sex, a silky rumbling that, combined with his sinful smile, made men and women want to drop to their knees. He was a philanthropist, a ruthless businessman, and had a reputation as someone not to be messed with. Giovanni Galanos was both gorgeous and intimidating.
Everyone greeted Gio cheerfully except for Joker, who rolled his eyes like he always did. It wasn’t the first time Gio had called while the guys were with Laz, nor was it the first time he was put on speaker, a result of Laz getting fed up with Joker continuously grumbling that until he met Gio for himself, the guy didn’t exist. The hostility from Joker for a man he’d never met baffled everyone.
“Good evening, Sacha.”
Joker narrowed his eyes at the phone. “I told you not to call me that.” If he’d had fur, his hackles would have been up. Fitz found the whole thing extremely amusing. He’d never seen anyone get to Joker the way Gio did. It was like the nicer Gio was to him, the more annoyed Joker became.
“But that’s your name, love.”
Fitz cringed. Oh, there was that too.
“What did I say about the pet names?” Joker fumed, standing in front of the phone Laz held out, glaring at it like he could set it on fire if he tried hard enough.
“You shouldn’t glower so hard, darling. You’ll get wrinkles on that pretty face of yours.”
Fitz managed to contain his laughter, but Ace didn’t even bother, barking out a laugh so loud he startled Chip, who gave Ace a piece of his mind. Ace scratched him behind his ear and hushed him before turning his attention back to Joker, whose face was crimson, his eyes huge, but then his brows furrowed.
“Don’t you have some orphans to save or baby pandas to rescue from extinction?”
“Cubs,” Gio said, the smile evident in his voice.
“What?”
“Baby pandas are called cubs.”
“Do I look like I give a fuck what baby pandas are called?”
“Such language, Sacha. We’ll have to do something about those manners.”
Fitz covered his mouth as he moved his stunned gaze to Laz, who stared back at Fitz, a silent conversation happening between them.
Holy shit, did you hear that?
Laz nodded, his lips pressed together to keep from bursting with whatever it was he wanted to say. They all turned their gazes to Joker, who stood exceptionally still, so still Fitz worried the guy had short-circuited. Joker narrowed his eyes at the phone. When he spoke, his voice was low and dangerous.
“And who’s going to teach me? You?”
There was a pause.
“Perhaps.”
“Bring it, asshole.” Joker turned and stormed from the room, leaving everyone gaping after him. Even Chip was confused. He looked to where his person had disappeared, then back to Ace, who shrugged.
“Don’t look at me. He’s your partner.”
“Is that Chip?” Gio asked. Chip barked, and Gio’s soft laugh came over the phone. “Such a good boy. Go with Daddy.”
Chip barked before trotting off after Joker.
What the hell just happened?
“Are you kidding me?” Ace grumbled. “He doesn’t listen to me, but he listens to you. He’s never even met you!”
Gio hummed. “He’s desperate to submit, but only to the right partner.”
Ace stared at the phone, and Red almost choked on the drink he’d been swallowing.
“Laz, please take me off speaker. The rest of my conversation is private. It was lovely to hear you all.”
Fitz and the others said their goodbyes, including a wheezed “Bye” from Red as Colton patted his back. Laz excused himself and left the kitchen.
The room was silent, and Fitz couldn’t take it any longer. “Oh my God, please tell me you all thought the same thing.”
Ace took Colton’s cocktail and swallowed the remaining half in two gulps before putting the glass on the counter. “Yeah, but Gio’s halfway across the world, so we’re safe, right?”
“From Gio?” Colton asked, looking puzzled.
“From Joker,” Red said, pouring a shot of whiskey for Ace and one for himself. They threw the alcohol back, and Ace shook from head to toe. Fitz understood completely. Joker might be the smallest of the group, but he was the most explosive, and no one got under Joker’s skin like Gio. A few words from the man and Joker was ready to detonate.
“It’s fine. We’re fine,” Ace said, waving a hand in dismissal. Was he trying to convince them or himself? “Gio lives on another continent, his work is abroad, and he hasn’t been home in years.”
“You’re right.” Red nodded. “Though Laz would love it if Gio came home.”
Fitz took a seat at