Speed King (Men of Action 1)

“Jewls—”

“Nope, I’m talking about something much more impressive and timeless.” She taps her ring finger. “Nice job. It’s classy, stunning, and one-hundred percent Harley.”

I swing my eyes at Major, who’s grinning. “She zeroed in on it before you even shut your door.”

“Jewls— “

“Don’t worry. I’m a vault. And you’re fortunate.”

I’ll regret this, but I ask anyway, “Outside of the obvious, why am I fortunate?”

“Because I’m a fabulous best friend. Since my girl loves you like she does, that means my fabulousness spreads to you. Tomorrow, when we decorate this place for Christmas, I’ll make sure you have several choices for the most romantic backdrop for your proposal. Unless, of course, you plan to pull the whole savage beast-slash-boorish act and slide the ring on her finger while banging her.”

“Knowing Ace, that’s more his style.” Talon strolls in, with Ford following.

“Yeah,” she agrees, “and Harley would probably gush until the end of time about how romantic it was.”

The scene from a few minutes ago replays in my head, bringing forth the feelings that rocked me. I don’t tell Jewls that’s exactly how I plan to get the ring on her finger. Instead, I reply, “Anything you do is appreciated.”

She flashes me an approving smile.

This time, when I hear heels on the tile, I turn to fully appreciate the view.

A blush fills her cheeks when she joins us, taking the glass of wine I offer. There’s a hushed silence as the guys each have shit-eating grins on their faces.

“Thank God he didn’t ruin your hair,” Jewls blurts. “And, Jesus, I need my sunglasses. You’re radiant.”

The grins turn to low chuckles, and Harley lays her head on my shoulder. “Stop being dramatic. And, no, he didn’t ruin Rowan’s work.”

At the mention of Rowan, my gaze shoots to Ford, who’s looking at me.

“Rowan is the hairdresser, right?” I play coy.

“Hairdresser and cosmetologist extraordinaire. She was at ladies' night last month.”

“I remember, didn’t have time to meet her.”

Harley straightens and focuses on the guys. Her eyes light with excitement and mischief. “Rowan is our sweet, fun, and newly single friend. You guys should meet her. I have a feeling she’ll be around a lot more now that she dropped the loser she was dating.”

“Dating? I thought she was engaged.”

“Turns out he was a complete douchelord. Didn’t ask her to marry him, but manipulated her into wearing the ring for appearances. He wanted other guys to think she was taken, even though he wouldn’t commit. She deserves to find a good guy.”

That last part was meant for Talon and Ford since we all know Jewls and Major are dancing around some heavy attraction behind the muse of being friends. I can also tell they’re not fond of the possibility of being set up, regardless of Rowan’s situation.

“She’s shed two hundred pounds of useless weight and has a lot to offer someone.”

“Baby, kinda harsh to try and play matchmaker when the woman recently got out of a relationship.”

She peers up and shrugs. “Nothing wrong with making friends with really hot Marines-turned-cops. Especially when they’re members of the exclusive Casanova Club.”

“Fucking ridiculous name,” Ford sighs.

“I think it’s awesome.” Harley winks.

“Let’s get out of here. Jewls, you’re riding with me,” Major declares. I know exactly what he’s thinking. They may not be a couple, but he’s walking in that room with her close and sending a message.

She slides off the stool. “Let me get my coat.”

“Ford and I will ride with Ace,” Talon states, also picking up on Major’s intentions.

“Finally, we may get somewhere,” Harley says low enough for only me to hear. “He needs a push.”

“We’re not getting involved.”

“I can’t help it. I’m full of love, and I mean that literally.”

A throaty growl rolls up my throat. “Jesus, Harley.”

“Man, name your price.”

“Still a hard pass,” I reiterate to Cooper.

“Coop, give it up. The guy has declined the offer three times.” Declan jabs his bandmate and friend. “Have some respect.”

“Nah, money talks. Surely, he has a price. We can sweeten the pot and get all of you.” He waves between Ford, Talon, Major, and me. “You join Sayge as security, no one’s fucking with anyone. We’ll be crushing it on the stage and know we’re safe.”

“You have a reason not to feel safe?” I raise an eyebrow.

“Nah, but you guys will add to our team.”

“What he’s saying is you’ll bring in the chicks.” Blake hands me a fresh bottle of beer.

“Thought you rockers had that angle covered.”

“We do, but with security looking like you guys, it wouldn’t hurt. Although, I’m off the market, and my lady is taking yours under her wing. Brace, man.” He motions to the dance floor where Charlie is in the middle of a circle, twerking while expertly holding her martini glass without spilling a drop.

Harley catches my eye and struts over, adding a little sway. She’s also drinking some kind of martini. “What are we talking about?” She leans in, kissing the underside of my jaw.