“What’s this I hear about a Jester?”
Gabriel didn’t miss the way he glanced away, his cheeks flushing a bright pink. “He’s no one.”
“Mm-hm.” Gabriel poked him gently in the side, making Kirby wiggle away from him. “That blush says different.”
“He’s a biker. Belongs to the Kings. He likes fucking me, so I’ve been spending a lot of time with him, that’s all. It’s nothing serious. I’m a whore.” Kirby tugged at the collar of his shirt, a sign he was nervous. Gabriel had taken care of him when he was Leo’s lover, and also when he was healing after the final attack, so Gabriel had quickly learned all of his tics.
“That’s bullshit. Bikers can get ass whenever they want. I’ve seen it. They usually don’t like keeping the same one around. I think someone’s got a crush.”
“I don’t!” Kirby ducked his head, locks of dark hair falling across his face. “Did you come here to tease me or check up on me?”
“Can’t I do both?” Gabriel curled an arm around his shoulders and dragged him toward one of the couches tucked in the corner near the staircase. He pulled him down onto it and shrugged. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”
Kirby leaned on him, burying himself into Gabriel’s side like he always did. “Where’ve you been?”
Gabriel snorted. “The usual. Someone’s trying to kill me, so I’ve been keeping off their radar.”
“What did you dothistime?” Kirby nudged him with his elbow and glared. “I thought you said you were going to try to not piss people off?”
“It’s a talent, I can’t help it.” Gabriel laughed. “Ardan Murphy. I’ve told you about him before.”
Kirby flashed him his pearly whites. “The hot assassin you want to fuck?”
Gabriel tossed up the idea of telling Kirby he’d done that now but thought better of it. While he trusted Kirby, if word got back to the wrong people, Ardan and he could both pay the price. The Society had a lot of rules, and while relationships between members were allowed, there was always one assassin or hitman who used those types of connections to trap their target.
“Who says I want to fuck him?”
“Other than you not being able to talk about anything but him? Murphy this. Murphy that. Murphy hates me. Murphy wants to cut open my guts.” He tapped Gabriel’s chest. “Is that how people like you flirt? Try and kill each other?”
“What can I say? We’re a special breed.”
Kirby chuckled. “You can say that again.”
“How’s New Gothenburg treating you, then? Do you miss the big smoke?”
“I like it here. It’s a lot quieter, smaller too.” He pulled his legs up underneath him, tucking them close to his body, and swiped dark hair out of his eyes. “They have this Korean barbeque place that makes the most succulent meat. It nearly falls off the bone. We should go there while you’re here.”
“You know how much I love meat.”
Kirby rolled his eyes. “I get enough innuendos from clients, I don’t need them from you too.”
“Sorry, sorry.” Gabriel chuckled.
“No, you’re not.” He grinned up at Gabriel. “But you’re my favorite, so I can accept them from you.”
“Aw, so this Jester hasn’t overtaken my place in your heart?” Gabriel teased.
Kirby pouted. “Stop being a jackass. Jester’s a real gentleman.”
“As much as a biker can be.”
He shrugged. “He’s not what I expected from a biker. He’s… sweet, I guess. He has a reputation as a player, but he’s not. Not really. He’s got a kid, too, though I’ve never met his daughter.”
“Kid?” Gabriel whistled in surprise. “You don’t like kids.”
“I don’t mind them.” Kirby glared. “And it’s not like I’m vying to be the kid’s new dad. Jester likes fucking me, that’s all.”
Someone over at the reception desk snorted and Gabriel glanced that way. Darcy had returned at some point and Gabriel hadn’t noticed. It was obvious he was pretending to pay attention to the computer, but he kept peeking looks at them.
