“My pleasure.” He tilted his head. “This is my girlfriend Bree Stevens. I’d like her seated next to me during dinner.”
When had the agreement gone from being his date to being his girlfriend? She couldn’t say she didn’t like it, but the lines were getting blurrier and blurrier.
The lady’s eyes widened. “Oh? I apologize, sir, but the players are seated at the front table.”
She pointed, and Bree felt Ryder’s grip tighten on her waist. The table up front had five seats and was part of a stage of sorts. All the other tables were below it, spread out around the room. So the players had to be on display the entire night? Yikes. She felt for Ryder, and though she’d questioned if she wanted to strut in here like his girlfriend, now she was feeling apprehensive about not being with him. She glanced around the room and knew any one of the women’s necklaces could pay off her student loan debt. The women were almost double in number to the men, and many of them were eying Ryder like he was a chocolate fountain and they’d been on a diet for months.
Ryder glanced down at Bree. “I’m sorry. Will you be all right?”
She flipped her hair and gave him a sassy smile she wasn’t feeling. “Don’t you fret about me, honey child.” She slathered on a southern accent.
Ryder chuckled. “I never worry about you, but I don’t like being away from you.”
Bree’s heart thumped quicker. She’d thought living in his house was an alternate reality. This fancy banquet was twenty times that. She arched up and kissed his cheek. The hair tickled her lips, and she inhaled his manly scent. “It’ll be over quick,” she whispered against his face.
“Not quick enough.” He pulled her in tighter and stared down with those blue eyes she’d become much too attached to. What was happening to her? She wondered if he would kiss her, and her pulse quickened.
“Mr. Quinn. If you’ll just come with me,” silver dress lady said, interrupting their moment. “Miss Stevens. My assistant will escort you to your table.” She smiled sweetly.
Bree stepped back out of Ryder’s arms. He gave her a little chin lift and a smile. “Thanks for being here,” he said.
Bree gave him a thumbs-up. “Party time.”
Ryder laughed. She followed the assistant lady in the tight, black dress to a table near the back. There was a paddle next to each place setting, apparently for bidding on the men. She smiled at the people seated at the table, all of them eyeing her with interest. Apparently, her and Ryder’s entrance and interaction with the host hadn’t gone unnoticed.
“Well, well, well.” A forty-something brunette looked her over, her hazel eyes calculating. “Has Ryder Quinn finally come out of his cave?”
Bree’s smile froze. “No.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “That’s actually his brother Griff.” Since the two looked the most alike of the brothers, she thought they might buy it. “We thought it would be great fun to pretend it was Ryder and mess with everybody’s minds.” She wrinkled her nose and pumped her eyebrows. “Hilarious, right?”
The lady’s eyes widened, but none of her skin creased. Botox was impressive. “Are you being completely serious with me?” she asked.
Bree winked. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
She opened her program, dismissing the woman and the others at the table who were staring at her.
She read that Scarlett Lily was the actress who would be the MC for tonight. Bree loved her and was excited to be in the same room with the gorgeous redhead. She cast a look up at the head table and could see Ryder interacting with some of the other football players. As if he sensed her gaze, he turned and smiled at her. Warmth washed over her. He looked so great in that navy-blue tux.
The brunette edged in on her right. “Come on. That’s Ryder Quinn. Tell me the truth.”
Bree just laughed.
Luckily, Scarlett Lily stood at that moment and welcomed them to the benefit auction. She was so beautiful with her long red hair, bright blue eyes, and porcelain skin. Bree didn’t watch many movies, but she’d seen Scarlett in a Marvel movie on a date in college and thought she was kick butt. She reminded Bree of her own sister. Crazily, her sister was a live version of a female superhero. As she replayed last night in her mind, it seemed very surreal, and sadness rushed in that Jasmine had completely ditched her. She worried she would never find her sister again.
Scarlett finished her spiel, and the wait staff brought salads around. Bree bit into her Waldorf salad, enjoying the mix of apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts. She was feeling marginally better, being able to tease the lady next to her. The man sitting to her left, who reminded her of Vin Diesel, asked if she was a local. When she said yes, he pumped her for advice for the best tourist spots in Dallas as this was his first trip here that wasn’t for business. She could handle chatting about tourist spots, most of which she’d never frequented but had heard about. Meanwhile, the brunette kept giving her questioning glares.
After her salad had been cleared, a platter of salmon and prime rib with a delicious-looking potato mixture and veggies was set in front of her. She thanked the server and cut a bite of salmon. Her phone vibrated in the hand purse she had resting on her lap before she could taste the delicacy.
She discreetly pulled it out, ready to text that she would call the person back when she realized it was Peter Ormond. She about dropped the phone. Holding it up, she murmured to the table in general. “Excuse me.”
Not waiting for a response, she hurried to the back wall and out one of the doors that led to an outdoor veranda. As soon as she was far enough away, she slid the phone open. She and Peter had texted a few times last night and this morning about the insane meeting with her sister, but he claimed to have no knowledge of what Jasmine was involved in. He didn’t know when he’d have any more information for Bree or if he ever would. Apparently, he’d gotten a recording device into Jasmine’s hotel room and picked up some of her conversations through that.
