What if she’d had one and he hadn’t been there to help?
She’s laughing. You weren’t gone that long.
Jag took a deep breath to calm himself down. Nowhewas the one who was getting over anxious.
Every woman in the room with Steff had gone through something traumatic and had come out of it stronger—just like Steff was doing. If she had any sort of moment, all three of them would’ve been able to help her. Or someone would’ve come looking for him so he could help.
Once he had his emotions under control, he knocked on the door. “Hope I’m not interrupting.”
Cass’s office was large, considering all the computer equipment she used. Not to mention Irish tended to spend most of his time here—much to Cass’s chagrin. There was plenty of room for the four women to all be seated comfortably.
His gaze found Steff’s, and a smile tugged at his lips. Her demeanor was relaxed. She was sitting next to Teresa, and there was absolutely no hint of anything worrying her.
“Nope, we’re just catching up,” Cass answered.
If Eveline and Teresa were here, that meant that their kids would be too, and no doubt with their dads. Ox, Angel, and Growler were one hundred percent committed to being good dads. He imagined Irish would be too, when, or if, he and Cassdecided to have kids. “Angelica and Oscar with their dads?” he asked, even though he already knew the answer.
“Yep, dads are on duty,” Eveline said.
As much as he’d like to spend time catching up, he wanted Steff to himself. He needed her to tell him that she was okay. “Great. Steff, you ready?”
She shot up quickly. “I am. It’s been great seeing you all.” Not everyone would be able to pick up on it, but he caught the strain in her voice.
Teresa stood as well and pulled Steff into a hug. “It was good to see you again. I’m sorry shit is happening, but know you’re not alone. You’ve got all of us watching out for you.”
He didn’t know why, but hearing Teresa’s assertion that Steff wasn’t alone pleased him. He shouldn’t be surprised considering how they were all one huge family.
“I know. Thanks for this. I mean it.” Steff came up to him, and he placed his hand on her lower back.
“Before you go, I’ve got something for you.” Cass rummaged into a drawer and pulled out a small square box. Of course, Cass would be on the ball, and he wouldn’t need to ask her about a tracker for Steff.
“What’s this?” Steff looked at him as if seeking confirmation that Cass wasn’t about to poison her with whatever was in it.
Cass opened the box, and two small gold and diamond-like studs glinted under the light. “Earrings. But not ordinary earrings, they have a tracker in them.”
“We’ve all got them.” Eveline pushed her hair back to show hers off. Teresa did the same.
“What? I don’t understand?” Steff may have been relaxed when she’d gotten up, but he could feel the tension radiating from her. “Why would I need them?”
This was a conversation he didn’t want to have in front of the others, but perhaps it was for the best. Teresa and Eveline could help him explain the benefits of having them.
“It’s a way to keep you safe when I can’t be with you,” Jag said.
Steff took a step away and looked around the room. He hated to see the uncertainty reenter her eyes. “Are you saying that someone will be watching my movements all the time? And you’re both happy with that?” her question was directed to Eveline and Teresa.
“Oh absolutely, and I haven’t mentioned it to Angelo, but I’m seriously considering getting Angelica’s ears pierced so that she can wear some too.”
“Let me know when you decide to do that, and I’ll make sure I get some earrings made so that you can take them to the place where you get her ears pierced,” Cass said.
Jag doubted Angel would have any problem with Teresa doing what she wanted to do. If it kept his daughter safe, he would agree to anything.
His main concern was Steff though, and how she was dealing with all of this, because she looked like she was about to bolt, which was the last thing he wanted. “You don’t have to make a decision right now,” he said quietly. “Think about it.”
“I know it’s a lot to take in.” Cass smiled at Steff. “If you’re worried that I’ll be constantly watching you, don’t be. I don’t. But if something was to happen, we’d have a way to find you, and because they’re earrings, no one gives them a thought.”
Steff chewed her bottom lip, and he could tell she was weighing up all the options. What was going through her mind?
Possibly the surprise that someone like Teresa was happy to wear trackers. Steff had worked with Teresa. Knew that she had been a hard-hitting journalist in a male oriented world where she’d never wanted to look weak, yet Teresa had no qualms inhaving someone have the ability to trace where she was at all times.
