“Boyfriend?” Leland asked.
“No one serious in the last six months.”
“Kidnapping?” Mateo Reyes suggested. Former FBI out of Boston, he’d been with them about as long as Alec. He was a few years younger, but well trained, and sharp. “She’s got a wealthy father—”
“No ransom demand so far,” Callan said.
“What makes you think this ties to the trafficking ring?” Rhys asked.
“She fits the profile,” Dev said. “Petite, pretty, barely legal. Could pass for under eighteen.”
“Sick fucks,” Boone uttered fiercely.
“She also worked at Gold Coast Catering,” Callan added. “Same place one of the other missing girls did.”
“Worked?” Rhys echoed.
“She was fired on Saturday,” Callan clarified. “The same day she vanished.”
The conversation buzzed around Alec’s head, but he’d lost focus at the mention of Beth Ann’s employer. A cold knot of dread formed in his gut.
“Wait,” Mateo said. “Isn’t that Mistress Regina’s catering company?”
“One and the same,” Dev confirmed. “Hits close to home, doesn’t it?”
“Too close,” Alec said quietly, alarm mounting. “Emily works for Regina.”
“Who?” someone asked.
“His sub from last night,” Rhys supplied. “But there’s more to the story.”
“She wasn’t a play partner,” Alec shared. “I’ve known her since we were kids. She’s my best friend’s sister. She’s special.”
“She needs to quit,” Rhys advised.
“Agreed,” Alec said, though he didn’t relish that conversation.
“These motherfuckers are serious bad news, Yarborough,” Leland said. “Lay down the law. Like you do at the club.”
“That’s the thing,” Alec admitted. “Except for last night, she’s not my submissive.”
“She might already be a target,” Leland warned.
“She needs a man on her,” Mateo said.
“I’ll do it,” Alec offered immediately.
“No,” Dev said quietly. “Jesse, you’re up.”
Alec’s jealousy flared. Not just because Dev chose Jesse Coulter over him—but because the man seemed mighty interested in Emily last night.
“I’m heading out on a skip trace once we’re done here.” Jesse shot Alec a knowing look. “You can relax, bud.”
“I’m available,” Rhys offered, flashing Alec a grin that said he hadn’t forgotten last night’s almost-kiss either.
His friend was giving him shit this morning—further proof of the dumbass move he’d pulled last night.
“I’ve got her covered,” Alec said, his jaw tight.
