by Rayna Vause
“So am I here because you needed an extra target to draw him out?” The note of disappointment in Chris’s voice caused Jack’s chest to tighten.
He hadn’t meant to hurt him.
Jack took Chris’s hand. “No, you’re here because there’s no one I’d rather spend time with than you. But yes, it’s true, the more people I have watching my back tonight, the better. And having you with me means I know you’re safe.”
Chris shook his head but humor danced in his eyes. “Smooth, Whitman. Very smooth. So, what exactly is the purpose of this benefit?”
“The purpose is to give a bunch of disgustingly wealthy people a tax write-off.” Connor snorted.
Angelica slapped Connor away when he poked at her. “The money raised tonight will be going to a very worthy cause: the Bayside Harbor Children’s Hospital, and all of the kids and families they help every year.”
“So, this is dinner? Dancing?”
“Yes,” Jack said, “Plus a silent auction. I usually hate these things. I’d rather just write a check or donate my time, but this is one of our chosen charitable causes. Making appearances at these types of events are part of my job description.”
A few minutes later, the limo pulled into a line of cars waiting to unload their passengers onto a red carpet leading into the Regency Hotel.
Jack stared out the car window at the photographers and celebrity-hounds crowded around the cordoned-off carpet. As the limo approached the front of the line, tension had him clenching and unclenching his fists. God, what if something goes wrong?
“I don’t like this, Con.” Jack couldn’t shake his worry. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this. I don’t know why I thought it was a good idea.”
“What? Why?” Chris looked from Jack to Connor.
“I just have a bad feeling.” He met Chris’s gaze. If anyone could understand a bad feeling, Chris could. He continued to stare out the window, searching the crowd.
“Jack, this place has security all over. If there are bad guys lurking, we’ll catch them. We need to do this. We can’t let this guy keep controlling our lives.” Jack shifted his attention to his sister and noted the stubborn set of her jaw.
Chris squeezed Jack’s knee. “I agree with Angelica. We’re going to be smart and we’re going to have a good time. Besides we can’t pass up an opportunity to catch this guy.”
“You of all people should understand wanting to trust your gut.”
“I do, but it’s better to end this sooner rather than later.” Chris rubbed Jack’s thigh. “Believe me, I’m no more eager to step into some psycho’s crosshairs than you are.”
“I know.” Jack looked out at the crowd of photographers surrounding the entryway. Jack blew out a breath, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of wrongness. Couldn’t get the massive web of knots in his stomach to loosen.
“I also think it would be a good idea if I tried to sense this guy. I’m a bit hit-or-miss when I’m not touching the person I’m reading, but I felt him before. Maybe I can do it again.”
Jack studied Chris for one long minute. Nervous tension vibrated among them. At this point, what could it hurt to let him try to sense something?
“All right. Just make sure you stay alert. Okay, let’s do this. Ready?” Jack asked.
Chris, Angelica, and Connor nodded in the affirmative. His gaze shifted to Chris.
“Once we’re out of the car, keep moving. We’ll be safer in the hotel.”
“Not a problem. I’m not exactly a fan of all the cameras.” Chris glanced out the car window, scanning the crowd gathered on both sides of the carpet lined by velvet ropes. His hand clenched around his thigh.
Jack smiled at him. A man in his position couldn’t avoid cameras and reporters, but he understood how it could be overwhelming.
“You sure you’re good with this? We can leave if you want. We don’t have to go in.” Jack threaded his fingers through Chris’s to hold them in a tight grip.
“We need to do this, Jack. Whatever happens, it will be better than hiding and waiting for him to make his next move. He’s winning and it’s time for us to get the advantage.”
“This isn’t a game.”
“It’s a good idea, Jack, and we need to see it through. Come on, if nothing else, let’s go enjoy tonight.”
Jack placed his hand over Chris’s, prying it off his thigh. “Before we climb out, are you feeling anything? Anyone? No premonition or a vibe at the moment?”
Chris shook his head. “The minute I do, I’ll let you know.”
“Okay, then let’s get going. The red carpet is way too exposed. Don’t even think about the press.”
