Only another minute or two passes before I can’t take the edge in the air. “What’s the problem?” I question, and they exchange a look. I guess through whatever voodoo brother mind speak they have going on, Declan is nominated as the one to talk to me.
“Harlow, I really think that we should have Luke take the horses down to the movie set tomorrow,” he suggests quietly. “Things are starting to escalate, and it feels like an unnecessary risk.”
My gaze flicks between him and Thomas, taking in their worried eyes and accompanying frowns. “Have you guys noticed that the last three incidents haven't actually been aimed at me? Or the violent ones haven't been, at least.” I tick off on my fingers. “It was Oliver’s car that was damaged, Jacinta was the dummy that was shot at, and now it’s Holden who actually has been shot.”
Declan’s eyes widen as he realizes I’m right, but Thomas looks less surprised, like he had already considered it too, and he gives me a nod of acknowledgment. “So far the only things aimed at me were the saddle, the photo of DS, and being pushed into the pool.”
Jaxon, Kai, and Oliver have been quiet while we’ve been talking, but they’ve been paying attention. “But DS and Jenny were covered in blood too, and their actions against Jacinta, Oliver, and Holden show that they have the potential to be violent. I feel like it’s just a matter of time before they escalate,” Jaxon points out, and I have to give him that.
“It’s almost like they can't make up their mind. Whether they want to hurt you or hurt one of us,” Kai muses.
“But why? Why target you guys instead of me?” I’m so confused, but right now, I almost appreciate it. Trying to puzzle together any little part of this mystery is keeping my mind off of the worry for Holden as well as the guilt that this is somehow my fault, and it’s doing a great job of smoothing over any boundaries that were still awkwardly in place between the Summers men and me. What’ll happen when we’re no longer distracted, who knows?
“Actually, that’s a really good question. Maybe you were the original focus, but then we got onto their radar too. We’ve tried to keep it quiet that Jacinta was responsible for the billboard, but maybe it’s gotten out. I mean, between PR staff and the original marketing people, someone must have said something to the wrong person. It’s the only reason I can think to target any of us,” Thomas suggests, but I shake my head.
“But why do anything tome? Offense mostly intended, but you guys are the assholes. I haven’t done anything to anyone!” Needing to move, I start walking again until the others catch up.
“Well, you did suspect the stalker was Jacinta to begin with. We all did, and that could have been the stalker’s big break to try and control you—where you were, who you were with. Maybe they capitalized on that and continued on in that vein to scare you off? But then that seems to suggest that whoever it is has insider information. Stuff that not everyone would know,” Declan adds, and there’s a light in his eyes that tells me he’s ready to grab hold of this challenge. For whatever reason—anger over Holden, worry for Jacinta’s life… worry for me?—he seems like he’s not going to just let this go.
“Yes, but why change their tactics? Why aim at you guys now? It just doesn’t feel right that there would be two separate agendas here, one to get rid of me and the other to punish you guys.”
Before anyone can answer, the sound of a fast moving vehicle heading toward us draws everyone’s attention. Coming down the track is Jacinta in a black truck that's kicking up a plume of dust behind it. She’s driving it like she stole it, and I honestly didn’t think the princess had it in her. She pulls past us and circles, coming back around before the window rolls down. “Jump in. Josh will come back for the gear later.” There’s not enough room for all of us, so I climb into the bed, Kai joining me, as Declan jumps into the front and Thomas, Jaxon, and Oliver squeeze into the back. As soon as we’re all seated, Jacinta floors the gas, sending us flying back to the house.
The ride is bumpy, and I end up being jostled around, but Kai shuffles closer and wraps an arm around me, holding me tightly against him. Embraced in his warmth, I feel my body relax slightly, his familiar arms bringing comfort that I haven't previously felt.
“I can see you destroying your lip with worry,” he says in my ear. “Tom said that Holden was stable, and the bullet wound, while concerning, wasn't the biggest issue. A bump on the head can be dangerous, but he’s already being checked out, and he’ll be okay. We’re going to head straight to the hospital after we get home and change. Are you going to come with us?” His warm breath caresses my ear, and a tingle of desire flows through me, followed quickly by one of complete guilt.Fuck, how can I be feeling horny when Holden has taken a bullet for me?
I’ve been thinking about what’s the safest choice for everyone, and I huff in defeat before telling him my plan. “I’m not sure I should be around any of you anymore. I think I’ll take the horses to the movie set tomorrow with Luke’s help and then put us both on a flight back home. Jenny and DS can follow as soon as I can arrange it. I can’t risk whoever is doing this taking a shot at another one of you. Next time, his aim might be better.” I shudder as the memory of the sound, the slow motion of Holden falling playing back through my mind.
Kai’s arm tightens around my shoulder almost to the point of being uncomfortable. “Like fuck you are,” he growls. “Declan will go with you tomorrow, and at no stage will you be left on your own. One of us will be with you until this asshole has been caught. Also, don't forget we’re going to Hawaii on Friday. They won’t be able to get to you there.” He sounds hopeful, almost pleading, as he reminds me of the trip I’d agreed to go on.
