Evan’s mouth opened and shut. “Oh. My. God.” He scooped me up in a bear hug. “I am so happy for you.” He put me down and kissed my cheek. “All right, we’re going.”
Behind me, Raphael let out a sigh of relief. He grabbed their carry-on bags and said, “Let’s go before the driver leaves without us.”
Fortunately, the driver worked for Tony, and he was very patient. I walked Evan and Raphael down to their waiting car to give them one last hug goodbye. The protesters were long gone. The police cleared them out after the attempted attack.
The choirs and the counter-protesters stayed long enough to help with clean up, but they were all gone now, except for Marco’s biker friends. They stayed around to make sure no one came back to start trouble.
After Evan and Raphael were gone, I headed inside to change out of my tuxedo. Sean was in a wrap-up meeting with his staff, so I planned to shower and get myself extra squeaky clean.
When I got back into the reception area, I saw Tony and Michael walking in my direction. Michael had his laptop bag slung over his shoulder, and Tony was having an intense conversation with someone on the phone.
“All set?” I asked Michael.
Michael waggled his hand back and forth. “I’m not liking the chatter I’m seeing about the protest. I’m wiped out, but we have someone in the City monitoring the cameras. Tony is getting more security down here because Marco’s people can’t stay here all night.”
Tony came up to us and added, “That and I have an out-of-state job for Marco, and I need him on it ASAP.”
The brothers exchanged a meaningful look, and Michael sighed. “I’m on it.”
Tony squeezed his shoulder. “You’ve got time. Go home, get some sleep. I’ll call you.”
Michael nodded. “Yep, I’ll talk to you later.”
I watched Michael leave and asked, “Is he going to be all right? He looked exhausted.”
“He’s getting a ride,” Tony said. “He’ll probably sleep in the car.”
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
Tony clenched his jaw. “We’ve got a search and rescue.”
He held my gaze, and I pressed my lips together to stop myself from asking questions. I knew Tony’s company did things beyond personal security. I’d heard them talking about it now and then when they thought I wasn’t listening, but I didn’t pry because it seemed like they went in where the authorities couldn’t or wouldn’t.
I pointed in the vague direction of my room and said, “I’m going to change. Thank you, by the way, for having one of your drivers take Evan and Raphael to the airport. I appreciate it.”
Tony shrugged. “You’re family. Evan is your best friend. Besides, Michael said there might still be a risk, so I didn’t want to take any chances.” As I turned toward the stairs, he asked, “So, what’s the deal for tomorrow? You going back to your apartment?”
I felt the color rise to my cheeks. “No. Not tomorrow anyway. I’m staying here with Sean for a while longer.”
His brows rose and his eyes brightened. “That’s great! Sean’s a good man. He’ll treat you right.”
“He already does,” I said with a smile.
Tony opened his arms wide. “Come on, Piano Man, give me a hug.”
I walked into the larger man’s arms, and he wrapped them around me. “It’s good to see you happy, Jeremy. You deserve it.”
“Thanks, Tony,” I murmured. “It’s been a rough couple of years, but things are getting better.”
“Damn straight they are.” He patted my back and stepped away. “Go on now and enjoy your time with Sean. Call me if you need me.”
“I will.” I sent a text to Sean while I was walking up the stairs to my room.
Me:I’ll be waiting for you in my room. Naked.
Sean:You are a cruel, cruel man.
Sean:I’ll be up as soon as I can.
