"Personal business that's got you looking like you've been ridden hard?"He leans against the bar, arms crossed."This about that blonde?Enya?"
My jaw tightens."Maybe."
"Cowboy told me she was here two nights ago.That you two?—"
"It's complicated."
"Seems like it."He studies me, and I can see him working through it.Rush has always been sharp.He sees things other people miss."She in trouble?"
The question catches me off guard.I set my mug down."Why would you ask that?"
"Because you look like you're about to go to war, and you've been acting off since she left the other morning.And now you're showing up after being gone all night looking like you've been on a stakeout."He tilts his head."Am I wrong?"
I'm quiet for a long moment.Part of me wants to keep this private.Enya's business is her business, and she made it clear she doesn't want me involved.
But if she's in danger, if someone's threatening her, I can't handle this alone.Not if I want to keep her safe.
"I think someone's watching her," I say finally."Someone who scares the fuck out of her."
Rush's expression sharpens."Who?"
"Don't know yet.But yesterday, at the pub, she got a message on her phone.She went white as a ghost, hands shaking, couldn't breathe right.Then she left early, and I…" I stop."I followed her home; made sure she got there safely."
"And?"
"And she was checking over her shoulder the whole way, looking for someone.Scared someone was following her."
"Was anyone?"
"Not that I saw.But I stayed outside her building for a while.Just in case."
Rush processes this then nods slowly."You think it's an ex?Someone from her past?"
"That'd be my guess.She mentioned she has a kid.Five years old.And she said something about being in a bad situation before.Someone who hurt her."
"Fuck."Rush scrubs a hand over his face."And now he's found her."
"Maybe.I don't know for sure.But something's got her terrified, and I need to figure out what."
"What do you need?"
The question's simple.Direct.No judgment, no questions about why I care so much about a woman I barely know.Just, what do you need?
This is why I trust my brothers.Why I'd die for them.
"I need to keep an eye on her," I say."Without making her feel trapped or watched.She doesn't want my help.She made that pretty fucking clear.But I can't just do nothing."
"You want backup?"
"Not yet.But if things escalate, if I figure out who's threatening her, I might need it."
Rush nods."You've got it.Whatever you need, brother.Just say the word."
Relief floods through me."Thanks."
"In the meantime, what's your plan?"
"Stay close.Watch her.Make sure whoever's scaring her doesn't get close enough to hurt her."
