I grinned. “So true.”
Jensen sobered. “You know she picks on you because she’s jealous, right?” My eyes widened. “You’re everything she’s not and wishes she could be. Beautiful in this breathtakingly natural way. Kind to everyone. Giving. She has to try and break you down to make herself feel better.”
Jensen pulled me into a tight hug. “Don’t dim your light for anyone. Never again.”
38
Liam
Ipulled the passenger-side door open and helped Tessa out of the SUV, breathing a sigh of relief that we were now on the Coles’ gated property. Hours on alert at The Tea Kettle while Tessa worked, not to mention the scene with Bridgette, had my nerves on edge.
Then Tessa had wanted to spend time with the horses and stop in to see Sarah, who of course decided she needed to feed us. It was so kind of Sarah, but all I wanted was Tessa home with me where I knew she was safe. Worry gnawed at my gut. I felt like I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Tessa reached up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to my jaw. “How about I draw us a nice relaxing bath. That tub’s more than big enough for two.”
My eyes widened, and I grinned. “You gonna put that flowery shit in the water and make me smell like a girl?”
Tessa grinned back at me. “Probably.”
I brushed my lips against hers. “Worth it.”
We headed up the front steps, and I unlocked the door. We made our way down the hall and into the open-concept living area and kitchen. I pulled open the fridge. “I’m going to grab a beer. You want anything?”
Tessa shook her head. “No, I’m good. I’m just trying to find my phone.” She pawed through the massive bag she called a purse.
I chuckled. “It’s a wonder you can find anything in there, that purse is the size of my gym bag.”
Tessa stuck her tongue out at me. “Fine. I’ll clean it out.” She upended the bag, and the contents fell out over the kitchen counter.
I popped the cap on my beer and took a swig. “What the hell is all this stuff?”
Tessa grinned. “It used to be my go-bag, but since I’m no longer a flight risk, it’s just become a collection of random crap.”
I held up a small, cylindrical object. “Taser?”
Tessa nodded. “Yup.” She continued to sort through the spread, throwing some things away, putting others in piles. She picked up a small, white, circular dot, no bigger than a quarter. Her brows pulled together. “What’s this?” Tessa studied it for a second and then moved to throw it in the trash.
I caught her hand in a flash. “Don’t.”
Tessa’s eyes flared in surprise. “Why?”
I cursed under my breath, taking a closer look at the thing. “I’ve seen these before. My security team warned me about them. Sometimes, extra sleazy paparazzi will plant them in your car if they can. I’m pretty sure this is a tracker.”
Tessa dropped the dot as if she’d been burned. “What?”
I resisted the urge to pick it up off the counter, wondering if we might be able to get fingerprints off this thing. “When’s the last time you cleaned out your bag?”
Tessa’s brow creased, and she eyed the pile of stuff on the counter. “It’s been a while.”
My jaw worked. “So, we have no idea when someone could’ve planted it.” I pulled out my phone. “I’m calling Walker.”
Tessa rubbed her hands up and down her arms as if she were suddenly freezing. I pulled her into my body with my free hand just as Walker answered his phone. “What’s up?”
I gritted my teeth. “I’m pretty sure I just found a tracker in Tessa’s bag. One of those circle tracker pads.”
Walker cursed. “I’m on my way. You at the cabin?”
I rubbed a hand up and down Tessa’s back. “Yup. Thanks, man.”
