by Sybil Bartel
André nodded. “I’ll deal with the authorities while you two decompress at base. The hotel’s corporate headquarters have so far kept the fact that there was a bomber on site out of the media. They’re already spinning it as an HVAC issue aggravated by the storm. Trefor and I have been asked to keep everything under wraps and inform any of our team to do the same. Consider yourself informed. My guess is they’ll have NDAs delivered by lawyers within the hour.”
“We’re not dealing with any of that tonight.” Ronan’s hand absently rubbed my arm as he looked out the window.
“Copy,” André replied. “I’ll handle it.”
I was so thankful no one else had been hurt in the explosions, but something had shifted in Ronan’s demeanor since we’d left the elevator shaft, and I didn’t know what it was. All I knew was that there was a palpable tension in the car, no one mentioned Leo and we were going to base, wherever that was.
SEVEN FUCKING HOURS.
It wasn’t enough time.
She needed to get checked out, decompress, and get some sleep.
I needed to get my head on straight.
If she wanted her life back, I didn’t know what the fuck I would do. I knew myself. Watching from the sidelines as she sang her heart out to tens of thousands of people every night would kill me. It’d kill me more if she wanted to go on tour by herself. But I wouldn’t ask her to quit, not after the name she’d made for herself.
I’d heard what she’d said to Amherst and what she’d told me, but I didn’t trust it. She may feel that conviction now, but in a month? A year? Singing was all she knew, like the Marines had been all I knew. I hadn’t wanted out, but I hadn’t wanted a desk job either.
Damn it, I didn’t have enough time to sort this shit out with her in seven hours.
Luna pulled into the underground garage at Luna and Associates, and belatedly, I realized the logistics. “Luna, she needs clothes.” I had a go bag here, but all her shit was in that suite.
She reached forward and put a hand on Trefor’s shoulder. “Adam, can you please contact Zane? I left an overnight bag on the plane.”
“Of course.” Trefor glanced back and smiled at her before pulling his cell out.
“Thank you.” Dropping her hand, she looked tentatively at me, like she was nervous. “I learned a while ago to always have backup when traveling. You never know when your luggage will get misplaced.”
I didn’t know if I wanted to kill Trefor because she’d touched him or kiss her in front of everyone so they fucking knew to back off.
Realizing I was losing my shit, I kept my mouth shut as Luna pulled up to the elevator.
Sanaa glanced over, and her face fell.
“What?” I demanded.
“Nothing,” she lied quietly.
I grasped her chin and brought her eyes to me as Luna and Trefor got out of the SUV. I didn’t tell her not to lie to me and I didn’t demand she tell me what the hell was wrong. Instead, I stated a single word. The only important word between us. “Songbird.”
She inhaled deeply and let it out slow. Then her words came. “I’m not trying to be difficult, but the thought of going up another elevator, in another high rise, makes me want to cry. And scream. And refuse to do it, if I’m being honest. I just want to be close to God’s green earth and not think about the past few hours.”
I nodded once, then I opened my door. “Luna, change of plans.”
Already standing at the elevator, Luna looked up from his cell and raised his eyebrows.
“Can you secure my place for the night?” He would know what I was asking.
Luna stared at me a beat, and I knew what he was thinking. If it got out she was on my boat, the marina would be a logistical nightmare to control. But after a moment, he relented. “Once Ty and Tyler get Harm settled, yes.”
“Thank you. We’ll wait until Talerco gets here and checks her out, then head over there.”
“Ten-four,” Luna answered.
I turned back to her. “Okay, we’re going to get you checked out here. The top floors have secure apartments for clients, and Talerco is already on his way. After he clears you, we can go to my place. No elevators there. I promise.”
She gave me a smile that wasn’t full and didn’t reach her eyes, but it was something. “Okay.”
I dropped a kiss on her forehead and issued a command. “Wait. I’ll come open your door.”
She nodded, and I got out of the SUV.
Before walking around to her side, I glanced at Trefor. “Can your man Silas get her bag here in twenty minutes?”
