Page 66 of Behind the Scenes

Persephone looked into his eyes, studying him for a moment and then shaking her head. “I see you’ve been breaking the rules all over the place. You’re too close to her. Too close to the client. I think maybe Gideon should take over this case. I know he’s been working on it anyway from here, and he’s had more than enough time watching TV with Xavier.”

Jealousy coursed through Hunter, making his fists clench at his side at the mere thought of Gideon protecting Alexis. “No, don’t do this. I can finish this job.”

Persephone pointed her finger at his eyes. “Do you think I don’t recognize that look in your eyes, Hunter? I remember that look in Nick’s eyes. You aren’t thinking clearly because you care for her.”

“So what if I do? Why was it perfectly fine for Nick to care about you when he was saving you but not okay for me to care about her?”

“That was different, and you know it.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter because I’m thinking just fine. Let me find the person who’s doing this to her and finish this case. I think I’m close to solving it, so let me do my job.”

“And our secret? This place?”

“You brought Kate back here to the estate when Roman’s assignment went sideways. Why is that okay but me bringing Alexis here isn’t?”

“She was shot, Hunter! Or did you conveniently forget that detail?” Persephone said angrily. “How are you going to make sure she doesn’t tell anyone?”

He didn’t worry about that. Alexis could be trusted to keep this place and all they did to herself.

“She’ll be fine. She won’t say a word. I’ll make sure of it.”

Persephone looked up at him and smiled. “You never doubt that your charm is going to get you what you want, do you, Hunter?”

Charm wasn’t what he relied on with Alexis. He hadn’t used that on her. He trusted she would keep their secret because he trusted her.

“She won’t say a thing. I promise. You have my word.”

“You better hope she doesn’t. Be careful, Hunter. Movie stars aren’t like other people. You’re supposed to help her find out who’s stalking her, and that’s it. Whatever else you’re doing is only going to make this case harder. I can see in your eyes you already have stepped over the line. That’s not good.”

“I’m fine. I know how to do this job. You know that. Nick knows that.”

“Nick sees too much of himself in you, I think. By the way you were looking at Miss Marchand in there, I think he must be right. You’re too close to her, and you know it.”

Hunter didn’t answer her, so she nodded, knowing she was right. “Don’t lose perspective, Hunter, or you’ll endanger her life and yours. I don’t want to lose one of my men any more than I want to lose a client.”

“I’ve got this handled, Persephone. Assuming Gideon did what I asked him, I should be able to find her stalker and wrap this case up in no time.”

The fact that just saying those words made his chest contract let him know Persephone was right. He was too close to Alexis, but there was no turning back now.

Persephone smiled and patted him on the arm as she walked back into the house. “Be careful what you wish for.”

He followed her inside and watched as she moved the men away from Alexis so the two of them could talk. Xavier and Julian sulked for a few moments before leaving, but Gideon headed toward him with a look on his face that told Hunter he had something to say.

Hopefully, he had news about those names he’d given him.

“Did you get me anything on that list I texted you?” Hunter asked impatiently.

Shrugging, Gideon shook his head. “I found nothing. They’re all clean. No records, no pending charges, or even a parking ticket. One of the assistants owes a little too much money for most financial planners’ comfort, but other than that, nothing.”

“Which assistant?” he asked, silently hoping he wouldn’t have to break Alexis’s heart if he found out Lauren was behind the letters.

“Carla. Not enough to convince me she’s up to no good, though.”

“What about the envelope and letter I sent you?”

“I just fucking got it like a half hour ago. You know, you could have just brought the damn thing with you,” Gideon said, busting his ass.

“Yeah, yeah,” Hunter said as he looked over his friend’s shoulder to watch Alexis and Persephone talking. “I didn’t know I was coming here until after I sent it by courier.”

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