Page 9 of Hidden Shadows
“Deal. And I should tell you that Erik knows as well. I told him after Nate, and he was going to go in all guns blazing with some paid protection, but Nate beat him to it.”
Finley rolled her eyes. She wasn’t as close to Andi’s oldest brother, Erik. He was the most intense of the Hunter siblings, but she still considered him family. “So if I don’t want your overprotective brothers to move in on my life, I shouldn’t tell you things?”
“Afraid so, Fin.”
She shook her head. “Okay, I’ve got to go. But thank you for looking out for me.”
“Always. Keep me updated and stay safe.”
When she hung up, she eyed the door like it was a bomb about to detonate. Then, slowly, she rose to her feet and moved over to it. When she pulled it open, the sight of Nixon almost stole her breath. Why did he have to be so tall and toned and bronzed?
“Everything okay?” he asked in his too-sexy-for-her-own-good voice.
She swallowed. “Yes. I’m still frustrated that no one told me who you were on the plane. But I understand…kind of.”
“Good. Should we run through security detail?”
She frowned. “I thought you’d just follow me from a distance.”
He stepped into her room, taking up all the space. “Yes. I’ll trail you. But I need to know where you’re going and what you’re doing. I’d also like to see all communication this person’s had with you. Nate shared what he knew, but he said there’s more.”
A shudder raced down her spine at the memory. She lifted her phone and went into the photos she’d saved—screenshots of every comment from this guy.
“It started about six months ago. He’d leave comments on my TikTok and Instagram posts. A few on my YouTube videos. At first, I thought nothing of them. I have a lot of followers on my platforms, and it’s not unusual to get inappropriate comments here and there. Usually, I just block the account and move on. But this person keeps creating new accounts and leaving new comments.”
Nixon’s brows slashed together. “How do you know it’s always him?”
“He signs off ‘KJ’ at the end of each message.” She handed him the phone and watched as his muscles visibly bunched while he read the posts.
She didn’t need to look over his shoulder to know what they said.
You’re so beautiful. You make my heart race. KJ.
I can’t wait to meet you. KJ.
We’re gonna be so perfect together. KJ.
And then the guy had started commenting about Christmas. About how it was his favorite time of the year. About how special it would be to meet on the holiday.
She rubbed her arms in an attempt to ward off a sudden chill.
When a low growl sounded from Nixon, she looked up to see every part of him had become…harder. Darker.
“And he left you mistletoe on your doorstep,” he said, the words less a question and more a confirmation.
“Yes. And a note saying he couldn’t wait to meet me.” She swallowed.
The anger in his eyes was so distinct, she almost felt it. “Why are you still posting then? Why are you here at all?”
She blinked. “This is myjob. I market social events and get the word out to my followers.”
“This is yourlife, Finley. The asshole’s told you he wants you. That Christmas is his target date to meet up. The second you post about this event, he’ll know you’re here.”
Anger straightened her spine. “I’ve already posted that I’m coming here. And I will not be forced into hiding by this asshole. This is the biggest job I’ve gotten to date. My business is important to me, and Iwillcomplete the jobs I’ve committed to.”
“Will you still be saying that if this asshole gets his hands on you?”
Fear fluttered in her belly, but she made sure not to show it. “He won’t. Besides, that’s why you’re here, isn’t it? To make sure that doesn’t happen?”
