Page 40 of Filthy Rich Bosses

"Jesus," I breathe, covering my nose.

There are a handful of cars already parked in the front yard, but one stands out—a white SUV with a bright green magnet on the door displaying the name of a local animal rescue. The logo is faded, like it’s been through a few too many wash cycles, but I can still make out the image of a wagging tail and a set of paw prints. It’s a good sign. If the rescue team is here, it means we’re not doing this on our own.

Tessa's already marching toward the house, her face set in grim determination. "It's going to be worse inside," she warns.

As we enter, the sight that greets us is heartbreaking. Dozens of cats, skeletal and sickly, huddle in corners and on grimy surfaces. Their eyes, wide with fear and hunger, follow our every move.

"How can anyone do this?" I whisper, feeling a lump form in my throat.

Tessa's already kneeling beside a particularly frail kitten, her voice soft and soothing. "It's okay, little one. We've got you."

Watching her work, I'm struck by her gentleness, the fierce protectiveness in her eyes. It's a side of her I've never seen before, and it stirs something deep within me.

As I watch Tessa, I can't help but admire how completely she throws herself into this. She’s all in—no hesitation, no fear—just pure, undiluted compassion. She’s moving from one animal to the next, a soft murmur of comfort on her lips as she checkseach one for signs of abuse or illness. There’s a fire in her, a determination that borders on reckless.

My gaze narrows as she leans in close to one of the other volunteers, a tall guy with sandy hair and an easy smile. He’s got that rugged, outdoorsy look that I’m sure always has women falling at his feet. He says something I can’t hear, and she laughs—a real laugh, the kind that lights up her whole face.

Something ugly twists in my gut. I try to tell myself it’s nothing. She’s just being friendly. But damn, if it doesn’t make me want to knock the guy’s teeth in for making her smile like that.

I force myself to stay back, biting my tongue, my hands clenching into fists. The other volunteers move around us, carrying crates and supplies, while Tessa is practically glued to this guy’s side. I catch snippets of their conversation as I approach, something about the best ways to calm down traumatized animals. She’s animated, her hands flying as she talks, and he’s nodding like she’s the most fascinating person in the world.

I clear my throat, stepping closer. “Tessa,” I say, my voice coming out sharper than I intended. “Be careful. You don’t know what kind of condition these animals are in.”

She glances up at me, annoyance flashing in her eyes. “I’ve got it under control, Cole. They’re scared, not rabid.”

“You don’t know that,” I snap.

She shakes her head, clearly pissed. “I’ve been doing this a long time, you know. I don’t need you hovering over me.”

“Someone needs to,” I mutter under my breath, but she hears me. Her eyes flash, and for a second, I think she’s going to lay into me right here in front of everyone.

But instead, she just turns her back on me, focusing all her attention on a trembling dog huddled in a filthy crate. I watch, my heart in my throat, as she reaches in, coaxing the terrifiedanimal out with gentle words and patient hands. The dog growls low in its throat, but she doesn’t flinch.

“Tessa, don’t—” I start, stepping forward, but it’s too late.

There’s a sudden snap, and the dog lunges, sinking its teeth into her hand.

“Shit!” she yelps, jerking back, blood welling from the bite.

I’m at her side in an instant, grabbing her arm and pulling her away. “Goddamn it, Tessa, I told you to be careful!”

She glares at me, cradling her bleeding hand. “I had it under control until you distracted me!”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it,” I growl, pulling her toward the door. “You need to get that looked at before it gets infected.”

She tries to pull away, but I don’t let go. “I’m fine, Cole! Just let me finish here.”

“Like hell you are,” I snap, my grip tightening. “We’re leaving. Now.”

“You don't get to dictate what I can and cannot do.”

The sandy-haired volunteer steps forward, looking concerned. “Is everything okay here?”

I level him with a glare that has him taking a step back. “We’re fine,” I bite out, not taking my eyes off Tessa. “Let’s go.”

The guy notices she’s gripping her arm and his eyes get wide. “Jesus, Tess. You need to get that looked at.”

“I just fucking said that.”

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