“It’s a bit of a hike to get to the farthest boundary, though,” Xavier quipped. “The backyard’s huge. He could build a mansion there.”
“Is that a plan?” Holly asked.
“Nah,” Jaxon said. “I wouldn’t want to get rid of all those trees. They’re what gives this place privacy.”
“Speaking of privacy…” Xavier clapped Jaxon’s shoulders and led him back inside. “I’d like to talk to you when you get a chance.”
“You don’t have to agree with him, Jax,” Holly said hurriedly.
“Agree with what?” Jaxon asked.
“It’s private, so later,” Xavier said in a low voice before they all walked in.
Holly was pleased to see that all the guests were her buddies too. She was glad that Jaxon had grown close to some of her and Xavier’s mutual friends. Had Jaxon limited his guest list to these select people because of her? If he had, she bet Xavier had had something to do with it.
Jaxon gave them a tour of the house. Unfortunately, the rain prevented them from stepping out the back. Holly could see what Xavier had meant, though. From the balcony, it felt like they were in the middle of a forest. She did catch glimpses of the sea through the branches and leaves, but not the beach. And she couldn’t even make out the neighbours’ homes on either side, although they weren’t that far away. Clearly, no one from outside the property’s fences could possibly see the house, much less its residents. It was indeed the perfect hideaway.
Board games were brought out when everyone was full from the delicious catered food. Holly decided to play Pictionary with a group, hoping Jaxon would join them. But she spotted him going with Xavier into one of the bedrooms.
Half an hour later, Holly took a break from the games to grab some more dessert.
The two men still hadn’t reappeared. She hoped that Xavier wasn’t trying to force Jaxon into agreeing. Jaxon might have other plans—including keeping her at arm’s length, which might mean not wanting her to stay on his property.
Her heart pinched. No matter how much she tried to rationalise it in her head, it still hurt that Jaxon didn’t want her.
Finally, the two came out.
“Sorry, guys,” Jaxon said. “Didn’t mean to be a bad host.”
“Oh, were you gone?” Derek McCarthy said teasingly. “I’m still busy eating. Who’s the caterer?”
“No idea. My PA picked them,” Jaxon said with a laugh.
Holly sat back in a comfortable chair and listened to the different conversations going on around her. But her attention kept going back to Jaxon. So did he approve of her staying here or not? Would he even talk to her about it or would he leave it to Xavier?
How sad if Jaxon felt he couldn’t have a one-on-one conversation with her. Perhaps she’d taken her flirtation too far and made him uncomfortable.
Jaxon put his drink down and approached her. “Hey, Hols, do you have a minute?”
She hid a smirk. Just when she was thinking he was trying to avoid her…
She stood to follow him. To her surprise, he led her to the downstairs suite.
“Hopefully no one will think anything of us being alone down here,” he joked as he closed the door.
Her brows rose, but she kept her mouth shut, lest he think she was flirting with him again.
“So,” Jaxon said with a sigh. “Xavier told me you’re considering this place as your hideaway.”
She smiled. “Only if you don’t have other plans for it. I’m happy to pay full price, of course.”
Jaxon waved away her comment. “It’s all fine. I haven’t got the ball rolling on installing security cameras around the perimeter yet, but I’ll act on it as soon as possible.”
“There’s no need to go through that trouble when I’ll only be here for a short time. Besides, I already have a bodyguard. Like I mentioned to Xavier, Bryce can stay down here. I’m sure he can be trusted.”
“No, he can’t stay down here. Because I’ll be staying down here.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“After staying here the last couple of nights, I realised the drive to the city wasn’t as bad as I thought. So I decided not to include this downstairs area for the Airbnb. I want to be able to come and unwind whenever I feel like it. The only time I’ll be staying at my city apartment is when I have early morning or late night meetings. For the rest of the time, I’ve decided to come home here regardless of whether or not people are staying upstairs. This place is just so relaxing.”
