I’ve spent every day for the past week following Harper to ensure her safety. I don’t believe I can protect her better than the bodyguards. If there’s one thing I know about Felix, it’s that he’ll protect Harper with his life. But I can’t go about daily life while someone wants her dead. It’s hell not knowing every second of every day whether she’s safe.
When Harper isn’t working, she keeps a low profile, never leaving her new home with Felix. I suspect this is due to Gregor’s threat, but also the scandal regarding her relationship with my brother. Her breakup with me was never made public news and now photos are surfacing of her kissing Felix. Gossip sites are going wild. It’s not a good look for Forever Families.
Dad and Amabella have asked I make a public statement to help ease the heat Forever Families is taking, but I’m staying out of this. Appeasing my father is the least of my concerns while Harper is in danger.
Besides, I refuse to lie. Anything I say will make the backlash one hundred times worse. Imagine it—I like that my brother is fucking my ex-girlfriend. One day soon, I’ll be fucking her alongside him.
Each evening, bodyguards escort Harper to and from the theater. During those glimpses I catch of Harper walking, Felix is always holding her hand, shielding her with his body. I never see them without each other.
Except tonight.
For whatever reason, he wasn’t with her when she entered the theater a few hours ago. Perhaps he’s tied up with work. Without him by her side, I’m being extra vigilant, watching from my car, waiting in the theater parking lot for Harper to exit after her performance.
It’s quiet here, the show having ended fifty minutes ago. The thick of the audience has already left. Barely any cars remain. I keep my eyes trained on the backstage exit.
I’m so focused that I jolt when someone leans against my car. An inked hand with gold cufflinks makes two abrupt knocks against the window.
“What the fuck are you doing here, Tyler?” The car muffles Felix’s unimpressed voice.
I step out of the driver’s side and slam the door shut. “A man wants Harper dead. Don’t ask me to sit at home.”
“What part of Harper not being your girlfriend do you not understand?”
I pull out my Zippo. He glares at the lighteras I flick it open and shut. “You can’t block me out of her life. Don’t you think we have a better chance of protecting her if we work together? After all,The house always wins,except when we play.”
His harsh gaze switches from the Zippo to me. Something flashes in his eyes. Pain? Sorrow? He’s silent, raking a hand through his hair, battling with some inner turmoil.
“Bro, come on,” I speak softly. “Stop blocking me out.”
Just when I think I’m making a breakthrough with Felix, he shakes his head and swears beneath his breath, placing his shield back up. “I’ve discovered Gregor’s real name is Quentin Ferguson. I’m taking measures to ensure he won’t be a threat much longer. In the meantime, I need you to stop being stubborn and accept the protection I’m providing for you—for Harper’s sake.”
His eyes flick to the backstage exit right as Harper is escorted out of the building. She smiles upon seeing him. The moment Harper notices my company, her lips press with concern.
“Get out of here,” Felix says to me, heading for Harper.
He’s not even five feet away from me when I see it—a car in the distance, the driver wearing a black balaclava with an arm outstretched through the window. They’re pointing a gun, eyes locked on Felix.
“Get down!” I shout, lunging at my brother to knock him to the ground, dreading I’m too late when a deafening gunshot erupts through the parking lot.
Splitting pain buries itself in my abdomen as the two of us hit the ground.
I can’t breathe.
I can’t think.
I clutch my stomach in agony. When I pull my hand away, it’s drenched in blood.
Tires screech as the gunman speeds off. My vision blurs around the edges. The world tilts and spins. Through the haze of pain, I hear Harper screaming. I want to tell her everything is okay, but when my mouth opens, I can’t form a single word.
“Fuck,” Felix shouts, his eyes wide with dread as he kneels over me.
People are yelling. I can’t hear a word they say. There’s chaos around me. More gunshots. Tires screeching. A crash, instantly followed by an explosion in the distance.
I can’t focus. I can’t even move.
Pain. So much fucking pain.
But then I see her face, my beautiful Harper, kneeling on the other side of me. She’s shouting for someone to call for help.
