by Tia Siren
“How much longer will you be here?” Cameron asked.
“I honestly don’t know,” I said.
“Where will you go once they find Jeremy? I’m sure you probably don’t feel safe at that apartment anymore,” Cole said.
“I really don’t know. I’m just—well, trying not to think too far ahead.”
“Why not?” Cameron asked.
“It just too much. Too much has been taken from me, and I just—”
I felt tears crest my eyes, and Cole immediately pulled me into his grasp. Cameron walked around the car and took my hand, raising it to his lips to kiss. I had no idea what I was going to do after all this was said and done. They were right. I’d never be able to go back to that apartment. A claim had been filed with my renter’s insurance to possibly help pay for the damage done to the apartment, but I’d never feel safe there again.
Not truly.
That meant I’d have to find another place to live, and quick. Three people living in a studio apartment would get very cramped very quickly. My breathing ticked up as the reality of my situation dawned on me.
I would never really feel safe getting another place of my own until Jeremy was behind bars.
“That could take months,” I whispered.
“What could take months?” Cole asked.
“Catching Jeremy. He’s gotta be behind bars before I got another place. Otherwise he’ll just ransack that one, too,” I said.
“You know you can always come stay with one of us. We’ll alternate team practices, or you can come watch us practice. We could introduce you to the team members and the coaches. They would all love you. It’s refreshing for them to meet people who aren’t sports fanatics. Gives them permission to talk about something else,” Cameron said.
“I can’t do that to you guys,” I said as I pulled away. “I just can’t.”
“Well, the offer stands. We won’t force anything on you, but just think about it. Actually think about it. Don’t just toss it out of your mind because you think you’re a burden or something. Because you’re not,” Cole said.
“I want you guys to be safe,” I said.
“And we want you safe, which is why we’re offering,” Cameron said.
“Even if you don’t come stay with us, even if you pick one of the other twins to go stay with, just go somewhere,” Cole said.
“I don’t know.”
“Just promise us you’ll think about it,” Cameron said. “You don’t need to make a decision now, but just tell us that you’ll think about it.”
“All right. I can promise that,” I said, grinning.
“Good. Now go upstairs, take a nice hot shower, and don’t forget to send us a dirty picture before you go to bed,” Cole said, winking.
“Cole!” I exclaimed.
“Hey, I tried,” Cole said, shrugging.
“Such a naughty boy,” I said.
“And don’t you forget it,” Cameron countered.
I kissed them both good night one last time before I made my way up to the apartment. I walked in and went to the window, where I watched the two of them drive away. The security detail the Wolf brothers had hired for me stayed put, and I watched as one of them got out of the car. I eyed him as he walked up the stairs, then caught his gaze just before he positioned himself outside the door.
I didn’t know why it was so hard for me to figure out where to go from here, so I put it out of my mind and went to take the hottest shower of my life.
Chapter 24
“I’m not gonna have any vacation time, am I?” I asked.
“That’s what happens when we fire the manager,” my boss said. “We’ve had a massive influx of people coming in and wanting events planned. Could you come in, at least for a couple hours?”
“No, no, it’s fine. I’ll be there in a bit.”
“Thanks. Like I said, clock in and out, and your time worked will be billed well.”
“Thanks.”
“Going into work again?” Courtney asked.
“Yeah. Can I hop a ride?” I asked.
“That’s fine, but I’m working a double shift today, so I won’t be able to get you back.”
“That’s all right. I’ll grab a taxi.”
“Or call one of the twins,” she said. “Why don’t you ask for their help anyway? It’s not like they haven’t offered time and time again.”
“I don’t want them to be targets,” I said.
“I think you’re scared.”
“Of what?” I asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t do all this emotional shit well. You figure it out.”
“Of course I’m scared. My ex is running around terrorizing my life and the whole police force can’t seem to find him. I mean, he’s not some trained criminal; he was a fucking event manager for Christ’s sake. Why is this shit so hard?”
“Oh, I know! Your security detail could get you home. Those guys still following you around?” she asked.
“Are you gonna dodge all my questions?” I asked.
“Yep. It’s what I do best. Come on, we’ll pick up some coffee on the way.”
I watched the security men follow us as Courtney took me to work. We got stuck in traffic and didn’t have enough time for coffee. Then I was thrown into meeting after meeting with other event planners. People wanted birthday parties and bar mitzvahs, weddings and family reunions. They wanted price quotes on everything we offered, then wanted to haggle over the prices. It was exhausting, but productive. It got my mind off all the bullshit that was waiting for me outside these walls. I got to talk about colors, decorations, food, and wine. I was in my element, and when the last meeting was over, it was just after lunchtime.
“Thank you so much for your help, Lexi. You’re free to go now,” my boss said.
“You sure you guys don’t need any more help?” I asked. “I mean, since I’m here anyway, I might as well be useful.”
“Nope. I think we got it. Just a random influx of people today. Thanks for making yourself available.”
“Anytime.”
