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He raises an eyebrow with an expression that says are you fucking kidding me?

“Had to ask. This town has a penchant for gossip. I’d prefer to keep Saturday night’s festivities as quiet as possible.”

“Gossip isn’t our style. Now, Oliver, he got a huge kick out of it. Said it sounds exactly like something Emi and Maren would get into.”

When I called Kelly on Saturday night, I told him that they were there to spy on a guy Maren was interested in, not knowing anything about the club itself. Their disguises were an over the top attempt at not being recognized. I left out how they got in, and he didn’t ask. I think he suspected there was more to the story, but he agreed to tell Ross, Oliver, and Collins the same.

I hoped like hell they would keep the details to themselves. The last thing I need is Captain Corny getting nosy.

“Oliver would think it was funny. I’m just glad he wasn’t around to see them,” I grumble.

“From what I’ve heard and seen, Emi and Maren have a knack for turning heads.”

“Don’t believe everything you hear.” As the words leave my mouth, there’s a loud squeal from Emi. I spin around to see her hugging Agent Collins.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I snarl, stalking to them.

Emi sees me coming and steps back, her eyes growing wide. When I get to her, she leans into my side, lifts on her toes, and brings her lips to my ear.

“Don’t be a caveman. He’s an old acquaintance.” She kisses my cheek and pinches my stomach.

“You could have shaken his hand.”

“And you can lose that attitude. I can’t believe you didn’t mention he was working with you.”

“Why would I?”

“Because it’s the normal thing to do? You say, ‘hey, Emi, I met someone that used to know you back in high school.’”

It’s my turn to bend into her ear. “Hey, Emi, I’m working with someone you used to know back in high school. He and his friends used to jack-off regularly to the vision of you in a bikini. Your sexy ass used to be the center of his teenage fantasies.”

“Walker!” She slaps at my chest, her face turning red.

“Whispering is rude,” Nina huffs. “And now I want to know why Emi looks like a tomato.”

“Because Walker is crass.”

“You’re the one who wanted me to tell you.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Where’s my hug?” Oliver joins our group with his arms outstretched.

“Emi is going to my desk now.” I steer her away.

“You really are being foolish,” she tells me when I motion for her to sit.

“Maybe, but these guys are going to great lengths to test me. Can you not encourage them?” I squat in front of her, lowering my voice.

“Hugging me is a test to you?”

“Remember, they think you were prowling for men for Maren on Saturday night at a sex club. They will do ANYTHING to get a rise out of me.”

Her expression changes, understanding that I’m not in the mood to discuss this. “Guys are so stupid sometimes. It was a friendly hug.”

“Friendly hugs are fine, but let’s reserve them for a time when I don’t still have the vision of a random stranger leading you into a demonstration where men—”

“Got it.” She puts her finger on my lips to shut me up. “But I thought I made that up to you.”