Jared (The Protectors #2)(61)

Pam wouldn’t even look at Jared, could hardly look at Tessa. “No.” She turned to leave, but Jared grabbed her arm which she pulled away.

“We can protect you Pam.” Jared told her retreating back. Tessa swore she heard a sob escape Pam as she burst through the door.

Nicole walked up a few minutes later looking around. “Where did Pam go?”

“She left. She said she would be back to take care of this.” Tessa handed her the dress.

Looking at each of the Warriors Nicole frowned. “What the hell is going on?” When no one answered, she tossed her hand on her cocked hip. “I know something’s up because three Warriors standing in the middle of a bridal shop is not an everyday occurrence and I know you had Sid follow to watch us, soooo.”

The only Warrior that would look at her was Duncan. “What do you know about that bastard she is with?”

“Not much, why?” When nobody said anything, a worried expression replaced her frown. “He keeps to himself mostly and Pam never really talked about him. You guys are scaring me.”

Tessa looked at Jared who actually looked away from the questions in her eyes. This so wasn’t good.

Duncan walked past Nicole not taking his eyes off of her. “It should.”

Chapter 25

“Crap.” Tessa snapped her phone closed with a curse tossing it on the bed. Rubbing her temples, she walked around the room trying to think. The week she had been here had been bliss. Waking up next to Jared Kincaid had certainly been a highlight, but she needed to get back to reality. She was about to lose her grandfather’s house and that was not even an option. As much as she hated leaving her little dream world she needed to get things taken care of. Grabbing her phone off the bed, she tossed it in her purse heading for the door.

“Hey, I was just coming to see you.” Adam met her in the hall.

“You good?” Tessa had noticed since the night he had a double date with Angelina and her friends his smile had been slow to make an appearance. She knew something was up, but was trying to give him space. He was a man now and she needed to cut the strings so he could make his own way. Not an easy task for her.

Adam shrugged his shoulder. “Yeah.” He glanced at her purse. “Where you going?”

She thought about lying, but she had never lied to her brother before and she wasn’t about to start now. “The bank is going to start foreclosure on the house.” She sighed, feeling a little better letting that off her chest, but hated to unload it on her brother.

“I’ve got a little money.” Adam reached around for his wallet. “We can’t lose Gramp’s house.”

“Keep your money Adam. I’ve got ten days to come up with the rest.” She really didn’t want to take his money. He’d done enough. “I have most of it, just a little short.”

“How short?” Adam frowned, holding his wallet in his hand.

Tessa thought about the bridesmaid dress hanging in Jared’s closet. “Just a couple hundred.”

“I’ve got seventy-five.” He opened his wallet taking the money out.

“No, you might need it.” Tessa pushed the money back at him. “I’ve got it, okay. We won’t lose the house.”

“Jared said after I get through training and join with the Warriors I’ll get a salary.” Adam reassured her. “I’ll be able to help out more.”

Tessa really wanted to cry, just fall on the floor and throw a big crying fit. Her brother should be in college, but that hadn’t been his fate. “How’s things going with Angelina?” Tessa asked, instead of breaking down into tears.

“Don’t know. Haven’t talked to her since we went out last weekend.” Adam shrugged his shoulders.

“Why not? I thought things were going good between you two.” Tessa frowned. “She has always had such a crush on you Adam and she’s so nice.”

Adam’s eyes darkened. “What do I have to offer her sis?” He threw his arms out wide. “Look at me. I have no job because everyone is afraid to hire a half-breed, I’m not going to college so my future is unsure and she can do so much better. Deserves better.”

“Bull crap.” Tessa shoved him. “There isn’t anybody out there better for her than you.”

“You’re my sister, you have to say that.” Adam rolled his eyes.

“No…because I’m your sister I tell you when you’re being a dumb ass and you’re being a dumb ass.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “And if you don’t stop rolling those eyes at me I’m going to smack them right out of that thick head of yours.”

A small smile broke out on his face. “You can try.” He teased. “If you think you can.”

With a quickness that surprised Adam, Tessa punched him in the stomach then kissed him on the cheek when he doubled over. “You need to make it right with Angelina before you lose her for good.” She didn’t even turn to look at him. “You’re lucky she’s waited this long, but I bet she has a line of guys just waiting for you to screw up again.”

A low growl escaped Adam’s throat surprising him.  “It’s none of my business if she does.”

“Yeah, sure sounds like you don’t care.” Tessa grinned walking away. “Don’t let her go Adam. I think this one you’ll regret.”