Page 60 of Protector

“We have something new, brother.” Jade picks up her glass of red and sips.

Shay grins. “I was just thinking about this lingerie show and how Sam doesn’t want me to do it. Remember I told you about the guy who grabbed me last year?”

“Yeah, but you said it wasn’t him…”

“I know. And you said we can’t afford to rule anything out. So I just put some messages out to see if I could get some footage of last year’s event. Jade and I have already watched the videos available online. I’m in some, but I knew there was more than that. They film everything at these events.”

“That’s good work, girls, but—”

“Yeah. We’re just waiting for a response.” Shay picks up her glass and clinks with Jade before sipping from her own glass. I almost hate to ruin the mood. It’s obvious I can’t hide my reaction because Shay sets her glass down and grabs my wrist. “What is it?”

I smirk and let out a little chuckle. “Not to be too cocky…but here, hold my beer.” I hand it to her, step over to the kitchen counter where my laptop is, and then carry it over to the table. I pop it open, and it quickly comes to life.

As they watch me pull up my email, Jade says, “Really, bro?”

“Great minds think alike,” I say, relieved the email Gabe mentioned on my drive over has arrived.

Shay slaps my thigh. “Are those files footage from last year’s event?”

I turn my head and wink at her. “Guess my people are better,and faster, than your people.”

The email includes links to sites as well as downloadable files. “This could take some time…” I look at both of them, not wanting to leave my sister out, but really Shay is key in this process.

“Why don’t I throw in some frozen pizzas?” Jade says, getting up from the table.

I take her seat, and as she walks away, instinctively, I lean in and press my lips to the side of Shay’s mouth. “You did good.”

As I snake my hand behind her neck, needing more, her hand brushes my thigh. We share a soft but deep kiss, our tongues feather-light against each other’s.

“Are you gonna get a room or get to work?” Jade yells from behind the counter.

Shay and I laugh, and I pull up the first video.

“This is backstage beforehand. I’d say we could skip it but…”

We both say the words at the same time. “We can’t afford to rule anything out.”

By the time Jade has the pizzas out and is cutting them up, we’ve gone through forty-five minutes of video. Besides the fact that we’re doing this to protect Shay’s life, it’s another glimpse into whom she is every time she comes into view. It’s not so much about her this time but the expressions of those around her, mesmerized, in awe of her beauty and of the way she treats them. If there ever was a scenario where Shay and I could be together, I can’t help but think she deserves so much better than what I could give her. And yet, I feel myself die a little inside at the thought of letting her go.

Jade brings us each a plate of two slices, then returns with the rest of the pizza on a wooden board. She sits on the opposite side of the table with her own plate. “Do you think you’ll know what you’re looking for when you see it?” she says to Shay.

“Honestly, yes. I don’t know if I’ll just spot this guy hanging out in the background, but something tells me I need to see this through.”

The three of us eat, Jade and I making small talk while Shay is glued to every second of these video clips.

I hear a click of the mouse and a huff from Shay, so I look over. “What is it?”

She shakes her head. “Nothing. I just remember hating this one outfit, so many clips and straps and hooks, and while I was walking out, one of the garter hooks came loose. I don’t even want to relive it because I caught shit for that…so I’m passing it.”

“No!” Jade jumps up. “I haven’t gotten to see you in action yet.” She comes around to stand behind Shay. “Please…”

Shrugging, Shay says, “Whatever. I guess I don’t care.”

Of course, I’m keeping my mouth shut as she pulls the clip back, and there she is. All black, bra, panties, and nylons or whatever they hell they call those. The style has a biker vibe.

“Shit, mama, you’re hot.” Jade slaps me on the shoulder. “I think she just jumped out of your league, brother. Sorry.”

“Screw you, Jade,” I tell her even though she’s right.

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