Gummy Bears & Grenades

  "It's almost four in the morning, Chirpy. I've had an amazing time, but I'm ready for a nice shower, then crawling into bed with Sloane." Providing Sloane didn't send him to the couch for the whole bear incident. There was no way Sloane hadn't heard about it by now.

  Cael ran in front of Dex, his big silver eyes wide and glassy. "You promise tonight wasn't ruined?"

  "I promise, Chirpy. You and Hudson put together an incredible night. We drank, danced, laughed, had fun. It was perfect." He brought his brother in for a hug. "Darn you and your precious little face. I love you, bro." He kissed the top of Cael's head. "Thank you. Really. Thanks."

  Cael nodded, a big boyish smile coming onto his face. "Okay. Good night, guys."

  As soon as he was in Sloane's arms, it would be an even better night.

  Chapter 10

  THEY ALL said their goodbyes, told each other to get home safe. They had tomorrow off, and Dex planned to spend it in bed with Sloane, rocking his world, eating tasty food, and watching movies.

  When Dex got home, Sloane was in bed, as expected. Dex did his best not to wake him while he had a quick shower. The house was locked down for the night, and as soon as Dex pulled on his faded Journey T-shirt, he took hold of the end of the duvet. Sloane tugged it out of his hand.

  "Did you think you were getting away with what happened earlier tonight?" Sloane asked, his voice a sexy, sleepy rumble. He turned on the bedside lamp and sat up, one eyebrow arched at Dex.

  "Um... yes?" Dex smiled. Hopeful.

  Sloane chuckled. "Not on your life."

  "But we had hot--very hot--sexy times," Dex whined. That had to count for something, right?

  "We did, and I loved every second of it. That does not, however, absolve you from your actions after the hot sexy times."

  Damn. So close.

  "You're not going to make me sleep on the couch, are you? I want to sleep with you." Dex was pouting. It was pathetic. But he couldn't help it. He was so tired. All he wanted was Sloane's arms around him. And maybe a donut. Man, he was suddenly in the mood for a maple frosted donut covered in bacon bits.

  Sloane peered at him. "You're thinking about food right now, aren't you?"

  "Um, no." Dex blinked innocently.

  Sloane's expression melted into one of amusement. "I'm not going to send you to the couch. Don't be ridiculous. I want you right here next to me." He flipped back the duvet and patted the mattress beside him. Dex didn't need to be told twice. He scrambled into bed and snuggled close, letting out a long, happy sigh.

  "You're the best."

  "I know. Tomorrow you're going to tell me everything that happened tonight down to the very last detail."

  Dex grunted. "Yes." That was going to be a fun conversation. He'd have to make sure he had lots of unhealthy snacks to ease the pain, especially when he reached the part of the evening that involved Wolf.

  "Then you're going to help me clear out the attic."

  "But it's our day off," Dex groaned. "What about sexy times and pizza?"

  "If we make good progress, there will still be sexy times and pizza. You're the one who wanted to convert the attic into the Bond Batcave."

  "Yeah, I know," Dex grumbled. Damn him and his evil genius ideas. What good was being a superspy if you didn't have your own Bond Batcave?

  "I asked Cael to help. He and Ash will be by around noon. We can all have lunch."

  Dex let out a loud sigh and rolled over dramatically, draping his body over Sloane's. "I have to spend my day off with Ash? Why are you punishing me? It's not like the grenades went off. Can't believe that dork was walking around with grenades in his stupid bear suit the whole time."

  Sloane slowly panned his head toward Dex. "I'm sorry, did you say grenades?"

  "Um...." Shit.

  "What? What grenades?"

  Dex leisurely rolled onto his back and slinked toward the edge of the bed. "Grenades? Who said anything about grenades? I said Gatorade. I can't believe the guy had Gatorade in his suit the whole time, and me so thirsty."

  Sloane threw the duvet back, and Dex bolted from the room. He ran downstairs and into the living room with Sloane right behind him. Why was Sloane mad? It wasn't like the grenades had gone off. He didn't blow anything up. This time.

  Dex ran to one side of the couch while Sloane glared at him from the other. Ooh, his sexy cowboy was not happy. "Nothing happened," Dex offered sweetly. "Babe, I'm trained to handle those kinds of situations." He cringed at the vein bulging on the side of Sloane's neck. Still sexy, though definitely not happy.