My stomach sinks with the thought of disappointing him, but before I can argue my point, he shuffles me around and pulls me between his legs so my back is to his front. Now, he can talk to me easier despite the rush of the wind. His warmth sinks into me, and I lean back into him as his arms wind around my front, holding me like I’m the most precious thing in the world to him. I’ve never really felt this way before, never been held in this way that just says someone cares about me. Not by someone who wanted to get in my pants, anyway. It’s weird but refreshingly nice at the same time. I only wish it wasn’t happening in the midst of such a traumatic event.
“Please, Harlow. Don’t let them run you off. Holden will be okay, and when he wakes up, I know he’ll say the same thing. Plus, you had a point back there. We don’t know what this person’s real agenda is, and if they’re out to get you and we’re just a bonus, then you might be in more danger if you leave. Without us to draw some of their attention, who knows what would happen to you. Don't let them win by scaring you into leaving us behind. A Summers never backs down from a challenge, and that’s all this is. Practically a speed bump on the road that’s life. This person will be caught, and we’ll think back to the time when it all happened and be grateful we stuck together.”
His words hit a place deep inside of me, one that refused to feel full despite all the love the Bostons have always given me. Prickles cover my skin, whether from his words or just the warmth of his breath on my ear, or maybe from both. I have no idea why he affects me the way he does, but I do know that for the first time ever I feel wanted in a way that is more than just familial love. This is something that I have basically no experience with, and I get the feeling that I might desperately fail at managing any kind of romance, but I want it. I want it so badly I can taste it.
Just as I go to answer, my gaze registers that we’re here. Jacinta screeches to a stop in front of the house, and everyone climbs out. Nana is waiting for us on the front steps, her hands wringing with worry.
“Hurry up and get changed. We’ll take the helicopter. It will be here in ten minutes, and we have clearance to land on the roof of the hospital.”
Thomas comes around and opens the tailgate, making it easier for me and Kai to climb down. He raises his eyebrows at the sight of Kai’s arms wrapped around me, but he doesn't say anything nor does he look upset. I must have mistaken the heated looks that I had seen in his eye previously, and a pang of disappointment hits me before I shake it off.Jesus, Harlow, stop being so greedy. Kai isn’t enough for you? You’ve got to torment yourself by chasing after the other brothers too?
He holds out a hand, and I untangle myself from Kai and move toward him, allowing him to help me down. His hand holds onto mine for just a moment longer than necessary, leaving me looking up at him in question until Kai follows after me, jumping down without assistance.
Once Kai is on his feet, Thomas suddenly lets go, and they both rush up the steps with the others while I hang back. It’s only as Jacinta opens the door to go in that Nana’s voice has them all pausing. “Well, Harlow, what are you waiting for? Get moving!” The siblings turn back to face me, and I blush under all the attention. I’d been hoping they’d all be so wrapped up in getting ready that they wouldn’t notice I wasn’t there. God knows they’ve never wanted me anywhere with them before.
“Ahh, I was just going to wait here, see if Josh and Luke needed help catching the horses. I would just be in the way at the hospital.” Jacinta narrows her eyes and opens her mouth to say something, but Declan gets in first.
“Bullshit,” he snaps, surprising me. Does heactuallywant me around? “I wouldn't want to risk anyone else getting hurt because of you.” And there it is, asshole extraordinaire. My heart races at the thought that he blames me for what happened to Holden... even if it is true.
“What the fuck, man!” Kai exclaims, and Thomas adds in his own complaints.
“Seriously?” He sounds amazed. Declan frowns at them, and then it looks like he’s thinking about what he just said. A moment later, he shakes his head, eyes wide.
“Fuck! No, sorry, that’s not what I meant. I meant you shouldn't be on your own. It’s not safe at the moment, and we don’t want anyone else getting hurt, including you.” My heart slows at his apology, my gaze moving to each of the siblings before landing on Nana. Despite the horrible reason for us all being gathered together right now, the woman has a small sly smile on her face. Deciding the conversation is over, Jaxon and Oliver both push past Jacinta and disappear through the door.
“Well, come on then,” Jacinta insists. “Let’s get moving. The quicker we’re changed, the quicker we’re in the air.” My eyes meet hers, and they are a lot less icy than they normally are. I know that letting her ride our horse was maybe a tiny twig on an olive branch, and maybe with a bigger threat to occupy her mind, she’ll finally put aside her feelings about me. I nod at her, earning a slight one in return before she disappears after the other two. Thank fuck. In the back of my mind, I’d been worrying that this would cause her to ramp up the dislike again, but it appears to be the opposite. She actually seems to have thawed a tiny bit. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll end up an accepted member of this tight knit family. Maybe they could even learn to love me?
