Page 49 of Tempting Tessa

“You can plant a virus to infect his computers with,” Spence added. “I can send it with you. We can disrupt the attacks before he can set them off.”

“No,” Tommy said again, more insistent this time. He shook his head at Spence, Dec, and Meg. “He’s a murderer. An egomaniac. A tyrant. You’re not letting her walk in there.”

“Lettingme?” Tessa’s voice had a brittle edge to it. “I’m doing it. This is our best bet. End of discussion.”

Tommy stared her down. “Not without me, then. I’m going with you.”

Jessie used the table to help her stand. “None of you are listening.It won’t work.”

Tessa faced her. “Let’s get something straight, Jessie. You’re in no position to hand out orders. While you may have critical intel, you don’t get a vote in how we proceed.”

Jessie glanced at each of them.

“You owe us,” Meg said. “Stop this madness. Help us bring him down.”

Jessie was quiet for a long moment, seeming to search for another argument. Tommy held his breath until she whispered, “Fine. What do you want me to do?”

“The swans ride again,” Spence said, a bit too cheerily for Tommy’s liking.

“I’mnota swan,” Tessa reminded him.

“Screw that,” Meg said. “You are, too.” She glanced at the open doorway. “Now, how do we get some breakfast around here? We have a full day ahead of us.”

Twenty

Tessa stepped into the cavernous halls of Kaltrain’s headquarters, her stomach a knotted mess. Jessica’s hand was on her elbow, her grip tight, even though she’d zip-tied Tessa’s wrists. They’d agreed to a compromise, but Jessie was flat-out sure their plan was going to fail.

“I hate this,” she murmured.

Tessa reined in the scream that kept clogging her throat. “I hate that you betrayed all of us and nearly ruined your brother emotionally.”

“I told you why,” Jessie ground out.

“While protecting your brother at all costs may be a valid reason for doing the unthinkable in certain situations, your reasoning in this case is irrational. The result of your actions put him in more danger than coming clean would have. And that’s why we’re here—his well-being is nowmyresponsibility because you’re no longer competent to handle it.”

Jessie grunted. “I hate you right now,” she snarled.

“Get over yourself. And by the way, Tommy’s a lot stronger than you give him credit for. Your death nearly killed him, too. You’re lucky he’s forgiven you.”

“Oh, and you know him so well. I’m his big sister. I’ve been taking care of him my whole life.”

She had to play this right. Every move, every word, every gesture would be scrutinized and dissected by those behind the cameras. “He’s not a kid anymore, and neither are you,” she said under her breath. “You’re playing an exceedingly dangerous game, and no matter the outcome, Tommy’s the one who will pay the price.”

“No.” Jessie shook her head. “This is all on me.”

Wishful thinking.

The overhead canned lights cast a sterile, surgical glow over the polished concrete floors. They bypassed a receptionist, who gave Jessie a nervous glance. “Mr. Renard is not to be disturbed.”

“He’ll want to be disturbed for this,” Jessie snapped.

The woman snatched up her phone and punched a button.

At the elevators, Jessie whispered, “Remember, there’s a guard outside the entrance to Harris’ penthouse suite and one just inside the receiving area where he conducts business. He’ll be in his inner suite, where no one is allowed. Cherie back there is alerting him to the fact I’ve returned and brought company. We might make it past the guard stationed at the outer door of the penthouse, but no farther than that.”

The security cameras were invisible, but Tessa could feel watchful eyes on them. If her stepfather were as conniving as he appeared, his team would already have her identity. Making it past his security would be easy—he’d be anxious to talk to her. “Relax. I can handle him.”

“He’s a snake with wicked venom. Relaxing lands you six feet under.”

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