  "In what training scenario were you provided with illegally obtained explosive devices to wear on your person while you chased perps down city streets dressed like a bear to then dive off high structures in an attempt to get yourself blown up! Tell me, Dex, because I would love to know when we had that training." Sloane was red in the face, and Dex felt guilty. He was pretty sure he was the reason behind the additional gray hairs Sloane's pitch-black hair had acquired since they'd met, even if they did make Sloane look even hotter.

  "Come on, Sloane. It's been a really, really long night. All I wanted was a few hours without facing down criminals, clandestine societies, or rogue operatives. It was my bachelor party, for crying out loud, and I had to deal with a bunch of trained kidnappers, Wolf, and if that wasn't bad enough, that stupid bear--"

  "Kidnappers? Wait, what? Wolf?" Sloane balled his hands into fists at his sides. "Wolf showed up? Bastard just can't stay away. Tell me he showed up because of Hudson."

  "Um, no. He seems to have it in his head that he's more fun than you, and--"

  "What?" Sloane's voice went up in pitch. "That son of a bitch!"

  "I know, right? You know what he's like. So damn smug. The guy has absolutely no grasp on personal space."

  "Not helping."

  "Sorry."

  "What happened?"

  "He warned me about the kidnappers, then came back to flirt some more."

  "He's an asshole, that's what he is," Sloane growled before he started to pace. "Why am I not surprised. Jesus Christ, Dex."

  "I'm sorry. It's not like I want these things to happen. They just do."

  "To you! They only happen to you!"

  Dex opened his mouth to reply, but what could he say? Sloane was right. "Should I not have gone after the drug dealer, or dealt with the guys out to kidnap my brother?"

  "You should have done what you needed to do, that's not the issue. The issue is with how little regard you have for your own safety, Dex." With a heavy sigh, Sloane dropped down onto the couch. "Any number of things could have gone wrong. You didn't think about what could happen to you, because all you cared about was catching the perp. I thought you were done running into the fray?"

  "Are you talking about the drug dealer or the kidnappers?"

  "The drug dealer and that stupid bear suit."

  Dex was confused. "Really?"

  "Dex, I have faith in you and your abilities. I've been training with you for months. I've seen what you can do when you're up against highly skilled opponents. I don't know anyone, save for TIN, who can do what you do, and, baby, I am so fucking proud of you. But you using your training, knowing what you're getting into, and applying those skills to get the job done, is not the same as taking a stupid risk because in your head it's no big deal and everything will work out fine. In your head, you were up against some street thug, and not some trained assassin. I mean, how hard can it be, right? What could possibly go wrong?"

  Dex had no idea he'd upset Sloane this badly. He took a seat next to Sloane and turned to face him, one leg tucked up on the couch against Sloane as he took Sloane's hand in his. "I'm sorry. What I did was stupid, and selfish, and you're absolutely right. I didn't give any thought to what could have happened and where that would leave you. I'm sorry I scared you. I won't do it again. I promise. I'll try harder to change."

  "I don't want you to change, Dex." Sloane put his hand on Dex's cheek, his warm smile softening his features. "I love
you just the way you are. I...." He sighed and shook his head.

  "What's wrong? It's not just about the grenades."

  "In a few months, our lives are going to change forever, and I don't mean us getting married. TIN is not the THIRDS. When we're out there, we're on our own. We have to rely on ourselves, on our own skills, and most importantly, each other to get the job done and stay alive. I need to know that I can trust you to make the right choices."

  Before Dex could reply, Sloane held a finger to Dex's lips.

  "I know you. I know you'd sacrifice anything for me, for your family, and for what's right. But maybe you could consider other ways that don't involve me losing you, huh? I mean, have you thought about what you want beyond saving the world?"

  Dex blinked at him. He gently moved Sloane's hand from his mouth. "You mean, like retirement?"

  Sloane leaned back against the couch, pulling Dex with him and tucking him against his side. He kissed the top of Dex's head, his fingers stroking Dex's hair.

  "We can't be dodging bullets and explosions forever, Dex. I need to know that there's an end. One that doesn't involve the kind of danger and sacrifice we've been facing for so long, and is yet to come. I want to know we'll get a chance at a quiet, peaceful life where we can enjoy each other, maybe get a dog, and I don't know...." Sloane shrugged. "Maybe even have a family."

