Page 49 of Protector

Cal thanks her while I just stare at her retreating back, the bar beyond her coming into focus.

Cal touches my shoulder, and I jump and turn to him.

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” he says, but I can see the worry in his face.

“I know.” I guess we’ll both play the denial game. “I don’t feel like drinking, though.”

Cal swings his legs off the lounger and leans in, taking my hands. “It’s okay if you’re nervous. You can tell me. I’m sure it’s nothing, but don’t pretend with me, girl.”

My phone pings and we both look over at the table, my cell lit up next to the drink. My heart sprints into high gear without me even looking. I already know.

Cal picks it up and holds it between the two of us as we both look down and read the text:

Unknown: Enjoy the drink, princess. We’ll be together soon. Love, Your Knight

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

Brooks

I slam my fist on the steering wheel as I barrel down the freeway, heading north. “Son of a bitch!”

Of course, I knew the signal was spotty up at Jade’s place, which is tucked away in a remote area of Fallbrook, but it had been too long since my last visit, and she needed me. Now I may have failed Shay. Not only did a missed call come up on my cell as soon as I reached the surface street that leads to the freeway, but she also forwarded a text from that psychopath.

I swear to God when I find this guy… My mind goes back to my confrontation with Chambers. Everything he said, his mannerisms, the presence of his little girl. Either he’s a damn good actor, or he’s really not Stalker Sam.

I dial Shay’s number as I drive, and my blood boils as the ringing connects to her voicemail. I don’t bother leaving a message, because I don’t trust myself not to go off. It’s not her fault, though. It’s mine. I shouldn’t have listened to her, left her alone…but then Jade called. I know I need to tell Shay now, and hopefully, that will stop some of this tug-of-war I’ve been dealing with.

Needing to distract myself, I review what we know about Stalker Sam, the correspondence he’s had with Shay. I have a detailed, chronological account on my computer, but most of it is burned into my memory.

He’s definitely consistent in his thought process, claiming he’s her knight—she’s his princess. And the psycho seems to take ownership not just of Shay but, ironically, of her safety. His concern for her well-being has to mean something. He didn’t want her to bow out of the lingerie fashion show from pure jealousy. This guy is upset, worried. There has to be something behind that.

When I finally pull up to Shay’s place, I have to park behind a big-ass, shiny-new Ford F-650, and though it’s not what you’d expect from a male model, I know exactly whom it belongs to.

Resisting the urge to kick in a fender, I stride past the monster to Shay’s front door. “Compensate much, asshole?” I say under my breath just before Shay opens the door.

“Why didn’t you answer your phone?” I spit out before she says a word.

Her brow wrinkles, and then she throws a quick glance over her shoulder, where I can see said model lounging on her couch.

“Are you fucking kidding me, Shay?”

I don’t know if she’s playing games or simply made the decision to be with the built-in boyfriend who seems to be nipping at her ankles at every turn.

Shay slides the door closed behind her as she steps out with an eye roll. “Don’t, okay? Rio is a friend…”

“Right.” I slip a hand in my pocket, try to push my agitation as far down as I can. Then I let out a sigh and shake my head. “You know what? Forget I said that. Look, I’m sorry I left. I shouldn’t have.”

She looks thrown by my one-eighty. “What are you talking about? I told you to. Brooks, you can’t be with me twenty-four seven.”

“That was before, Shay. Everything’s changed. He’s too close now.” Pinning her gaze with mine, I close the distance between us. “And no more hiding this either. You need to make this known, bring the police in. Whatever it takes to get this guy.”

She nods quickly. “I know. I’ve already talked to my mom and Catherine. They’re going to put something out, and they’re also going to go to the police with me tomorrow.”

“Good. I’m coming too.” There’s a few beats of silence before I add. “Do you want me to stay tonight?”

“No. I’m sure he doesn’t know where I live. I’ll set the alarm as soon as Rio leaves.”

“I don’t know, Shay. I have a bad feeling, and you shouldn’t be alone.”

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