Chapter 23
Noel
She’s still asleep when the message comes through.
The sunlight filters through the gauzy curtains of the Stargazer suite, casting soft golden light over her bare shoulder.
Her hair is a halo on my pillow.
The sheet is halfway down her body, clinging to her curves like a second skin. She looks like peace and sin all wrapped up in one breathtaking package.
And I’d give anything not to move.
But then my phone vibrates again—this time followed by a red alert ping.
Cruz
Possible suspect found. You’re not gonna like it. A friend of one of Holly’s past clients—former roadie from that indie rock festival she ran in Central Park. Name’s Greer. Patrick Greer. His socials are full of her. Deep scrolls. Weird captions. Borderline obsessive. I’m pulling everything now.
Looks like he's been following her IRL too. Be careful.
Fuck.
I sit up slowly, every cell in my body going from warm to wired.
This could be it.
This has to be it.
I glance back at her, the woman who just last night gave me everything—and now she’s in more danger than ever.
"Dammit," I mutter, scrubbing a hand down my face.
I text Cruz back.
Noel/Me
Send me everything. I’m heading to your office now. Keep digging. He goes dark, I want to know why.
Holly stirs, blinking up at me with sleep-warmed eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
I lean over and press a kiss to her forehead, breathing her in for just a second longer before I ruin her morning.
“Something came up. A possible lead. I have to check it out in person.”
Her brows knit together. “Now?”
“I wouldn’t go unless I had to, Tinsel. But this guy might be the one. Balor flagged a client from your Central Park event. Roadie. Patrick Greer. Creepy posts. He’s been following you.”
“Patrick Greer? I don’t know—oh wait, I think I remember him.”
Her eyes widen, and I see the moment fear flickers across her features.
But then she straightens her spine, like she always does. Braver than she knows.
“You’ll be fine here, okay?”
“Okay,” she says. Quiet but steady.
“Kai and Ego are on their way up now. I’m leaving them here with you.”
“I don’t need—”
“I know you don’t need anyone,” I say gently, brushing her hair back. “But I need to know you’re safe while I chase this down. You stay with these two, and they’ll protect you.”
She bites her lip.
“Promise?”
“Promise me,” I echo, staring deep into those stormy silver eyes of hers.
She nods. “I promise.”
I press a hard, fast kiss to her mouth.
“I’ll be back before it starts. But, uh, I got this for you. For good luck,” I whisper.
I take her wrist and latch the bracelet around it. She smiles, and fuck, a man should feel this much pride at least once in his life.
“It’s beautiful,” she says, eyes wide.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Noel,” she begins, but I shake my head. What we have to discuss is too big for right now.
“We’ll talk later. You get ready, I know you have things to do today. With a little luck, this threat will be over soon.”
And as I leave the suite, adrenaline thundering in my veins and a thousand scenarios playing in my head, I just hope like hell I’m right.
Because if this bastard lays one hand on her—there won’t be a trial.
Only vengeance.