Page 86 of Dragon Tempted

“Thanks for coming,” Sienna said. “Where’s Skippy? Are you cheating on your laptop, Jonas?”

Jonas rolled his eyes. “This laptop is not linked to our network. I use it to run scans to check files and links for malicious software and other harmful things. Can you give me your log-in details for the chat group so that I can access the file?”

Sienna gave him the information and then pushed back her chair. “I’m going to let you check the file. Ryan, can you stay and finish the document we were discussing?”

Ryan narrowed his eyes, quickly figuring out her flimsy matchmaking attempts. “Sure.”

Sienna smiled. “I’m going to go grab some cookies from Marilyn’s cookie jar. I’ll bring some back for both of you.”

Jonas’s head was already down as he typed on the laptop, and she winked at Ryan before heading out of the office. She was sure there would be payback from Ryan after what she shared earlier, but she could handle it. When she walked into the kitchen, Sienna wasn’t surprised to find Tessa having tea and cookies. Her sister-in-law was a food connoisseur, especially when it came to desserts. Adam sat next to her with an exasperated but loving expression on his face. Something tweaked in Sienna’s chest at how happy her brother was now.

“Did you leave some cookies for the rest of us?” Sienna asked.

Tessa smirked. “Maybe. Marilyn made homemade salted caramel brownies and ice cream, but I’m not allowed to have any until after dinner,” she announced with a small pout.

“Since when have you not done what you want to do, allowed or not?” Sienna asked.

Adam snorted. “Amen.”

Tessa narrowed her eyes at her husband before answering Sienna. “Marilyn told me to wait. And I always listen to the person who supplies me with sweets.”

Adam nudged her. “I think you love Marilyn more than me.”

“It depends on the day,” Tessa said, her eyes dancing.

Sienna laughed. “At least you know where you stand, big brother.”

He wrapped his arm around his wife and kissed the side of her head. “I do.”

Sienna walked over and grabbed a plate and then set a few cookies on it. “I came in here to raid the jar of cookies for Jonas and Ryan. Jonas is checking a file I just received from Mia in the chat group. He’s making sure it doesn’t have any surprises attached to it.”

Adam frowned. “So she actually did send some of her research like she promised.”

“We’ll see. As soon as Jonas says the file is okay to access, I’ll have Megan take a look at it, and then we can all get together to discuss if there’s anything helpful and plan next steps.”

Adam looked at his wife, and they exchanged some nonverbal communication before Tessa stood. “Lily should be finishing up with school. I’ll see you at dinner.”

Sienna set the plate she was holding down. “Now that your wife ran off, what are you wanting to talk about?”

His eyes widened. “I just want to check in on how you’re doing. It’s been a lot lately, especially Mia.”

She held up her hand. “I know you’re worried about dealing with her. I don’t trust her fully either. But we have to do something. She’s given us some information and hopefully the file will help us even further.”

Adam walked over to her. “I’m worried about you.”

She bristled a bit and then stopped herself from spouting off like she had to John. “I’m sorry if I’m not doing what you would if you were still in charge.”

He blinked before scowling. “Why would you say that?”

Surprised at his reaction, she swallowed. “Because with everything blowing up around us, and me insisting I didn’t need more guards to go to the vault, I wondered if you think leaving me in charge is a mistake.”

Adam stepped forward and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Absolutely not. You’re a great clan leader. Better than me.”

“Oh, come on, Adam.”

“I mean it. As oldest I was forced into the role whether I fit it or not. And yes, I ran the clan, but it consumed me. You are a natural-born leader. I’m sorry if I’ve ever given you the impression that I thought you being in this role is a mistake. Far from it.”

She sighed. “I think it’s my own insecurity. I just want to prove that I can do this.”