Chapter 27 Slip of the tongue

Chapter 27 Slip of the tongue
They were having breakfast when someone banged on the door. Tessa looked expectantly to Dane. To her surprise, he didn't order her to hide in the bedroom. Nervous, she started clearing the table. When she finished that, she peeked around the door, wondering who Dane was talking to.
Immediately she regretted her impulsiveness as Snake leered at her over Dane's shoulder, his black eye patch making him look even more evil. Her stomach tightened as she remembered the last time she'd seen Snake....when he murdered Matt Michaels. Her hands started shaking.
"Bogen said you've got extra coolers," Snake said, looking directly at her. "He needs one."
She backed up until the kitchen counter pressed into her spine, struck anew by the physical prowess of these two men. They were huge. She wouldn't stand a chance against either of them.

For a moment, Dane blocked the doorway. Finally, he stepped aside, allowing Snake to enter. Crossing to where Tessa stood, Dane reached over her head and grabbed one of the battered ice chests stacked on top of the refrigerator.
Turning, he tossed the chest to Snake. Remaining in front of Tessa, Dane reached around and possessively tugged her up against his back, out of Snake's view. "You got what you came for."
"Yep. I'm looking forward to the cookout, amigo." Snake laughed. "She'll make an interesting main course."
As soon as he was gone, Tessa yanked her arm free and stepped away. "What was he talking about?"
"Bogen's having a party tonight. A cookout. We're invited." Dane had known this moment would come sooner or later.
"I'll stay home."
"It's not optional," he said. It was obvious that Snake's visit had upset her. He noticed that her hands were trembling. "But you'll be with me every moment."
"Who will be there?"

He caught the edge in her voice. "The entire camp. They're curious to see you. I told you before that there are several women here at the camp. I've never been with any of them, nor have I ever brought a woman here, so you're somewhat of a novelty."
He paused, waiting for her to look at him. "I'll be frank. They will assume we've been intimate. Don't try to correct them. They won't care whether it's consensual or not. In fact, they would assume it wasn't. As you know, they'll be crude. Ignore them, and I'll get us out of there as soon as I can."
Once again, Tessa saw a flicker in his eyes----compassion?----just before he turned and walked out, leaving her alone in the kitchen. He wasn't as indifferent to her situation as he'd have her believe.
Perhaps she did have a chance at convincing him to let her skip Bogen's little soiree. She followed him quietly, intent on asking him again if she could stay behind. Dane was in the bedroom, rummaging through the boots he stowed in the back of the closet. "Damn Snake," he muttered. "I'm sure that bastard had something to do with Michaels's disappearance."
His words surprised Tessa. "Matt Michaels?"

Dane spun around, irritated that he hadn't heard her approach and shocked by her question."How did you know that was his first name?"
She felt her face redden. "I....I....guessed it. I'll go finish the dishes."
Dumbfounded, Dane watched her hurry away. Damn. She knew. He had suspected all along that she was hiding something. He just hadn't thought it pertained to Matt. Jesus, how stupid could he be?
Sitting back on his heels, he forced his temper to cool. He needed to know exactly what she knew about Matt. And how she'd found out. The problem would be convincing her to tell him about it without raising suspicion that might imperil his assignment or endanger her.
A few minutes later, he walked into the kitchen where she stood with her back towards him, furiously washing dishes. Moving closer, he grabbed a towel and started wiping a plate.

The tension between them stretched, as brittle as spun glass, until finally he spoke. "Tessa, I know you don't deserve any of what has happened to you. But I hope you recognize that I've gone out of my way to protect you and will continue to do so. If you know anything about Matt Michaels, you need to tell me."
Tessa looked at him squarely. "No, the only thing I need to do is stay alive and get back to my family."
He tossed the towel down. "I knew Matt from town. He worked on my bike a few times. In fact, he did work for several people here. Everyone liked him."
She opened her mouth and then just as quickly closed it shut again as she tried to move past him.
Silver eyes pinned her in place. "Everyone except Snake."
"I don't know anything," she blurted.
"I think you do, but you just don't want to tell me." He reached out, wrapping a golden strand of hair around his finger and tugging it lightly, urging her closer. "Why?"

Tessa scowled, resisting, pulling away. "You warned me against letting anyone know my secrets. You said it could put me in danger. So, to be perfectly honest, I'm scared. Of Bogen. Of Snake. Of you."
Dane eyed the clock, wishing they had more time to discuss this. Unfortunately, he had a meeting scheduled with Bogen. They were going to call Sanchez. For now, he had to leave.
"I've asked you several times to trust me, Tessa. Have I betrayed you yet?"
Angry tears glittered in her eyes. "You're holding me prisoner!:
"Funny, I thought I was keeping you safe from the others." Moving away, Dane started preparing for his meeting, but his mind was still on Tessa. She knew something about Matt's disappearance, of which he was sure. But she didn't trust him enough to tell him what it was.

Well, tonight, Dane was going to change that. He'd lay on the charm as soon as they returned from Bogen's party. Hell, maybe sooner. He wanted Tessa's trust, needed it. And tonight he'd do whatever it took to win her confidence.