But his eyes track every move. He runs The Vault—neutral ground in a world full of fire. The kind of place where kings kneel and devils behave. Because they know what happens if they don’t.
Keller leans against the mantle, half in shadow, half in firelight. He and Kai run Kingston Security. They protect billionaires, power brokers, and anyone smart enough to pay their retainer. But make no mistake—they don’t just keep people safe. They decide who gets to feel safe.
“You said it was urgent,” Kade begins, his voice calm, controlled. It’s not a question—it’s a command to start talking.
“It is. It’s about Ava.”
That gets their attention. They might not know her well, but they know she’s mine.
“She’s being stalked,” I start, voice steady. “They started shortly after we started dating, maybe? I'm not entirely sure. Flowers first. They showed up at her shop the morning after our first night together. We’d just taken a big step—intimately. She thought they were from me.”
“They weren’t,” Kaleb says, not a question.
“No. Then came the notes.”
I pass them the envelope. Kai flips it open with gloved fingers—typical. Always prepared.
“They’ve gotten bolder. Creepier. The tone… it’s possessive. Watching her. Not threatening exactly, but it’s escalating.”
I take a breath. “And then this.”
The photo slides across the table.
It’s of me and Ava. She’s laughing. My hand’s on her lower back. We’re outside her store, wrapped in a quiet, intimate moment. And someone was close enough to catch it.
Kaleb leans forward slightly. “They’re close.”
“Yeah,” I say. “Too close.”
Kade studies the photo, then me. “You think it’s her ex.”
“I don’t know what to think,” I admit. “George showed up at an exhibit. Coincidence, maybe. But then, he showed up again—at her shop. No appointment, no call. Just... showed up.”
Keller hums. “Divorce finalized when?”
“Six years ago.”
Kaleb tilts his head. “That’s a long time to stay quiet.”
“It is,” I agree. “He’s smooth, rehearsed. Asked subtle questions—about her schedule, when she’s alone. It didn’t feel like casual curiosity.”
“But you’re not sure he’s the stalker,” Kai says.
“I’m not. If I was, I’d have put him on the ground by now. But my gut says he’s hiding something. I want to know what.”
Kade looks over at Kaleb, who gives a small nod. No words needed between them.
“Sophia had a moment—thought Ethan might be involved,” I continue. But it turns out he just wanted to reconnect with Mia, Ava’s employee. It seems innocent enough, but nothing about this situation feels right.”
Kaleb glances at me. “You’ve been staying with her?”
“Every night,” I confirm. “Since it started.”
“Good,” Kaleb says quietly. “Keep it that way.”
Keller flips through the folder I brought, the notes and photo lined up neatly inside. “You’re worried George is hiding something.”
“I am,” I say.
