Matthew Turner shot his teammate a sideways glance. “Not bad? Dude, that shot was dead on.”
“I don’t know that I’d saydeadon.” Kole Jameson, Bravo Team’s lead sniper, shrugged. “But it was close.”
The guy’s placating tone dug under his skin, which Matt knew was the whole point. Pulling himself off his belly and to his feet, he stood by as Kole did the same.
Matt took his sunglasses off his head and slid them over his eyes. “Not everyone can be a record-breaking super sniper like you.”
“I know.” The six-three smartass frowned. He began swiping at the dust on his chest and pants and looked back at Matt with a smirk. “It’s a shame, really.”
Removing his ballcap, Matt used it to swat his teammate’s arm before readjusting it on his head. The two men laughed.
“I’m just sayin’,” Kole continued to chuckle. “There’s good, like you. And then there’s me.”
“Listen, asshole. Let’s see you sew up a five-inch gash in someone’s side. Better yet, reach inside a guy’s leg, dig through a glob of bloody, mangled flesh and muscle, find his severed femoral artery, and clamp it off…before the guy bleeds out.”
Kole made a face. “That’s disgusting.”
“Exactly.”
“Yes, you two are gods among every black ops man and woman around the globe, and we should all bow down to you. But can we please do it while we eat? I’m starving.”
Both men turned to see Zade King, the team’s other sniper, making his way to Kole’s truck. Lowering the tailgate, the former Marine reached for his rifle case.
“Aw, don’t be jealous, King. You’re a decent shot, too.”
Without looking over at them, King flipped Kole the bird before returning to the task of unloading his weapon before securing it in the case.
As he and Kole made their way to the truck as well, Matt shook his head but smiled. Man, he loved these guys.
“I can go for a quick bite, but then I need to head home right after,” he told them as he reached into the truck bed and grabbed his own case.
“Let me guess.” Kole opened the driver’s side passenger door and got his case from behind the back seat. “Hot date?”
“Turner doesn’t date.” Zade snapped his case closed and slid it up toward the cab.
“Oh, that’s right.” Kole nodded, feigning a seriousness Matt knew the fucker didn’t feel. “He gets in and out as fast as he can. Kind of like a thief in the night.”
“Except you can’t steal what’s given to you freely. And trust me, boys.” Matt set his case next to Zade’s. “Every woman I’ve been with has been more than willing to give me anything I want.”
With a roll of his eyes, Kole took his place behind the wheel. Matt climbed into the front passenger while Zade occupied the spot behind Kole.
“And why are you all always razzin’meabout this shit?” Matt spouted off, unable to let it go. “King’s still single. Hell, Nate was a total commitment-phobe until he met Gracie.” He clicked his seatbelt in place. “Still can’t believe the fucker flew off to Vegas last week and eloped. You know, he’s the one who needs his balls busted. That would’ve been one hell of a good time.”
“Yes, because weddings are your thing, Turner.” Kole put the truck in gear and began driving away from R.I.S.C.’s private range. “And quit trying to change the subject.”
Kole looked over at his friend. “I’m not, and what do you mean? I like weddings.” A corner of his mouth curved upward. “Actually, most of the time, I look forward to them.”
“Youlike weddings?” Zade snorted. “Okay.”
“I do,” Matt protested fiercely before adding, “No pun intended.”
“Right…” Kole let the word hang in the air. “That must be why you snuck out of mine and Sarah’s the first chance you got.”
Scowling, Matt could feel himself getting worked up. “Seriously? You’re bringing that shit up again? I told you before I didn’t fucking sneak out. I left. Last I checked, I was free to do without asking the groom’s permission.”
“I think it’s the fact you leftalonethat has us so perplexed.”
Matt glared at Zade from over his shoulder. “Maybe my dick needed a break.” “Of course, you don’t get enough to know what that feels like, do ya, King?”
