

  "It's weird," Tony muttered.

  Sloane cleared his throat. "Yep."

  "You and Ash have been like family for years now. Long before you got together with my boys. I don't see why we need a bonding session."

  Sloane tried his best not to chuckle at Tony's griping. Dex was always teasing his dad about turning into a grumpy old man. How soon he'd be shouting at kids to turn down their boom boxes, and chasing squirrels out of his garden. Tony would just shake his head and mutter something about how he knew he shouldn't have given Dex all that radioactive cereal when he was a kid.

  "Agreed," Sloane said. "I guess he just wants us to spend some time together outside of work."

  "Makes sense, I suppose. Want something to drink?"

  "Um, I'll take a beer. Thanks."

  Tony got up and headed toward the kitchen. "You eat yet?"

  "No. I was going to order something earlier, but I got caught up in the horde gathered outside the house waiting for the limo, and then time got away from me." What with stripping for your son and all that. He'd keep that part to himself.

  "How's Sergio's Subs sound?"

  Sergio's had the kind of subs dreams were made of. "Sounds perfect. I'll have that Therian-size chicken parm Dex always makes inappropriate comments about." Sloane wasn't one to indulge in foods drowning in sauce and smothered in cheese, but he figured he deserved some comfort food tonight. The evening was just getting started.

  Tony shook his head and handed Sloane a cold beer. "I swear, that boy and his food. Gets it from his daddy. That and the inappropriate comments. Dex might be pretty like his momma, but he got all his daddy's weirdness." Tony laughed and shook his head as he went off to place their order.

  Sloane smiled, and his heart squeezed for Tony. He couldn't fathom trying to raise a brokenhearted little boy who'd just lost his parents, while mourning his own loss. Tony was one of the bravest men Sloane knew. He'd always looked up to him, respected him, and strived to never let him down. Sloane was still trying to wrap his head around Tony being his father-in-law, not to mention Tony's secret relationship with Sparks. Tony was a very smart, sharp man. He'd been in the THIRDS for years. Sparks might be an exceptional undercover operative, but how could he not be suspicious? Something wasn't adding up for Sloane. He'd tried bringing it up to Dex, but Dex was too close to the situation. He was having trouble seeing past Sparks and what she might have up her sleeve. Telling Tony about Sparks was a dilemma he and Dex didn't completely agree on, and one of these days, something would have to give, and that was before Cael was thrown into the mix. Sloane had a feeling Cael was going to lose his ever-loving mind.

  "I can't believe Cael put himself in charge of the crazy train tonight."

  "Yeah, well. Cael's a smart guy. He's in charge of putting it all together, but he's put Ash in charge of making sure it gets done. Everyone was present and accounted for before the limo arrived, even Austen. The limo left on the dot. I have no doubt that was down to Ash."

  Tony chuckled. "They make one hell of a team, those two."

  "That they do." Sloane took another sip and braced himself. Tony was smirking.

  "How's the wedding planning going?"

  Sloane groaned. "Lou showed us this giant book of color swatches, and asked us which shade we liked. I looked down at the page and said they all looked the same to me. I mean, they were all blue. The look Lou gave me...." Sloane shivered at the memory. "I swear my life flashed before my eyes. I thought he was going to shank me with that giant bedazzled pen he keeps on his desk."

  Tony's eyes went wide before he let out a bark of laughter. At least someone was amused by Sloane's traumatic experience.

  "You told that boy those color swatches looked the same? Son, that's like telling Hobbs all explosives are the same, or telling Cal his momma's pecan pie tastes like every other pecan pie. How are you still alive?"

  Sloane shrugged. "Probably because Dex was there. I mean, how the hell am I supposed to tell the difference between turquoise, teal, aqua, and the million variations in between? Did you know that there are certain color schemes for certain months?"

  "I did not know that," Tony replied, sounding amused.

  "It was terrifying. I don't think I've ever been more scared in my life than I was sitting in Lou's office trying to pick a color. The man is frightening. I swear, if you ever need to break someone, just send Lou in with his swatches and I guarantee you they'll confess everything within seconds."

  Tony chuckled. "Lou's as fierce as any of Unit Alpha's agents when it comes to his job. He deals with hostiles every day, devises strategical tactics for all his missions, and carries through with flawless execution. God help the poor bastard who throws a wrench in the works. He had Dex hunt down a florist who delivered the wrong flowers to one of his weddings. Last I heard, the guy moved to Alaska."

  They both laughed. "Yeah, I have no intention of crossing Lou."

  "Did you pick out a color scheme?"

  "Dex is going with tangerine and turquoise."

  "Orange? Why am I not surprised," Tony said, shaking his head.

  "To be honest, Dex has taken over most of the wedding planning. He knows how to handle Lou, and Lou knows how to say no to Dex, which apparently is something I still have trouble with."

  "Because you're a pushover when it comes to my son."

  "Yeah, I guess I am."

  "That's not always a good thing."

  The doorbell rang, and Tony went to answer. Sloane supposed it was only a matter of time before the conversation turned more serious. Tony hadn't mentioned TIN since Dex had told him, and Sloane was certain that was hardly the end of the matter. Unlike most of them, Tony had good timing. He more often than not knew exactly when and how to bring something up.

  Tony motioned over to the kitc
hen island counter, and Sloane followed him, then pulled out a stool for Tony and one for himself. He took a seat, thanking Tony for the fresh beer and the food.

  "I can hold my ground if I need to," Sloane said as he unwrapped his giant sandwich. It smelled amazing.

  "Yeah?"

  Sloane frowned. "Yeah. If it's important. If it means keeping him safe."

  "I'm glad to hear that." Tony took a big bite out of his meatball sub.

  Sloane took a chunk out of his own sub. A moan escaped him before he could stop it, making Tony chuckle. "Good?"

  Sloane's eyes drifted shut as he chewed. "Dex was right," he said around a mouthful of food. This sub was orgasmic. He finished swallowing and pointed at Tony. "Don't tell him I said so. He'll want to eat this every day. I just got him to eat pumpkin, and not the kind that comes in a pie."

  Tony whistled. "Well damn, son. Look at you. I've only ever gotten him to eat peas, and only if they were sprinkled with shredded cheese."

  "That's how I got him to eat broccoli," Sloane admitted. And a host of other vegetables. Of course, Sloane had failed to mention that the grated cheddar was made with 2 percent milk. They went back to eating and talking. Sloane was enjoying Tony's sarcastic humor. Tony could say what he wanted about Dex inheriting John's weirdness, but Dex had inherited plenty from Anthony Maddock. The man might be stoic a good portion of the time, and anyone who didn't know him might think he had no sense of humor at all, but he did. It was all in his delivery. He also had a certain twinkle in his eye.

  Once they'd finished eating and cleaning up, Tony handed Sloane another beer, and they went back to the living room. Tony turned on the TV, and Sloane held back a smile. It was one of the many shows Dex watched. Tony didn't strike Sloane as the ghosts and monsters type.