“Oh.” Her heart was suddenly beating wildly. Jaxon would be here with her a lot. Not that she was imagining them socialising all the time—
Well, okay, she was already thinking about that. But even though they’d be in different living spaces, bottom line was he’d still be in the same building.
And he was worried for her, ready to go the extra mile for her security—
Oh, shut up, Holly.
What had happened to her personal promise not to flirt with Jaxon anymore? All he’d done was be a little concerned about her—undoubtedly with Xavier’s insistence—and here she was letting hope wake up from its slumber again.
Not only that, she was once more gazing straight into his eyes. That wasn’t her fault though. She couldn’t help it because he was looking at her like…
She broke their eye-to-eye contact. She couldn’t go there again. That would be extra stupid.
“Hols—”
They were interrupted by a rapid knock on the door before Xavier came barging in.
Holly’s breath caught. Something was wrong.
“The police was trying to call you,” Xavier said, holding up her phone. “They said that the two OZs camping outside your house were attacked.”
“What?” she asked in shock.
“The cameras by your gate caught two hooded guys approaching them. At first, they just appeared to talk to them. Then the hoodlums started hitting them.”
Tears formed in her eyes. “How are they?”
“They were taken to the hospital and they’re okay,” Xavier said distractedly. “There’s something else.”
“What?”
“Your next-door neighbour, Mrs. Mallery, said she thought someone’s been in her backyard. Some of the plants along your shared fence looked trampled upon. The police thinks that someone was checking out ways to get to your place without being detected.
The hairs on Holly’s arms stood. Someone was really after her?
“I don’t think you should go home. It might not be safe.”
“But Mrs. Mallery only has a security camera on her front door. My place is more secure than that.”
“We have to assume Anna’s kidnappers are behind this. They’re obviously wanting to get into your house, so why would you want to go back there?”
“Yeah, not a good idea,” Jaxon piped in. “And upstairs is ready for you at any time.”
“You don’t have the cameras set up yet,” Xavier said.
Holly scowled at her brother. “Don’t pressure him into doing something totally unnecessary.”
“I really don’t mind,” Jaxon said.
“This place already looks secure enough with cameras at the gate and front doors,” she reasoned. “I think cameras in the backyard would just be overkill.”
“No, they won’t be,” Jaxon said, hands on hips. “Why would they be overkill when they’re going to keep you safe?”
Her heart skipped. Why was Jaxon being overprotective?
Call her a hopeless romantic, but her heart was dancing in her chest right now. Jaxon had to care about her, to be acting like Xavier—
Who was her brother.
Her burst of excitement fizzled. Perhaps Jaxon saw her as a little sister? Why else would he care this much, yet not respond to her flirtations?
Ugh. Being thought of as a sibling was so much worse.
“Eve and I can pack your stuff for you,” Xavier said. “Just tell us what you need and we’ll pick it up and hand it to Jax. Tha
t should minimise some risks. We won’t want to alert anybody that you’re here.”
“Okay,” she said resignedly. “I have to call Christine and ask her to send flowers and gift baskets to my OZs.”
“I’ll ask Eve to do that while I talk to Mum and Dad. We don’t want them hearing anything in the news and panicking. You and Jax continue to discuss your arrangement for your stay here.” Xavier walked out the door.
Holly dropped on the couch wearily. “I do need to let Bryce know I’m here.”
Jaxon let out a heavy sigh.
She arched a brow, intrigued. “What? Don’t tell me you also don’t trust him? You and he got along great at Xavier’s gym the other day.”
“Sure. But like Xavier said, we don’t know much about him.”
“Don’t forget he’s been checked out by a respected security company. He’s about the most trustworthy person I can think of right now, besides family and my closest friends.”
“Fine. But there’s no way he’s staying here with you.”
“Aw, Jax. You’re not gonna stop me from dating anyone, are you?” God, she just couldn’t help herself, could she?
Jaxon blanched. “Holly, he works for you. It’s not right. And I don’t think you should date anyone until this is all over.”
