Page 83 of Pallas & Kawehi

"You can say ass, but I'd bet money that the Marines are going to kick Air Force butt tonight."

"Hey!" "Whoa!" "What?" "What the hell?"

Kawehi laughed at the outburst from the men who'd walked up behind Dutch.

She smiled at them all. "Don't worry, the machines can't tell the difference between Marines and Air Force, but I'm going to be cheering for Dom and his guys."

"Oh, Dom!" "Ha! Sounds like Fifty Shades of Crayon."

Dutch turned around and silenced them all with a look. One of the men up walked beside Dutch. "I'm Vortex, ma'am." The man was tall and dark and had a gorgeous smile. "I'll help Dutch keep these guys in line."

"I'm okay with all of you being competitive, just remember that families might come in. So if that happens, try to keep it clean or quiet."

Vortex introduce the other men. Preacher was a definite silver fox, who shook his head at the behavior of the others. Pretty Boy was a man who was the embodiment of his callsign with chiseled features. Sherlock was the quietest member of the group. SOS had amazing eyes, and Vibe was a smiling bearded, tattooed hot guy.

"Wow. There are a lot of handsome guys in the alley tonight."

Pretty Boy preened a little. "I only see me." The others groaned and he laughed. "Come on, guys... I have to live up to the name."

"Keep it calm, Peanut Butter." Dutch laughed when Pretty Boy's smile twisted a little. "He only came because he heard you had liquor. He'd be happy if there are women around."

Kawehi nodded. "Well, I'm sure we can get some here if you're okay with us posting some pictures on social media."

Dutch grinned, nodding. "Fine with us."

PALLAS

Pallas was enjoying his night for a number of reasons. They were on their third and final game of the night and everyone was having so much fun that Dutch was talking about making it an actual league between the military branches stationed on island. Pallas admired his interest, given that the Marines were basically cleaning up in the first two games. Even if the Air Force could manage to pull out a solid game, they were still going to lose Two to One.

And then there was the added benefit of seeing Kawehi and when she could spare a moment or two, having her in his lap and her lips against his. Things had been getting better since they'd been able to serve Nick with divorce papers. Kawehi was happier, smiled easier, too. He looked forward to the time when she was free.

He wasn't sure when he'd be able to talk to her about making what they had a... permanent thing with a ring. He just wasn't sure how eager she was to get into another marriage while she was still trying to get out of the last one.

He just knew that it didn't matter to him, he wouldn't stop wanting her no matter what. He was in. He'd wait for her to be ready, because he knew it. He had a feeling she felt the same way, but there was still Nick to deal with.

"Hey," Buck took the empty seat beside him when Chicago got up for his turn. "You look happy tonight."

Pallas cast a look over his shoulder and saw Kawehi laughing with some of her usuals at the dining counter, a crowd of women walked up and leaned in for hugs.

Pallas turned back to Buck. "I'm happy all the time when I think of her. When I'm with her. It's all... paradise."

Buck shook his head. "My parents met here in Hawaii when my dad was on RNR from serving. My mom still has hope that I'll find a wife, especially since we were assigned to Hawaii. I'm just hoping I make it to retirement." He sat back in his seat and sighed. "I started later than most, but once I was in, it was all I wanted to do."

Pallas nodded. "Did your dad give you the speech my dad gave me when I told him I made the right choice in joining the family business?"

Buck looked at him with a curious light in his eyes. "What? The 'If you'd only listened to me when I told you to join up' speech? Yeah."

"Well, mine was almost the same. I'll probably be a lifer like he was."

Buck leaned forward, bracing his arms on his thighs. "Are you worried that Kawehi might not want to leave if you get reassigned?"

Pallas frowned at the question. He didn't know how he hadn't thought of that. "I've been focused on just being here. I really didn't think about leaving."

Buck's smile faded to a hesitant frown as he lifted a hand and put it on Pallas' shoulder. "You're in love, man. Something had to slip between the cracks."

Pallas nodded and shook his head. How had he not thought about that?

"Hey, Pallas!"

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