Maddock pointed the bat at Sloane. “You don’t know Jack, boy. You and Keeler get your asses in the back. We have shit to discuss.”
“About what?” Ash asked, looking puzzled.
“About where you two have decided to plant your dicks.”
Sloane’s slack-jawed expression mirrored Ash’s. “Excuse me?”
Maddock moved Dex aside and stepped up close to them. “Now that the danger’s over, you’re going to be facing a whole new fear. Me. You think you can sleep with my boys and not face the consequences?”
“What?” The color drained from Ash’s face.
“Dad!” Cael scolded. “Ash and I are not sleeping together.”
Maddock ignored Cael, his hard gaze on Ash. “Keeler, you have so many issues, you can put the fucking New York Times out of business. Get your ass in there.” He turned to Sloane. “You too. You pulled through, and I’m happy, don’t get me wrong. You’re recovering. Good. You’re sleeping with my son. Let’s discuss that.”
“He’s a grown man,” Sloane said then immediately wished he could take it back when he saw Dex cringe behind Maddock.
Their sergeant blinked at him. “Oh, you’re right. He is a grown man. Free to date whoever he chooses. Same for Cael. Except when they choose a couple of guys who’ve put them through emotional hell in the last year. Except when they put their careers on the line. Except when they’re doing it under my nose. Except when my most trusted, senior agents who I have all but watched grow up on this team decide to keep it from me. Now I’m not gonna tell you what to do with your relationships, but I sure as hell am gonna tell you what not to do.” He moved aside and pointed the bat toward the door leading to the back of house. “Now you two get your asses in there.” Maddock called out to Bradley. “Son, I want three stiff drinks.” He frowned thoughtfully. “And a Diet Coke. This is going to take a while.”
“Dad,” Dex sighed. “Come on.”
Maddock pursed his lips before grabbing Dex by the ear and moving him out of the way. “I will deal with you two later.”
Sloane reluctantly took his crutch and headed for the back with Ash beside him.
“Now what?” Ash whispered. “You don’t think he’s really going to use the bat?”
“Are you kidding? It’s Maddock. The man chopped o
ff my hair, remember?”
Ash was quiet for a moment. “We can take him.”
“Shut up, Ash.” Sloane stepped into the corridor and waited for Maddock to join them. On some level, he’d rather be facing a pissed-off Sparks than his boyfriend’s pissed-off dad. He’d held his own against plenty of furious commanding officers, but dads? Uncharted territory for him, and he was pretty sure the same went for Ash.
“Fuck. What the hell do we do?”
Sloane’s initial reaction was to run, but his leg and the fact he still needed crutches to get around made it a little too difficult right now. “It’ll be fine. He’s a rational man. We’ll tell him how we feel. Promise we won’t let it interfere with the job. Easy.”
Maddock stormed in, nostrils flaring, dark eyes pinning them to the spot. Behind him the door opened, and Dex ran in. He dramatically threw himself in front of Sloane.
“But Daddy, I love him!”
Maddock rolled his eyes. “Yeah, all right there, Pocahontas. Get lost.”
“Damn.” Dex turned and patted Sloane’s cheek. “I’m sorry, babe. You’re on your own.” He gave Sloane’s lips a sweet kiss. “Love you.” Then bolted from the room like it was on fire.
“Coward!” Sloane called out.
“Did you call my boy a coward?” Maddock asked.
Sloane held a hand up. “In the most loving way possible.” He tried to give Maddock his most charming smile. Maddock’s frown deepened, and Sloane leaned over to whisper at Ash.
“On second thought. Pray.”