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“Good. I want to shut down their entire trafficking operation.”
“We’ll keep up the pressure, and make sure the McGuires feel the heat without any relief from their usual allies.”
“Good. And what of the morale of the Devils? Is everything good there?”
Sean nods. “The men love fucking up the McGuires. They’re solid.”
“Excellent. Then considering we’re ahead of the game, let’s assume Mattie is pissed and will be trying something soon. Double up surveillance on the bridges and along the riverfront. I don’t want any McGuire retaliation falling on our people. Especially with the fight on Saturday night.”
“Got it.” Sean stands and buttons up his leather MC vest. “And despite my teasing, you’ve really grabbed hold of things lately, T. If it’s being back here, it looks good on you. If it’s the woman, then keep doing what you’re doing.”
I stand and reach across the desk to bump knuckles with my brother. “Safe home, Sean. Watch your back.”
“Always.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Laine
“Knock, knock.” I pop my head into Tag’s office and am struck stupid as his expression lights up. “Do you mind an interruption?”
He waves me in and pushes his chair back from his desk. “You are the best kind of interruption, luv. What have you got there?”
“Well, you’ve had your head down all day, so I thought I’d bring you an afternoon sweet treat and give you a bit of a break—if you have time, of course.”
He watches as I set the strawberry shortcakes and cream down and then pats his lap. I take a seat and twist to wrap my arms around the back of his neck. Leaning forward, he brushes our lips together. “How can a man say no to a sweet gesture like that?”
I chuckle. “Very easily. I’ve been a business person my entire adult life. I respect the time and commitment it takes to stay at the top of the game and with the fight coming up in a few hours, there are probably a dozen things that need your attention.”
He leans closer and skims his lips along my jawline to the tender flesh just below my ears. “I’ve made my donation and called upon the wealthy donors of the past. Brendan and Bryan will take care of the rest.”
“So, you’re free to snack with me?”
“With you, on you, however it works.”
I laugh and hop off his lap before this becomes an X-rated afternoon distraction. Shuffling to the other side of the desk, I tug the heavy visitor’s chair along the fancy carpet until I can sit with him.
Knees to knees, I hand him his strawberry shortcake and then collect my own. “I wanted to ask you something, and whatever your answer is, I want you to understand that it won’t hurt my feelings or upset me, no matter what you say.”
His easygoing smile drops, and a crease appears between his brows. “I don’t like the sound of this.”
I take a large dollop of cream and plop it on top of my shortcake. “No. It’s fine. That’s what I’m saying. I’m good. I just wondered about something and want you to give me an honest answer.”
His frown deepens into a scowl. “I’ll always be honest with you, Laine. I may not be forthcoming with all details of all things, but what I tell you will always be the truth.”
I swallow a bite of the sweet berry bliss and set my plate down. If this were a cartoon, I could see the thundercloud gathering over his head. “Maybe I’m doing this wrong. It’s nothing. I just wanted to ask?—”
“Then ask, luv. You’re making me nervous.”
I roll my eyes. “I was just wondering about the charity fight. I know it’s an elegant affair and that you and your brothers are kind of the unofficial hosts, and I just wondered if there was a reason you haven’t brought up taking me.”
I hold out my hands before he can speak. “Like I said, I’m just curious about what you’re thinking. There’s no wrong answer. I just wondered. Is it too soon to consider me your plus one? Is it a brother thing? Do you prefer to go stag to these things?”
Whatever he was worried about seems to ease because the thundercloud dissipates as quickly as it gathered. “Ah, is that all?”
“Yes. I told you it was nothing, but you got bent out of shape, anyway.”
He chuckles. “Aye, I suppose I did.”
