Jared (The Protectors #2)(64)

Tessa ignored him. “This is strictly a boss and employee relationship.” She eyed him firmly. “No asking me out and definitely no ass smacking.”

Bobby rolled his eyes. “The ass beating I received by that maniac pretty much cured any intentions I’ve had about dating you.” He turned back to restocking the bar. “Now get the hell out of here before you piss me off more and I change my mind.”

“Thanks Bobby!” Tessa grabbed her stuff. “I’ll be here at eight.”

“Seven Tessa.” Bobby yelled. “Be here at seven sharp. Your start time has not changed and you damn well know it.”

Tessa grinned feeling more like her old self. The faster she could get into her old routine the faster her heart could mend…again.

********

Sid walked Levi and Adam into the pool room. “Here they are as you ordered…master.” Sid’s sarcasm was thick.

Jared ignored him, his eyes on Levi. “Why did you lie?”

“What are you talking about?” Levi’s gaze kept skipping around indicating he was lying out his ass.

Eyes steady on the little bastard, Jared directed his order to Adam. “Can you read him?”

“No.” Adam replied after a short minute. “I can if I touch him.”

Jared’s smile was not pleasant. “Then touch him.”

“This is bullshit.” Levi jerked away from Adam. “I’m a Council member. I don’t follow your orders.”

“You have something to hide?” Jared’s intense stare was putting everyone on edge.

“Of course not.” Levi shook his head. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

“Either me or Adam are going to touch you.” Jared took a step forward, his growl growing with each word. “I suggest you let Adam do what I have asked him to do because if I touch you it will not be pleasant. I know you lied, I want to know why.”

“This is ridiculous.” Levi tried to storm out of the room.

Sid grabbed Levi holding him tight before nodding to Adam. “Do your thing.”

“Okay!” Levi held his hands up away from Adam. “I knew you hadn’t fed in a while because of the human….”

“My sister’s name is Tessa.” Adam growled, making Jared damn proud. “Use it.”

Levi shot him a nasty glare. “I called and had Vicky come over. I knew once you met up with her you would feed because of your hunger and I was right.” His gaze landed on Jared. “We can’t have our Warriors running around on the edge because of hunger. We have to be responsible when you’re not.”

“So you did it for my benefit.” Jared leaned against the pool table eyeing him intently.

“Of course.” Levi answered quickly, a little too quickly. “Why else?”

“Exactly.” Jared stood up glancing at his watch. “Get the f*ck out of here. If you ever pull a stunt like that again your Council title won’t save your sorry ass.”

All three of them watched him hurry out the door. “He’s lying.” Sid walked over to the fridge grabbing a beer.

“Ya think. He doesn’t do anything that doesn’t benefit himself.” Jared tapped out a text on his phone then looked to Adam. “Have you talked to Tessa today?”

“Yeah, earlier.” Adam replied. “Why?”

“Because I texted her just before you guys walked in and she hasn’t answered me.” Jared frowned, his gut telling him something wasn’t right.

“Check Gramp’s room. She might be in there.” Adam shrugged.

“Yeah.” Jared looked at his phone again before walking toward the door. “Thanks guys.”

Steve walked in passing Jared. “You ready to go?”

“Yeah.” Adam tucked his shirt in. “Where’s Jill and the guys?”

“Waiting at the car.” Steve grinned, looking excited as always.

“Where are you guys heading?” Sid crossed his arms leaning against the pool table, tapping his beer against his arm.

“New club just opened up on Sixth Street. Thought we’d go check it out and try to get Romeo here out of his funk.” Steve nodded toward Adam.

“Why’s Romeo in a funk?” Sid eyed Adam who avoided his gaze.

“He and his girl broke up.” Steve smacked Adam on the back. “He needs to see there’s life after Angelina.”

Sid watched Adam closely. “So she left your sorry ass?”

When Adam didn’t answer; Steve, who was never at a loss for words, piped in. “No he broke it off with her.”

“Ah, well, I’m sure you’ll find a nice piece of ass tonight and forget all about her.” Sid tried to hide his grin by lifting his beer and taking a swig. “Though I’m surprised you let that nice looking female go. Hell, if you’re done with her maybe I could take a shot. I like them young and with a body like hers she could make a man real….”

Adam was in his face before he could finish. “You go anywhere near her I will kill you.”

Sid didn’t even flinch, just stood ready, nose to nose with Adam. “You sure you want to ride that train son?”

“Ah, shit!” Steve stood wide eyed shifting nervously from foot to foot. “Ah, guys…”