“Sir, my life is pretty boring. I train, eat, memorize playbooks, and ready myself for the next game. Wash, rinse, and repeat. If your team can help ensure I can do those things without interruption, then I’m all good here.”
He nods. “All right, then. We’ll get a contract drafted. If everything is signed and returned, she’ll be on the clock starting tomorrow when you’re released from your organization’s care.”
His attention shifts to Greg. “We can discuss what your security practices look like on the inside. If Cole’s our client, I need assurance his safety is top priority when he’s out of our reach.”
Greg only nods, finally getting the clue that he should be quiet.
Tracker continues. “We need all the letters, emails, notes. . .everything you’ve received. We’ll start at the beginning and see what we can piece together. Ryder will get to work and keep me in the loop. She’ll lead efforts with the help of our team to analyze all security measures.”
Ryder’s shoulders rise with a deep inhale, but she has yet to say a word. There’s only one thing about this arrangement that could potentially be an issue.
I lean forward, clasping my hands together. “If at all possible, I’d like to keep this private. If this hits the media, it’ll only make things worse.” As much as I can, I keep my life private. “The only thing is, people follow and photograph me everywhere. If she’s with me, everyone will assume we’re together. I want to be sure that—”
“It’s not an issue.” Tracker doesn’t hesitate, but Ryder’s head snaps in his direction. “Her job is to protect you. If people think you’re dating…” He shrugs. “It’s just part of the job.”
As Tracker discusses the details, Greg busies himself with his phone while Ryder and TJ stand off to the side, talking in hushed tones.
I watch her lean into her partner, determination set in her features. I’m not sure what it is, but something tells me her strength has little to do with her physical fitness.
Ryder is tall, but I’m still a head taller. Her short-sleeved shirt reveals her defined, lean muscles, and her tight black jeans and boots show off her powerful lower body.
A moment later, she leaves the room, and Tracker offers to escort us out. As I cross the room following the group, TJ sticks his arm out, stopping me.
“You do what she says and treat her with nothing but respect.” His hard eyes are locked on mine. “She’s important to me, and these threats will be nothing if you even put a toe over the line. Understand?”
I deal with massive men launching themselves at me every day. I suspect this guy means every word and can live up to them, but he has nothing to worry about.
“Got it.”
He holds my gaze a second longer before allowing me through the doorway.
I catch up with Rob and Greg on their way out and join them in the parking lot. Greg takes off, but Rob lingers.
“You good with a woman moving in?” Rob smiles, but his question is filled with genuine curiosity.
Rob has been my agent since I started getting endorsement requests in college. He knew my dad, and I trust him.
“I need this to stop. I can’t afford for this to be a distraction. So. . . ” I shrug. “Besides, I had Maggie in my space for years, and if she had it her way, she’d still be right next door.” My sister is amazing, but she’s a bit overprotective and can be a little bossy. I’ll take it any day.
He chuckles. “That’s probably true.”
His face softens. “You need to take these threats seriously. I see all kinds of stuff, but these are getting personal, and the note on your car makes me nervous. This could be someone close, so be careful.”
I nod. “I will.”
He slaps my shoulder, leaving me, but then turns back. “I contacted Tracker because there are protection services, and then there are these guys. I’ve worked with them before, and he helped your dad a while back.” He pauses like he’s evaluating his words. “He doesn’t mess around, and there’s a reason he’s assigning that woman to your case.”
I nod, hearing him but wondering what it means.
I climb into my Range Rover, reminding myself to make sure no one is following me as Tracker instructed. As I glance in myrearview mirror, I see Ryder pushing out a side door, swinging a backpack over her shoulder.
In a matter of hours, she’ll be moving in with me. We haven’t even spoken. This should be interesting.
Chapter 3
RYDER
I shove the door open, needing to escape. Tracker assigning me to desk jail is nothing compared to this. In fact, this reminds me of my training days when—
