Speed King (Men of Action 1)

“Hi, guys.” I try to reach across and hug them both, but they remain stiff.

“I thought you worked in a swanky marketing firm?” Major asks flatly.

“I do, but I work here a few nights a week.”

“This is a bar.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“It’s a blue bar.”

It’s true, ninety-percent of the clientele are active or retired police, but that shouldn’t matter. “So?”

“If you’re working in any bar, it should be the kind that has crystal chandeliers and serves drinks for twenty dollars a pop. Not this.”

“What’s wrong with this?” I prop my hand on my hip, narrowing my eyes. “Are you implying I’m a snob?”

“Hell no, but Ace will flip his fucking shit when he finds out,” Talon spits out.

“Why?”

“Look at you,” he waves his hand. “What are you wearing?”

Humiliation heats my skin, and I know splotches are crawling up my neck. “I’m wearing a shirt, Talon. And these are called boobs. A lot of women have them. What is that Marine slang? SITFU?”

The acronym scrolls through my head, making sure the letters are correct. Suck it the fuck up.

The slap of my dad’s hand on the hard wood draws my attention his way, and he’s dropped his chin to his chest, roaring in laughter, and clearly enjoying this.

“Dad, what’s wrong with you?”

“I couldn’t have set this up better if I tried. Damn.”

“Set what up?”

“Hey, guys, I hear congratulations are in order.” Jewls slides three bottles of beer to them, thankfully interrupting the ridiculous conversation.

“Jewls?” It’s slight, but there’s a flicker of surprise in Major’s eyes.

“Hey, Major, Talon.” She smiles.

Talon jerks his chin, but Major’s expression has gone blank.

“Cat got your tongue?” she teases him.

“I just… You…” he stumbles over his words.

“I’ve grown up? Three years in a long time.” She helps him out.

“Obviously,” he mutters.

Jewls and I met in college and, after graduation, she decided to stay in Nashville. She’s known about Achilles and his friends since the beginning of our friendship. At my grandfather’s funeral, she met them for the first time. During the weekend, I was too wrapped up with Achilles, but watching this exchange, I have to wonder if something happened between her and Major.

“Lookin’ good, Jewls.” Talon shoots her a grin.

“Thanks, Talon. Welcome to Nashville.”

“You’re working here, too?” Talon questions.

“Part-time, like Harley. We cover the bar three nights a week.”

Right as she answers, a regular from the other end calls my name, and I give a wave, leaving them to serve him. As I turn, I catch the glint in my dad’s eye, and suspicion settles in the pit of my stomach.

What is that all about?

3

Ace

“You have an admirer,” Ford smirks as I place the weight bar back in the cradle.

“Not interested.”

“You may think differently once you see her.”

“It’s never mattered, let’s roll.”

“Too late. Five… four… three… two…”

“Hello there,” a sultry voice sounds, and I spin to find a woman standing two feet away. She’s dressed in skin-tight clothes with a perfectly styled ponytail and a face full of make-up. At barely seven–thirty in the morning, she looks out of place in a gym full of men and women trying to get in a workout before their day begins. It’s even more obvious when her eyes fill with unmistakable intent as she steps closer.

“Hey.”

“I’ve seen you in here before.”

Not shocking since I’m here six days a week. I’ve noticed her, too, and avoided all contact. She’s attractive if you’re into the assertive cat-and-mouse chase. Most men would jump at the opportunity to play her game.

I’m not most men… and she’s not Harley.

“My name is Mia.”

“Ace.”

“Ace.” My name rolls off her tongue, and her gaze roams over my arms appreciatively. “I really like your ink. I have a tattoo as well, but it’s in a more intimate area.”

Ford’s chuckle turns into a cough when I spear him with a look of irritation.

She takes my silence as an invitation to keep talking. “Are you new to the force?” Her perfectly manicured finger points to my sweaty and ripped MNPD shirt.

“I am.” My instincts tell me she already knows the answer since men and women on the force frequent this gym. The proximity to the station makes it convenient.

My suspicions are confirmed when her gaze grows hungrier and she licks her lips. “I have great respect for those who protect our city. Maybe you and I could grab—”

“Ace!” She’s cut off by a thunderous shout across the floor.

I whip around to find Talon and Major striding my way, their faces masked with a mixture of worry and caution.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh shit, he doesn’t know,” Major says.

“Know what?”

“You haven’t checked your phone?” Talon asks carefully.

“Not yet. Shift ended at seven. Came straight here.”

“Check it.”

“Why?”

“You need to see something.”

“So show it to me.”

“No way, my phone is brand new.” He tucks his phone protectively to his hip.

I slice my eyes to Major, who’s enjoying this too much. A familiar sixth sense kicks in. “One of you motherfuckers better tell me what’s going on.”