I grabbed my things and walked out of the hotel. Since Courtney was working a double shift, I’d be alone for the majority of the day. I debated calling up one of the twins, maybe having someone come over for some entertainment—a few movies, play some cards, maybe call for takeout—but as I looked around and tried to find my security detail, I spotted something in the bushes.
A pair of eyes staring directly at me.
I froze as the eyes locked on me. They sat across the parking lot, peeking out from the trimmed shrubbery the resort used as a privacy fence. They were unblinking and wide, trained directly on me as my eyes began to fill with tears. I’d recognize that stare any day of the week, and suddenly my entire body began to tremble.
He was watching me again.
Jeremy was in the bushes.
My security detail must’ve seen him, too, because there was a sudden shift in the wind. The eyes darted from me and looked over, and I heard the sound of running footsteps. I watched Jeremy take off as one of the security guards chased him from the bushes while the other wrapped his arm around my waist. He ran me over to the car, telling me to get in and stay down. Then he took off after his colleague as he ran down an alleyway.
I shook on the floor of the car as bile rose in my throat. I prided myself on being strong, on being able to protect myself, on being independent. And now some idiotic man I had dated for a few years and dumped had reduced me to a sopping pile of tears and stomach acid, cowering on the floorboards while men attempting to protect me chased him down.
I wanted this nightmare to stop.
I curled up in a ball and shut my eyes tight, listening for any sound that might tell me he was back. The jiggling of the car door, the creaking of tires, the smashing of a window, or even light footsteps circling the blacked-out vehicle. I wanted to move away from this town, to pick up my life, jettison my things, and fly to the other side of the country. I could settle down in
a little ranch house with just myself and some books. Then I could start from scratch, buy pieces of furniture here and there over the course of a couple years. I could keep to myself and watch the sunset drain into the tops of trees off in the distance every night.
I could be in a place where he’d never find me.
“Miss Marx?”
The car doors unlocked and I shrieked. He was coming for me. This was it.
“Miss Marx! Calm down. It’s okay. It’s just us.”
I felt a strong pair of hands as one of the security guards pulled me from the floorboard of the car. Tears streamed down my face as I looked into his eyes, and I could tell by the look on his face that they’d lost him. I fell into the crook of his neck, sobbing as I released every emotion I’d saved up over the past two weeks.
Not only was he watching me, but he now knew I had security detail on me.
“We cased the entire area once we got to the end of the alleyway, but he was nowhere to be found. Yes, sir. Ten minutes or so.”
The other security guard was talking on the phone as I began to heave. Suddenly, there was a jacket underneath my mouth, and I projected stomach bile onto the rather expensive coat. My body was shaking and my forehead was sweating. My limbs were shivering and my shoulders ached.
Was there really nothing else that could be done?
“Yes, in the bushes. We saw him. He was looking right at her. Yes, we’re positive it was him.”
A phone was placed to my ear.
“Lexi, darling, can you hear me?” Tony asked.
“Uh-huh,” I said.
“I need you to answer just one question for me, all right?” Tony asked.
“Oh, okay.”
“Does Jeremy know where Courtney’s friend lives?”
I honestly had no idea. At this point, I couldn’t put anything past him. He’d stalked my work, trashed my apartment, totaled my car, and was watching me everywhere I went. He had stalked me while we were together and now he was destroying his life by trying to make sure I was never out of his sight.
So I gave Tony the answer I knew was right even though I had no proof.
“Yes. I’m sure he probably does.”
“That’s what I thought. All right, this is what’s happening. I’ve just booked you and Courtney a suite at the Ritz-Carlton. Go and pack your things, and the security guards will take you there. Notify Courtney and let her know that when she can get her things packed, they will take her there as well.”
“I swear, this isn’t—”
“Lexi? It’s Terry.”
“Hey, Terry,” I said, sighing.
“Stop fighting us, love. The truth of the matter is, the more places you are, the more vulnerable you become. People aged 18-24 experience the highest rate of violent stalking in the nation, and the average time it takes the police to wrap up an investigation like this is three months.”
“Three months?” I asked.
“You’ll have everything you need at the suite: room service, spa service, entertainment, a gym if you exercise. Both you and Courtney will be safe, and the security detail can take the two of you anywhere you need to be, whether it is to work, to a movie, or even to get snacks,” Terry said.
“Why is this happening to me?” I whispered.
“I don’t know, but just because we want to keep you safe doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable, darling,” Tony said.
“Thank you so much,” I said breathlessly, fearing I might hyperventilate.
“The guards are going to take you back where you’re staying so you can pack. Let us know when you get there. Make sure you notify Courtney right away,” Terry said.
“I will. I promise.”
“Good girl. We’ll talk with you soon. And don’t worry about the dress, darling,” Tony said. “You’ll find it when you get to your hotel suite.”
I’d completely forgotten about the dress.
“It’s all right that you forgot,” Terry said. “There is a great deal of information raging around in your mind right now.”
“I don’t know how I’m ever going to repay you two for all of this,” I said.
“Don’t worry. It’s not quite Friday yet,” Tony said.
