“We used to be roommates when he first came to America. So I know all of his dirty little secrets,” Reid said, giving Ace a wink.
Ace’s mouth dropped open, and his eyes lit up like Christmas morning.
What the fuck?Reid thought to himself, confused by the boy’s sudden, excited reaction.
“You were Nikolai’s emotional support dick too?” Ace shouted, slapping his hands together as his body magically shot up into the air.
“What?” Reid asked, half choking at the boy’s accusation. He had no idea how the kid jumped to that conclusion, but he found it fucking hilarious how spot on the guy really was.
“Oh my fucking god! Nikolai has been a huge man-whore his whole fucking life!” Ace shouted, clapping his hands together again as if he had just uncovered some amazing truth that magically explained all of the world’s secrets.
“Just because I like sex doesn’t make me a man-whore,” Nikolai defended in a thick Russian accent. “This is coming froma guy who used to get plowed in the back of trucks in the parking lot of this bar.”
“Ace did what?” Marcus growled, picking the worst possible time to rejoin the group.
“Umm, nothing,” Ace blurted sheepishly. “I should get back to work.” He quickly chugged down the rest of his beer before running off like his ass was on fire.
Reid couldn’t help but chuckle. He liked Niko’s friends. He could see why Niko had chosen them.
Marcus just shook his head. “The more I learn about that kid, the more I wish I didn’t. Here. This is for you,” Marcus said, passing Reid a shot glass.
One of the female bartenders walked up carrying a tray full of shots and began passing them around to the group.
“To Reid. Looking forward to hearing all the sordid stories about our favorite Russian. You took care of our boy when he first arrived in our country, and now it’s our turn to take care of you while you’re here enjoying your time,” Marcus toasted, raising his glass.
Nikolai slung his arm over Reid’s shoulder and pulled him in.
“I’m looking forward to hearing all the embarrassing dirt you got on our boy,” Blade added, raising his shot as well.
He could tell that Niko was well-loved by the group. They had taken him in when he wasn’t around.
Reid looked up at Niko, who was smiling back at his boss.
“Cheers,” they all shouted before downing their shots as a group.
10
NIKOLAI
Caden agreed to cover Nikolai’s shift at the bar so Niko could spend some time catching up with his old friend. They spent the day drinking with the guys at the bar, laughing and sharing stories, before moving the party back to Niko’s place.
Stumbling into the house, they toed off their boots before falling into the living room.
Reid flopped down on the sofa, while Niko grabbed a bottle of vodka out of his bar. He sat down next to his buddy and began filling up two glasses.
“Only you drink vodka straight,” Reid commented as he watched Niko pour them both a glass.
Nikolai raised an eyebrow. “Real men don’t need their liquor watered down by piss. Shut up and enjoy.”
Beside him, his former best friend chuckled.
“Don’t be passing out just yet,” Nikolai began, handing his buddy his drink. “I messaged this chick I know and invited her over to come party with us.”
“Just like old times: me, you, and some horny chick in between us.”
They clinked their glasses together before swallowing a mouthful at the same time.
It was good to have his friend back again.
