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“JAXPORT is the largest container port in Florida,” King said. “It’s also the nation’s largest vehicle-handling port.”

“Why wouldn’t they go for Jacksonville first?” Lucky asked, confused.

“Good question,” Ryden murmured. They were already involved with the other major ports in Florida. Why leave out one of the biggest?

Jack shook his head. “Connolly Maritime is a huge, global shipping company. It’s worth billions.

You can’t just call and schedule an appointment with the CEO and owner.

Not to mention, the companies that Connolly Maritime works with are heavily vetted.

These guys have been operating under everyone’s radar long enough to have established themselves in three major ports.

They’ve done their homework, and they’re careful.

A simple online search will show Colton Connolly is married to a former Green Beret and co-owner of a large security company with government contracts.

Gibson was an easier target. I bet they tried to use Gibson as a way in, and when Gibson refused, they took him out. ”

“Oh my God,” Jay gasped, his eyes filled with fear. “What if they weren’t trying to kidnap me ?”

Everyone turned their attention to Jay.

“Joshua was with me. Next to Colton, Joshua is the most important person at Connolly Maritime. Most people don’t know that.”

Ryden hummed. “Somethin’ ain’t addin’ up.

These guys are good at what they do. They’ve been operatin’ under the radar this long.

They’ve worked special ops. Why send a couple of thugs to kidnap Joshua and maybe Jay, and why kill Gibson?

Those are two very reckless decisions that draw public attention. Makes no sense.”

Jay sighed. “Maybe they’re desperate? Let’s face it. Joshua and I are easier targets.”

Ryden placed his hand on Jay’s shoulder. “That’s what they thought. I bet they weren’t expectin’ their hired goons to get their asses handed to them.”

Jay snickered. “Well, I don’t know about handing them their asses, but yeah, I guess so.”

King let out a heavy sigh. “Either way, it’s all guesswork, but I agree with Ryden. Their background experience contradicts this level of recklessness. These bastards are up to no good, and it has something to do with shipments, most likely illegal.”

“A shipment they need to get out fast,” Jay added.

Ryden ran through everything they knew. “With Gibson dead, the police are going to be investigatin’, which means lookin’ into everyone and everything connected with Gibson.”

“We should take a look around Gibson Global,” Joker said. “Discreetly.”

King nodded. “Take Chip, Jack, and Ryden. We’ll determine our next step after some reconnaissance. I’ll talk to Frank and get Joshua some protection.” He turned to meet Jay’s gaze. “Contract. Now.”

“But they probably weren’t even after me,” Jay argued.

“You’re on their radar, and that’s enough for me. Let’s go.”

Jay sighed and stood. He followed King out of the room. While Jack and Joker put together a plan for tonight, Ryden pulled Saint to one side. “Hey, man. Sorry, I didn’t call you last night.”

Saint gave him a knowing smile. “No problem. You were busy.”

Was Ryden blushing? His face was a little warm. He quickly shook himself out of it. As much as he and Saint talked about everything, he didn’t want to talk about Jay right now, especially not here. “How’s Val?”

“As good as can be considering the cast he has to wear. His mood is a whole other story. Let’s say that Kazi’s sunny disposition is being thoroughly tested.”

“Poor guy.” Not that Ryden was surprised. As the former fire chief, Val wasn’t about to let something as trivial as a broken arm stop him from running his tavern. He was probably driving his poor staff up the wall.

Saint grinned wickedly. “I’m kinda looking forward to seeing what happens when Mr. Sunshine and Rainbows finally pops.”

“You’re evil,” Ryden replied with a chuckle. “I like it.”

“I’ll take good care of him,” Saint promised, his expression soft.

The words were unexpected, and Ryden swallowed hard. “Uh, thanks. I know you will. Watch your six, yeah? These assholes are bound to reassess and regroup. You call me the instant somethin’ feels off, you hear?”

“You got it.” Saint lowered his voice. “And don’t think you’ve gotten away with not telling me about last night. But I get not wanting to be in the same building as Ace or Lucky when you tell me.”

Ryden snorted. “No shit.”

