Blood & Thunder (THIRDS 2)

Dex came back, handed Sloane a beer, and took a seat next to him. “So what’s going on? I take it Ash’s pleasantness stems from something besides life in general.”

Rosa chuckled, her gaze checking out the waitress in the tight black jeans. “He’s pissed because everyone wants to kill him.”

“How is that different from any other day?” Dex asked, following Rosa’s line of sight before arching an eyebrow at her. She gave him a guilty smile and answered his question.

“We were playing fuck, marry, kill. It was pretty unanimous we would fuck you and kill Ash.”

Dex put a hand to his heart. “Aw, you guys. That’s so sweet. I’m honored you’d all choose me as the one to bang.”

“So, how about you, Dex?” Rosa asked, leaning in keenly, followed by Letty. Everyone’s attention was on Dex, and Sloane told himself if there was ever a time to run, now would be it. He looked over his shoulder and waved a hand to get Bradley’s attention. Soon as he had it, he made the universal sign for “shot” then held up three fingers. Bradley laughed, and with a nod, walked off to make him his order. While he waited for his shots, Sloane took a swig of his beer.

“Easy,” Dex said. “I’d fuck Sloane.”

Sloane nearly choked on his beer. He snatched up a napkin to wipe the dribble from his chin. Smooth. That wasn’t obvious at all.

“Don’t worry, I’d be gentle,” Dex purred, patting Sloane on the back and oblivious to Sloane’s glare.

“As for marry. I’d marry Ash.”

Sloane and Ash sounded off like a couple of echoes. “What?”

“Explain,” Rosa demanded.

“See, you all should have put more thought into your answers. I’d marry Ash, make him fall in love with me, convince him to take out a million dollar life insurance policy then I’d kill him. Bam! I’m rich and free to keep banging Sloane.” The table burst into laughter and Dex wriggled his brows at Sloane. Dex leaned over to take his hand. “Will you wait for me, darling? We can start new lives down in Rio de Janeiro. I’ll become a card shark, and you can be my sexy cabana boy.”

Sloane couldn’t help his laugh. “You’re such an ass.”

“An ass with a million dollars. It’ll be painful, but I’m willing to do this. For us.” Dex gave him a wink, and Sloane felt him squeeze his fingers before releasing them. For a split second, Sloane wished he hadn’t let go. Dex took a deep breath, straightened, and met Ash’s gaze.

“Ash, you’re looking… less murderous today.”

“Fuck you.”

“See that,” Dex said, slapping a hand against the table in victory. “I’ve already got him wanting to fuck me. We’re half way there. Rio de Janeiro, here I come.” He reached into his back pocket, pulled out his wallet, and took out a ten-dollar bill. With a wink, he slid it over to Sloane. “Here you go, baby. Buy yourself something nice that’ll set off your tan.”

Sloane snatched up the bill and stuffed it in his jacket pocket.

Dex blinked at him. “You’re not going to give me my money back, are you?”

“Nope.”

“Damn, I should have thought that through.”

Cael shook his head at his brother. “Dude, how much money have you lost to Sloane for the sake of your jokes?”

Dex looked to Sloane for an answer that Sloane cheerfully provided. “In the last month? Enough to pay my next cable bill.”

“Seriously?” Ash gaped at him then turned his attention to Dex, leaning forward. “So, if I go along with your stupid jokes, will you pay my cable bill?”

“Nope.”

“What the hell?”

Dex shrugged. “He’s my partner. And he’s pretty.”

Everyone laughed, and Bradley appeared beside Sloane with the three shots. “Perfect timing. Thank you so much.” Sloane handed Bradley a ten-dollar tip.

“Wait a second….” Dex waited for Bradley to leave before smacking Sloane in the arm. “That was my ten-dollar bill.”