Trefor nodded. “Yes. Silas, Vance and I were going to crash here before leaving tomorrow anyway, but if you’re relocating for the night—”
“I only have room for two.” The Carver could sleep eight, but I didn’t want anyone else onboard with us. I wanted her to myself for the next seven hours.
“Understood, I wasn’t trying to impose,” Trefor explained. “Just offering more security if you need it.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’d rather your pilot get some sleep. We can handle it.”
“Offer stands, but understood,” Trefor replied.
Acknowledging him with a tip of my chin, I opened Sanaa’s door as Talon Talerco peeled into the garage and slammed on the brakes as he skidded into a parking space.
Jumping out of his Challenger, Talerco grinned. “What up, ladies?”
I took Sanaa’s hand and spoke just loud enough for her to hear me. “Watch your step, Songbird.”
Her eyes met mine and I got the slight smile again.
Talon’s gaze cut to Sanaa as she got out of the Escalade and he whistled low. “Well hot damn. Miss Sanaa Narine.” Talerco chuckled. “My night just got a whole hell of a lot more interestin’.”
“Watch it,” I warned, putting my arm around Sanaa.
Grinning like a fucking tool, Talerco chuckled again. “Nothin’ doin’, Pyro, nothin’ doin’.” He shook his head. “But like I said, a whole hell of a lot more interestin’.”
Grabbing his medical bag out of his trunk, Talerco walked over to us and held his hand out to Sanaa. “Talon Talerco, ma’am. Big fan.”
Shaking his hand, Songbird gave him her public smile. “Thank you.”
Staring at her a beat too long, Talon let her hand go, then looked at Trefor and grinned wide again. “Adam ‘Alpha’ Trefor. Shit, it’s good to see you. Been a long time, brother.” He slapped him on the shoulder. “Your outfit behind this late-night meet and greet?”
“Unfortunate circumstances, but yes. Miss Narine is an AES client.”
Talon glanced at me before looking back at Trefor. “Pretty sure Pyro doesn’t think it’s unfortunate.”
“You’re here to check out Miss Narine,” Luna interjected as the elevator doors opened.
Talon spun on us. “No shit?” He eyed Sanaa. “You okay, darlin’?”
“Have you been watching the news?” Luna asked as held the elevator door open.
We all stepped inside.
Talerco waited until the doors were closed. “No, I was with my women, hunkerin’ down till these winds passed. What I’d miss?”
Trefor, Luna and I all looked at each other.
Talerco glanced between me and Sanaa. “Not for nothin’, Pyro, but you’re lookin’ a little road hard.” He smiled at Sanaa. “You’re always beautiful, darlin’.”
I glared at Talerco. “Three bombs took out the W Hotel. Sanaa was the target. Threat’s been neutralized, but Sanaa inhaled a lot of debris. You’re here to make sure she’s okay.”
Talerco’s expression turned serious. “Copy that. Glad you’re all in one piece. We’ll get both of you checked out.”
“I’m fine,” I clipped. “But Sanaa has a concert in less than forty-eight hours. I don’t want her performing if it’s going to strain her lungs.”
“Understood.” Talerco smiled at Sanaa. “We’ll get you sorted, darlin’.”
The elevator opened on the top floor of the
L&A building, and Luna led us to one of the two apartments. Opening the door using the keypad on the outside, he then stepped back. “I need to check in with the investigators at the W. Ronan, I’ll let Tyler know to head to your place and keep it secured tonight. Do you want an escort getting there?”
“No, we should be fine.”
Luna nodded and glanced at Trefor. “I’ll show you to your apartment down the hall.”
“Thank you.” Trefor glanced at Sanaa. “Zane will be here shortly with your bag. You’re in good hands, but if you need anything else tonight, please feel free to reach out to myself, Vance or Zane.”
“She’ll be fine.” No fucking way was she calling them again, my brother included.
Sanaa smiled at Trefor like the fuck hadn’t dropped the ball on this operation. “Thank you for your help.”
“Absolutely. Zane will get you safely back to London tomorrow. If you ever need AES again, please don’t hesitate to call.” Trefor glanced at me. “Good to see you again, Ronan. I apologize we didn’t catch Abernathy sooner.”
