* * * *
Sierra unlocked the front door to her and Max’s home, signaling her friends to be quiet. But the house was already silent.
“They must be out by the pool,” Sierra whispered as they took off their shoes. She motioned for them to follow.
“This isn’t a good idea,” Tessa cautioned once again. She’d tried to get them to text or call during the entire drive out, or to let her. But both had their minds made up. Neither one of them seemed to realize how much trouble they were about to get into. Or maybe they did?
“Yep, out by the pool,” Sierra whispered. The trio crossed the family room to the open patio doors. “One, two, three.”
“Surprise!” Sierra and Crystal yelled, and they bounced out the door.
The men stood up, Max and Jordan’s expressions concealed. Damon smiled at her and held out his hand. Tessa didn’t hesitate. She went over and put her hand in his.
“What is the meaning of this?” Max’s voice was hard and cold, so cold that Tessa shivered.
“A surprise,” Sierra whispered.
“What did I tell you we were doing today?” Max crossed his arms over his chest, looking down at Sierra.
“Club business.” Her voice was so soft Tessa could barely hear her.
“What do you have to say for yourself?” Jordan’s voice was as hard and cold as Max’s. Tessa saw Crystal’s head fall forward.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Sierra, into our bedroom. You have two minutes to get your ass in there and strip.”
Sierra didn’t hesitate. She took off at a run with Max following her.
“Let’s go.” Jordan grasped Crystal by the arm.
“Are we going home?” Crystal asked.
“No, but we’re going to make use of Max’s office.” Jordan and Crystal disappeared into the house.
Damon tugged Tessa into his arms. “Thanks for the warning.”
“I feel bad that Sierra and Crystal are in trouble.” She snuggled up against him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her.
“Did you try and stop them?”
“Yes.”
“Did you try and convince them to call or text?”
“I did.”
“Then don’t feel bad.”
A cry reached the patio doors, and Tessa stiffened. “I can’t hear this.”
“Come on.” Damon released her from his embrace and led her past the pool out into the trees. It was cooler here. Even though there’d been shade on the patio, this was much cooler. He led her to a small clearing, in the center a blanket and pillows.
Tessa stepped into the clearing and looked up. The tall trees created a natural shelter, and the grass was green and soft. “This is beautiful.”
“Max told me about it. So we have our own little place while they take care of business.”
Damon tugged Tessa down onto the blanket. “I know they won’t hurt them, but that cry was Crystal.”