Their Virgin Secretary (Masters of Ménage #6)(118)

Mentally, he prepared the argument of a lifetime. He had to make her understand that whether or not Kellan stayed, he and Tate could form an unbreakable bond-if she let them. He intended to stay with her and make her happy. No fucking way was he going back to Chicago alone.

"Talk to me, baby."

"What do you have in the bags?" Belle asked, changing the subject.

Eric looked at Tate, who appeared just as tense as he felt.

With a sigh, Tate set the bags down and spoke carefully, as though trying not to upset her. "Just some new computer stuff. You know how I like to play around with all the new toys."



       
         
       
        

She gave him a sad smile. "I do. I thought you should know I found one of my own."

Belle dangled something from her hand. A doll formed of plain fabric with a bit of yarn for hair and two dark buttons sewn where the eyes should be. The doll was damn creepy. Whoever had made the thing obviously didn't believe in the pretty princess toys.

"Is that what I think it is?" Tate bit out.

Belle laid it on the desk, then joined Sir on the couch, scratching his belly when he rolled over. "If you think it's a voodoo doll, then you're correct."

"Your grandmother has voodoo dolls?" Eric frowned. He thought she'd been a psychic.

"No." Belle shook her head. "Someone left this hanging in my closet for me. It's even wearing a replica of the same clothes I had on the other day. But I didn't see this when I got dressed this morning. Believe me, I would have noticed."

Eric stared, anxiety compressing his chest. His previous fear morphed into lava-filled. Someone was playing with them again, trying to frighten his woman away. "Hanging, you say? Like, by the neck?"

"Yep. From a noose." Belle looked every bit as pensive as she sounded. "I guess we should call the police again?"

Eric didn't see why. They hadn't done anything the first time, and based on the news, they were still mired in the madam murder case. "Let's take another look at Captain Ron and Mike because they've both been working in your bedroom and bathroom."

"And I took the draper up there so she could get a look," Belle added.

Eric shook his head. "She wasn't here when someone wrote the message on your wall. We need to figure out all the people who had access to the house on both instances."

"Or I could just install some hidden cameras and catch the fucker in the act." Tate pulled a teddy bear out of one of the bags.

"Am I supposed to cuddle with that?" Belle asked.

Tate started to fiddle with the bear, his fingers moving a switch. He opened his laptop and typed something into it. Less than a minute later, he turned the computer around and Eric saw himself on screen.

"A nanny cam?" Eric asked.

Belle peered over his shoulder. As she leaned in, she balanced her hand on his shoulders, and he was relieved she'd come to him for support. "This will be way more helpful than the voodoo doll. Where are we going to put it?"

Eric knew exactly where he wanted it. He turned when he felt Belle meander away. "This asshole seems to really like the master bedroom. I think we set up in there and watch who goes in and out. This way you can still have the house remodeled without us having to formally check everyone's backgrounds or kick them out altogether. We can monitor everyone's activity in your bedroom via our laptops. We'll know exactly when this sick creep goes in and what he does." 

"God, I hope it's Mike so I can kick his ass," Tate muttered under his breath.

"You be careful. Both of you." She sent them stern glances. "I'll go along with this idea, but only if you promise not to do anything dangerous."

Something inside him eased, some kernel of doubt. She wasn't pushing them away or telling them to leave. The worst seemed to be over. Kellan had been an ass, but Belle wasn't letting another man affect her relationship with either him or Tate. He wound his arms around her, embracing her, adoring the warmth and feel of her. He loved how comfortable she'd become with his body and the fact that she no longer hesitated to show affection.

"Promise me," she demanded softly. "I couldn't handle it if anything happened to either one of you. Don't do anything reckless."

That was an easy promise to make. Eric had no doubt Tate believed it would be intensely logical to beat the shit out of the man who was trying to scare their girl. He felt the same. Nothing foolish about doing what made sense. "I promise."

Belle cocked her head and looked at Tate expectantly.