Page 86 of Spooks & Specters

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Hudson said. “Fate has touched our lives before.”

Kit’s gaze drifted across the dance floor where the lights continued to flicker. “Maybe it was Fate. Or maybe we’re just really good at solving puzzles.”

As they talked, a slow song started, a stark contrast to the pounding bass that had dominated the night. The change in tempo caught Kit’s attention.

Now wasn’t that just perfect? He had no idea if three people could slow dance together, but they were certainly going to try.

He held out his hands towards Connie and Hudson. “May I have this dance?”

Without hesitation, Connie and Hudson joined him. As they swayed gently to the music, the bond glowed with an overwhelming sense of happiness and love.

The song was just perfect too. It spoke of endless nights and undying love. As they danced, it wasn’t just their bodies that moved but their souls too, intertwining in the soft glow of the club’s remaining lights.

Hudson pulled back slightly to look at both Kit and Connie. “You know, this is only the beginning for us. Tonight was one incredible adventure, but I’ve got this feeling that there are many more waiting for us.”

“With every challenge we face together, we grow stronger. Who knows what mysteries and adventures lie ahead?” Connie murmured, pulling them closer.

The song ended but their moment lingered on—a quiet agreement sealed by shared smiles and unspoken pledges under the dimming club lights.

“Let’s go home,” Kit said softly.

Leaving behind the echo of music and mystery at sunrise, they stepped out into the warm morning air.

Chapter Three

THE SUN had barely crept over the horizon, casting a golden glow that bathed the city in a warm, comforting light as Kit, Hudson, and Connie waited for their SUV to be brought around. The fresh morning air was invigorating after the stuffiness of the club and carried the faint scent of brewing coffee.

And speaking of that. “Coffee. I’m in desperate need of coffee.”

Connie looked down at what he was wearing. “I’m thinking drive-through.”

“Yeah, probably a good idea,” Kit agreed.

Hudson unlocked the SUV that they’d taken into San DeLain. “Three coffees coming up.

As Kit climbed inside, his thoughts returned to the night before. “That was quite a night, huh?” he asked as he buckled in.

“It was,” Connie agreed from the back seat. “But I’m ready for some quiet time with my favorite people.”

Hudson chuckled as he pulled out of the club’s parking lot. “Quiet? With us? You must be joking.”

After a quick trip through a drive-through, they were armed with their much-needed java. This early in the morning, traffic was actually pretty decent. Hudson and Connie chitchatted while Kit’s thoughts circled. He kept coming back to the prize money and all of the good it could do.

And while good intentions were, well, good and all, mismanagement of funds often happened. Instead of the money going to the people it needed to go to, it often ended up in the pockets of CEOs and such.

ONCE THEY arrived home, the smell of fresh pastries wafted through the halls. Kit’s stomach growled as he madehis way to the dining area, where breakfast was already being served.

He grabbed a plate of warm croissants and a cup of steaming coffee before following his mates to their quarters. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him, evident in the steady yawns that escaped him as he ate.

It’d been ages since he had pulled an all-nighter, and he was more than ready for bed. After finishing their breakfast, Kit removed his makeup while Hudson and Connie showered. Once they were finished, Kit joined them under the warm water, feeling the tension slowly melt away from his body.

Kit slipped into a delicate lace lingerie set, the fabric soft against his skin, and then climbed into bed next to Hudson and Connie. A sense of contentment washed over him as he snuggled closer. The dimly lit bedroom radiated peace. Kit closed his eyes and allowed himself to fully relax, basking in the loving energy of his two mates.

Hudson set his coffee down on his end table. “So, now we have this donation to think about. We need to decide exactly where it’s going.”

“I’ve been thinking.” Kit was tired, yes, but he wanted to get his thoughts out there while they were fresh on his mind. “What if we don’t just donate to any existing charity? What if we start our own foundation? Can we do that?”

Connie and Hudson exchanged surprised glances.

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