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I grin, kissing her finger then backing away. “You did, not to mention, almost everyone in the vicinity knows about our mind-blowing, toe-curling, window-shaking, life-altering sex life.”

The pink tinge returns to her cheeks, and her eyes dart around the room where people are undoubtedly watching us.

“I totally forgot about that. How embarrassing.”

“If you’re embarrassed, maybe you should stop giving details of our sex life to your big-mouthed friends.”

“I am, starting today. No more details.” She does a zipping motion over her lips.

“We’ll see how long that lasts. Be back as soon as I can.” I kiss the top of her head and go back to the conference room where the guys are waiting.

“Where’s Captain?” I ask, sitting across from Kelly.

“We’re starting without him. Apparently, oversleeping is common in Charleston.”

“Highly doubt Walker’s definition of oversleeping is the same as the rest of us,” Oliver throws in.

I can’t hold back the chuckle. He’s right. I didn’t oversleep; I took my time with Emi this morning.

“Lucky bastard,” Collins says under his breath, and I shoot him an evil glare.

“Okay, here’s what we know.” Kelly gets us back on track, pulling up the men from the other night on the monitor at the far end of the room.

One by one, he goes through each of their backgrounds and what may be their connection to the drugs. One thing we confirm is that our original assumption of moving drugs along the eastern seaboard is correct.

We were also correct about the car theft ring. It’s done. They’re going to have to find another avenue to distribute. The waterways are the most logical resource. For half an hour, we brainstorm, trying to anticipate their next move.

“You know what really sucks is the waiting. I’d like to swarm the docks and bust these assholes for trying to use Charleston as a hub,” Oliver snaps.

“It’s the bigger picture. Think about the other cities and states that will benefit when we crush these motherfuckers. Our process is solid, our team is solid, and we have support from the highest office in the state. Diligence and patience is the key,” Kelly tells him calmly.

“I agree, we’ve got our work cut out for us. These five guys are going to lead us in the right direction.” I tilt my chin at the monitor. “What’s our plan to read in the other cities?”

“That’s up to the Governor and Attorney General. We’ve got a call scheduled for this afternoon. I’m pretty sure we’ll be involving DEA,” Kelly informs me. “You’re welcome to sit in.”

“After I drop Emi off at home, I’ll be back here for the rest of the day.” I stand, moving to the door.

I’m almost in the clear, no one mentioning Saturday night, when Oliver clears his throat unnecessarily loud.

I let out a sigh and turn to face him. “Something else?”

“I know you have a birthday coming up. Wondering if you’re a whips and chain type of man, or should I go with restraints? Although, I’d assume a man who carries handcuffs already knows how to use them. I mean, if Emi was mine—”

“Warning, don’t finish that sentence.”

“How’s that handling Emi thing going for you?”

I glance out at Emi and back to him, shooting him a sinister smile. “Oh, I’m handling Emi just fine.” The implication in my tone gives away my meaning.

His joke backfires, and his smile dies as the room erupts in laughter.

“Fuck me,” is the last thing I hear, leaving them behind.

Chapter 22

Emi

Walker’s quiet, too quiet. He rolls his tongue through his teeth, making a hissing sound, and the vein on his forehead is popping out.