I wanted to tell him off, but the truth was we all missed it. The stairwell should’ve been covered on all twenty floors, I should’ve thought to include women on our watch list, and we’d underestimated Abernathy. Vance and Sanaa had waited too long to tell me, and I’d waited too long to tell Luna. We all played a part.
I nodded at Trefor. “It won’t happen again.”
His cold blue eyes said it all, but he spoke anyway. “No, it won’t.”
THE BLOND-HAIRED, BLUE-EYED TALON WAS an incorrigible flirt. And apparently he’d been a combat medic in the military.
Pressing his stethoscope to my chest, he gave an order like Ronan gave orders. “Inhale.” His gaze fixed past me, he smelled like coconuts and the beach.
I inhaled, then let it out slow. “Where do you practice medicine now?”
His laugh was quick and bright and lit up his face. “Darlin’, I practice all day, every day, but it ain’t medicine.” He winked.
Standing next to me as I sat on the couch, Ronan’s nostrils flared, and his hand moved to the gun in his holster, but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to. Talon immediately picked up on it, his gaze briefly cutting to Ronan’s hand.
Moving his stethoscope to my back, Talon unnecessarily held my shoulder. “Breathe again for me, darlin’, nice and deep. I like seein’ Pyro apoplectic.”
I did as he said, and Ronan looked like he was going shoot Talon.
Talon listened for a moment, then sat back on the coffee table and dumped his stethoscope in his bag. “I declare you perfectly healthy.”
“That’s it? How can you tell?” Ronan demanded. “You listened three times for a few seconds each.”
Grinning at me, Talon stood. “I like what you’ve done with him, darlin’. Definite improvement over his previous impervious disposition.” He chuckled and slapped Ronan on the shoulder, then his expression sobered. “No coughin’, no swellin’ in her throat or nasal passages. I see the face mask you had on her still around her neck. She’s not havin’ any difficulty breathin’, and I don’t see any signs of duress. She’s good.”
“Her lungs?” Ronan pushed.
Talon smiled with kindness. “Better than yours and mine on our best days.” Talon glanced at me. “You’ll be fine at your concert, darlin’.”
“Thank you very much for taking the time to come here.” I stood.
“You’re quite welcome. Gotta admit, wasn’t expectin’ to meet the Sanaa tonight, but nonetheless a pleasure.” He gave me a smile I was sure women fell all over themselves for before grabbing his bag. “Take care of Pyro, here.” He tipped his chin toward Ronan. “He saved our hides plenty of times downrange.”
I looked at Ronan. “I’m sure he was very good at what he did.”
“Not good, darlin’,” Talon corrected, his demeanor suddenly serious. “The best.”
“Talerco,” Ronan warned.
Talon smiled mischievously at me. “Bit of a braggart, too. Maybe you can work with him on that.” He winked.
“You’re done,” Ronan clipped.
“Yes, I am.” Unfazed by Ronan’s rudeness, Talon grinned as he walked to the door. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds so I can get back to my ladies.” He opened the door and nodded at André who was standing just outside. “Patrol.”
“Harm took a double hit in the blasts,” André told Talon. “He wouldn’t let Tyler and Ty take him in. He’s downstairs.”
“How bad?” Talon asked.
“Concussion, contusions, possible leg fracture,” André answered.
“On it.” Talon headed toward the stairs.
“Second floor. I’ll be there in a minute,” André called after him.
“Copy that.” Talon disappeared through the door to the stairwell.
André glanced at Ronan. “All set?”
“Yes.” Ronan put his hand at the small of my back and led me into the hall.
My overnight bag and dusty purse were just outside the door. I glanced at André. “Thank you for retrieving my purse.” I’d completely forgotten about it.
“Vance brought it,” André replied.
I glanced down the hall to where Adam had gone. “He’s here?”
Ronan stiffened as André answered. “He’s downstairs.”
I glanced at Ronan, but his expression was locked. I looked back at André. “May we see him, please?”
