Free Cowboy Gangster 02 - Gunnin' for Love (CMS) (MM) by CJ Bishop

out like we do.” He winked at Clint. “And you know how long it takes us.” He grinned and nipped Gabriel’s lobe, adding quietly, “On a good night, anyway.”
    “Shit,” Dane laughed.
    Clint shook his head and took a drink. Could he expect any less from these boys?
     
     

Chapter 9
     
“In Love For Real”
     
    ♦
     
    “Clint gave you the puppy?” Gavin cuddled Jonah against him and laughed when the pup licked his face enthusiastically.
    “Yeah,” Axel smiled. The kid’s innocent joy reminded Axel of Maddy when they’d had the first Jonah.
    “That’s so cool,” Gavin said. “I was worried he wouldn’t be able to find him a home.”
    Axel murmured, “I wasn’t expecting it.”
    “So he just…showed up and gave him to you?” Angel asked. “Like, out of the blue?”
    “Sort of,” Axel said quietly, unsure how to explain his and Clint’s relationship. Angel’s gaze darted repeatedly to Axel’s scuffed cheek, though he had yet to ask him what happened and Axel hoped he wouldn’t. He didn’t want to think about the men in the alley.
    “You should have seen him,” Gavin grinned. “He totally kicked the piss out of that prick. Broke out some teeth and everything.” He laughed. “It was so awesome.”
    Angel stared at him, eyebrow raised, and chuckled softly. “Awesome?”
    “Yeah,” the kid nodded. “The fucker kicked the poor little pup and punched me in the ribs.” He snorted. “Yeah, it was awesome when he got the shit kicked out of him.”
    “Understandable,” Angel smiled. “There’s something satisfying about the bad guys getting beaten down.”
    Angel would know. His boyfriend had beaten Wade nearly to death that night at the apartment, though Axel didn’t think Angel had been conscious while it was happening. All four of the bastards had taken a severe beating that night.
    “Are you okay?” Axel asked Gavin. “Did the guy hurt you very bad?”
    “Still a little sore,” Gavin admitted. “But not too bad. I’m able to dance. It only hurts a little bit.” He handed the pup to Axel. “How long does he have to wear the bandage? Were any of his ribs broken?”
    “No,” Axel took the pup gently in his arms. “He was just bruised up. I have to take him back to the vet for a checkup, probably Monday. Maybe they’ll take off the bandage then.”
    “Cool. I hope so.”
    Angel glanced past them across the club. “Hey. Tommy just came in,” he told Gavin. “Aren’t you guys working out a routine together?”
    “Yeah.” Gavin waved to Tommy, beckoning him over.
    “You know,” Angel smiled wryly. “I think he’s sweet on you.” He laughed softly. “I think Ricky and Levi kind of are, too, for that matter.”
    A light flush warmed the kid’s face. “I’m straight,” he smiled. “They know that.”
    “So you keep saying,” Angel smirked and winked at Axel.
    “What’re you implying?” Gavin laughed.
    “Nothing.” Angel shrugged innocently.
    Gavin groaned and rolled his eyes, causing both Angel and Axel to grin.
    “Hey, sexy.” Tommy approached and slung his arm around Gavin’s shoulders. Angel cast Axel a ‘knowing’ look and they both laughed. Tommy frowned and smiled uncertainly. “What?”
    “Ignore them,” Gavin muttered, lips quirking.
    Angel chuckled. “Hey, Tommy, I want you to meet my brother, Axel.”
    Axel stared at Angel, his words hitting him hard. An instant knot tightened his throat. My brother . It slipped off his tongue so smooth and natural –without a hitch. Angel gazed back at him and smiled.
    “Brother?” Tommy clasped Axel’s hand with a grin. “Right on. Nice to meet you.” The guy was cute with short, light auburn hair that set off his soft aqua eyes. He was Angel’s height, though slightly more athletic.
    “Yeah,” Axel nodded and smiled. “You, too.”
    “So, hey.” Tommy released Axel and tightened his arm around Gavin. “You ready to play?”
    Gavin scowled at Angel and Axel when they both pursed their