Her jaw dropped. “Excuse me, but you have no right to say that.”
Jaxon ran a hand over his face. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean it that way. Someone is after you, most likely the same people who took Anna. Better to be safe than sorry.”
“Okay, I get that. But Bryce has been vetted by Smith Security. I don’t know how many times I need to remind you guys of that. That’s as good as knowing him. Plus, he’s a genuinely nice guy.”
Jaxon’s lips formed into what appeared to be a pout. “You don’t need Bryce if I’m gonna be staying here too.”
Her heart banged around inside her chest. Was Jaxon jealous? Of course, she might only be imagining it, but she couldn’t help the thrill that ran through her.
Stop. Freaking. Hoping! It’s probably just a brotherly kind of thing!
“Okay,” she said. “That means we won’t need to change our original arrangement.”
“What arrangement?”
“I still need a bodyguard when I leave the house.”
Jaxon scowl deepened.
She stared at him, annoyed that he was confusing the hell out of her.
He’s rejected you many times already. He’s probably doing it for Xavier, not you.
Ah, yes, that was entirely possible. Good thing they had their own separate spaces in this house. As long as Jaxon didn’t bring a woman home with him—
Oh God. What would she do if that happened?
Chapter 5
Jaxon parked his car a good distance from Bryce’s apartment block and took out his binoculars. Yes, he could see Bryce in his bedroom, putting on a smart-casual shirt. He appeared to be getting dressed for a night out. Was he meeting friends or going out on a date? One thing was certain, he wasn’t going to work. Holly had given him the day off.
Jaxon had to somehow get Bryce to invite him again to his place. He now had a good idea where he could hide some tiny wireless microphones so the IR would be able to listen in on Bryce’s conversations at home. Unfortunately, Bryce always preferred meeting in restaurants, and Jaxon didn’t want to look too insistent.
It was frustrating. After four “catch-ups”, Jaxon was none the wiser about Bryce’s previous life. Bryce was most certainly adept at deflecting questions, and Jaxon couldn’t interrogate deeper without looking suspicious. The last thing he wanted was to give Bryce a reason not to trust him.
He ran a hand over his face. He felt guilty treating his brother like a suspect, but that was exactly what Bryce was right now. Further IR investigations revealed that members of a drug syndicate had stayed on one of the private Whitsunday islands where Bryce had worked.
So far, though, there was no concrete proof that Bryce—or even the island’s owners—knew of the illegal activities of some of their guests. Also, those goons didn’t seem to have any history of kidnapping. Even if Bryce had been involved with drug dealing, he might not have anything to do with the kidnappers.
Jaxon’s phone vibrated with an incoming IR text. He conducted the requisite retina scan, and the ultra-secure Indie Rebel app opened.
Security cameras successfully installed all around your outdoor area. They’re well hidden but not invisible, so don’t let Holly be too nosy. Sending you pictures of their exact location.
Thanks, he answered, filling his lungs with air. Holly had told him just yesterday that she’d enjoyed walking in the backyard and taking photos of plants and birds. He hoped she didn’t plan on looking too closely at tree branches or the fence.
A week since Holly had started staying at his place, the media and her fans still had no idea where she was. Holly had released a statement saying she was having a break at a friend’s holiday home, and speculation immediately surfaced that she was trying to hide from the kidnappers who’d taken Anna Sanders. They were right, of course. But he was glad Holly had kept quiet after that initial statement.
And Jaxon didn’t like that Bryce knew where she was all the time. His brother had been driving Holly to work and interviews all week.
But Jaxon couldn’t interfere. He hadn’t found anything incriminating against Bryce yet. Still, he couldn’t help his fear and guilt every time Holly got in the car with Bryce. Fortunately, Bryce hadn’t attempted anything.
He looked through the binoculars again and saw Bryce putting his phone against his ear. Damn, if only they’d already installed the hidden microphones.
His own phone started ringing. Bryce was calling him. “Hey, bro!”
