Page 75 of One Touch

Not only did the reveal of the hidden speakeasy instantly go viral on Kate’s Instagram page, but she was fielding calls from news stations clamoring for more interviews. Even reporters from across state lines were interested in the story.

Some were even showing up on the jobsite.

Irritation rolled through me as my crew worked to establish a line of rope and sawhorses in an attempt to create a blockade and keep trespassers off the Sullivan property. The local Outtatowner police had increased their patrol and helped in shooing people off the property.

It was a mess we hadn’t anticipated and made me uneasy that Kate was staying at the house by herself.

Thankfully, Lee was helping with that.

On his day off, he installed seven high-tech security cameras around the perimeter of the house and property to monitor anyone who came and went. Kate rolled her eyes when Lee insisted, but I wholeheartedly supported her overprotective brothers.

I’d been short tempered all day, frustrated with the spiraling situation and my inability to maintain a controlled jobsite. I took it out on a few inexperienced crew members, which left me feeling like shit.

When I finally closed the door to my temporary home behind me, the cold, dark greeting of the house only soured my mood further. A long soaking bath would only make me think of Kate, so instead I opted for a scalding shower and a small fire on the beach.

The lull of crashing waves surrounded me as I peered into the fire and let the warm, spreading heat of a good bourbon fill my chest. Tossing a few dried pieces of driftwood into the fire, I watched as the sparks rose and danced above the flames until they transformed into the tiny specks of starlight above me.

The distant slam of a car door caught my attention. I paused to listen. A faint banging could barely be heard over the gentle waves on the beach. Annoyed, I set down my glass, unfolded myself, and trudged through the soft sand toward the back of my home.

The banging on my front door continued, and my heart leaped to my throat when I heard Kate call out. “Beckett! Please, are you home?” More banging. “Beckett!”

“Kate!” I called out. My heartbeat ticked faster as I broke into a run. The panic in her voice was very real. I rounded the house, and her body crashed into mine. My arms wound around her shoulders, and she buried her face into my chest. Her heart was pounding nearly as fast as mine.

“Kate, what is it? What happened?” I gave her a quick once-over. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head but pulled me close again. A sob racked out of her, and instinct took over. I bent at the knees and scooped her into my arms, making my way to the front door. I quickly pressed the key code to unlock my door and muscled my way through it, then kicked it closed, still bundling a shaking Kate in my arms.

“What is it, Princess? What happened to you?”

Kate’s large green eyes shone with tears as she looked up at me. A big fat droplet raced down her cheek, and she bit down on her lower lip to keep from crying. A fresh bruise was blooming above her right eyebrow.

My blood simmered. “Who did this to you?”

A weak laugh tumbled out of her. “I did.” Her eyes squeezed tight. “I’m sorry. I got freaked out. I shouldn’t have come here.”

“The fuck you shouldn’t have.” I pressed her into me. Whoever did this to her was going to pay. “I’m glad you did. What happened?”

Still holding her in my arms, I walked us to the kitchen and deposited her on the island. Stepping between her knees, I held her face in my hands. My thumbs swept over her cheeks, drying the sad trail of tears that stained her gorgeous features. The bump above her eyebrow was puffy and starting to bruise.

“Kate.” Her eyes flew to mine as I steadied my breathing. “Tell me what happened.”

Kate swallowed hard and lowered her lashes. “I was down in the speakeasy, cleaning it up and staging it for the pictures I have planned for tomorrow. I had music on and wasn’t really paying attention. I thought I heard something above me, so I lowered the music. When I listened, I heard voices.”

My jaw clenched. “Voices?”

She nodded. “Yeah, or something like it. I went upstairs and heard it again. They were low and murmured ... but then the door handle jiggled like someone was trying to get in.”

My thoughts went to dark places. Thoughts that included her unaware in the below-ground space. Alone. Vulnerable.

My throat burned as I swallowed back the bile that threatened to rise up. Someone had been on the property when Kate had been there alone. They’d been only a door’s width away from the most precious thing in my world. I shook off the thoughts and why I shouldn’t be having them before I let my anger consume me.

“I grabbed a knife.” Kate looked up at me sheepishly.

My grip on her thighs tightened. “Jesus Christ, Kate ...”

“I grabbed it,” she continued, “but it was dark. I was fumbling around and freaking out. I stumbled over some tools and caught a toolbox to the face.”

A wave of possessiveness rolled over me. I didn’t care that she was Declan’s ex-girlfriend or Duke’s little sister.

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