Connor reached out and gripped the door latch. His gaze skimmed over all the occupants of the limo. “Ready to do this?” He nodded. “All right, once this door is open, just keep moving.”
The car stopped in front of the red carpet and the door opened. Connor exited first, followed by Angelica, leaving Chris and Jack to follow.
CHRIS goggled as they walked through the flower-decked archway into an opulent ballroom. Cream floral wallpaper covered the walls, accented by matching wood paneling. Mirrors hung on the walls and ceiling, reflecting ornate crystal chandeliers and candlelight, filling the room with a warm glow. Classical music played, adding an air of elegance, and the chattering voices of hundreds of rich and famous patrons created a dull roar.
An associate of Jack’s approached, marching across the ballroom like a man on a mission. When Jack spotted the man he went rigid.
“Excuse me for a second. I have to go handle a… situation.”
“No problem. I’ll just go check out the auction tables.”
Chris watched Jack head toward his associate, disappointment weighing on him. Yes, most people attended this event for business networking purposes, but he’d sort of hoped the entire night wouldn’t be all about the job.
“Hey.” Chris looked at Connor. “It’s hard for Jack to not be the CEO, the responsible adult in charge. Give him time to figure it out. I promise you won’t regret it.”
“Well, it’s not exactly like tonight is a date. I mean, psycho stalker on the loose.”
“It’s more about you two than you realize. I’ve known Jack for a long time. Trust me.” With that, he followed Angelica to the far end of the room.
Chris headed toward the auction table, stopping at a bar first to get water. He wandered to the displays of objects to bid on and choked when he noted some of the opening bids. Holy shit! What the hell am I doing here? He glanced around the room and realized that he stood among people who had more money than he could make in a lifetime. Must be nice. He just shook his head at the mind-boggling amount of zeroes on all the price tags, stepped away from the table, and downed his water. Then he searched the crowd for Jack.
He still spoke with the pudgy little man, who flushed redder and redder as the discussion continued. Jack had crossed his arms over his chest as he glared. Every so often he glanced at Chris, shooting him apologetic looks.
Warmth filled Chris. He liked knowing Jack wanted to keep him in his line of sight. Outside of his mom, he’d never had anyone looking out for him. Despite the strangeness of it, he liked it. He only wished that they could actually enjoy the evening together instead of having to stay on guard all night. Every minute Chris spent with Jack made him want more. In his fantasies, the two of them were alone together; it didn’t matter where. Neither had a care in the world. It would never happen—reality always intruded eventually—but for now he’d enjoy the dream.
Chris tabled his musings and squared his shoulders. He might not be here to revel in the splendor, but he did have a job to do. He scanned the room and opened his senses, trying to pick up that same malevolent energy he’d experienced before. Chris snorted. Nothing. The man could be next to me and I’d have no clue.
The man with a mission to hurt Jack and Angelica could be anyone. Unless he was dumb enough to jump out, armed to the teeth, shouting “death to all Whitmans,” Chris do
ubted he’d be able to pick the stalker out of the crowd. But he tried to pick up something, anything.
A small commotion caught his attention, distracting him from his thoughts. Jack must have reached his limits, because he marched away from the pudgy man, his eyes hard, angry. The other man started to follow, even redder than before. Chris wanted to duck and cover. If that man got any angrier or more flushed, he might rupture something.
Jack whipped back, stopped the man with a sharp hand gesture, and then turned and kept moving toward Chris. When their eyes met, the frown on Jack’s face smoothed and he smiled, as though an internal switch flipped, turning off all the previous anger and frustration. For a moment Chris forgot how to breathe. On a normal day, Jack attracted him like no other with his golden blond hair and mercury silver eyes, but tonight in his formalwear…. Goddamn. He watched as Jack strode toward him, power and command in every movement. Chris’s heart beat faster and a slow burn started deep inside.
Jack stopped next to him, placing a hand on Chris’s back, moving in close. “See anything worth bidding on?” His warm breath caressed the shell of Chris’s ear.
