Meridian stood, putting them chest to chest. He discreetly checked around them before he gripped the back of Ex’s bicep and pulled him towards the restrooms. Once they were around the corner he spun on his partner, pinning him against the wall. “Have you lost your fucking mind?”
“No. But you must have, if you think for one damn second that things haven’t changed in the field,” Ex growled. “They’ve changed big fucking time.”
“Meaning you’re going to start acting like a jealous twat every time I work a mark,” Meridian said in annoyance. “Nice. I’m really looking forward to that.”
“What does screwing that woman have to do with getting the DA’s drink order?”
Meridian didn’t bother justifying that with a response because he wasn’t going to fuck her, never was. Instead, he slowed his breathing and tamped down his irritation. He cupped Ex’s face and kissed him again, this time slower and with less aggression. “I’ve waited for you for eight years... eight goddamn years, Xavier. I told you I love you. I’ve never said that to anyone... anyone. Not even my own mother. But, I said it to you. So, please, pull yourself together, because we can’t work like this.”
“I’m fine,” Ex hissed through clenched teeth.
“No, you’re not. Being home. Your brother’s death, seeing your mom, this op, even us... it’s all fucking with your head.”
“I said I’m good.”
“You’re not focused, meaning my back is exposed,” Meridian argued.
Ex glanced around to make sure they hadn’t drawn unwanted attention. “Look. I said I’m good. I just didn’t like her touching all over you and shit.” Ex gripped the side of his head as if he suddenly realized the gravity of what he’d just done. “I’ve got everything under control.”
“You do not.” Meridian scowled. “I’m telling Slade we’re aborting.”
“No,” Ex snapped.
Meridian watched him for a long moment before he asked, “How many people are in the dining room?”
Ex grinned slightly with those soft, satiny lips and Meridian almost leaned in and kissed him again, but he resisted, as he was trying to prove a point.
“You really wanna test me?”
“How many?” Meridian moved his firm grip up Ex’s arm until he was cupping the back of his neck. “Concentrate.”
Ex swallowed then cleared his throat, “Twenty-four.”
“What’s the hostess’s name?” Meridian asked.
“Tiffany,” Ex scoffed, then said mockingly. “You gonna give me a real challenge, Mr. Smith?”
Meridian gripped him tighter. Damn this man and his mouth. “How many exits on this floor?”
“Three.”
Meridian pressed against him tighter. “Concentrate. I said the floor, not the restaurant.”
“Fuck you. Six,” Ex answered, his breathing becoming labored.
“Focus.”
“I am.”
“How much longer before the cameras come back online?”
Ex didn’t have to look at his watch and Meridian was surprised.
“Fourteen minutes.”
“What color is Daphne’s bra?”
“A black, cheap Victoria Secret knockoff.”
Meridian nodded. “There’s a woman sitting alone at a high-top table near the entrance of the bar. What’s she wearing?”
“Well, first of all, she’s a he. It’s twenty, twenty. Don’t just be throwing around casual pronouns, Mere. And he’s wearing a gray pinstriped suit and a white, ruffled blouse.”
Meridian touched Ex’s bottom lip with his thumb. “Now... I am impressed.”
“Good. And since you’re so worried about how focused I am. I have one challenge for you.”
Damn Meridian was crazy about this man.
“While you were busy ogling Daphne’s dirty pillows, what time did God and Day come in, and where are they sitting?” Ex asked with a smug grin, as Meridian glared at him.
“You’re bullshitting me?”
“Nope. Table in the far-right corner, opposite side from the DA, facing the door.” Ex closed his eyes and removed Meridian’s hands from his body. “I’ll take care of the lieutenants. You take care of Rowland Senior.”
“Give me five minutes. Since you burned my opportunity to spike the drink, now I gotta get into the kitchen.” Meridian gently butted their heads together. “And get the smell of garlic in my suit, fuck you very much.”
Ex’s smile was slight and slow, but fuck it was enough to stir desire inside him.
“I can’t wait to fucking make you pay for this later,” Meridian threatened.
“Whatever,” Ex said in a husky voice, still leaning against the wall as he adjusted himself.
“You’re shaking,” Meridian observed, calling Ex on his bullshit and feeling like a king all at the same time. “I’d be scared too if I were you.”
“You just told me I’m in trouble when you get me alone. That tremor isn’t fear, Mere... it’s excitement.”
Ex left him standing there with his mouth open and his dick hard. His partner was definitely right about one thing.
The field had changed big fucking time.
“You look nice tonight,” God told his husband. Even though they were there on assignment and not out for leisure, this was still a fancy place, and Day looked good in his navy-blue suit.
“Thank you.” Day smiled at him.
God glanced over the five-foot wall blocking them from view of the DA and his young date. The captain had instructed they put around-the-clock surveillance on Rowland Senior after his son’s confession. But since they couldn’t trust anyone else, they had to do it themselves, and God and Day had pulled the short straw and gotten Friday night.