“I can practically hear your smirk,” I said as the car started moving.
“Remember to let us know when you get there,” Terry said.
“I will. Thank you again, really.”
I hung up the phone before I handed it back to the security guard. I took my phone out and promptly called Courtney, letting her know what had just happened. The guards got me back to the apartment, and I packed the few things I had. Then I set to packing Courtney’s things. I figured it would be better if she went straight from work to the hotel, so I’d told her I would make sure I grabbed everything.
Quickly, I shoved our things into our suitcases and then the guards helped me to the car. I was exhausted and all I wanted to do was sleep. We weaved through town, stopping at stoplights and taking harsh corners. I watched silently as the world passed me by, envious of the people on the sidewalk laughing and moving about freely, seemingly without a care in the world.
If only they knew how fake the concept of safety really was sometimes.
“All right, Miss Marx, we’re here.”
Chapter 25
Even as I woke up at the hotel, I still couldn’t believe how opulent it was. The sprawling suite had two massive master bedrooms, each with their own bathroom en suite. They both had walk-in stone showers and jet bathtubs, and there was a fully-stocked kitchen and a minibar. The balcony overlooked the most beautiful view of Los Angeles, and at night we could sit and drink decadent coffee while we watched the sun set over the ocean. I stretched and rubbed my eyes before I caught a glimpse of the silver dress hanging in the corner. It was the dress the Wolf brothers had made especially for tomorrow night, and just as they had said it would, it fit perfectly. There wasn’t an angle that wasn’t accentuated to the fullest extent, and the dress was just long enough to cover my ankles. It swayed with every movement of my hips and fell off my shoulders in a way that would entice any man within proximity to fall at my feet.
I felt gorgeous in that dress, even with all the hell raging outside the building.
“Holy fuck, this place is nice.”
“Morning, Courtney,” I said, groaning.
“Did you know there was room service?” she asked.
“I did. Why?”
“Because they just brought up breakfast, and you should see the spread. Come on.”
Courtney yanked me out of bed, the silk robe draped around her body fluttering with her movements. The carpet was plush under my bare feet, but I stumbled over myself while she kept tugging. She plopped me down on a velvety soft couch that sat in front of a massive television, then rolled a silver cart over that was filled with food.
“We’ve got eggs, bacon, fruit salad, toast, and butter. Then that’s bagels and mimosas and something called grits. There’s sausage and some biscuits as well as some jelly and honey. Then, as if that’s not enough, there’s a massive carafe of the best fucking coffee I’ve ever had.”
“Did you drink half the damn thing already?” I asked.
“Drink.”
She shoved a mug of warm coffee in my hands, and I immediately dove in. The rich, luscious taste fluttered over my tongue, and I could’ve sworn I’d died and gone to heaven. The sweet cream pulled from the coffee an undertone of cinnamon, and I sank into the couch with my mug as Courtney started digging into the food.
“So, I was wondering, the Sunglasses brothers are professional athletes, right?”
“The Oakley brothers? Yes,” I said.
“So they’re loaded, too, right?” she asked.
“Why are you asking?”
“Can’t I have just one? I mean, the Animal Cracker brothers hooked you the fuck up. Why can’t you share the love and let one of them hook me up, too?” she asked.
“Nope. They’re all mine,” I said
, grinning.
“Come on,” she said. “Just one? Just one for a weekend of disgustingly beautiful debauchery and luscious hotel suites like this one?”
“No,” I said, giggling.
“Come on, just pick. You’ve got eight great guys drooling over you. Let some other women take a stab at them—or at least one woman in particular, who happens to be your close personal friend.”
“Nope. I’m not choosing, and I’m not letting any of them go. I care about them, every single one,” I said.
Courtney sat back and chomped on a bagel as I finished the rest of my coffee. Was it really possible to care about so many men at once? There were times I had found it hard to care just for Jeremy. He had driven me up the fucking wall with his bullshit, so by my math that meant I was potentially multiplying the bullshit times eight. Was it really worth the effort?
“You really do care about all of them, don’t you?” Courtney asked.
“I really think I do,” I said.
“I can tell they care about you. I’m practically reading every conversation you have with them over your shoulders at night.”
“I know,” I said flatly. “It’s rude.”
“What? It’s good entertainment, and none of my shows are on right now. Anyway, after experiencing a bit of the—”
“Just say their names right, okay? It’s getting annoying, keeping up with all your nicknames.”
“Fine. After experiencing some of the Wolf brothers, how do you feel?” she asked.
“About what?”
“About them. I mean, this hotel is incredible. And that dress? Hell, I’d even bang you in it. They had that shit made for you—without even taking your measurements. That’s some sneaky, sexy-ass bullshit right there,” she said.
“It is, isn’t it?” I asked, smirking.
“Another mug of coffee?”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Just then, a knock came at the door. On instinct, I froze as I panned my gaze over to Courtney. She set the carafe of coffee down and slowly made her way to the door, grabbing a candlestick on her way before she called out from behind the closed door.
