23. Noah #3
Clay huffs out, dropping back against the chair as he passes his fingers through his short hair. “Okay, so what do we do?”
“Nothing. The best thing to do is to act naturally. If he gets a whiff that you are being protected, he might back away, and that is not what we want. We want him to come out so that we can catch him,” Julian tells him.
“My guess is that he was only trying to scare Veronica by sending her those pictures. He wants her to act out, do something crazy that might put her in a vulnerable position. I think he’ll keep his target on her; that’s why we’ll be putting extra protection on her and around the penthouse,” Jason reassures Gabe and me. It’s what I thought as well.
“Do you have cameras installed within the penthouse?” Jessie questions.
I look at Gabe, who shrugs, then to Silas. It’s technically still his, so if anyone knows, it would be him.
He shakes his head. “No. There were some when I first bought it, but I had them removed.”
Jessie pulls out his phone, tapping away at it quickly. “We’ll get some installed tomorrow morning.” I’m about to protest when he lifts his hand to stop me. “And no, we won’t be listening in or looking at the feed. It’s simply a precaution.”
“Wait, what about Aubrey? I know Ronnie spends most of her time with you two, and I don’t feel safe letting her stay in that condo alone. Certainly, since that’s where the package was delivered.” Greyson shakes his head.
“We already discussed this with her. She has a suitcase packed in Ronnie’s car.
We’ll tell the girls that a pipe broke in the condo and that there are renovations to do.
Which gives her a reason to stay with you and Emma, while Veronica will stay with us,” I inform him and watch the worry melt off his features.
“I will be in touch if our men get a sighting of him, you will be in the loop the whole time. And if there is any news that comes to light, please notify me right away,” Julian finishes as he looks over to where the girls are now in view and coming our way.
“Of course,” Gabe tells him quietly. “Thank you again for this.”
Julian nods just as Veronica plops down in my lap and kisses my neck affectionately. “I tried to stall them as long as I could,” she whispers against my skin.
“We’re all good, Kitten. You don’t have to worry anymore,” I murmur back, turning my head to the side and capturing her lips.
Delivering a silent promise to do everything in my power to keep her safe.
VERONICA
It’s a little past ten as we sit around the fire pit, everyone nursing beers, except for Silas, and sprawled out along the chairs and couches. Couples cocooning together as they make pretty eyes at each other with tender kisses.
The Storm brothers and Shane are still here, laughing along with Noah and Gabe. Well, all are laughing except for Julian, who only smirks occasionally. That man is as serious as a funeral home.
It’s surprising to see them get along so well.
The few times they’ve interacted in the past, it felt like we were seconds away from a brawl.
I expected them to leave the second dinner was over, Julian mostly; he seemed so uncomfortable around us.
But to my surprise, he hasn’t made any attempt or excuse to leave. Yet.
Aubrey and I are seated on the opposite side of everyone else, simply people watching through the licks of orange and red. A soft, warm blanket rests over my shoulders and back, bundling me up in my seat. Despite it being late July, a cool breeze settles in late at night.
Shane stands from his chair, excusing himself as he walks toward the patio doors, glancing up at Aubrey on his way in. Their gaze locks on each other, passion and longing swimming in their eyes.
Brey’s cheeks warm with a pink hue before she shivers slightly, and a quiet gasp falls from her parted lips. She quickly looks away, and disappointment flashes in his vibrant blues before he refocuses his gaze on the doors and heads inside.
“Ugh! What is wrong with me?” she mumbles as she buries her face in her hands.
“Hey, it’s normal to be nervous around someone you like,” I say quietly as I place my hand on her thigh.
She looks up from her hands with a sad expression. “I can’t even look at him for a long time without losing my cool. How will I ever have a proper conversation with him?” Her head drops back down. “He probably thinks I’m an immature freak.”
“Are you kidding me, Brey?” She looks up once more, resting her back against the couch we’re sitting on.
“That guy is crazy about you, and he knows you’re shy.
You have nothing to worry about. When the time comes for whatever is happening between you two to evolve, you’ll both find a way. I know it.” I smile genuinely at her.
“That’s the problem, Ronnie. It can’t evolve. But I don’t know how to stop it, and I don’t know if I want to anymore…” she whispers in a small, uncertain voice.
I squeeze her thigh. “Then stop fighting it, your brother will come around. He’d be an idiot not to see how great you two could be together.
” She tries to smile at my comment, but it’s weak.
“Plus, I mean, have you seen the guy? I almost fanned myself when he walked in. If I had a sister, I’d want her to be with a hunk like that. ”
This time she giggles. “He really does look nice. I like what he did with his hair.” She looks down at her hands with a smile as a beautiful blush forms.
“Ah, yes. The hair—you’ve mentioned that earlier.” I giggle and bump my shoulder against hers.
“Oh God, don’t remind me. That was mortifying, I swear I thought I was going to catch on fire.”
We’re both giggling when a form passes in front of us. When we look up, Shane stands before Aubrey with a blanket similar to mine in his hands. He opens it up and places it over her shoulders.
“You seemed a little cold. I wouldn’t want you getting sick.”
As he finishes wrapping it around her, his face inches from hers, she looks up into his rich blue eyes. “Thank you, Shane.”
His eyes drop to her plump rosy lips; he swallows, then his gaze returns to her pale browns. “You’re welcome… Aubrey,” he breathes out, her name rolling off his tongue like a sweet caress.
Jesus, even I’m getting hot watching them.
He straightens and passes his fingers through his rogue wavy strands, pushing them off his face. But the second he removes his hand, they fall back down and frame the side of his face beautifully.
Aubrey whimpers as she watches him. Her eyes go wide when she realizes what she just did, a blush spreading like wildfire over the tip of her ears and neck. Shane chuckles softly and gives her a dazzling smile, deep dimples making an appearance.
He takes a step over to the empty spot on the couch, pulls his shorts up slightly as he sits down beside her, thick thighs fighting against the fabric.
He leans in, placing his elbows on his knees, fingers laced together between his spread legs.
Massive biceps strain the material of his shirt, and his back ripples with strong muscles.
He might not play hockey anymore, but he definitely still has the shape of one.
Aubrey leans back against the couch, watching him. She turns to me quickly with those big eyes again, then back to him. He stares down at his hands for a while, then tilts his head to the side, his eyes roaming over her features.
“Are you okay?” She frowns a bit, confused by his question. “With everything going on?” he clarifies, looking around to make sure no one is paying attention to us. “And you as well, Veronica?”
“Oh! Yes, I’m fine. I’m okay. Peachy,” Aubrey rambles quickly, then squeezes her eyes shut and shakes her head slightly.
Shane smiles at her as I giggle. “Yes, we’re fine. A little shaken, but we trust your friends. Thank you for asking,” I tell him.
“Good.” He nods, then looks back down at his hands once more, grazing his bottom lip with his teeth before giving Aubrey his attention once more.
He glances at Greyson quickly, who’s busy doting on his fiancée, then back to his desired target. “You know, if you need a place to stay, I have a room… I mean, spare rooms. You could stay with me if… if you’d like.” He swallows again and clears his throat.
Aubrey’s eyes practically bug out of her head as she stares at him without blinking, mouth opening and closing repeatedly like a fish. This is pretty comical to watch. I fold my arms and lean back against the couch, waiting to see what she says.
She bites her lip and glances at me for guidance, but all I do is shrug. In the end, it’s her choice. She looks down at her feet and sighs, and by the look on her face, I already know what she’s about to say.