Jen stared at Tasha without blinking. “You said he could destroy Trick’s life with one line of code.”
“One line, huh?” Ken moved closer, grabbing a carrot and popping it into his mouth. He smiled at Tasha where she was seated on the stool beside the island. “I’m flattered. It’s a little more involved than that, but you’re not wrong. Still, I wouldn’t do that to Trick.” He sent Jen a piercing look. “Though I have to admit I’m surprised he let things get personal. I mean he acts like he’s careless, but anyone who pays attention would know he isn’t.”
Jen tried not to take that as an insult. “What do you mean? He isn’t still working for Stephen. No one’s paying him.”
Ken tried to reach for another carrot and Tasha slapped his hand. “You know what’s he’s been doing, don’t you? Spill, Tanaka.”
Ken tilted his head, his long ebony braid sliding over his shoulder. Brady’s lover was a beautiful man. “I can’t tell you everything. He and Solomon have already gotten more involved than they should be.”
“Does this have to do with that group? That thing Stephen’s dead assistant was mixed up in that had everyone jumping at shadows for weeks?” Jeremy looked concerned.
“Yes.” He looked at Jen. “And when one of those shadows started to take shape, someone started taking an interest in your family again. When I mentioned you being the most vulnerable target—young female on a crowded campus with your history, etcetera, Trick offered to help use his contacts to get us more information as long as you were protected. I agreed, of course, but it quickly became clear he meant to do it himself.”
Jen set down the knife, wondering why Trick hadn’t told her. And what did, with her history mean? “So he was protecting me from something you and Brady got mixed up in? Can you explain to me why your boyfriend doesn’t like Trick after all he’s done for you?”
Ken’s smile was soothing. “Trick doesn’t make it easy. It was clear his interest in you was personal. Abundantly clear. Your man enjoys ruffling Brady’s feathers.”
Was that why he was always around? Another person determined to protect her.
You know him. You know that’s not the only reason.
Jeremy came up beside Jen and pulled her into his arms. She closed her eyes and hugged him back. “I’m not supposed to approve of this match, but I can’t say I don’t feel better knowing someone like Trick has your back. What those two stirred up is a hornet’s nest. You don’t want to get anywhere near it.”
He was probably right. “I suppose I have to forgive her for telling you now,” she sighed. “She is pregnant.”
Jeremy chuckled. “We both know she wasn’t that great at keeping a secret before she started using her unborn offspring as an excuse.”
“What?” Tasha’s voice rose. “Hello. Sixteen years and you had no idea about Stephen. I am the winner of keeping secrets. Usually.”
That was true. No one knew that Stephen and Natasha had had a casual, no-strings relationship that lasted over a decade. Then again, Tasha hadn’t known that Stephen had never considered it casual.
If Scott hadn’t filmed them having sex in the backseat of a parked car as payback for Tasha’s spurning his advances, they might have kept that secret forever. At least something good came out of Jen’s heartbreak.
“No one knew that I was in love with Owen for closer to nineteen years.” Jeremy challenged. “I win.”
“I knew,” Tasha responded smugly. “And I kept that secret too. Crown the queen.”
Jen smiled despite her mood. “She has a point. Also…Mom and I sort of knew for years.”
Jeremy looked stunned. “You did not.”
“Oh, and Brady told me he knew before he joined the Marines,” Tasha supplied helpfully.
“Was there anyone who didn’t know?”
“I didn’t.” Ken sent him a dazzling smile. “But to be fair, I didn’t meet you until you were a couple.”
Jen shrugged. “We had no idea Owen had similar feelings, if that makes you feel any better.”
“It doesn’t.”
Ken chuckled. “I give you both all the credit in the world for holding out. I can’t imagine keeping my hands off Brady for that long.”
Jen knew exactly what he meant. She’d only been with Declan and Trick for about a week and a half and she was still struggling just getting through her school days without them. Declan’s class had become an experiment in torture for both of them. Trick was glad he’d been kicked out that first day. He said listening to Declan talk about sex without being able to touch him would be agony.
He was right.
Jeremy snapped his fingers in front of her face. “Earth to Little Finn. I think we’ve lost her.”
“I know that look,” Tasha sighed, a glint of concern in her eyes. “She’s definitely got it bad.”
Jen laughed nervously. “I do not. Let’s talk about something else. Like the wedding.”