“Hey, Jax. How’s it going?”
“Good. What’s up?”
“Nothing. Just saying hi. What are you up to?”
“Working. I have a few things to catch up on.”
“In your office?”
“Yes. What are you up to?”
“Nothing much. I just plan to have pizza and watch TV.”
Jaxon frowned. Why had Bryce gotten dressed if he wasn’t going anywhere? “Hey, I can come over.”
“I thought you said you’re busy working tonight.”
Of course, he had. Stupid. “Midnight isn’t too late for you, is it?” he asked teasingly.
“It is, bro,” Bryce said apologetically. “I’m gonna have an early night. I’m a bit tired. I don’t know why.”
Jaxon’s heart started beating faster. Bryce was lying. “Okay. Let me know when you’re free for dinner. It’s your turn to pay, remember?”
“No worries. Anyway, I better let you go. I’ll call you in a couple of days to arrange a catch up for next week.”
“Cool.”
“See ya.”
“See ya.”
Jaxon hung up, continuing to watch his brother. Bryce was making another phone call. A few seconds later, he walked out of his apartment.
“Damn it, Bryce, where are you going?” Jaxon muttered.
He turned on the car engine and waited. When he saw Bryce’s car exit the building car park, he followed at a safe distance.
A few minutes later, his heart started hammering. Bryce appeared to be heading towards Avalon.
What the hell?
He called Aidan.
“Jax,” Aidan answered.
“Hey, I’m following Bryce and I think he’s going to Avalon. Do we have an agent stationed outside my house?”
“Negative. He had to rush to a location where a crime’s currently underway. I’m personally manning the cameras at your place, though.”
“Okay. I think I’ll show myself when I get there. I doubt he’ll try anything if I’m around. But he definitely lied to me.”
“What did he say?”
“He called, checking where I am. He said he planned to have an early night. I think he wanted to make sure I won’t be in Avalon.”
“T
hat’s definitely suspicious. I’ll prepare to hack CCTVs around the area so we can track him when he leaves your place.”
“Okay.”
“Keep me updated,” Aidan said.
“I will.”
Jaxon tried not to think too much on his way home. He needed to be calm and prepared for whatever outcome, even if he couldn’t stand the thought that his own brother might want to hurt Holly.
He still hoped Bryce was innocent. But out of all possibilities and considering all circumstances, the most likely truth was the opposite. Why else had Bryce lied about having a quiet night at home when he was on his way to Avalon, where Holly was all alone?
They could be having a date, and they don’t want anyone to know.
Jaxon’s heart jumped. No. Fuck, just no.
He wanted to accelerate, but he had to watch his timing. Bryce couldn’t be able to find a hole in whatever excuse he’d give for coming home early.
Soon he was pressing the remote for his gate. He didn’t see Bryce’s car outside, so Holly must have had let him in.
His heart started racing. It would suck if the two were dating, but that was better than Holly being in danger and Bryce being a criminal.
He parked behind Bryce’s car, ensuring that his brother wouldn’t be able to make a quick getaway should he attempt it. Then he walked up the stairs to Holly’s front door.
He knocked, ordering himself to relax—or at least, look like it.
“Jax!” Holly said in surprise as she opened the door.
“Jax!” echoed Bryce, his eyes wide.
Jaxon fixed a grin on his face, walking in. “Hey, guys. Saw a car downstairs and I thought I’d check in on Holly. We can never be too careful. Glad to know it’s just you, Bryce. Holly making you work late, huh?”
“I just thought I’d check in on her too,” Bryce said with a smile.
“Well,” Holly said, “I was just getting Bryce some of Mum’s apple pie. She was here earlier. Fancy some?”
“Yes, please,” Jaxon said readily. Perfect. Now he could hang out with them and try to figure out what the hell his brother was doing here.
“What do you want for drinks? Wine? Beer?” Holly asked.
Jaxon: The Assignment: Indie Rebels, Book 2 Page 5