You’re always doing things for others, whether you realize it or not. Think about it. You make sure I eat, stay hydrated, got me a service dog.”
“I never thought about it that way.”
“I think it’s the same for all your brothers-in-arms. It’s why you opened Four Kings Security. With your military background, it makes sense. You all show you care through acts of service.”
Sacha delivered a kiss to Gio’s jaw. “You’re a pretty smart guy, ain’tcha?”
Gio laughed at that. “Sometimes. We should probably get up and shower before we get stuck together, huh?”
Sacha’s grunt made Gio laugh. Reluctantly they got up and went to shower, which led to more kissing and touching, which was certainly not regrettable. Gio loved that they could laugh together, and no one made him laugh like Sacha. Knowing Sacha and Chip would be moving into his house had Gio almost giddy with happiness. He’d never expected Sacha to be ready so quickly, but then again it didn’t surprise him. Sacha was the kind of guy who knew what he wanted, and he didn’t see the point in wasting time.
They finished their shower and got dressed, then headed downstairs, Sacha’s hand in Gio’s. He kissed the back of Sacha’s hand, enjoying the subtle blush that came onto Sacha’s cheeks. One thing for certain, his life with Sacha would be anything but mundane and predictable, and he couldn’t wait. The first thing Gio was going to do was look at his schedule and make some calls. As much as he loved what he did, his family had grown, and though there would be times he let Sacha or Laz down, it wouldn’t be because he was putting his job before them. His family meant the world to him; it was time he proved it.
Eleven
“Everyone in position?”
Joker waited for confirmation from their team. As soon as he got it, he pressed his PTT button. “Remain vigilant, and if you get even the slightest hint those assholes are here, I want to know about it.” He went back to scanning the field, keeping an eye for anything or anyone out of place.
Intel had come in the early morning hours from Jack and his team. With the help of Leo and his hacking skills, they’d managed to track down the bodyguards who’d betrayed Gio in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, those guys were dead, which explained why Jack had been having trouble tracking them down, but the team managed to find their old bank accounts with wire transfers from an offshore dummy corporation. The same corporation had also wire-transferred twenty-five thousand dollars to each of the five men hired to kidnap Gio. Always follow the money.
Although Jack and his team were still jumping through hoops to find out who owned the dummy corporation, they’d found their kidnappers holed up in some tiny motel near St. Augustine Beach. Even more disturbing was the private plane that had been booked under one of their names. Seven passengers were scheduled to depart for Costa Rica this afternoon. Joker was under no illusion the sixth seat wasn’t reserved for Gio. They were going to make another run at kidnapping him. The big question was, who was the seventh seat for?
If those assholes were going to make their move, this was where they’d do it. Gio had made good on his promise and shifted his schedule around, limiting the number of events he’d be attending throughout the month, but today’s was one he hadn’t been able to cancel, as he was one of the three hosts. Joker hadn’t been happy about it, but he understood. It just sucked that of all his events, this one provided the perfect opportunity for someone to grab him.
The Children’s Charity Fair was hosted in the city’s biggest park because of its vast grassy fields and more than thirty acres of dense trees and shrubbery. There were walking trails, biking trails, and picnic areas. Tents and vendor booths littered the fields, with food trucks parked along the trail. The place was packed with adults, children, and pets, eating, playing games, and enjoying the festivities. Although plenty of law enforcement was around, as well as a considerable team provided by Four Kings Security, it could quickly turn into a logistical nightmare if they weren’t careful.
Joker had no intention of letting any of those assholes near Gio, who was judging some pie contest where young children had baked the pies. He then had a speech scheduled that he’d make from the main stage, currently