André glanced at Ronan, but Ronan didn’t so much as blink. André’s gaze cut back to me. “He’s in the command room, but I’ll have him come up here.” He pulled his phone out.
“We’re not waiting.” Ronan grabbed my bag and my purse, then took my hand. “Tell him to meet us downstairs in the garage.”
“Copy that.”
Ronan led me inside the elevator, and André followed.
After sending a text, André tucked his phone away and glanced at Ronan. “You’re all set with the investigators tonight, but they might want to speak with you tomorrow before you leave. The hotel’s lawyers are another story. They’re calling me every five minutes. They want NDAs signed yesterday.”
Leave tomorrow? Ronan was going to come with me?
“They can wait,” Ronan clipped. “Tell them to have the NDAs delivered here, and we’ll sign them tomorrow before we leave. I’ll speak with the investigators if they call, but I want her left out of it. If they insist on talking to her, I want Barrett on board.”
“Done.” André pulled his phone back out. “Texting Barrett now to give him a heads-up.”
“Who’s Barrett?” I asked, my stomach still fluttering at the thought of Ronan coming with me, let alone him seeing me perform.
“Lawyer,” Ronan answered.
“I have lawyers.” A whole team of them. A firm I’d hired out of New York years ago. It was the best decision I ever made for myself. They kept track of my money and contracts and most importantly, were not associated with Trinity Media Group in any way.
“Barrett’s local,” André explained. “He’s dealt with this sort of thing before.”
“He’s dealt with bombs going off?” What kind of clientele did André have?
“He’ll protect you and Ronan” was all André said before the elevator doors opened on the garage level and Vance was standing there.
“Right.” Vance chuckled. “Didn’t beat me down this time.”
It was meant to be a joke, but no one laughed.
André glanced at me. “Miss Narine, I wish you safe travels back to London. I hope we never meet again under these circumstances, but if you ever need Luna and Associates, give me a call.” He glanced at Ronan. “Consider the investigators and Barrett issue handled. If you need anything else before you leave tomorrow, text me.”
“Thanks.”
Luna nodded at Ronan, then glanced at Vance. “Conlon.” He stepped back into the elevator and the doors closed.
Vance smiled at us. “Glad you’re both okay.”
“I�
�m glad you are too.” I wanted to hug him, but I also felt like I would be betraying Ronan if I did, so I refrained even though I owed Vance a lot. I knew Ronan was upset about the sparring, but Vance not only gave me an outlet when I needed one, he taught me to defend myself, and he brought Ronan back into my life.
“Thank you.” Vance glanced at Ronan. “You’re taking her back to London?”
Ronan nodded once, and my heart leapt.
Vance smiled. “I’m glad it’s working out for you two.”
Ronan still didn’t say anything.
“Are you coming back to London?” Vance had said he’d been there awhile when I first met up with him three months ago, but he’d been cagey on the details. I didn’t even know where he lived or if he even had a place of his own there.
Vance smiled noncommittally. “I have some business stateside.” He clapped Ronan on the shoulder. “Answer your phone every once in a while.” He turned toward the elevators and hit the call button, but then he looked back over his shoulder at his brother. “By the way, the police found Abernathy in the stairwell. As far as they’re concerned, he died from his own bomb.”
Ronan finally spoke up. “I shot him.”
The elevator doors opened, and Vance shoved his hands in his pockets. “That’s not what the ME’s report will say.” He stepped into the elevator, then turned and held his brother’s gaze until the doors slid shut.
Every muscle in Ronan’s body was strung tight as he stared at the closed elevator doors.
I put my hand on his arm and said what I should even though I thought Vance had done us all a favor. “If it’s what you wish, I’ll tell the police the truth.”
Ronan’s gaze, penetrating and cold, met mine.
My heart sank. I knew that look, and I knew what he was thinking. I wanted to beg him to leave it all alone and let the past be buried in that rubble, but I wouldn’t do that to him. If he wanted the truth to come out, I would stand by his side, no matter what.
Not shying away from the look in his eyes even though I wanted to, I kept my hand and gaze steady. “Whatever you wish,” I said again. “I stand with you.”
For two heartbeats, he said nothing.