Chapter 13

The housethey pulled up to was impressive and unassuming at the same time. Teresa peered through the window, immediately spotting the cameras on the front of the house.

Considering this was the home of the current hottest celebrity chef and a former Navy SEAL who worked for a security company, it didn’t come as a surprise that there was surveillance everywhere.

Especially after what Teresa had learned about Astrid being kidnapped by a member of the Ramirez Cartel.

Damn, am I bringing the danger to her doorstep by being here?

The question wasn’t one she’d given herself time to think about until now. Her involvement with the Ramirez Cartel could affect everyone she associated with.

“I don’t think I should be here,” she said.

Timing could’ve been better.

Yeah, well, it was what it was.

“Care to tell me why?” Angelo killed the engine, and she heard rather than saw him shift in his seat.

No doubt he was facing her, but Teresa kept her gaze fixed on the house in front of her, noting the other cars in the driveway. It was clear they were the last to arrive.

He hadn’t hurried her when they’d arrived back at his place and she’d insisted on having a shower and changing her clothes.

Why had she felt the need to change? It wasn’t like she was trying to impress Angelo or his colleagues. All she’d wanted was to feel a little better about herself and attempt to wash off the stale stench being in her apartment had coated her in.

Not that the apartment stank—if anything, it still smelled like her place. However, it was knowing bugs had been hiding everywhere.

“Tre, are you going to answer, or would you like to sit here all night?” There wasn’t even a hint of impatience in his voice.

“What if me being here brings the cartel knocking on your door again? I mean, it’s clear they know who I am. I’m surprised they haven’t tried to do something more to me than just placing listening devices in my house.”

“The best place for you to be is right where you are. Over the last year, the cartel has been lurking about, first with Astrid, then, in a roundabout way, they were also connected to Eveline and who she used to work with. They’re like a snake slithering through the gaps and spreading their venom everywhere.”

Angelo’s description was pretty apt. They were like snakes.

“For the first time in my career, I wish I hadn’t taken this assignment. I wish Monte had approached someone else.”

“But he didn’t because he wanted the best, and that’s you.” Angelo’s hand curled around her neck, and Teresa didn’t resist the little tug he gave so she was closer. “You’re safe with me. With Alliez, Teresa.”

“I hope so.” She rested her forehead against his. “But these guys, well, they’ll stop at nothing.”

“I know. But we can’t give up, Tre. It’s not within you to walk away. And it’s the same for me.”

Teresa sighed, and her eyes drifted shut. “You’re right.”

“Damn straight. Now let’s get inside. You don’t want to miss out on Astrid’s cooking.” Angelo pressed his lips against her forehead before releasing her.

Teresa wanted to cover the spot with her hand, but instead reached down and grabbed her purse from where it rested by her feet.

By the time she was upright again, Angelo had the door open and was holding out his hand for her.

Immediately, she placed hers on top and he gave it a squeeze before helping her out of the car.

Together they made their way to the front door, where it opened the minute they hit the top step.

“Was wondering if you two were ever going to get out of the car,” Growler said and stepped aside to allow them to enter.

The foyer was large but not ostentatious. There was a homey feel to it.

In the middle of the hall table was a vase full of pink and white roses and a plain, light gray rug flowed down the small hallway.

There was a staircase off to the right, and to the left was a large living room.

Teresa peered in as they walked past, noting the two black leather couches with a large glass coffee table between them and a white throw blanket over the back of one of them. Even with the formal furniture, the room had a relaxed feel about it.

“We’re all outside,” Growler said as he led them through the house.

The aroma of herbs, spices, and fresh bread lingered in the air, and her stomach grumbled. “Oh, my, something smells really good.”

“Just wait till you taste it, Tre. Astrid’s food is amazing.” Angelo placed his hand at the small of her back to guide her through the doors that led out to a large, covered patio.

Laughter and chatter filled the air, and for a moment, Teresa paused. Everyone was friends. Like earlier, she had the thought that she was an outsider.

Would they view her as that, or would they welcome her?

“Teresa! So glad to see you.” Eveline rushed over with a big hug.

Well, that answered that concern.

“Thanks, it’s good to be here.”

“Come and sit. Would you like wine? Or a soda? Or water?” Eveline fired the questions at her.

Angelo’s fingers flexed against her back, and Teresa glanced over her shoulder to see what had caused his reaction.

“You good?” she asked quietly.

Eveline was waiting for an answer and was watching their byplay with interest.

“Yeah, are you?” he countered.

Teresa studied him, trying to figure out what was going on inside his mind because something was.

Angelo had tensed when Eveline asked her if she wanted something to drink.

Why?

That made no sense, and yet now he was asking if she was okay.

Everything was exhausting, and all she wanted to do was go to sleep and wake up and find that it was all a nightmare. That Teresa hadn’t piqued the interest of the Ramirez cartel.

But that would mean Angelo wouldn’t be standing next to me.

That was the only good thing about what was happening—although he was almost acting as aloof as he had been when he’d woken her up that morning. Yet, his hand hadn’t strayed. It still lingered on her back.

“Tre?” Angelo shifted her so that she was facing him, and she didn’t have to strain her neck to look at him.

