Page 67 of Blackstone's Heart
"I will also get in touch with Stacey. I have at least a dozen fans that are what I call my VIP's. These are fans that have been following me since my first book. They spread word about my books, events and such. I guess you could say they're my unofficial street team. These people are from all over the country and they get special passes that allow them a behind the scenes type deal.
"They are usually at all my new book releases, no matter where it is. I have special goodies bags for them. They will most likely be the first fans allowed in to the event before the rest of the public. Again a perk that this group has earned. I will get you their names and pictures. I have a group photo we took at a convention about eight months ago." Krista added.
"That would be appreciated." Wilson nodded.
Commissioner Wilkes spoke up then. "Ms. Jameson, since your stalker has now entered into my little slice of the world, I will have a team check out the venue the day before, and the day of the event. If it's okay with you, I could also have a small group, say five or six, men there on site during your book release. Just in case he pulls something using fire or explosives."
"Thank you sir. I would greatly appreciate that." Krista smiled.
"It's my pleasure ma'am. Plus, I have a about five or six guys who like your work. They're married and only read them 'cause their wives made them. Now they keep saying every guy should read them and take notes." Wilkes laughed, causing everyone else to laugh as well.
"Alright gentlemen, give me and my men about three days and then we can all start working on the security. Thank you all for coming." Ethan concluded. Before Wilson could leave, Ethan moved toward him. "Hey, where's your partner?"
"Oh yeah. Ingram had to take a few days off. His wife got sick and she's confined to bed. So he took a week to be home with her." Wilson replied.
"Damn, that sucks about his wife. Well, keep him posted and tell him I hope his wife gets better." Ethan stated.
"Will do Ethan. You just take care of your woman over there. She's a good woman and a rare one." Wilson smiled nodding toward Krista.
Ethan looked over and watched her talking with her dad and his guys. "Yeah, she's definitely a woman worth fighting for and keeping."
***
Krista stood with Ethan, Grant and Lance at the edge of what used to be her home. The setting sun casting long shadows over the charred front yard. Where her living room, entry way and part of the front hallway were completely blackened by the fire. She could still smell the remnants of the fire. She looked toward the second story and could actually look into what had been her writing studio.
"God." She breathed.
"Wilkes said it will be another two days before you can actually move further on site." Grant said.
Krista nodded. "There's not much left is there."
"Doesn't look like it." Lance agreed.
Krista stepped away from the men and moved closer. She wasn’t going to go inside, but she wanted a closer look. She was about two feet from the front door when she heard the house give a long creaking sound. She looked up and her mouth fell open as she saw the upper floor shifting. She heard Ethan yelling for her to get back, but her feet were rooted to the spot.
Moments later she felt herself being jerked back just as the front half of the second story collapsed on to the ground floor. She let out a sharp cry as she watched her writing studio crumble down into what was left of her living room.
Ethan wrapped his arms around her tighter. "I'm sorry baby."
She leaned back into the warmth of his body. Closing her eyes, she turned and buried her face in his shirt. "It's just things. There's really only one thing I'm sad about. My grandpa's desk that was in my office. That was really the only thing in the whole house I was attached to."
Ethan looked up and shared a knowing look with Grant and Lance. "Have you reached out to your insurance about this?"
"Yeah, I called Cammie once we landed. She's going to handle everything. I bet she's already called the fire department and the police." She answered.
"I'm assuming you'll be staying with Ethan for now?" Grant smirked.
"You're dammed right she is." Ethan stated, his voice sounding possessive.
Krista felt her body shiver at the sound. Warmth, protectiveness and lust washed over her. She felt her heart skip as his arms tighten just a little more around her. She had never considered herself to be one of those women who would like being owned by a man, but she was finding that when that thought was applied to Ethan Blackstone she was quite willing to be owned by him.
"Why don't you two go on to your place boss. Lance and I are going to talk to a few neighbors then head back to Blackout." Grant suggested.
"Alright. If you guys get anything new call me," Ethan grunted when Krista elbowed him. "I mean call us."
Grant and Lance laughed as Ethan lead Krista to his bike. Krista pulled on her helmet and climbed on behind him. As they sped off toward Ethan's, she was glad she had agreed to leave her bike at his place and her car and truck at her parent's. Of the three vehicles, her bike was her pride and joy. Followed by her '79 blue Chevy 4X4. Her car was a recent purchase. A 2015 370z in metallic teal.
She hugged Ethan tighter and laughed as he hit the open highway and opened up his Thruxton. She loved riding with him, always had. When he had bought his first bike, she had gone with him and his dad. It had been a 2001 Triumph Bonneville. She had ridden on the back when he drove it home.