“Hello,” she said tersely.
“I found some information on her again.”
“Jasmine?” Bree clutched the phone more tightly.
“Yes. I’ll text you the location and time. I don’t know how long she’ll be there. There’s no way I can make it in time. Do you think it’s safe for you to go alone?”
“If I don’t, will I ever find her again?”
He hesitated then said, “My information says she’s leaving town soon.”
Bree mumbled thank you and hung up the phone, clutching it to her chest. Her sister. She might be able to see her again. If she was really leaving town, Bree had to go. Hopefully, this meeting wouldn’t be a repeat of the last one. The phone beeped an incoming text, and she bit at her lip. The location was a few miles south of where she was. The problem was the time. Half an hour from now.
She looked through the windows of the beautiful banquet room up to that front table. Ryder. She’d be deserting him if she left. But how could she not go find her sister?
Chapter Ten
Ryder chatted with Dax Brady, the Titans’ top receiver, and Chas O’Brien, the running back, as he ate the salad. Brad Degrand, the defensive end, and Maxwell Moore, the offensive lineman, were also at the table. The players were served their main dish before anyone else. The prime rib and salmon smelled delicious, but he couldn’t quit cutting his eyes to where Bree sat. She was talking too intently with some bald guy. Did she like men who shaved their hair? Ryder would shave his head for her, no questions asked.
“So who is she?” Chas leaned in and asked.
Ryder lifted an eyebrow. “She’s with me so don’t even look.”
Chas chuckled. “Whoa, possessive. I haven’t heard that from you since … ever.”
Bree suddenly stood, walked along the back wall and out a side door to the outside patio. Ryder flexed his legs, ready to rush after her.
“Dude.” Dax inclined his chin to the crowd who had been surreptitiously eyeing the five of them throughout dinner. Some had shown no discretion and kept t
rying to catch their eye or wink. One of the many reasons Ryder avoided this scene. “You can’t chase after her.”
Ryder set his fork down. He couldn’t eat with his stomach churning like this. Was Bree okay? Why would she go out the side door with her phone clutched in her hand? That Peter idiot. Was the guy after Bree again?
Tense seconds passed. He took a drink of water, clenching and unclenching his fist. Finally, Bree snuck back in through the door and walked along the rear of the room. She didn’t go back to her chair though. She reached the opposite door that led into the hallway. Then she glanced his direction. Their gazes caught and held. Her dark eyes were bright with excitement, but they also looked regretful. She mouthed, “I’m sorry.” Then she disappeared out the door.
“No,” Ryder muttered. She wasn’t ditching him for that Peter guy who tore her dress. Not happening. He stood quickly and pushed back his chair.
Chas grabbed his arm. “Where are you going?”
“Tell them I’ll donate double whatever your highest bid is.”
Chas arched his eyebrows and released him. “Go get her, man.”
Ryder nodded and rushed through the room. People gasped or said his name, and he could see the silver sequined dress lady darting toward him. He hurried faster, getting through the door just as Bree exited the front doors of the mansion. He took off at a run down the hallway. She was not ditching out on him.
Bree pulled up her Uber app and put in Jasmine’s location, praying the driver could get her there in time. Luckily, the paparazzi who’d been out this front door must have taken a break during the event because she didn’t get any cameras in her face.
The door behind her burst open, and Ryder rushed out. He looked disheveled and incredibly handsome. Storming up to her, he wrapped her up tightly in his arms and murmured against her hair, “Bree. I found you.”
Bree pulled out of his embrace, though it was the last thing she wanted to do, and stared up at him. “I’m sorry I left. You have to get back in there.”
“No. Where do you think you’re going?” His blue eyes were as determined as she’d ever seen them. She felt like a receiver for the opposing team who was hoping to outrun him but had no chance.
Her stomach tumbled. He probably thought she was such a flake. “I promise the flaky woman isn’t me. I’m sorry to have left you like that.”
“Are you meeting that Peter guy again?” He folded his arms across his chest and looked intimidating as all get out. The perfectly cut suit only enhanced his muscular frame.
“Peter?” She started shaking her head. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You met him last night, and he ripped your dress. Bree.” His voice softened. “Don’t settle for an abusive relationship. Please. I’ll protect you from him.”
Bree thought it was the sweetest thing she’d ever heard. Ryder wanting to protect her. She didn’t quite know how to clear up his confused interpretation.
Silver sequined dress lady burst out the doors. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Ryder splayed his hands. “I’m sorry, but we have a family emergency. I told Chas O’Brien I’d double whatever his top bid is for my donation.”
“No,” Bree said. She couldn’t make him miss the banquet and pay all that extra money.
“Double?” The lady’s voice squeaked.
“Happily. I’ll make sure my agent gets in touch with you and my foundation cuts you a check. Do you have a card?”
The woman dug it out of a small pocket and handed it to him.
“Thank you.”
“No, thank you,” she said. “It’s very generous of you.” She turned and clipped back into the mansion.
“Peter?” Ryder asked, not giving Bree any chance to dodge.