Chris shivered. “There’s nothing to bid on under three thousand dollars,” he whispered.
“Pretend money is no object. What would you bid on?”
“That’s a no-brainer. The week in Bora Bora. Seven days of sun, sand, and no one trying to kill me.”
“It’s a trip for two. Sounds like fun.” Jack picked up the pencil and wrote his bid on the slip of paper in front of the item.
“Jack! What did you just do?”
“I put a bid towards something I might also enjoy. And if I win, the money goes to a very worthy cause. I’m having visions for a change—visions of sun and sand. I’m thinking by the time we get home, neither of us will have tan lines.”
“Oh.” Brain function ceased as all the blood in Chris’s body rushed south, and that slow burn inside cranked up a notch.
The music changed tempo. Something slow and sexy started playing.
“Let’s dance.” Jack held out his hand to Chris.
He wanted to throw caution to the wind and accept the invitation. “I’d love to, but are you sure it’s a good idea? What will people think? President and CEO of Whitman International dancing publicly with another man. It’s one thing for people to know you’re out and another thing to actually see it.”
“Don’t especially care what other people think. That’s the beauty of owning the company. I can do what I want. Within reason, of course. And what I want to do right now is dance with you.”
Chris raised a brow at him. “Really. This from the man who had issues with a psychic in his club and is concerned about the complaints from the board?”
He took Chris’s hand and tugged him through the throng of people onto the dance floor and into his arms. The temperature in the room rose and it got harder to breathe when Jack pulled him close with one hand at the small of his back. His gaze met Chris’s and never wavered. Chris caught his breath when he saw all that heat shining from Jack’s steel-gray eyes. He slid his hand up Jack’s chest to loop around his neck. Jack took Chris’s other hand in his.
“I used to agree with the concerns Dooley and other members of the board had, but I don’t anymore. I’ve had good reason to change my mind.”
As they swayed to the slow, seductive melody, the world dropped away. Nothing existed but the two of them and this moment. Their gazes met and held. The desire in Jack’s gorgeous gray eyes blazed to life.
Chris got lost in the dance. He floated in awareness of only Jack and where they touched. Then, in a blink, something changed. A disquieting sensation pulled him out of the magical web Jack weaved. Chris glanced around the room and caught sight of the man who had talked to Jack earlier glaring at them.
“Jack. That guy you were talking to before is staring at us. Correction, if he had laser vision, we’d both have smoldering holes burned through us.”
“That would be Dooley. He’s on the Whitman board and basically disapproves of all of my choices and decisions as of late.”
“What do you mean?” Chris continued to watch Dooley. He couldn’t shake the feeling something wasn’t right.
“He disapproves of my ‘decision’ to be gay. He hates that there is a psychic in the club. Even more, that I’m having a romantic liaison with said psychic.”
Chris’s gaze whipped back to Jack’s, his stomach churning. “Can he hurt you? I mean like, affect your place in the company?”
“He’d like to think so, but no.”
“Is it possible he’ll try and hurt you in other ways?”
“No. At least, it’s not the kind of action I’d credit Dooley with taking.” This time Jack looked toward Dooley and frowned. “But it may be worth looking into him.”
Angelica caught Chris’s eye. She stood at the end of the ballroom off to the side of a dais with a clear Plexiglas podium. She signaled for them to come to her.
“Looks like it’s time for you to do your thing.” Chris turned them so Jack could see his sister wave. Together, they wove through the crowd toward Angelica and Connor.
Jack looked at Connor. “All clear?”
Connor nodded.
“I can’t believe that our guy hasn’t tried anything yet. We’ve given him the perfect opportunity, and nothing.” Angelica rubbed her arms.
“Security is really tight. Whoever is after us is clearly not stupid. If he’s coming, he’s going to have it fully planned out. He’s not going to come at you randomly. It’s also possible he spotted the extra security. Or maybe he didn’t come tonight. The guards checking invitations at the doors are doing a good job of keeping out crashers. But sooner or later, with a little luck, he’ll screw up and this whole thing will be over.” Connor did a slow sweep of the room.
