Chapter 55
“ W hat the fuck?” Bo exclaims as we approach the hospital entrance and encounter the crowd of at least fifty blocking it. Cameras flash. Questions fly. Going into protective mode, he throws his arm around me.
Bo Jackson, why were the assault charges dropped?
Did you give drugs to Harmony Jinkins?
Peace Jinkins, are you and your sister fucking Bo?
As the reporters hurl their snide accusations and surround us, I lean deeper into Bo. The delicious and familiar scent of his cologne engulfs me. His distracting muscles bunching, he keeps me steady as were jostled. Television station acronyms and website logos blur amid the rapid flashes. When a huge man thrusts his mic into my face, I spin around and tuck my face into Bo’s solid chest. My heart is racing, my body shaking. Feeling claustrophobic, I can barely breathe. I’ve never experienced this sort of attention, though I should be prepared having seen my parents, Alex, and Harmony dealing with it. It’s scary, and I have a sudden insight into why my dad didn’t want to take us on tour. It probably wasn’t to keep us out of that part of his life, but to shield us from it.
“Stay close.” Bo tips my head up. Making eye contact with me, he presses his warm lips to my temple. I feel that gentle kiss everywhere. It infuses me with confidence and grounds me.
“No comment,” Bo tells them all firmly. With his jaw set and his gorgeous eyes glinting with determination, he interlocks our fingers together. My panicked heartbeats slow.
“Seattle PD!” an authoritative voice suddenly booms. “Ordering you to disperse now!” An officer with a bullhorn appears with his partner. Hospital security follow. The crowd parts as they come toward us. Melinda exits the building in their wake. Removing the distance between us, she looks poised and professional in a dark business suit and high-heeled pumps.
“C’mon, you two.” She beckons. We hurry toward her. The two officers and security flank us. Everyone enters the building behind the woman with a swishing sight cane in her hand.
“How’s Harmony?” I ask Melinda as the automatic doors close behind us. The officers tip their hats to her, turn around, and go back outside.
“Much better but worse in another way.” Frowning, she gestures for us to follow her deeper into the building.
“Worse how?” I want to know.
“Let’s get somewhere more private so we can talk.” Her cane and her steps speed up. We hurry our strides to keep up with her. At the elevator bank, Melinda presses the call button and turns to us.
“Harmony is in a terrible mood.” The CEO’s pursed lips reveal her displeasure. “Which seems to have come about after a brief private conversation with your lead singer.” She glances at Bo. “Know anything about that?”
“Not that I’m at liberty to say.” Bo shakes his head.
“Your loyalty seems misplaced in this situation.” She steps into the elevator, and we follow.
“So they let Carson into the ICU?” My brow furrows in confusion.
“Harmony is in a private room now,” Melinda explains after pushing the button for the fourth floor. “Alone, the last time I checked on her.” The elevator doors close. The silence after all the noise outside is stark. “I’ll fill you in on the situation here, and you can get me up to speed on what’s going on with you two.”
“Nothing to tell.” I try to slide my fingers free of Bo’s. Even though Melinda can’t see, in a lot of ways it seems like she sees everything. He tightens his grip.
“I disagree.” Her black brows draw together. “I’ve been told the assault charges have been dropped. And suddenly here you two are together. That’s a lot of coincidence to be nothing.”
The doors slide open before I can come up with a response.
“Dad.” Seeing him, my stomach churns, and I tremble.
“Peace, what the hell?” He frowns at me and Bo. Melinda steps out, completely ignoring him. Bo squeezes my hand. Ushering me out, he attempts to follow the exec.
“Unhand my daughter,” Dad growls, moving in front of us.
“Take a step back and chill, old man.” Scowling, Bo shoves my dad backward with his free hand. “You’re making Peace nervous.”
“You little prick.” My dad’s face turning purple, he takes a swing at Bo that’s deflected.
“You want a piece of me?” Bo tells my dad, moving me behind him. “Fine. Let’s dance. But what you’re not gonna do is hurt Peace.”
“You decided you’re her protector now?” Dad’s brows plunge between his eyes that are fiery with anger.
“I am,” Bo confirms. “It’s all I ever wanted to be. I’ll always do my best to protect her.” His chin jerks up. “It seems to be an area in which her old man is terribly lacking.”
Dad cocks his fist, the rings on his fingers glinting beneath the fluorescent lights.
“Whoa.” Bryan appears, planting himself between his best friend and his son. “Let’s go somewhere and talk without an audience.”
My gaze moves beyond us, noticing we have a nurse and two patients watching us.
“Good plan.” Melinda points to a nearby open door. “I have a conference room reserved.”
“I need to see Harmony,” I say. Now that I know Bo is okay, my sister is my number one priority.
“Of course.” Melinda nods. “Go see your sister. While you’re gone, I’ll have a word with these men, who are acting like little boys.”