Page 133 of Creed

Asher sits across from us, Blair taking the chair next to him, almost sitting protectively next to him, and Bear stands next to the stairs that lead out of the bus.

“There’s been a partial match to the facial recognition technology that Lachlan’s using around the city. The location ping was only half a mile from the studio. We’re relocating the buses to another location with a one-way entrance until we apprehend the suspect.” Ash explains, running a hand through his hair. “We need to confirm whether it’s him or if he has any ties to that piece of shit who’s been stalking you.”

My eyes meet my brother’s and I see the regret peeking through the anger there. When he learned about my life for the last ten years, he broke down, apologizing over and over. Begging for forgiveness that had already been given to him. He nearly lost his mind when he found out the psycho had been stalking me for two years.

I can feel the weight of the guilt he carries and nothing I say gives him any sense of peace. Just the promise that he’ll help end the fucker when he’s caught. Apparently time in the underworld with the devils like Lachlan and his brothers has made my brother a bit stabby, too.

“What does that mean for tonight?” I know it’s a stupid question, but I ask it anyway.

“You’re not performing.” This comes from Creed and my eyes snap to him. I open my mouth to tell him fuck that, but he shifts the ice pack on my shoulder and I hiss. “My point exactly.”

Asher and Riley agree because of course they do.

“Let’s just wait until we confirm the suspect's identity. If it’s clear, I think it’s best if you watch from backstage and I’ll stand guard with a team of my men. If, if, the potential threat is ruled out, you’ll have to travel with my team everywhere you go until we get this Guy fucker. I won’t risk your safety. I won’t risk losing you again, Bug.”

The use of my old nickname clogs my throat with emotion, but I nod, swallowing back the tears. I understand the need for extra men and I’m honestly not complaining.

They go over a few more safety protocols that will be in place while traveling to and from the buses and venues before they leave us to get some rest.

The three of us lay down together but I wake alone hours later and note that the sun is now setting. I check the time and see that the concert starts soon and I need to get ready. I swipe through my notifications and see a text from Riley, Creed, and Asher.

I open Asher’s first.

Ash: Suspect has been cleared. Security measures still stand, though. I won’t risk your safety, Bug. DO NOT leave the bus without security. They’re stationed outside the bus at all times and are there if you need them.

Me: Thank you for letting me know. And I understand. I can’t wait for the day that he’s finally caught and placed behind bars.

Ash agrees and tells me he’ll be the one to escort me from the bus an hour before the concert.

I give him a thumbs up and switch to my text from Riley.

Ri: You looked too sweet to disturb but we had to get to rehearsals. I put the m&m’s down where you can reach them while you get ready for tonight. See you soon, baby. X

Riley’s message makes me smile and I dash out of the bed and into the main living space, opening Creed’s text last.

Creed: We had to get to rehearsals, but Asher said he’ll escort you to the stadium. Take your time getting ready and pick your favorite lipstick. I want your marks on me again tonight, Stardust.

I start to type out a response when I hear a rustling and cringing sound that causes my entire body to freeze. I come to an abrupt halt as I take in the man sitting on the couch in front of me, eating the m&m’s that Riley left out for me. I don’t recognize him, but he’s dressed in the uniform that all of Asher and Lachlan’s men wear.

I’m shaking as fear settles over me at this stranger who was somehow able to gain access to our bus. I swallow thickly, attempting to sound casual as I take a step back, glancing at my phone to unlock it. “Can I help you?”

The guy just grins and it makes my skin crawl. “I’m just doing my job, darlin’.” He drawls and the accent is all-too familiar.

Oh, no.

I need to call Asher, but I don’t want to alert this guy who is definitely not a security guard. I force my body to move like nothing is wrong and reach for a cup like I’m going to get a drink from the sink, but I keep my body angled to face this stranger.

“You know, the guards usually do their guarding from the outside.”

“Yeah, well, plans change.” He snaps back, eating more of my goddamned m&m’s.

“On whose order?” I ask, glancing down long enough to pull up Asher’s number.

“The boss’ order, obviously.” This guy is sounding like he’s actively losing brain cells as we speak.

“And which boss is that?” I’m about to click Asher’s name when the man suddenly jolts from the couch, his arms swiping out to grab at me but I duck out of the way at the last second. My heart is racing as I run towards the door of the bus. I don’t even make it a step before I’m yanked back by my hair. My voice is caught on a silent scream from the pain of his grip. His free arm wraps around my neck, lifting me off of the ground. Pain flares in my shoulder as I try to elbow him anywhere I can reach.

He chuckles before gritting his words in my ear, his hot breaths fanning over the side of my face when he speaks. “My boss is the guy who paid me a fuck-ton of money to get you back to him in one piece.”

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