“I’m not meeting Peter.”
Ryder’s stance relaxed. “Who cut your dress?” he asked in a soft tone.
“It’s too crazy to explain.”
A red Taurus with the Uber sticker in the window pulled up. “That’s my ride,” she said. “Please, go back into the banquet. I don’t want you spending a bunch of money to chase after me.”
He waved a hand. “I need the tax write-off.”
Bree shook her head. “Please. You committed to be here. I’ll explain what’s going on when we both get home tonight.”
She tried to walk around him, but he got right in her space. “No. If you’re going somewhere, I’m coming with you. I have to keep you safe.” He put his arm around her and directed her toward the Uber.
“What about the auction?”
“They’ll be thrilled with the extra donation.”
“What about your Lexus?” She tried again.
“We’ll get it later.” He opened the car door, ushered her inside, and slid in after her. “How’s it going?” He greeted the driver then secured Bree’s seatbelt over her before putting on his own.
Bree hadn’t seen this intense, protective side of him come out quite this strong. She loved being the recipient of it but was terrified of what might happen with him along. If it was anything like last night, she couldn’t have Ryder in harm’s way. But the thought of never seeing her sister again was equally terrifying.
Chapter Eleven
Ryder kept an arm around Bree as they sat in the back of the Taurus. They skirted downtown and entered a middle-class neighborhood. That settled his nerves a little bit. At least it wasn’t some clandestine meeting in a dark alley downtown. Bree hadn’t volunteered any information, and he hadn’t wanted to discuss anything in front of the driver. The young man had recognized him and kept up a conversation about different players and teams in the league throughout the short drive.
The car pulled up to a brick rambler without any lights on, and the driver looked over his shoulder at them. “It was great to meet you, man.”
Ryder shook his outstretched hand, palming him a twenty.
“Thanks.”
He nodded. “This is our location?”
“Yep.”
Ryder glanced at Bree. Her lips were tight, and she looked stretched thin. He focused back on the driver. “I’ll make it worth your while to wait.”
The guy’s eyes lit up. “Okay.”
“I don’t know how long we’ll be,” Bree spoke up.
“That’s okay.” The guy held up his twenty. “This is more than I make in an hour.”
Ryder forced a smile. “I’ve got a hundred and an autograph for you if you wait.”
“Sweet. Thanks!”
Ryder wasn’t sure if he was more excited about the money or the autograph. He slid out of the car and extended his hand to Bree. Her palm against his felt so right, and though he had no clue what they were doing here or what situation he was placing himself in, he would do it for her. He realized he’d fallen completely for her. It was fast, but it just felt right to him. His thoughts flickered to Tate, and he said a prayer that he and Bree would be safe and return to his son soon.
Bree stood next to him, and he marveled again at how beautiful she looked in that dress. The white was the perfect contrast for her gorgeous skin. They walked up onto the sidewalk. She stared at the dark house before glancing around the quiet neighborhood. She seemed to be looking everywhere but at him. She shivered, and Ryder shrugged out of his jacket and put it around her shoulders.
“Thanks,” she whispered, finally focusing on him. The jacket drowned her, and another surge of protectiveness went through him. She looked so fragile and beautiful. Was it too soon to tell her what he was feeling?
“You want to tell me what we’re doing here?” he asked instead of splaying his feelings at the wrong moment.
She blew out a breath. “My sister and I were separated from each other when I was ten and she was eight.”
Ryder couldn’t imagine the pain of that. His family was intact and always there for him. His mom might tease him and tell him he had “crap for brains,” but she adored him. His siblings would do anything for him. Bree had no one.
Peter wasn’t her boyfriend. That was a piece of good news. “And …?”
“I found her last night for the first time.” She bit at her lip. “Jaz is amazing, and I think she’s some kind of undercover agent or criminal.”
“What?” Ryder asked, but then he heard movement from the bushes to his left. He instinctively pushed Bree behind him as four men appeared. They were dressed in black. He couldn’t see any weapons, but he sensed they had them. His stomach plunged, and the moment felt surreal. He could hardly process these men striding toward him in the semi-dark, seemingly-safe neighborhood, like something out of a movie.
The leader inclined his chin, and one of the men strode up to the Uber and rapped on the driver’s window. He handed the driver some money. “Our friends don’t need a ride,” he said.
The Uber driver took off fast.
“Wait!” Ryder yelled. He about sprinted after the guy, but Bree was clinging to both his arms from behind him. Bree! What did these men want, and what would they try to do? Ryder wasn’t going to let them hurt Bree.
The men walked up to them on the sidewalk as casually as if they were strolling through the park.
The leader spoke, peering around Ryder’s shoulder at Bree. “Come on, sweetheart,” he said in a Jersey drawl. “Your sister requested this meeting. Where is she? I miss that beautiful face, and I want my cash.”
Bree was shaking behind him. Ryder stared at the guy. “She’s not part of any meeting.” But she’d known exactly where to come. What was going on? “How much cash do you want?” He had about a thousand in his wallet. Somehow, he doubted it would be enough for these men. They looked like professional hit men.
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