“How does Liska have the connections for this kind of real estate?” Theo wonders out loud.
“Says the dude who used to live on Park Ave,” Mav jokes.
“Yeah, but that was old family money. He’s new money, and getting into this building requires magic or blackmail.” He looks out over the New York skyline and the river. It’s late afternoon but already getting dark.
“Rumor has it, he has mob connections,” Trevor, the groom-to-be, says conspiratorially.
“Be for real.” I accept Trevor’s hug because it’s polite. “Where’s your other half?”
“Calling on the food delivery. They’re late.” He steps to the side. “Have you met my cousin Shane and his husband Cole? This is Jamal and Theo.” He waves to each of us as he says our names. Shane and Trevor have a family resemblance, but Shane could be a runway model. His husband is intense, with tons of tattoos. If I remember correctly, he owns a tattoo shop.
“A while ago,” I reply.
“J-dog.” A guy I recognize but whose name I can’t remember comes in for a bro hug, and Theo growls. “Oh, I recognize you from social media. I’m Alec and this is my Von,” he says to Theo.
“Hey,” Theo says cooly, and I take his hand. He shoots me a grateful glance because his asshole possessive behavior is like foreplay.
Drake enters with Lucky, and to my surprise, he and Von start speaking in rapid Swedish.
“We’ve talked about this. If you’re going to speak Swedish and leave me out of the conversation, I’m going to unload a shit ton of animal facts.” Lucky drapes his arm around Drake.
“Not today. It’s my party, and all entertainment must be approved by my future husband,” Liska yells in his heavy Czech accent.
“I love it when you call me that.” Trevor pretends to swoon.
“Hey.” Ace saunters in with Gray. “What do you love? Do I say congrats? What’s the protocol for a bachelor party?” He hugs Trevor.
“Congratulations to Patrik and good luck to me,” Trevor deadpans. “I can’t wait to officially be a husband.” He grins at Liska.
“It’s pretty fucking amazing,” Ace agrees with eyes only for Grayson.
“I saidofficially.” Trevor raises an eyebrow.
“Oh, right.” Ace lets out a barking laugh.
“He loves to call me husband.” Grayson grabs his chin to kiss him.
“Better not run off and get married without us!” Benz bounds in. “Trevy, you look fabulous.”
Everyone’s attention is on Benz, but I notice the glance Ace and Grayson share. Grayson subtly shakes his head, and Ace goes pale.
Interesting.
The party progresses exactly how I predicted, and I cup Theo’s ass while he sways to the music. He gives zero fucks about the beat. It’s adorable.
“Benz, why are you and Leo rearranging my dining room?” Trevor hollers.
Leo’s mouth drops open, and he glares at Benz. “They don’t know?!”
“Surprise.” Benz does jazz hands. “Just a little fun for our soon-to-be married guys.”
“Caleb,” Leo scolds, and Benz gives him a sheepish look.
“It’ll be fun, you’ll love it,” Benz insists.
“It’s a stripper.” Liska crosses his arms over his chest.
“NO!” Benz says too quickly and loudly. “Not exactly.” His phone beeps. “Shoot he’s here. Everyone, be nice.” Benz hurries out of sight to their door.
