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"You're not shutting up."
"Sorry."
"Don't procreate."
Sloane smiled. "Dex can't get pregnant."
"Good. If you do, don't use his sperm."
"I'm going to pretend this conversation never happened."
"I would appreciate that." Ash turned to the bartender. "Shots. Lots of them."
Chapter 4
SLOANE WAS sober by the time he was dropped off at home, his merriment cut short by a text from Sparks informing him Destructive Delta was expected bright and early for training. That was fine with him. They'd be celebrating soon enough. Besides, they still had to share their news with the rest of their team. Sloane had been tempted to tell Ash about him and Dex joining TIN, but Ash had been so happy Sloane didn't have the heart to break the news just then. It was best if he and Dex informed the team together about the impending changes--along with Dex's personal changes.
Dex had likely already told Cael and Tony everything. If so, Sloane was kind of glad he hadn't been there. He wasn't sure who he'd be scared of more, Tony or Cael. Sloane was pretty sure neither would take the news well. Not about TIN and certainly not about Sloane infecting Dex.
Dex's scent reached Sloane the moment he stepped inside the house, as did the upbeat melody of The Foundations' "Build Me Up Buttercup." Sloane couldn't help his dopey smile as he leaned against the doorway to watch Dex dancing in the kitchen while he made a sandwich. How could someone look so sexy in a faded T-shirt and pajama bottoms? Dex's hair was wet and disheveled--so he'd just showered--and whereas Sloane preferred to be barefoot indoors, Dex liked wearing his crazy patterned socks. Tonight it was coffee mugs.
"Want a sandwich, babe?"
"How long have you known I was here?"
"Since the taxi pulled up."
Sloane blinked at him. "You heard that? With the music playing?" The music wasn't loud, but even so, Sloane would have had trouble hearing a car pull up. He stepped up behind Dex, slipped his arms around Dex's waist, and placed his chin on Dex's shoulder. His feral half didn't like being away from Dex. "That's impressive."
Dex turned his head for a kiss, and Sloane happily obliged. "It's my new superpowers. Mm, you taste like booze."
"I stink of it too. I already ate, but thank you anyway. I'll just take a little bite out of you." He nibbled on Dex's ear before pulling away, giving Dex's plump ass a smack, then dodging when Dex tried to smack him. With a laugh, he headed for the stairs. "I'm going to shower."
"You do that," Dex said before calling out over his shoulder, "And don't forget to hang up your towel."
"Yes, dear." Sloane smiled as he ran up the stairs. Dex hated when Sloane left his bathroom towel on the bed. It wasn't like he did it on purpose. For some reason, he was just really shit at remembering to hang it up. After a quick shower, he changed into a comfy T-shirt and pajama bottoms before heading downstairs.
Halfway down, he heard Dex call out, "Hang up your towel."
Shit. He turned and ran back up to hang his towel. Every freaking time.
Downstairs, Dex was lounging in the living room, watching TV, his socked feet propped up on the coffee table. Sloane hopped over the back of the couch and landed next to him. He gave Dex's cheek a big sloppy kiss, making him laugh.
"You sure you're not boozed up?"
Sloane reached over and took Dex's left hand in his. He brought it to his lips and kissed the silver band on his finger. "Just happy."
"Aw, listen to you, all sappy and romantic." Dex kissed his cheek before resting his head against Sloane's shoulder, his hand still in Sloane's. "How did it go with Ash?"
"You first."
"That good, huh?"
"Yeah, well, I chickened out. He was getting some stuff off his chest, and then I told him we were getting married, and he was so happy I just couldn't tell him. How much did you tell Cael and your dad?"
"Everything."