Page 23 of Scorched

“Don’t parents get arrested if their kids aren’t in school for too many days, or something like that?”

Kirkland shrugged. He was plastered enough to talk about his life. “I don’t know. When I left, I never looked back.”

“What made you run away in the first place?”

Kirkland couldn’t stop his smile if he wanted to. “I was an edgy teenager. School called my parents about something new every day. Skipping school, drinking, and being a general hooligan. I got tired of being yelled at all the time. Home life was shitty. My dad sold drugs while my mom worked. All her money went on his books every time he went to jail. Despite being a wild child, I knew if I stayed, I’d end up just like my dad, so I left. I didn’t figure they’d miss me anyhow, and I was right. Once I was out of there, it was like a veil lifted. My anger at life vanished. I think I just chafed against being a child when I knew I was more of an adult than anyone around me.”

“I can see that about you. There isn’t a childish atom in your body,” Fabrice said the words so matter-of-factly, Kirkland couldn’t laugh.

Kirkland thought about it and then shrugged. “True. Anyhow, being a bottom dweller with a lowlife dad had made me a lot of sketchy friends. I got a fake ID so I could get a decent-paying job. No one was more surprised than I was when I got hired at such a fancy restaurant.” A thought hit. “You know, back then, it crossed my mind to work my way toward becoming a chef. Of course, I wasn’t there six months before Rush flipped my life on its head.” Kirkland realized the past didn’t hurt when he talked to Fabrice. Nothing could touch him when they were together. Their love overshadowed everything.

“With the fake ID thing, does that mean Rush thought you were over eighteen?”

Kirkland snorted so hard, his nose burned. “No. When your life is that deeply embedded in the world of crime, you have to stay three steps ahead of everyone. No doubt Beau is the same.”

It was Fabrice’s turn to snort. “Try a million steps ahead of everyone. From what I understand, he has always been scary. He started his empire as a teen.”

Despite his curiosity, Kirkland knew from Rush, it didn’t pay to know too much. He didn’t dig. “Are you bored with this yet?”

Fabrice glanced toward the machine where Kirkland gestured. “Yeah. Let’s find something else to get into.”

They cashed out. Kirkland swayed on his feet as he stood. “Damn. We should probably find something to eat before we die of alcohol poisoning.”

“Yeah, that’s probably for the best.”

Hand in hand, they headed for the elevator. While the casino had several food options, there was a restaurant on the fifth floor they enjoyed the best. As they stepped into the elevator, two giants joined them. They wore business suits that strained against their massive bodies. The elevator felt crowded with them there.

The biggest one looked their way. His entire demeanor turned into what could only be described as golden retriever energy. “Fabrice!”

Fabrice focused on the man through obvious beer goggles. “Oh my God, Pytor.” They exchanged hugs before the other man pushed his way in. “Yaro. I wondered if you guys would be in town, but I hadn’t spotted Zander or Maverick, so I assumed not.”

Jealousy stirred in Kirkland. The men were older than Kirkland, but age hadn’t mattered to Fabrice when it came to him. This pair had everything going for them too. They were impossible to miss. Kirkland felt lacking in a million ways. One day, he might get past his insecurities but that day wasn’t today.

Fabrice grabbed his hand and pulled him forward with an excitement that wiped away any doubts. “This is Kirkland, the love of my life. Kirkland, meet Pytor and Yaro. They’re married.”

Kirkland shook hands with them. His drunk mouth got the best of him. “To each other? Does one bed hold you?” Kirkland shocked himself. “I fucking heard myself.” Damn, he’d had way too much to drink.

Thankfully, the couple burst into laughter. Pytor openly had to get himself under control before responding. “Yes, to each other. We are actually in a throuple marriage.” He winked. “And yes, the bed holds us.”

Fabrice smiled like the happiest man in the world. “Wait until you meet Legend. You’ll really get curious about their bed. Don’t get too curious, though. You’re mine.”

“Damn right.” What was wrong with him? Kirkland never behaved like this. He felt crass, but oddly free. Maybe this was the closest he had been to his real self in a long damn while.

“Do you two have plans? We’re securing the back corner of Fifth Floor Steakhouse for Zander and Maverick. You should join us.”

Kirkland looked at Fabrice. These were his friends. He should be the one to choose.

“Of course. That’s where we were headed. We’d love to spend time with you guys. Is Legend escorting Zander?”

Yaro nodded. “Maverick and he are enough protection for the elevator ride. Did you bring your gun?”

Kirkland looked Fabrice’s way again. He wanted badly to ask who these people were. “Nah. I’ve got Kirkland, and I knew we’d be here. In Vegas or not, I knew Zander wouldn’t let anything happen to me in his hotel.”

Pytor focused on Kirkland. “You armed?”

“No.” He didn’t know if that was the answer he sought, but he wasn’t.

Pytor unceremoniously patted him down. “No offense. I had to know if you’re strong enough to keep Fabrice safe.” He turned the attention to Fabrice and spoke in what sounded like Russian.