Saint nodded and left, closing the door behind him.
Jay sighed. “Well, that killed the mood.”
“Hey, look at me.” Ryden placed his fingers under Jay’s chin, lifting his head so their eyes could meet. “Whatever happens, I have your back.”
“Thank you.” Jay leaned in and kissed Ryden. It was quick but sweet. “I meant what I said. Tonight.”
Ryden nodded and followed Jay’s lead, heading for the office door. Jay’s cheeks were pink, but he’d smoothed down his hair and clothes, making him impeccable again.
Shoulders back and head held high, Jay left the office looking as confident as he always did. They were both a little flushed and breathless, so it was obvious they’d been up to something in there, but no one said a word, not even Ace.
Outside, a guy Ryden had never seen before spoke to King. It had to be Finch. To say he was the opposite of Jay in every way would have been an understatement. The guy was as big as King, with pitch-black hair, a chiseled jaw, amber eyes, and muscles that stretched his shirt’s fabric within an inch of its life.
Everything about the guy screamed military, except for the length of his hair, which was long enough to curl around his ears. He had the kind of smile that could charm the pants off anyone if he weren’t such an asshole.
When Finch caught sight of Jay, he did a double-take, his smile widening. Wait. Was Finch happy to see his brother?
“Well, hey there, Jaybird,” Finch drawled. “Looking pretty as a peacock, as always. Come here and give your big brother a hug.”
Jay rolled his eyes, squeaking when Finch grabbed him and pulled him into a bear hug. Releasing him, Finch chuckled at Jay’s annoyed huff. He lifted his gaze, and something odd flashed through his eyes. Brushing past his brother, he held out a hand to Ryden.
“Semper Fi.”
“Ooh Rah,” Ryden replied, taking Finch’s hand and shaking it.
“Finch Starling. And you are?” His gaze raked over Ryden in a way that couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than what it was.
Interest.
What in the holy hell?
“Ryden. Foster.”
Finch met his gaze and held it. “Looking forward to working with you, Marine.” He squeezed Ryden’s hand, his thumb briefly brushing Ryden’s skin before he let go. Ignoring Jay’s startled expression, he turned back to King. “Where do you want me?”
“Conference room,” King replied, looking uncharacteristically perplexed. He hadn’t missed the exchange and, like Ryden, had no idea what to make of it. “I’ll lead the way.” He walked off with Finch on his heels.
If Ryden didn’t know better, he’d say Finch was interested in him. Jay’s brother was straight. Wasn’t he? It was why he gave Jay so much hell. Ryden turned to Jay and leaned in, lowering his voice.
“I thought your brother was straight.”
“He is.” Jay shook his head. “That was just…weird.”
“But y’all haven’t talked in a long time, right?”
Jay worried his bottom lip. “A few years ago, he tried calling me, but I refused to answer. I texted him that I didn’t want to talk to him.” He moved his gaze to Ryden. “You think…?” He shook his head again. “No. Nope. My brother took every opportunity he could to make my life miserable for being gay. He’s messing with me.”
“How is flirtin’ with me messing with you?” It wasn’t as if Finch knew something was going on between them, and even if he did, the man was straight.
Jay narrowed his eyes. “I don’t know, but he’s up to something. I can feel it. Why would he answer my call, much less agree to help? Then he flirts with you like no one’s watching? Yeah, he’s up to something. Don’t let your guard down around him. If he thinks he can mess with me now like he did in high school, he’s about to regret his life choices.”
Oh boy. Something told Ryden this operation was about to get much more dangerous.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The day had started amazingly,and now it was going to shit.
Jay couldn’t even take the time to enjoy thinking about what he and Ryden had done in Ryden’s office. When he went in there, needing a moment to himself, an array of emotions coursed through him. He hadn’t expected Ryden to come in after him, but having him there in front of Jay, looking so concerned, ready to take on his brother, Jay decided, fuck it. And yes, maybe Ryden’s words about what he would do to Jay played a role in what happened. Jay had been so freaking turned on. All he could think about was Ryden naked, buried deep inside him.
