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It’s no wonder he’s so distraught.

I lift on my elbow. “What if I call my contact and see if they have any information on the group?”

“What contact?” He sits up.

“The search-and-rescue group I fund.”

“I thought you meant search and rescue like tracking down a dad who abducts his own kid.”

I shake my head. “Wolf is a former SEAL. He and his group track and take down traffickers.”

Elio’s eyes widen. “No shit?”

I fight back a grin. “No shit.”

“Guess it wouldn’t hurt to see what he knows.”

I get out my phone and dial Wolf—something I rarely do. We stick to email for the most part.

“Isa, how are you?” he answers warmly.

“Hope I’m not interrupting. I have a question for you.”

“Not at all, what’s up?”

“I’m actually here with … um … a friend of mine.” I peek up at Elio, feeling awkward about not knowing what to call him. “I’ll let him explain.”

“Wolf, my name’s Elio. I came across a boat near Bermuda with kids on it. I know they were being trafficked and want to stop the people who are behind the operation.”

I sit and listen, my heart overflowing as the man I love discusses becoming actively involved in a cause I’m deeply passionate about. A cause he’s passionate about, as well.

After the call, I wrap my arms around his middle and relish the solid warmth of his body against me.

“I’m so glad you’re okay. I was really worried today.”

“I’m here now. The danger is over.” His hand cups the back of my head, holding me close before coaxing my lips to his. The kiss is slow and reverent.

Praise and apology all in one.

His lips etch the words of a promise into my heart.

“Do you want to stay here tonight or go back to the boat?” he asks when he finally pulls away. “We’ve already paid for the night.”

When I think about my answer, I’m surprised to realize I want to get back to the boat. It feels like home, in a way. I don’t want to live there forever, but it’s grown on me. “Let’s go home.”

“Sounds good to me. Michael said he was going to take Evie back to their apartment for the first time in months, and I’ve given the rest of the guys the night off. We’ll have the boat to ourselves.” His last few words deepen with heady innuendo that I feel simmer in my belly.

I lick my suddenly parched lips. “Okay, I need to go to the bathroom, then I’ll be ready.”

I hurry to do my business, fighting back a grin. When I return, I hand him my panties in a ball of wadded silk. He instantly recognizes the lace trim, his eyes dilating.

“Just something to think about on the way home,” I purr.

He holds my gaze like a hungry panther, raising his fist to his nose and inhaling deeply. “Hands on the glass,” he demands, voice fraying at the edges.

“I thought we were leaving,” I sing teasingly.

“We are, as soon as you put your hands on. The. Glass.” His eyes cut to the wall of windows, one final command.