“But it’s good, yeah?”

The warmth that flooded through him should have been annoying, but it wasn’t. “Yeah, it’s good. At least, I think so. We haven’t talked about it.”

Saint nodded when Joker called out across the room.

“Get over here, Marine.”

Saint squeezed Ryden’s arm before leaving, and Ryden joined Jack and Joker to review tonight’s plan.

It would be a simple recon mission: stay out of sight, gather intel, and let Jack do his thing.

When they agreed about time and place, Ryden left the conference room.

King’s door was closed, and Saint wasn’t out there, so he was probably with King going over the contract and his new assignment.

Ryden walked past Red’s office and then doubled back. What was Jay doing in there? Ryden slipped through the door and closed it behind him, the click making Jay jump. He spun around, a hand going to his chest.

“Is there a reason you’re trying to scare the life out of me?”

“Just wanted to check in on you. I know you’re not happy about havin’ a protective detail.”

“I’m not, but it’s not like I didn’t know King was going to insist.” He frowned as he leaned back against Red’s desk.

“So what’s got you worried?” Ryden asked, coming to stand in front of Jay.

“Everything? What if they go after Joshua again? What if they come after me and Saint gets hurt?”

“That’s the job. Everyone here knows that. You know that.”

“Yeah, but it’s different now. Someone I care about is risking their life for me . If I hadn’t followed Martin?—”

“Then we wouldn’t know these guys were up to somethin’. We wouldn’t know that Joshua and Colton could be in danger, that you could be in danger.”

Jay sighed. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am,” Ryden replied, his smile wide. “I’m always right.”

Jay hummed. “If you say so.” He dropped his gaze to his fingers. “You’re going to Gibson Global tonight.”

“Yeah. Joker, Chip, and I will look around while Jack pokes around their security and surveillance system.”

Jay nodded. He looked like he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure if he should. When he lifted that gorgeous blue gaze, it did something weird to Ryden’s stomach.

“Please be careful.”

That wasn’t what had put that uncertainty in Jay’s eyes. Ryden took a step closer. “You worried about me?” He chuckled at Jay’s huff. He was so damned sweet.

“Of course I am. I’m worried about the others, too.”

“But you didn’t kiss the others or spend the night in their bed,” Ryden murmured, slipping his arm around Jay’s waist and closing the distance between them. He loved the way Jay’s cheeks flushed.

“What are you doing?” Jay asked, sucking in a sharp breath.

“Gettin’ cozy. We should probably talk about last night, huh?” Ryden cupped Jay’s cheek, stroking his soft skin with his thumb. “It was nice, wasn’t it?”

After some hesitation, Jay nodded. “It was.”

“And would you be opposed to it happenin’ again? The kissin’ part, I mean.” He brushed his lips over Jay’s. “Though you’re welcome in my bed anytime, darlin’.”

Jay put a hand on Ryden’s chest. “Hold your horses there, cowboy. You want me back in your bed? You’re gonna have to do more than just sweet talk me.”

“Is that so? Well, what’s a cowboy gotta do to sweep a pretty fella like you off his feet?”

Jay tapped his lips, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Now, what would be the fun in telling you?” He poked his tongue out and licked across the seam of Ryden’s lips, making him groan.

“You like teasin’ me, don’t you?”

“I do,” Jay said. “Might just be my new favorite thing. Now go. I need to change out of yesterday’s clothes.”

“Want some help?” Ryden slipped his fingers under Jay’s shirt and tickled his sides.

“Oh my God,” Jay laughed and playfully smacked Ryden’s hand away. “No, I do not.” He arched an eyebrow at Ryden. “I know what kind of help you’re suggesting, Marine. These panties aren’t dropping just yet, so get marching.”

“Ooh, I like when you give me orders,” Ryden said, his voice husky. With a chuckle, Ryden stole a kiss before darting out of the room, Jay calling out after him.

“Yeah, you better run, Marine!”

Ryden laughed and went to the break room to grab himself some more coffee. He had no idea what was happening, but he liked it a lot. Jay wanted to be swept off his feet?

Challenge accepted.