Chapter 11 #4
Ember stood and held up both hands. “Stop!” she ordered.
All seven men stared at her in surprise.
“I get that you want to help. That you’re worried.
But as I told the others outside, I can’t and won’t live in fear.
Like it or not, I’m famous. It’s not something I necessarily wanted, but I can’t go back and change what’s already happened.
I’m convinced that the people who don’t like me will eventually unfriend and unfollow me online.
They’ll move on to hate someone else. If I freaked every time someone said they didn’t like me, I wouldn’t be able to function. ”
“Saying they hope you die and that they want to kidnap you is more than not liking you,” Craig said.
“I know. And as much as I hate it, they’ll turn their vitriol on you too, once they know we’re dating. But I don’t care about them. I care about you,” Ember said, her gaze fixed on Craig.
“And I care about you, which is why I can’t just ignore this.”
They stared at each other for a long moment.
Then Trigger spoke. “How about this? You let us investigate a bit. See what we can find out. If the people spewing hatred at you are also doing the same to other people, it lessens the threat somewhat. We’ll get in touch with your former social media managers and see what they say about any patterns they might’ve noticed.
We’ll also talk to your parents about the fan mail you’ve received.
If someone has sent over-the-top presents or hate mail, we can look into them, turn that shit over to the FBI. Let us help keep you safe, Ember.”
She looked around the room at the men. She’d just met these guys. They didn’t really know her. Why were they so concerned? “Why?” she asked softly.
“Because you’re with Doc,” Trigger said.
“And you’re badass,” Lefty added.
“And you don’t deserve this. No one does,” Brain argued.
“You’re one of us now,” Oz added.
“And no one messes with our family,” Lucky agreed.
“You have a huge heart,” Grover said. “Not many people would care about a stranger who disappeared halfway around the world.”
Ember wanted to cry. Had she ever been this accepted before?
The answer was easy. No.
“Okay,” she whispered. “But start with Samer. He was the most supportive of my social media managers when I said I wanted to take over my own accounts. Alexis was the most pissed, so contacting him probably wouldn’t be the best idea.”
“Alexis?” Trigger asked with interest. “He could be going by Alex and posting because he’s pissed about being out of a job. We’ll look into it.” Then he turned to his friends, giving them assignments to find out more information about the people who’d been so cruel online.
Craig pulled her into his arms and held her close. Neither said anything, and Ember soaked in his affection.
It was Grover who picked up her drink and handed it to her. “I highly suggest you partake in a few more of these,” he said with a small smile. “It’ll make us taking over your safety and security much easier to bear.”
Ember chuckled lightly and took the glass from him. “Thanks. And I have a feeling you guys will make my parents seem like amateurs.”
“Damn straight,” Grover said with a wink.
“Are you guys done taking over Ember’s life?” Devyn asked as she stuck her head inside the room.
“For now,” Lucky agreed with a laugh.
“Good, because we’re hungry, Logan’s bored, Bria wants to eat dessert first, Riley and Aspen need to nurse, and we’re out of margaritas.”
Everyone burst out laughing.
“Well, by all means, come in!” Oz told her.
Seconds later, Ember was surrounded by her new friends.
Each of the women gave her a big hug and told her to trust the guys and that everything would be all right.
Logan had asked her for the millionth time if she’d take some pictures after they ate, and Bria handed her a dandelion she’d picked from the yard.
The online threats were nothing new, and Ember was determined not to let everyone’s concern over them freak her out. She was going to enjoy this party, and her new friends, no matter what.
Tipping her glass up and finishing the rest of her drink, she grimaced at the strong taste of the tequila, then grinned as Craig kissed her temple and took the glass from her hand.
Yeah, it was safe to say she was happier than she’d ever been in her life.
Ember watched as Craig headed toward the kitchen, probably to get her a refill once Gillian’s “margarita machine”—aka her husband—made a fresh batch of drinks. His ass flexed as he moved, and she couldn’t help but feel a fresh wave of lust move over her.
She wanted Craig. And later tonight when he brought her home, she’d invite him in and seduce him. She didn’t know how, but she’d figure it out. Craig Wagner was meant to be hers, and she was going to grab hold of her deepest desire with both hands and never let go.
“You go girl,” Gillian murmured from next to her, obviously seeing her ogle Craig.
Ember merely smiled. “I will,” she told her.
Gillian wrapped her arm around Ember’s and laughed. “For the record, you’re exactly what Doc needs, and I’m happy for you both.”
“We aren’t running off and getting married tonight,” Ember told the other woman. “So don’t get your hopes up.”
Gillian snorted. “Right, you say that now. If the way you’re looking at his ass is any indication, after a few more drinks, you’ll be dragging that ass down to the courthouse faster than we can blink.”
“The courthouse? No. The bedroom? Yes,” Ember said.
Gillian burst out laughing. “Sounds like a good plan to me.”
“Me too,” Ember agreed.
“I like you, Ember Maxwell,” Gillian said.
“I like you too, Gillian Nelson,” Ember told her
They shared a heartfelt look.
“Come on, let’s go get drunk so we can fuck our men properly later,” Gillian said with a grin.
Ember was totally on board with that.
She planned on rocking Craig’s world tonight when he brought her home.