“So do we.” My voice is hard. “Show me your badges. Nothing was mentioned about VIP routes at the check-in security brief.”
Buzz cut stiffens.
“They’re hotel security. Stop being so competitive. I want to get out of here.” Keke pulls her elbow out of my grip before I can stop her. “Let’s go.”
The two men exchange a quick, satisfied glance before guiding her toward a door camouflaged to blend with the wall. The prickle sharpens into alarm when the wiry one reachesfor the handle and pushes the door open without touching the security panel beside it.
Too late, I register the soft, persistent beeping beneath the fire alarm’s wail—the chime of a secured door held ajar too long.
Adrenaline floods my veins, and my vision tunnels on the two men. My hand drops instinctively to the holster beneath my blazer as I pivot, shoving my body between Keke and the two men. “Back off.”
The wiry one’s fake-concerned smile flickers. His gaze drops to my hand, then snaps back to my face. “We’re trying to help.”
“Sera?” Keke’s voice is small behind my shoulder, as if she is finally realizing something isn’t right.
It’s a trap.
“We’re all good. Thanks. I’ve got it from here.” I start backing us up, one arm sweeping out to keep Keke fully behind me and prevent them from grabbing her.
The stocky one draws a taser and depresses the button to send blue sparks snapping between the prongs. “Don’t make this harder than it has to be, Sera.”
Keke screams and bolts, her heels clattering as she runs. At the same instant, my father’s voice thunders behind me. “Sera!”
“Move,” the shorter one barks. The pair vanishes through the door, slamming it shut. One of Ray’s bodyguards lunges for the handle, but it’s too late. The door locked behind them.
I don’t hesitate. Ignoring Ray’s urgent questions, I sprint toward the promenade and spot Keke crouched behind a massive potted palm, eyes enormous, chest heaving.
The alarm cuts abruptly. Silence rings in my ears, and the smooth automated voice comes on again. “All clear. It is safe to return to your rooms.”
Ray reaches me, breathing hard, eyes scanning every direction. “What the hell was that?”
“Imposters.” My voice is even despite my trembling hands. Nausea churns low in my belly as the adrenaline dump begins. “Come on, Keke. We need to get you to your room.”
She flicks a curious glance at Ray but lets me guide her with a hand at her back toward the elevators. Ray falls in beside me. “I’m coming with you.”
I don’t argue. The adrenaline draining my body leaves me with a jittery, edgy feeling. But I have to stay calm and collected for the client.
Ray’s bodyguards clear a path through the crowd, and once the elevator doors slide shut, Keke finally speaks. “What did they want?”
“I don’t know.” I fix my eyes on the ascending floor numbers. I need to focus on something, because my brain is whirling.
Those men hadn’t chased Keke when she ran. Their focus had shifted—to me. Why? Because I was the bigger threat? Or because Keke wasn’t the target.
Keke hugs her waist, shivering.
“You’re okay, Keke,” I say, softer than usual, giving her a smile. “Everything’s under control.”
My father stays silent, but I can feel the simmering tension rolling off him. It’s so reminiscent of my brother I almost smile.
Ray’s bodyguards stop at the door of the suite, but my father follows me inside.
“Just let me get her settled,” I say wearily, as I walk Keke to her bedroom.
My brain is already going through the checklist of what needs to happen next: alert Elite, arrange more security for the airport tomorrow, contact her manager, call Elizabeth.
“I’ll be right here if you need me, okay?”
Keke nods but then frowns, looking at Ray. “You’re that boxer.”
