Wicked as Lies (Wicked & Devoted #3) - Shayla Black Page 0,37

him, I was a snot-nosed sixteen.”

If he was from California, how had he met a prominent doctor from Louisiana as a kid?

“All right.” Hunter shrugged. “If you have anything to add to that later or it becomes a problem, let me know.”

“Sure.”

“During Kendra’s rescue, we extracted the drug lord’s wife, Valeria,” their boss went on. “He suspected she was pregnant when she vanished, and he wants her back. A few weeks ago, Kendra received a threat, telling her that if she didn’t disclose Valeria’s location, there would be ‘problems.’”

Which sounded like code for I’m going to hurt you.

Tessa frowned. “Does the bride know where to find this woman?”

“No. As soon as my dad got Valeria safely into the States, he secreted her in a safe house far from here. He’s told no one, not even my brothers and me, the location. So even if Montilla’s thugs hunt Kendra down, she can’t tell them anything. They probably suspect that, but they’re rattling her chains and blowing smoke, just in case. We’re here as a precaution.”

Maybe, but the notion was still terrifying. The last thing Tessa wanted was to tangle with a drug cartel.

“Use your comm as needed,” Hunter instructed. “I’ll be the eyes in the sky.” At her frown, her boss sent her a tight smile. “Meaning I’ll be remotely monitoring the cameras Logan and Joaquin installed everywhere except the dressing rooms and bathrooms.”

The guys asked a few more questions. Josiah’s “date,” Ashley, seemed impatient to get on with it since she cocked her weapon, tucked it into a thigh holster, then all but dragged him to the door. With a shake of their heads, Cutter and Rebecca followed the pair.

Zy turned to her, and he didn’t look pleased. Then he glared back at Hunter. “If something happens to Tessa, there won’t be a hole deep enough for you to bury yourself in.”

She gaped. Was he crazy, threatening their new boss? “Zy—”

“If something happens to her, it will be on you,” Hunter snarled back. “I won’t fucking be there. Now go do your job.”

Beside her, Zy looked ready for a fight. Since he needed this job, too, she grabbed him and hauled him toward the door. “I’m fine. The others are leaving us behind. Let’s go.”

He cursed as he led her out of the suite and slammed the door behind them. “This is bullshit. I don’t want this for you.”

“I’m a little scared, but we’ve got this.” She hoped.

“Stay close to me.”

She nodded. If anyone would protect her, it was Zy.

The ride down the crowded elevator slipped by quickly. Cutter, Josiah, and their respective female operatives affirmed their identities and cover stories, then they agreed that none of the couples should seem to know the others.

“How did you meet Dr. Waxman?” she asked Zy.

He looked reluctant to reply. “Through my dad.”

Small world. “Was he one of the doctor’s patients or something?”

“It was business.”

End of conversation. His tone told her that was all he intended to say.

The car stopped. The ding indicated they’d arrived at their destination. Once the elevator doors opened, she and Zy filed out, his arm around her waist as he brought her close to his side. His nearness filled her up like a big drink of water after a long, hot day. She knew the situation might get dangerous and she should stay alert, but damn, it felt so good to be close to him after months of nothing but passing waves and casual conversations.

Tessa had been hoping that getting some space between her and Zy would take the heat off her crush, but no. Her feelings for him were still a blister on her heart.

Behind them, Josiah and Ashley veered left, ostensibly so she could smoke in a corner of the outdoor space before the ceremony. Cutter and Rebecca drifted off to the right, circulating with other guests admiring the scenery.

“What do we do?”

“Hang back here so everyone leaves us the fuck alone. We’re here to observe, not integrate.”

“Okay.” She took in the people and surroundings as he stopped her short of the crowd waiting to be seated for the ceremony. But she didn’t know what to search for. What did danger look like?

“How’s Hallie?”

Of all the things Zy could have asked, he’d inquired about her daughter. Tessa would be lying if she said that didn’t warm her heart. “Good. She’s getting big.”

“I’ll bet. No sign of Asshole?”

“Cash is in rehab. His dad came to visit me around the first of May. He wanted to apologize and