Love in Spades: Four Kings Security Book One (Four Kings Security #1)(14)

Colton swallowed hard and looked away, shame washing over his face. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly, wiping away the wetness in his eyes. “You’re right. That was uncalled for.”

Ace nodded. He hardened his gaze and rounded his shoulders. “We’re leaving.”

“I apologize for my callous words regarding your brothers-in-arms. That doesn’t change anything else. I don’t want you here. I won’t have anyone controlling my life. Not that sick bastard, not my father, and certainly not an entire team of armed men.”

“Too damned bad,” Ace growled, infuriated with himself for letting Colton get to him. He knew better than to respond to provocation, and yet he had. “Are you going to cooperate?”

Colton crossed his arms over his chest, chin lifted defiantly. “No.”

“Okay. We’ll do things your way.” He grabbed Colton’s arm, ignoring the man’s yelp as he hoisted him up into a fireman’s carry.

“What the hell?” Colton struggled against him, but Ace was stronger, and sober. He carried Colton through the crowd, which thankfully moved out of his way.

“Put me down, you Neanderthal!”

They passed the bar, and Colton yelled out at the bartender he’d flirted with earlier. “Seth, call Frank!”

Shit. He had to get Colton out of here fast. “Excuse me. Boyfriend’s had a little too much to drink.” Ace winked at one particularly large man who looked like he was about to step in to help Colton out. “I forgot our anniversary,” Ace said loudly. The man looked uncertain.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Colton yelled furiously. “I wouldn’t date this man if he were the last dick left on the planet!”

Everyone around them howled with laughter, and Ace cringed. “Come on, baby. Don’t do me like that. I promise I’ll make it up to you.” Ace patted Colton’s ass, earning him an infuriated scream from Colton and a laugh from everyone around them. “Let this be a lesson to you, boys. Remember your anniversaries!” He carried Colton toward the front door when someone dropped a brick wall in front of him.

No, wait, it was Frank. Ace smiled at him. “Hey, Frank. How’s it going?”

Frank’s eyes were comically wide as he looked from Ace to Colton and back. “The fuck is going on?”

“I don’t have time to explain right now,” Ace said, starting to feel Colton’s weight. “But I’ll call you.”

“First he brushes me off, and now you?” Frank crossed his beefy arms over his chest, and Ace was sure he’d hear fabric tearing any minute now.

“Frank, tell this brute to put me down!”

“Ace, put him down,” Frank growled.

“I can’t. I’ve been hired to protect him, and since he doesn’t want to cooperate and he’s drunk off his ass, I’m taking him home.”

Frank’s head snapped to Colton. “You hired the Kings to protect you? Jesus Christ, Colt, what the hell have you gotten yourself into?”

“One,” Colton said, holding out two fingers. Seeming to notice, he put one down. “One, I didn’t hire them. Two”—he kept one finger up—“my father hired them. Wait, that’s part of one, so, one A. Two, I’m not drunk.”

Frank shook his head before turning his attention to Ace, who winced.

“Frank, buddy, I love you, man, but Colton here is no delicate flower.”

“Are you saying I’m fat?” Colton yelled right into Ace’s ear.

Ace groaned and moved his head away. “And now I’m deaf. Thanks, Frank. Look, I’ll have him call you when he’s sober. His dad hired the Kings to protect him, so you know it’s serious. I have to get him home.”

“Don’t do it, Frank,” Colton said.

“Shit.” Frank rubbed his hands over his face. He looked worriedly at Colton. “Tell me. Is it true? Your dad hired them to protect you because you’re in danger?”

Colton waved a hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. Some sick bastard sending me shit.”

Frank seemed to think about it, then let out a resigned sigh. “I’m sorry, Colton, but you mean a lot to me, and I’d never forgive myself if I let you out of here without the Kings and something happened to you. You’re in good hands. I promise.” His gaze turned hard when he looked at Ace. “Keep him safe. If you need anything, let me know.”

“Damn it, Frank!” Colton tried to wriggle free, but Ace held on tight, thanking Frank as he hurried out the club door. Red was in front with the SUV, and Lucky opened the back door for him. Ace bent over, shoved Colton inside, then quickly climbed in after him and slammed the door. Colton tried to open his door, but Red had control of the locks.

“Get us out of here,” Ace told Red as soon as Lucky was in the passenger seat. They all strapped in, and Ace reached for Colton’s seatbelt only to have his hand smacked away.

“I can put my own seatbelt on,” Colton snarled, jerking the seatbelt toward him. “You’re an asshole. Did anyone ever tell you you’re an asshole? I can’t believe Frank. Let me out of here.”

“You do realize you’re trying to open the door of a moving vehicle while wearing your seatbelt?”

“Shut up,” Colton snapped. He turned his attention to the front. “Who are you?”