  Dex closed his eyes, his heart full of love and adoration for Sloane. "Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the job, in trying to save the world, that I lose sight of what's most important to me. There will always be a new threat, a new organization, or lethal force to face, but there's only one you, one us. What good will all my badass training be if I lose myself, or worse, you?" Dex pulled back enough so he could brush his lips over Sloane's and caress his stubbly jaw. Sloane's smile and the light behind his glowing amber eyes seeped into Dex's soul.

  "You're the best thing that ever happened to me," Sloane said quietly. "I know the kind of life we're leading now, going to lead, is far from predictable, but I need you at my side for as long as possible."

  Dex nodded. "I like the sound of that." He kissed Sloane, melting against him and relishing the feel of Sloane's strong arms around him. They could do this. Together they could face anything. Dex just had to remember it was them, not him. For now, he lost himself in the taste of Sloane, in his soft lips, warm mouth, and heady scent, the feel of his solid body against Dex's.

  Sloane pulled back and gave him a pointed look. "We also need to be realistic."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Let's face it. You're going to get into situations most people would never even dream of ending up in. I get that. Experience has taught us better than to fool ourselves into believing weird and ludicrous is not going to follow us wherever we go, so I just want you to remember your words to me, and I'll trust that we can get ourselves out of whatever mess we get into."

  Dex laughed softly. "I love how you said 'we' and 'ourselves,' when you really meant 'you' and 'yourself.'"

  Sloane smiled sheepishly. "Caught that, did you?"

  "Yes, but that just makes me love you all the more."

  Sloane's eyes went slightly wide as something seemed to dawn on him. "While I'm alive. I think your dad may silently be plotting my demise."

  "Why?" Dex's brows furrowed together. What could Sloane possibly have done to--

  Dex gasped. "You didn't play air hockey with him, did you?"

  Sloane nodded, his bottom lip jutted out.

  Oh God, it was worse than that. "You beat him?"

  "Twelve times," Sloane admitted. He winced. "I, um, also called him an old man."

  Dex's jaw dropped.

  "I know," Sloane said with a groan, covering his face with his hands. "It's not my fault. He got me drunk."

  "Ooh, that sneak."

  Sloane looked up at him. "I know, right?"

  "Well, I warned you," Dex said, getting up and taking Sloane's hand in his. Sloane stood and followed him toward the stairs leading up to the bedroom.

  "It's your dad. What was I supposed to say?"

  "Anything but yes."

  Sloane groaned, and Dex chuckled as they got back into bed. Man, it was almost five in the morning. He was beat. He crawled under the covers, a contented smile on his face when Sloane pulled him close, spooning him from behind.

  "Seeing as how you already said yes to marrying me," Sloane murmured before yawning, "should the need arise, I'm using you to get out of whatever vengeance your dad has planned for me."

  "That's what husbands are for," Dex replied, feeling sleep descending on him. "Just remember, you'll owe me."

  Sloane grunted. It was followed by a nuzzle against Dex's hair, then the steady rise and fall of Sloane's chest. He laced his fingers with Sloane's. Maybe life was about to get even more unpredictable, but the one thing he could count on was Sloane and the love they shared, come gummy bears or grenades.

  Exclusive Excerpt

  Tried & True

  By Charlie Cochet

  When THIRDS agent Dexter J. Daley met Team Leader Sloane Brodie, he couldn't have imagined how slamming into his new partner--literally--would shake both their worlds. Four years later, they've faced dangers, fought battles both personal and professional... and fallen deeply in love. Now their big moment is finally in sight, and they're ready to stand up together and make it official. Unfortunately, as the countdown to their big day begins, an enemy declares war on the THIRDS...

  With their family in danger, Dex and Sloane are put to the test on how far into darkness they'll walk to save those they love. As secrets are unearthed, a deadly betrayal is revealed, and Dex and Sloane must call on their Destructive Delta family for one last hurrah to put an end to the secret organization responsible for so much devastation.

  Dex and Sloane will have plenty of bullets to dodge on the way to the altar, but with happiness within their grasp, they are determined to get there come hell or high water...

