he could storm off to obliterate Ace.
“Darlin’, as much as I’d love for you to inflict whatever painful vengeance you have on your cousin, maybe wait until after the wedding? Remember Colton’s warning? No bullet holes, bruises, or injuries requiring a cast.”
Joker nodded his agreement. “As scary as King is, I don’t think anyone is as scary as Colton in wedding mode.”
Lucky seemed to consider their words. “This is true. Also, I do not have to maim him to get my venganza.” An evil smile came onto his face. “You know, it’s been a while since I’ve talked to my tía. I should call her.”
“You’re going to call his mother?” Mason whistled. “That’s low, darlin’. Damn, I love you.”
Joker nudged Jack and leaned into him to murmur quietly, “Let’s get out of here before we get roped into this.”
With a salute, Jack was off, Joker at his side, with Chip on their heels. As much as they’d love to see whatever mayhem Lucky was about to bring down on Ace, Jack and Joker didn’t mess with the Cuban Mama Mafia. Ace, Lucky, and their cousin Quinn’s moms were terrifying. The three lived in Miami with the rest of their huge family and got together often. When Quinn got married to his boyfriend, Spencer, the Cuban Mama Mafia had been out in full force, their optimum momness activated. They’d dubbed Jack and Joker the wild childs of the group and then nicknamed them the Wild Cards, which had stuck. It was hilarious watching Joker with the moms. He had never faced a more terrifying enemy and had no idea what to do with them, their coddling, or their tireless efforts to continuously feed him.
Jack had embraced it. He was used to it. As the youngest of five siblings, all male, he was the baby of the family, and growing up, he’d milked it for all it was worth. His parents had been busy working, trying to earn them a living, and when they were home, they were exhausted, but they always tried to make time for him. Being the youngest had its challenges, what with his parents’ attention pulled in so many directions. Sometimes it was hard for him to get a word in edgewise. He’d spent a lot of time with his Nonni, who’d spoiled him rotten. If the Cuban Mom Mafia wanted to spoil Jack, he’d smile and graciously accept. He also wasn’t a fool. No way was he going to do anything or be anywhere near anyone who crossed the moms.
“Where’s my pretty boy?”
“I’m right here,” Joker teased, earning himself an uninspired expression from Jay. Chip hurried over, tail wagging excitedly. He promptly plopped his butt down and sat back on his haunches, paws up as he asked for a treat. Jay was the only one authorized to give Chip any treats. They were organic, specially ordered for him, and kept in a jar sporting his name surrounded by a cute bone-and-pawprint motif.
“Who’s your favorite?” Jay cooed, getting a bark from Chip in response, which made Jay laugh. “That’s right.” He held out the bone-shaped doggie cookie. “Gentle.”
Chip stretched his neck out and took the cookie with his front teeth before prancing off toward Joker’s office, treat proudly displayed, as if he knew no one but him had one. Joker waved at them over his shoulder as he followed Chip, who received several more pets on the way to the office.
Jack shook his head. “Mr. Popularity.”
“He’s the only guy I let drool on me,” Jay said with a smile as he wiped his hands.
“Love the sweater.” Jack motioned to Jay’s colorful ensemble.
“Thank you.” Jay did a little dance in his seat and preened. The easiest way to get on Jay’s good side was to compliment his appearance. Not that Jack didn’t mean it. Some of Jay’s patterned shirts were on the eccentric side, but Jay always looked cute and put-together. Jack didn’t know anyone who could pull off a blue-and-red checkered cardigan and matching bow tie combo like Jay. Everyone had quickly learned that getting on Jay’s good side meant getting on King’s good side. As King’s executive assistant, Jay was as terrifying as he was adorable, with his big bright blue eyes and quiff hairstyle. The only one who couldn’t seem to stay on Jay’s good side was Ryden. The Marine just seemed incapable of getting along with Jay. Thankfully, the guy was nowhere in sight.
Jack settled in his office and spent the afternoon catching up on