“Sorry. I’m a little tired.”

A soft smile curved his mouth, and he brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “It’s been a big day.”

“It has.”

“Do you want to go?” he asked.

If Teresa said yes, he’d whisk her away, but she didn’t want to leave. She wanted to get to know the people who worked with Angelo better.

“No, I’m good. But I could do with a drink.” She pulled out of Angelo’s hold, preparing to let Eveline know what she’d like to drink, only to find that the other woman had gone back to where she was sitting. “Oh, God, I’m so rude.”

“What do you mean?” Angelo asked.

“Eveline offered to get me a drink, and I all but ignored her.” Teresa shook her head. “She must think I’m awful.”

His hands gripped her upper arms, his hold firm, but gentle. His brown eyes soft, open, and full of trust. “Tre, it’s all good. Eveline’s fine. I think she could tell there was other stuff going on with you. She wasn’t offended.”

As much as Teresa wanted to believe him, she wouldn’t feel good about the situation until she apologized to the other woman. “Okay.”

Angelo released his hold on her and cupped one of her elbows, directing her farther onto the patio and in the direction of where a fridge was tucked into the corner. “What can I get you?” he asked as he opened the door.

“Water will be fine to start off with. I may have a wine later on.”

“Gotcha.”

Once they had their drinks, Teresa headed to where Eveline was.

The pretty brunette was sitting, her hand resting on Ox’s leg while he had an arm around her, as though he didn’t want to let her go.

“Eveline, I’m sorry I ignored you.” She propped on the edge of the outdoor couch opposite the one Eveline and Ox sat on.

“You didn’t, and if anyone should be apologizing, it’s me. I pretty much ambushed you the second you stepped out here. I didn’t give you a chance to get used to being somewhere new.”

Was this real?

Was Eveline really brushing off her rudeness and shouldering some of the blame?

Because of her job and the way she would effectively have to disappear and take on a new persona for a few months, it was difficult to maintain friendships.

High school had been a bust, as she’d been a constant target for the mean girls. Over the years, Teresa had built up her own confidence and knew her own worth.

Situations like tonight though, when she was going into unknown places, her insecurities flared to life. The same insecurities she’d thought she’d conquered.

“You’re being kind, and I appreciate it. Thank you.”

Eveline smiled. “Are you ready to have your tastebuds blown off your tongue?”

“I’m not sure if I should be scared at that comment or not.” Teresa sipped water, aware that Angelo was a silent sentinel beside her.

He’d joined her without comment and taken a seat too close, yet perhaps, too far away. His leg brushed up against hers, and his arm rested across the back of the couch, not touching her, but if she shifted a bit, his fingertips would brush her shoulder.

What would Angelo do if she put her hand on his thigh?

Right in front of his friends. Would he brush Teresa’s hand away or would he take hold of it and keep it there?

As much as she wanted to test the theory, she kept her hands to herself.

“You don’t need to be scared. Astrid’s food is delicious. She can make the simplest of dishes taste unbelievable,” he said, drawing her attention back to the subject at hand. “Growler’s put on a few pounds since he and Astrid hooked up.”

What? Who said something like that?

“Fuck off, Angel. If anyone has put on weight, it’s you. I’ve seen the way you’re always taking three of Astrid’s brownies when I bring them in.” Growler grumbled, but his lips were quirked upward.

Angelo patted his stomach. “Still as rock hard as they were when I was a SEAL. Can you say the same?”

“We are not having a ‘who’s got the best abs’ competition, although Callum would win hands down.” Astrid kissed Growler on the cheek as she came out with a tray of delicious-looking mini quiches on the table in front of them. “Dig in. The lamb shanks need a little longer before they’ll be ready.”

Within seconds, the tray was almost empty, and Teresa moaned as she bit into the flaky pastry and soft filling. “Oh my God, this is amazing.”

Angelo nudged her with his elbow. “Told you that you had nothing to worry about.”

“You’re right, I didn’t.” She popped the last mouthful in, and another moan escaped before she could stop it. “So good.”

A strangled sound came from Angelo, and she glanced up, only to collide with his gaze. His brown eyes were slumberous, like they had been after they’d kissed in the conference room.

Thinking about that kiss had her tongue darting out, swiping across her bottom lip.

Angelo’s gaze tracked the movement—what was he thinking?

Did he want to kiss her again?

Because Teresa wanted to kiss him.

Of it’s on volition, her body leaned toward his and Angelo did the same, but only a heartbeat later, as if he’d been slapped, he pulled back and sat up straight, putting distance between them again.

Embarrassment burned her cheeks, and she shifted until she was wedged into the corner of the couch.

What the hell happened there?

One minute, he’d been watching her, looking like he’d wanted to devour her, the next, Angelo had pulled away, as if she’d had fish breath.

How could Teresa have misread the whole situation?

She’d done it right in front of his friends.

Had anyone seen them?

Could she hope they were caught up with their own conversations, that they weren’t paying attention to what happened on the couch?

She could hope, but she feared that luck wasn’t on her side and everyone on the patio had been a witness to Angelo rejecting her.