to Kalquor.” Bacoj tipped his glass toward the Nobek. “You saved our lives and then our vacation. I still wish you would let me pay for dinner.”
“I understand, but the answer is no. I’m curious, Bacoj—and I mean no disrespect when I ask this question. How do Dramoks cope when they’re around other Dramoks? Who runs the show then? Or does nothing get done because you’re all so busy arguing with each other?”
Bacoj had to laugh at that. “We find out who can out-Dramok the rest, I suppose, if rank doesn’t decide.”
“Ah, rank. Of course. The elusive status that Kalquorians chase as much as Imdikos and female clanmates. Do you think we ever attain enough rank and accolades to be happy? Or are we doomed to pursue it for the rest of our lives, reaching for the next level of superiority?”
Bacoj gazed at him with surprise. The big lug was a philosopher under all those muscles and that fierce countenance. “I don’t know. I would hope to be content with my accomplishments, once I have a few. Money and accolades are nice, don’t get me wrong, but to do something worthwhile—that’s what I’d prefer to aim for.”
Japohn smiled, becoming impossibly handsome again. “I agree. I appreciate being told I’m an excellent bounty hunter, but the real pleasure comes from taking dangerous men out of society.”
“What happened to cracking skulls for the joy of it?” Bacoj teased.
“Yeah, that’s definitely a perk. Plus I’m paid to do it. Who needs rank when you’ve got that going for you?”
They laughed and clinked their glasses together. Bacoj eyed the other man with new appreciation.
He liked Japohn. Perhaps their personalities didn’t mesh easily, but the man had great qualities.
Vax groaned. “That’s the second time I’ve lost. Maybe I should quit. Any favorites on this race, Bacoj?”
The Dramok studied the list of pilots on the readout. “Nobek Seher is flying this round. Not a lot of competition for someone of his caliber.”
“He’s the heavy favorite. His win won’t pay out much. Just enough to put me a little ahead.”
“Go for it.”
“Okay. Then I’ll stop.”
When Seher won, Bacoj and Japohn applauded Vax’s good fortune. His face flushed with drink, Vax immediately recanted his decision to stop betting.
Bacoj tried to reason with him. “These next several races will be tight. You’ll hate yourself in the morning if you continue to make wagers.”
“But I’m ahead. I have room to make a mistake or two.”
“Enough, Vax. I’m not letting you do something you’ll regret.”
Taking up Bacoj’s cause, Japohn blocked the Imdiko from using the betting machine, snickering as he fended off Vax’s playful swats. At last Vax gave up, sulking.
“Ganging up on me. Not nice.”
Bacoj couldn’t help but hug him. “You’re adorable when you pout. Look at that lower lip sticking out for a mile.”
Vax shoved at him. “Stop making fun. This is serious. I’m not adorable, I’m grouchy. Am I cute right now, Japohn?”
“Ridiculously so. There should be a law against how precious a man can be, especially when he’s angry.”
“I am angry. You stopped me from what I want to do.” Vax crossed his arms over his chest, but his grumpy demeanor was in danger of being ousted by the smile that pulled at his lips. He enjoyed being fussed over.
“Aw, don’t be mad, sweet Imdiko.” Bacoj nuzzled his neck.
Vax nuzzled back. He whispered in Bacoj’s ear, “I’m not really mad. I like our bodyguard.”
“I can tell.”
“I mean, I like him, Bacoj. Don’t you think he’s hot? So huge and muscle-y. Imagine him naked. I know I am.” Vax’s mischievous grin spoke volumes of what he was contemplating.
Bacoj glanced at Japohn to see if he’d heard. The Nobek wasn’t looking at them, but his face had reddened significantly. Bacoj choked off a laugh at the other man’s embarrassment.
Vax snuggled hard against him. He made no pretense at subtlety as he tried to persuade Bacoj to give him what he desired. “Let’s take him back to the inn with us.”
The Dramok, enjoying Vax’s attempts to convince him, along with Japohn’s discomfort, pretended innocence. “Of course. He’s staying there anyway. We’ll no doubt encounter him at breakfast too.”
“Nooo, Bacoj. I want to take him to our room. Don’t you have an urge to wallow all over all that Nobek and discover if he’s big everywhere?” In his drunken state, Vax’s voice rose loud enough for half the bar to hear. Many heads turned in their direction. Japohn, who was sipping his kloq, choked.
Bacoj couldn’t hold off the laughter any longer.