It was a big relief when she walked into her living room the next morning and saw an all-new hot-guy babysitting squad camped out waiting for her. She issued a shy wave.
“I guess Maddox, Jax and Thane have been relieved of duty. Or more likely just relieved in general that they didn’t pull back-to-back babysitting gigs. I’m Hayley,” she announced, determined not to react to their presence as she had yesterday when Maddox, Jax and Thane had scared the ever-loving crap out of her.
“Zander,” one of the men rumbled as he rose.
Hayley stared as he seemed to go up and up and kept going. Good grief, the man was tall, not to mention barrel-chested and broad-shouldered. Geesh, and to think she’d been afraid of the others. Zander was kind of scary but in an “oh thank God he’s on my side” way.
To her surprise Zander approached her and tipped her chin up with his fingers as he inspected her face.
“It’s looking a lot better,” he rumbled. “The others told me how bad it was. Glad to see you’re recovering so well. You’re a fighter.”
Approval gleamed in his eyes and then, without another word, he turned and walked back to where he’d been sprawled on her too-small couch. Alrighty, then. Apparently he was almost as short on words as Silas.
“I’m Justice,” one of the other men said as he stood, smiling. He winked at her and she was instantly charmed.
“And I’m Hartley,” the third chimed in. “But I won’t be around for long, sugar. I’m only standing in for Maddox for a few more minutes. He should arrive by the time you roll out for school.”
Hayley frowned. “How come he’s going to be here again? He said you all would be rotating shifts around me.”
Hartley shrugged. “Silas was adamant that Maddox stick with youlike glue, so unless all hell breaks loose somewhere else, Maddox will be with you until Silas returns.”
Hayley’s heart sank a little more. She hadn’t heard a single word from Silas, and she’d consoled herself by telling herself that she doubted he would check in with anyone. He was just too... solitary and independent. But evidently he was checking in with his men on a routine basis. At least long enough to give them orders.
Get over it already. Not like you ever had a shot at him anyway.
She was saved their scrutiny when her door burst open and Maddox hurried in.
“Ah good, I made it on time,” he said.
To her surprise, he gathered her shoulders with one arm and gave her a quick squeeze followed by an affectionate kiss on her forehead.
“I’m rolling out, then. Gotta run by and get Evangeline,” Hartley said.
This time it wasn’t only Maddox who glared at whoever brought Evangeline’s name up. Justice and Zander both sent Hartley glacial stares that had him grimacing. Hayley’s stomach churned with jealousy and she didn’t even know the woman. This so wasn’t like her! But they all seemed so protective of Evangeline. They spoke of her with affection in their eyes. Well, unless Hayley was around. Then they clammed up tight like they were guarding national treasure or something.
She pretended not to have even heard Hartley say Evangeline’s name. Instead, she lifted an eyebrow and with complete innocence asked, “Whatever are all of you scowling at poor Hartley for? Wow, somebody didn’t get out of bed on the right side this morning.”
She shook her head for exaggerated emphasis and then turned as though she weren’t expecting a response. But she hoped... Good thing she hadn’t set her hopes up too high because she would have been disappointed once more as the room fell silent while she gathered her violin and purse.
“Shall we?” she drawled out. “Though I’m going on record how stupid this whole thing is. I don’t need anyone to drive me to school and pick me up.”
Maddox ignored her. But then what else was new anytime she said or did anything they didn’t approve of?
“What time do you get out of class, Hayley?” Justice asked as he fell neatly into step beside her.
She was amazed at how easily the three men encircled her, all the while making it look completely natural and not at all planned. Maybe personal protection was the business they were in. It would certainly make sense given all the locks on Silas’s door and his many paranoias, though with Silas it seemed more... ingrained. More a part of who he was rather than what he did for a living. All of his men wore power like a second skin and were obviously used to being in absolute control, but with Silas she sensed it extended far beyond his career choice and was a necessity. Like food, water and air were for everyone else.
“Usually by one in the afternoon. Sometimes earlier, though.” She shrugged. “And sometimes later. It really depends on how long we stay and practice.”
“Okay, then what time should we be there to get you today?” Maddox interjected.
“Wow, you mean you all aren’t staying at the school? You know, in case there’s a bomb threat?”
“Silas didn’t say she was such a smartass,” Zander said, amusement heavy in his voice. “I like her.”
Maddox rolled his eyes. “You would. And no, Hayley. We aren’t staying the entire time. We have a few things we have to wrap up, but we will be there no later than twelve thirty. If for some reason you get out before then, I want you to stay in the building and call one of us. I’ve already programmed all our numbers into your cell phone. Use them. And don’t go anywhere without us. Got me?”
She resisted rolling her eyes again. Barely.
