“That sometimes happens with our fans,” Riot says. “We end up tagged in a lot of things. I did call her to tell her that I have a stalker and to be cautious.”
“I can’t believe you’ve been keeping all of this from us for months.” Since before Christmas. “You should have told me.”
The agent stops recording.
“We didn’t think it was serious.” Riot swivels toward me. “And now that we know it is, I still don’t expect it has anything to do with Alec.”
“Why?”
“You know why,” he says.
Because our youngest brother is only our half-brother, and not a Hawthorne by blood. It’s the only thing that makes sense of why Alec never appeared interested in him. “You’re aware of our history with Alec Hawthorne?” I ask the agent. “Any chance they’ve located him?”
“I’m aware through chats over the watercooler. And not at present, but I can check with my superiors.” He adjusts something on the desk next to him. “Your brothers. You, Rogue, and Alec?”
“And West,” Riot adds.
“West?”
“Our fraternal triplet.” And that’s all I have to say about that. I would have left him out of it. Something tells me we probably should have if the agent didn’t already know about him. I glance at the time. “We’ve been absent from Rogue and Ivy’s party for too long.”
“Of course.” The agent straightens. “I’d like to take a look around, if that’s okay. And I’ll need to follow up on the goat before I leave. I’ve also got some questions for your security team.”
“Rook can answer those,” Riot says. The older man steps into the room.
“I will likely have additional questions for you.”
“Come find me.” Riot is on his feet in one fluid move. He tugs Kelsey up with him. Stopping in front of me, he squeezesmy shoulder. “I doubt the goat is tied to my stalker. That’s something separate. Either way, we have enough security on hand that we can safely let loose and relax for one weekend. FBI now too. At least for tonight Kelsey and I are going to go enjoy the party. You should too.”
“Stick together,” I say. “Stay out of trouble and stay sober, just in case. And don’t mention the goat.”
“Especially not to the Heart brothers.” Riot snickers.
“Or Ivy,” I say seriously.
“Right. We’re going to pretend everything is awesome.”
“That would be best,” Agent Lane says.
“Got it.” Riot looks at me. “Don’t worry, Dad, we won’t have too much fun.”
Riot kisses the side of Kelsey’s head as he guides her past me. “We’ll keep it all on the downlow for the time being. Won’t we?”
“We’ve gotten good at keeping secrets.” Her smile falters, and she stares at the floor.
They look good together. They’d look better if there wasn’t some person out there threatening Riot. I can’t squash this night for them though. Any more than I can for Rogue and Ivy. All of them deserve happiness.
We all do.
At the door they separate. Barely. Enough they look more like friends than lovers to anyone who doesn’t know better. But to those of us who do, it’s impossible to miss the minute gestures and looks they share.
If Riot’s stalker somehow found him here, they might be aware that things have changed between him and Kelsey. That could be a bad thing.
The bodyguard that follows them out gives me a nod. Agent Lane and Rook move to the next room to continue their conversation.
I cross the hallway to my room, which is empty.
Hopefully that means Summer has already headed to the party. I’m going to wrap her up in my arms when I find her and remind her of how beautiful and sexy and perfect she is whether she wants to marry me or not.
