“Stay away from Ryden.”
“Why?” Finch cocked his head to one side, studying Jay. “You two a thing?”
Jay straightened. “What? Not?—”
“So he’s single.”
“No,” Jay replied through his teeth. What part of fuck off did his brother not understand?
“But you said you weren’t dating. Is he dating someone else?”
“Of course not.”
“So you’re just fucking.”
Jay’s face was suddenly on fire. “No.” Not yet anyway. Jay planned to rectify that very soon.
“Good. So he’s available.”
Dead. Jay was going to murder his brother dead. “If you try anything with him, I will end you,” he growled.
“Ooh.” Finch pretended to cower. “I’m quaking in my boots.”
Jay was not impressed. It was like they were kids all over again. His brother might not have changed when it came to Jay, but Jay had changed plenty. “You should be.”
“I’m not scared of you, Jaybird.”
“You always did underestimate me.”
“Let me guess,” Finch drawled. “You’re gonna sic your little army of Snake Eaters on me. Gotta say, I’m surprised you endedup here, surrounded by guys like me. Thought you’d end up doing makeup or as a flight attendant or something.”
Really?Really? “I’m done.” Jay spun around and headed for the door. “I need to go home and pack.”
“What?” Finch hurried after him, catching up with him outside on the office floor. The guys were huddled just outside King’s office, talking. They stopped to see what was happening, just like everyone else. Finch did love an audience.
“You’re not going.”
Jay turned, aware that he and his brother were the center of attention, but he didn’t care. He was so done with this macho bullshit. “Excuse me? I’m sorry. Were you under the impression you had any say in this?”
“Damn it, Jaybird.”
“I’m going,” Jay snapped.
“This is not a job for a glorified secretary.”
“The fuck did you just say? First of all, there’s nothing wrong with being a secretary. Second, you have no idea what I do, so fuck off.”
“This isn’t prom,” Finch spat out. “Where you show up in your bedazzled tux with an entourage of cheerleaders and bust out your flash mob routine. These guys are armed and dangerous, using real bullets.”
What.The.Fuck. “Excuse me?”
“All you’re going to do is put yourself and everyone else in danger,” Finch growled. “You’re not made for this.” He threw out a hand to grab Jay’s arm.
Jay didn’t hesitate. He jabbed Finch in the throat. His brother gasped, stumbling back and grabbing his throat. He made a wheezing, gargling sound before he fell back against the wall, his eyes glassy and face red as he stared at Jay, who stepped up to him, poking him in the chest.
“This isn’t high school, Finch. You try your bullshit on me, and I will dropkick your ass. I’ve taken down bigger guys than you. If you want to stick around, fine, but stay out of my way.” He leaned in, his voice low. “And stay the fuck away from my man.” Spinning, Jay went to his desk, grabbed his messenger bag, then headed for the elevator, Ryden on his heels. “I’m going home to pack,” he shouted over his shoulder. “You can catch me up on the plan later.”
Ryden leaned in. “Your man, huh?”
