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Just like the others, Daire went off to do as instructed. It was only then her father’s attention swung around to her.
Wearing a wide smile, she didn’t hide that she was kidding around. “I could go get the Beast, if you give me cab money to get there.”
“Says the girl who has never hauled a trailer, let alone hitched it to a truck,” he said, sauntering over. He laid his hands on her upper arms. “Were you hurt?” She shook her head. “I’m sorry my men were heavy-handed.”
“It wasn’t your orders,” she said. “They didn’t hurt me. Just a little pinch… I was freaked out though.”
Tess wasn’t sure she’d have admitted being scared to anyone else. They didn’t know each other, but after seeing the way the men responded to him, she could tell her father was a positive force.
“You don’t have to worry about any of them hurting you again.”
“Garrick said they wouldn’t… You’re not suspicious though? They’re all here, we don’t know for how long… It could be lies. Zeus could be waiting to strike.”
His head bobbed, though he didn’t appear worried. “Anything is possible.” He smiled. “But I trained these men. They’ve gone into harm’s way under my orders for a decade, some of them for longer. And never forget what I said about Daire.”
Being their primary instrument. “I understand you have history with everyone here. It’s just…”
“You trusted Daire and he led you into a trap,” her father finished her thought.
Damn, Harry was smart. Tess couldn’t decide if his being able to read her mind was a good thing or not. He hadn’t referenced any kind of intimacy and still seemed to be smiling, so she guessed all was well.
“You’re right to be vigilant,” he said. “You always should be. But when you got in trouble, you did the right thing.”
Tess shook her head. “Garrick made me call. I considered hanging up and telling him to go to hell.”
“But you didn’t. When you need help, when you’re in trouble, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do, Tess. Nothing.”
She believed him, almost as much as she’d believed Daire when he said he’d come to her aid no matter what. If everything was as it appeared to be, they could be in a safe haven. If not, their time could be running out.
THIRTY-FIVE
DINNER WAS AN INTERESTING mix of Daire saying nothing and everyone else telling stories, enjoying reconnecting.
Tess didn’t say much either. Not just because eavesdropping was her foremost intelligence gathering method, but because it paid to be wary. Relaxing could mean getting too close to people who could screw her over.
There was plenty to eat. Too much. At least that’s how it looked at the start of the meal. By the end, every plate was clean and there wasn’t much left.
They didn’t linger at the table. As soon as Harry said it was time to clean up, the men got up to do just that.
“The master is yours,” Garrick said to Harry. “It’s upstairs and has a separate living area with kitchen facilities and the largest balcony in the house. Also plenty of closet space, two bathrooms, separate hot tub.”
“Life of luxury,” Harry said.
“I knew you’d want Ares close. The men have been building a barracks and training assembly in the basement. You should check it out before you retire.”
“Needs work,” Daire said, picking up his water glass. “Gimme a week, we’ll get it up to inspection spec.”
Garrick’s amusement was broad. “We’ve missed you too, Ares. Doesn’t surprise me you’ve done your reconnaissance. By now I’m guessing you know the house better than the rest of us.”
She was coming to hate the code name. Growing up in Olympus, Daire probably heard it every day. No wonder the guy found it so easy to play another person. Did he even know who he was half the time?
“New environment is no reason to let standards slide.”
Lowe wandered over to collect glasses from the table. “Never been the class clown, but you used to know how to have a good time, Ares.”
“It’s been a year for all of us,” Harry said. “Training will loosen everyone up. Tess, stay here while the men clean up.”
Harry rose from the table in sync with Garrick and Daire. They went out onto the patio and stood in a close group. That wasn’t part of any tour or a friendly catch up. Those men were exchanging secrets.
