Page 47 of Let Me Protect You

When it comes to Harmony, I can’t keep my head on straight. And we’re definitely blurring the lines of professionalism. It’s time for Sully to find a replacement. Maybe then it will give me time to hunt down who is after Harmony.

“I was just about to call you because I need you to look into an employee at the club.”

“Tell me, Son, and I’ll look into it right away.”

“Okay but first, I need to tell you something.” I take a deep breath and look to Serenity. She gives me an encouraging nod. “I let myself get distracted tonight, and if I hadn’t, this might not have happened. So, I think it’s time for you to find a replacement bodyguard.”

Sully’s copper-like eyes widen.

Before he can respond, Abigail bursts out of Harmony’s room. “You need to look at this text like yesterday.”

The three of us share a look. First Serenity checks, and she covers her mouth. Her wide eyes follow the phone as she hands it to Sully. My heart pounds wildly as his face turns beet red.

When no one tells me what the message says, I ask, “What does the text say?”

Abigail hands me the phone, and I almost drop it when I read the words.

Unknown Number

Tonight was a warning. Tell them yes to the special episode and say exactly what you were told to say. If not, next time you won’t be so lucky.

The phone starts to shake, and I realize my entire body is trembling. The phone vibrates again, and I open the text.

Unknown Number

I wonder what everyone would think if they knew that hostess was right and that you do have a boyfriend on the side.

Chapter 25

Harmony

After we arrived at Elias’s house yesterday morning, I showered and brushed my teeth, hoping to feel a little more human and less icky. I fell asleep soon after. Now angry sun rays poke in through the cracks in the blinds. My head pounds like someone is hitting my skull with a sledgehammer. Wham. Wham. Wham. I roll away from the window and bury myself under my pillow.

A gentle knock sounds at the door, and I groan. My cheeks burn at the thought of him carrying my unconscious body out of the club. I quickly grab a piece of gum and pop it into my mouth before running my fingers through my hair. Hopefully I don’t look like I just rolled around in trash.

“Can I come in?” Elias’s voice is thankfully soft. “I have some water for you, and if you’re up for it, breakfast.”

“Come in.” My still sleepy voice barely comes out above a whisper.

The door creaks open, and Elias carries a tray with water, a plethora of fruits, and plain scrambled eggs. As he comes closer, I get a whiff of the smell, and my stomach rumbles. He laughs—the noise a little more strained than usual. “I guess I’m right on time.”

I push myself into a seated position with my back against the headboard and cover myself with my blanket like it’s a shield.

He sits, and the bed creaks beneath his weight. I itch to touch him, but he stays just out of reach. My chest hitches. Maybe pretending to be my boyfriend for a few hours was crossing a line he hadn’t wanted to, but my insistence on going to The Garage forced him.

“Here.” He places the tray on the free side of the bed and scoots closer. “Drink some water before you eat.”

He places the glass to my mouth, and I reach to grab it. My throat tightens as I say, “You don’t have to feed me.”

His eyes stay on the water. “You’re in this position because of me. Just let me take care of you.”

I blink and blink again, my lashes fluttering. Elias’s words make zero sense. “That’s not true.”

“If only I wasn’t so distracted, this wouldn’t have—”

I press my lips to his before he can continue to say how this is all his fault, and he tenses. My heart cracks at his reaction. With burning cheeks, I pull away. “I’m so sorry. I know that was highly inappropriate. I’m not sure what came over me.”

He only stares at me and I avert my gaze. I can’t watch him when he tells me he’s over us. That all he’s been feeling is physical attraction.