"You're the best thing that ever happened to me," Sloane said quietly. "I know the kind of life we're leading now, going to lead, is far from predictable, but I need you at my side for as long as possible."
Dex nodded. "I like the sound of that." He kissed Sloane, melting against him and relishing the feel of Sloane's strong arms around him. They could do this. Together they could face anything. Dex just had to remember it was them, not him. For now, he lost himself in the taste of Sloane, in his soft lips, warm mouth, and heady scent, the feel of his solid body against Dex's.
Sloane pulled back and gave him a pointed look. "We also need to be realistic."
"What do you mean?"
"Let's face it. You're going to get into situations most people would never even dream of ending up in. I get that. Experience has taught us better than to fool ourselves into believing weird and ludicrous is not going to follow us wherever we go, so I just want you to remember your words to me, and I'll trust that we can get ourselves out of whatever mess we get into."
Dex laughed softly. "I love how you said 'we' and 'ourselves,' when you really meant 'you' and 'yourself.'"
Sloane smiled sheepishly. "Caught that, did you?"
"Yes, but that just makes me love you all the more."
Sloane's eyes went slightly wide as something seemed to dawn on him. "While I'm alive. I think your dad may silently be plotting my demise."
"Why?" Dex's brows furrowed together. What could Sloane possibly have done to--
Dex gasped. "You didn't play air hockey with him, did you?"
Sloane nodded, his bottom lip jutted out.
Oh God, it was worse than that. "You beat him?"
"Twelve times," Sloane admitted. He winced. "I, um, also called him an old man."
Dex's jaw dropped.
"I know," Sloane said with a groan, covering his face with his hands. "It's not my fault. He got me drunk."
"Ooh, that sneak."
Sloane looked up at him. "I know, right?"
"Well, I warned you," Dex said, getting up and taking Sloane's hand in his. Sloane stood and followed him toward the stairs leading up to the bedroom.
"It's your dad. What was I supposed to say?"
"Anything but yes."
Sloane groaned, and Dex chuckled as they got back into bed. Man, it was almost five in the morning. He was beat. He crawled under the covers, a contented smile on his face when Sloane pulled him close, spooning him from behind.
"Seeing as how you already said yes to marrying me," Sloane murmured before yawning, "should the need arise, I'm using you to get out of whatever vengeance your dad has planned for me."
"That's what husbands are for," Dex replied, feeling sleep descending on him. "Just remember, you'll owe me."
Sloane grunted. It was followed by a nuzzle against Dex's hair, then the steady rise and fall of Sloane's chest. He laced his fingers with Sloane's. Maybe life was about to get even more unpredictable, but the one thing he could count on was Sloane and the love they shared, come gummy bears or grenades.
Exclusive Excerpt
Tried & True
By Charlie Cochet
When THIRDS agent Dexter J. Daley met Team Leader Sloane Brodie, he couldn't have imagined how slamming into his new partner--literally--would shake both their worlds. Four years later, they've faced dangers, fought battles both personal and professional... and fallen deeply in love. Now their big moment is finally in sight, and they're ready to stand up together and make it official. Unfortunately, as the countdown to their big day begins, an enemy declares war on the THIRDS...
With their family in danger, Dex and Sloane are put to the test on how far into darkness they'll walk to save those they love. As secrets are unearthed, a deadly betrayal is revealed, and Dex and Sloane must call on their Destructive Delta family for one last hurrah to put an end to the secret organization responsible for so much devastation.