“I never much liked depending on luck. Con, we need to look into Robert Dooley,” Jack said.
“The pain in the ass on your board? Why?”
“That guy has been a bigger pain than usual. I just want to make sure it’s not because his desire for power hasn’t turned homicidal.”
“If you were gone, would he replace you?” Connor frowned.
“Unlikely, but anything is possible. My father may come back—doubtful, but it could happen. Or he may recommend Dooley step into my shoes if I was out of the picture. If we’re both gone that might increase his odds. It would have to be voted on and I doubt he’d win. He’s a big enough ass and he’s made more than his fair share of enemies, but you never know.”
“I could make my way over to him while you and Ang do your thing. See if I can pick up anything.”
“No.” Chris whipped his head back to Jack. He blinked at the force of his tone.
“I don’t want you any closer to him than necessary and especially not by yourself. No one goes anywhere alone, remember?”
Chris studied him for a long moment. “Okay. Afterward, then.”
Jack smiled and reached out to run a hand down Chris’s arm. “Thanks. Sorry.”
Chris leaned in and kissed Jack’s cheek.
“Enough of that, you two. Jack, let’s do this. You ready?”
“Yep.” He offered Angie his arm and escorted her to the podium.
As he watched, a sense of wrongness filled Chris and escalated. His instincts screamed danger. He stifled a shudder as that now-familiar wave of dark, cold anger swept over him. A rage not his own bubbled up inside him ready to overflow, but ruthless control held it in check. His vision narrowed to a tunnel, and for a brief moment, he saw through their stalker’s eyes. As fast as it hit, the episode released him.
Chris whipped his head around, searching the crowd for a sign that would point him to the right person.
Chris rushed over and grabbed Jack’s hand before he could step up on the platform. “He’s here.”
Angelica’s gaze locked with his. “You feel him? Where is he?”
“Don’t know precisely, but wow is he pissed. You shouldn�
�t do this, Jack. Don’t go up there and make a target of yourself.” Chris’s hand clamped down on Jack’s wrist to keep him from stepping up on the stage. “We need to go. Get in the car and get the hell out of here. I know you really want to try and catch this guy tonight, but this feels all wrong. We need to get the hell out of this ballroom. Now.”
Jack stared at Chris for a long moment, then looked at his sister. “Ang, can you get someone else to step in for us?”
Angelica already had her phone in hand. “I’ll call Dooley. He’ll love getting the chance to be the center of attention.”
Jack nodded and pulled out his phone to put a call in to the security team to do an emergency sweep of the ballroom.
Dooley, puffed up and nodding, strutted toward the dais. Jack, Angie, and Chris began making their way to the exit. Suddenly, a blast of gunfire ripped through the tinkling music and conversations, and a bullet thumped into the wall just past Angelica’s head.
Chris started to move faster, and that malevolent, angry feeling began to envelop him. His vision started to tunnel and his steps faltered. Time stopped as he saw himself through someone else’s eyes, but he didn’t understand why the image seemed magnified. He stumbled to a stop. Swayed.
A blast echoed through the ballroom. The mirror behind Jack and Angelica shattered. Chaos erupted around them. Connor yelled into his comm unit as he rushed forward, grabbed Angie, and tugged her behind a pillar, pulling her down to a crouch.
Party guests screamed and bolted for the nearest exit. The report of a rifle sounded again. Chris flinched as something whizzed past his ear.
“Shit, Chris, get down!” Jack raced toward him, snatching his arm and dragging him to the ground. “We need to get out of here. Now.” The fierceness of Jack’s tone snapped him back to reality. Jack had draped himself over Chris’s back, shielding him.
“Jack! We need to go. If this crowd clears we’ll be completely exposed. Stay low and move with the crowd toward the door.”
Jack nodded.
Connor swept his gaze around the room, then pulled Angelica to her feet. “Go! Go now.”
They stood and rushed to blend with a group of fleeing partygoers. One more shot rang out, and Jack jerked and cried out. Chris didn’t stop, he just kept tugging Jack toward the exit. They kept moving until they got to the relative safety of the hotel’s security office.