  Coming Soon to

  www.dreamspinnerpress.com

  Chapter 1

  HE WAS on his own.

  Dex breathed in deeply through his nose, and let the breath out slowly through his mouth. He steadied his heart, his pulse, his breathing. His body answered to him, not the other way around. It was three against one, though there was only the one he had to worry about. He had to stay on his guard with that one.

  "You're going down."

  Dex opened his eyes, his focus on the huge tiger Therian before him. His dear delusional friend had no idea what he was getting himself into. Seb would be the one going down, but first.... Dex curled his lip up on one side as he moved his gaze to Hudson. The good doctor would be the first down but the last man standing. Dex would make sure of it. His most challenging target, however, slowly circled Dex. He could feel his mate's eyes burning over every inch of him.

  Sloane came back into view, the predator inside him looking out at Dex through molten amber eyes, his pupils dilated. His Felid was awake, ready to hunt, and Dex was his prey, or so Sloane believed. Sloane flexed his fingers, the knuckles stretching the blue wraps around is hands. The black racerback tank accentuated his broad muscular shoulders, and Dex allowed his gaze to travel down the thick biceps to his deliciously corded forearms. The tank was snug against his expansive chest, down to his torso and tapered waist. The loose black yoga pants rested low on his hips, and his feet were bare.

  "Holy shit, your eyes."

  Dex ignored Seb and kept his gaze on Sloane and the smug smile now on his face. He knew the change in Dex's eye color was his doing. Didn't matter. It wouldn't change what was going to happen. His mate was going down.

  "You boys going to stand around all day?" Dex balled his hands into fists at his sides, his fingers flexing beneath the orange wraps.

  As expected, Seb charged first. Dex ducked beneath his right hook, spun, and slammed his hands into Seb's back, sending him reeling forward. Dex lashed out, grabbed Hudson's arm and kicked his leg out from under him. He used his wei
ght to flip Hudson over his shoulder, and throw him onto the mat. Seb lunged at him, but Dex was quicker. Much quicker. He dropped and rolled out of the way, then popped up behind Seb and kicked at the back of his bad knee.

  Seb roared, and Dex smiled.

  That's it, big guy. Get pissed. But don't get sloppy.

  Seb snarled as he pushed through the pain and came after Dex, his Felid half shining through his green eyes. Dex ducked and dodged. He slapped Seb's fists away from him. Movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention, and Dex brought both fists down against Seb's arms, then came up with a fierce uppercut and a kick to the abdomen that sent Seb rolling across the mat. Then Dex spun and ducked under Hudson's right hook, landing a punch against Hudson's ribs that left him gasping for breath. Dex pulled Hudson's leg out from under him and brought both fists down against Hudson's back, sending him down hard into the mat, knocking the wind out of him. Hudson inhaled sharply as he writhed in pain. A low growl rose through him, and when he tried to get up, Dex put his foot on Hudson's back and pushed down.

  "You're not even trying," Dex growled.

  "Dex," Seb warned.

  Dex stepped back and motioned for Seb to advance. "I'm not going to baby him, Seb. You want him to be prepared? You want him to survive out there? Then he has to learn." Dex moved his gaze to Sloane, who was circling him, a barely there smile on his face.

  I haven't forgotten about you, baby. Your turn will come.

  Hudson was still on the mat, his forehead pressed against it.

  "Get up, Hudson," Dex demanded. "Get your ass up off that mat right now."

  Seb and Hudson might have been sworn in and were officially TIN, but they were behind in their training. Sparks arranged for them to start their TIN Operative Training Program as soon as Dex and Sloane returned from their honeymoon, which was when they'd be starting. Since their recruitment, Seb and Hudson had been doing the same TIN Associate Training Program Dex and Sloane had been doing for months. The two had a hell of a lot to catch up on, and Dex felt for them; he did. Especially Hudson. As a medical examiner, Hudson had never been put through the same training as a THIRDS Defense agent, so he had the most to learn. He was the most vulnerable. Not to mention the most hesitant. Hudson was a wolf Therian, and although they could be as fierce as any Felid, he was soft-hearted and tended to be a nurturer. Hudson was a logical thinker, which was great, but this right here required instinct and action. They were logical thinkers, which was great, but this right here required instinct and action.