Jared (The Protectors #2)(23)
“I think Jared would rather you stay in here.” Sid was craning his neck trying to see out the door.
“He won’t kill him will he?” Tessa struggled to see out the door.
“Probably.” Sid grinned in delight. “He’d deserve it.”
Tessa pulled away enough to see Bobby on the ground with Jared raining punches to his face. “Oh my God!” Tessa cried out. “Stop him Sid. He’s going to kill him.”
Sid looked over top of her head, his smile still in place. “Ah, he isn’t going to kill him. He’s just teaching him a lesson on how to treat a lady.”
Not believing it Tessa ran down the steps to where Jared was beating the holy hell out of her boss. “Please stop Jared. I’m not worth you killing someone over. My God this is crazy.”
Tessa’s panicked voice broke through his fury stopping his fist in mid swing. “If you ever lay a hand on her again this beating will not even compare to what I will do to you.” Jared pulled Bobby up by the front of the shirt, their faces inches apart. “Do you understand me?”
Bobby nodded before turning his head to the side to spit out blood and what looked like a tooth. “Who the hell are you?” Bobby shook his head trying to get his brain to function.
“Your worst f*cking nightmare, pal.” Jared hissed standing, pulling Bobby up with one hand keeping a firm hold on him. “Now apologize.”
With one eye already swelling shut Bobby glanced down at Tessa. “I’m sorry, Tessa.” His words sounded sincere. “I really didn’t mean anything by it. I shouldn’t have done what I did.”
Nodding, Tessa couldn’t help feeling a little sorry for Bobby. She had known him her whole life and though she knew how he was with women he had never touched her before. Actually the only thing he had ever done was try to get her to go out on a date.
Jared let go of him shoving him toward his car which had a body sized dent on the hood. “Don’t let it ever happen again.” Jared spat out watching Bobby closely just in case the dumbass had second thoughts and came back for more of an ass kicking.
After Bobby pulled out, everyone headed into the house excited about the fight, even Sid was pumped. Tessa was left standing in the yard with Jared whose hands were still balled in fists, his face a cold mask.
“Are you okay?” Jared finally looked down at her. “He smacked you pretty hard.”
Face flaming red, Tessa kept her gaze on his. “I’m fine.” She nodded not knowing what else to say. Saying thanks for kicking the crap out of somebody just didn’t sound right.
He walked up to her, so close they were almost touching. His hand reached lifting her face up to his as he leaned down slightly. “Never doubt that you are worth it.” He leaned closer taking a long deep breath then let go, walking away leaving her breathing hard and once again yearning for something more.
Tessa caressed where his fingers touched her face, watching him walk away. Glancing back at the house she knew that was the safest way to go, but when had she ever played the safe card. Slowly she made her way over to where he stopped by the edge of the driveway.
“I really need a minute Tessa.” Jared’s voice was stern yet his words were spoken softly.
Ignoring his warning Tessa circled around and stood in front of him. Reaching up she clasped his chin gently turning his face to hers. Looking into his angry black eyes she swore she could feel his anger, pain and soul in that one look. Never had she felt more connected to anyone than at that moment. It felt so good…it felt right. “I’m sorry.” She whispered, her eyes searching his.
“Tessa, you have nothing to be sorry for.” He leaned into her touch instead of pulling away.
“Yeah, I do.” Her lips curved into a small shaky smile. “I have caused you nothing but trouble since you laid eyes on me and you have done nothing but help my brother and now me.”
He caught her hand as she pulled away placing a kiss on the palm. “Best damn trouble I’ve had in years.” His smile beamed bright in the dusk of the night, his eyes turning back to their normal golden hue.
“What color are your eyes?” Tessa stared deeply into them.
“Gold unless I’m….”
“I know what color they are now, but what color were they?”
Jared felt his throat knot up. No one had ever asked him that question, no one had cared enough. “Blue.” He leaned his head slowly toward her. “They were blue.”
Leaning up, Tessa didn’t look away. “Light or dark?” She whispered, her tongue snaking out to slowly moisten her lips, ready for the kiss she hoped with all her heart was coming.
“Just blue, Tessa.” His words blew across her wet lips causing her to shiver from head to the tips of her toes.
Jared didn’t move as she lifted her other hand to touch the side of his face feeling the hardness in his features. Her eyes shifted from his to his lips wondering if they were as soft as they looked. Her stomach swirled and dipped in anticipation of that answer. His hand slid to the back of her neck then up to the back of her head through her hair cupping her gently. Tessa ran her thumb across his lips before she closed her eyes to lean in closer. He was letting her make the decision and waited patiently, giving her the lead. Before touching her lips to his, her sexy little tongue moistened her lush lips again.