Promises: The Next Generation (Bounty Hunters 5)

“Damn. Look at you. Got my joint pipe-hard at work.” Ty lightly nipped Kell’s smooth cheek.

“Work is over for the day,” Kell argued weakly. He kept his mouth parted and let Ty play with his lips as much as he wanted. He needed to stop before he had a wet spot to explain. He reluctantly pulled away, but kept their bodies close together.

“Since we scored some time off, I need to handle some business. Get some things set for Friday,” Ty told him.

“Okay. I’m gonna pack like you said. Are you going back to the hotel tonight?”

“Yeah. You got everything you need for the club tomorrow?” Ty asked him again, but Kell had already told him yes twice.

“I do. I just want to be sure you’re good with this kind of plan. If we blow it… Duke’s gonna—”

Ty tipped Kell’s head up. “I said I won’t lead you astray. I mean that. I know how much this job means to you too. We’ll be great.”

“I know,” Kell whispered.

“I’ll be by at eleven-thirty to pick you up.”

Kell nodded.

Brian stuck his head in the door. “Ty, you ready?”

“Be out in a minute,” he told Brian, then turned back to him. He kissed Kell’s forehead, “Alright, I’m ’outta here, shorty. Text me later.”

With one last kiss, he watched his love walk out of the door. Kell stood smiling stupidly for a moment before he pulled out his cheap flip phone and called for help. He needed help! He was getting married in two days! He pushed the speaker button and set his phone on the counter so he could pace.

The line connected. Thank God.

“Vaughan. Help!” Kell said before the man could even say hello.

“Kelly?”

“Yes. And ’dangit. You know I freakin hate it when you call me that. But, I’m so glad that you answered I’m gonna let it go. Do you have court tomorrow?”

“My trial doesn’t start until Friday. Why are… Oh no. You don’t need me to represent you again do you?” Vaughan groaned miserably, “Ugh, Kelly, Dad’s gonna strangle you for real this time.”

“No Vaughan. I don’t need criminal representation. And thanks for the vote of confidence. Sensei happens to be very pleased with me right now.” Kell smirked.

Vaughan was Quick’s biological son, but he’d always treated Kell like a real baby brother. Even annoyingly calling him ‘Kelly’. Their relationship had gotten closer after Kell’s father did what he did to him. Then, he was always invited for movie nights, family dinners, vacations, anniversaries.

“I just got my first paycheck ever that had a comma in it.” Kell said proudly. The folded check in his back pocket felt like a winning lottery ticket. He’d never made so much money at one time. And he wanted to do something special for Ty by looking his absolute best tomorrow night, so he could execute his partner’s plan. And then. He had to make Ty’s jaw drop on Friday.

“And… what? Do you need me to help you make a budget or something?” Vaughan said drily.

“Not quite. I need you to make me look good. I’m going to a club tomorrow.” Kell smirked.

“Oh.” Vaughan sounded as if he’d wanted something more dramatic. “Um, sure. I can help you pick out something in your closet.”

“And I’m also getting married Friday. So, I need something to wear for that too if you got the time.”

Silence.

Kell squinted and counted backwards from, three, two—”

“KELLY, YOU LITTLE SHIT, ARE YOU MESSING WITH ME?! Vaughan yelled loud enough to be heard in the front of the office.

“Shh, shh, shh. Dang, Vaughan tell the world,” Kell whispered sternly, taking the phone off speaker. He cracked open his bottle of water and took a nervous gulp.

“Stop shushing me. Why’s your wedding a secret?” Vaughan gasped. “You’re not pregnant are you?”

Kell spit his water all over counter and down his chin. He shook his head, “I really hate you sometimes.”

“What are big brothers for?” Kell heard Vaughan say something to his paralegal, Sandra, then put his mouth back to the phone. “You’re really doing it, Kelly? Dad said you and your new partner had gotten close but, holy shit. Ya’ll have only been together a minute.”

“That’s all the time I needed.” There wasn’t a hint of doubt or playfulness in Kell’s voice. He needed Vaughan to know that he was certain and Tyrell Jenkins was not a joke.

“Well damn. Kellam I’m happy for you. Duke said your partner is a fascinating guy to work with.”

“He really is.” Kell sighed.

“Oh god.” Vaughan laughed.

Kell could practically see Vaughan’s eye roll.

“I’m on my way to get you. You still at my lover’s office?” Vaughan purred in that silky voice Duke loved… not him.

“Yeah I’m still at work but I’m ready to go. And can you just honk the horn or something because if you come in only God knows when Duke will let you out of his office.”