“You have two choices.” Zach growled, “either David wires this place top to bottom with full surveillance, or you move to our guest suite. Preferably the latter. It’s safer.”
Her mouth opened, but no argument came. She stared at the vase sitting innocently atop her bookcase.
The vase that hadn’t been there this morning.
“Um, Zach,” she murmured, voice barely audible over the rushing in her ears. “Maybe that’s a good idea.” She pointed, fingers trembling. “That vase wasn’t there this morning. It’s not mine.”
David stepped in front of her protectively, eyes pinned to the offending object. His expression hardened. “That’s it. You’re packing. Now.”
She nodded, brushing hair out of her face. “Okay… but I’m not leaving Minx.”
A plaintivemeowanswered her statement, and a bundle of fluff prowled into the room, tail high like a banner. The kitten sprang into her lap, blinking up at the men.
“Ah, meet my roommate. This is Minx. She kind of moved in the same day I did.” Lena cuddled the kitten close. “I think she must have lost her mom because she just wandered in and refused to leave.” She narrowed her eyes. “She’s not staying behind.” She scooped the kitten up, clinging to her like a security blanket.
David’s smile was slow and warm. “Your fur baby comes too. Obviously.”
“Minx is not a baby,” she scowled at David. “She’s a ferocious tiger. Just you wait until she finds your pillow.”
The moment passed with a breath of shared humor. Lena headed to the bedroom and gathered her clothes and toiletries in hurried handfuls. She scanned every corner, now suspicious of even the mundane.
On the way out, she grabbed Minx’s favorite chew pillow.
When she returned, dragging a suitcase behind her, David stood by the counter holding a plastic bin with the kitten’s supplies. Zach reached for her bag and shouldered it without effort. “I’ll load this into the cart. David has your kitty supplies. Anything you’re forgetting?”
“What about my food? It’ll spoil.”
David lifted a hand in reassurance. “Room Service can move it in the morning. Tonight Marguerite is making tacos. You’ll eat with us.”
Lena smiled despite herself, stomach rumbling insistently. “I don’t want to intrude, but if tacos are involved, I’m absolutely going to intrude.”
David chuckled. Zach gave a tiny, approving nod. The three of them walked out into the twilight. The air was thick with salt and suspense. In the trees, a bird called—the sound low and plaintive.
“Let’s go,” Zach said, tone commanding, eyes watchful. “David, take point. I’ve got our six.” He strode toward his bike, and Lena hastened to her golf cart. Follow David. Protected by Zach.
Well. That was a first. But the knot in her stomach made her think it wouldn’t be the last time.
Chapter 15
Taking Shelter
Thanks,Zach.The words pulsed through David’s mind with a weight that twisted in his gut. A simple acknowledgment—silent, shared telepathically between them, thanks to Nick always keeping the line open—but he meant every syllable. Down to his soul.
He hadn’t known genuine fear in a long time, not the kind that paralyzes muscles and stiffens the spine. But when Zach ‘pathed him earlier—Lena’s got a stalker—he’d gone ice cold. Terror wasn’t supposed to be part of this place. Not for someone like Lena. Not with everything she’d already endured.
She should’ve been safe here.
David’s hands gripped the steering wheel of the cart harder. He forced his jaw to unclench.
Their island resort was tranquil, controlled, and private. Luxury wrapped in security, woven with discretion. So how the hell did a stalker slip through without tripping alarm sensors?
Worse—how had he gotten in to leave gifts, invade her porch, sneak into her space?
We need to upgrade our security.David ground his teeth together.No one should have been able to track her to the cottage.Getting there undetected? That was a wholeother issue. He’d even gotten inside. The vase… That vase chilled him to the bone.
Zach’s silent response came immediately.Agreed. Lena is safe for now, so let’s table that until the morning. We’ll go over the plans, find the breach.
Tonight, she needs calm. Help her find it.Nick’s level intonation re-centered David.
