When I’d realized who Alex wanted Sentinel to protect, I’d known Damon was the perfect choice. The fact he’s gay was also a big plus…
“No signs of tampering at either the studio or Miss Hart’s temporary residence. I’ve checked all security footage, and while there’s lots of coming and going, especially within the studio, I’ve not found one single red flag to indicate anything other than fans taking it a little too far.”
“Breaking and entering is more than a little too far, Damon.” My teeth are gritted so hard I think I might chip several. “This job is…”
I trail off, unsure of what to say and unwilling to disclose the personal nature of my interest, so instead, I start again.
“I’ll need bi-hourly updates round the clock. If so much as afleafarts within a hair’s breadth of Miss Hart, I want to know about it. You got me?”
Damon concurs amicably despite my overly harsh tone, and as I end the call, I feel like the world’s biggest dick. My momma would rip me a new one if she heard me speak to another living soul with such ignorance.
Even so, I know that my anger is directed at myself.
At my own damn ineptitude.
Because until Vaughn opened his mouth, I had no motherfucking clue that anything was amiss with Emmy, despite everything I’ve done over the years to ensure her happiness and her safety from afar.
Watching her spread her wings and become what she’d always dreamed of eased the stinging loss to an extent, making the fact that I couldn’t be by her side a little less unbearable.
While Emerson had been a full-time theater actress, remaining at Rogue had served my purpose, but once she made the transition to the big screen, I’d had no choice but to go bigger. Founding Sentinel had purely been because I needed a valid company in order to acquire security contracts for events like movie premieres and red carpet galas.
Sure, it’s made me a very wealthy man, but it’s never been about the money.
These past three years, Sentinel has covered security for almost every event Emerson Hart has been invited to—and for the contracts I don’t win, I ensure I’m in attendance in some capacity.
Catering staff. Valet. Backstage runner.
To guarantee Emmy’s well-being from a distance, there’s not a damn thing I wouldn’t do.
Even if it’s a physical agony to be so close and yet so far.
With a low sigh, I open the laptop on my desk and set to work, double-checking the security footage that Damon has sent over, knowing I won’t rest until my own eyes have guaranteed her safety.
Once I’ve combed through all the footage, I quickly shut everything down for the night and make my way from the building to my waiting black SUV.
As I pull out into late evening traffic, the speakers come on, and immediately The Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” fills the car. The familiar lyrics speak to my weary soul, transporting me back to happier times as I make my way across town, coming to a stop directly opposite Ataraxia, the luxury hotel that is Emerson’s temporary residence.
I’m about to settle in for the night, when my cell chimes with a text.
FAITH
Quick question…If I apply for an internship in New York, can I stay with you until I find my feet?
ME
I guess so. My guest bedroom is yours, Pest.
The dots instantly blink as she types, and my lips twitch with a smirk, thinking of how strange and simultaneously wonderful it will be to have family nearby once again.
Faith is probably my closest sister, and from the moment I left Texas, she’s had dreams of moving here. Upon the handful of times she’s visited, she’s loved the city, so interning in New York is absolutely the right call.
Not to mention, it soothes my anxiety as her big brother to know I’ll be at hand should she need me.
FAITH
Do you think you could put in a good word with Alex DeMarco on my behalf? They’re currently recruiting advertising interns, and I’ve already submitted my resume.
I chuckle to myself at her signature shamelessness before turning down the music and dialing Alex. He answers on the third ring, sounding more than a little out of breath.
