“I have another suggestion.” Bryce scooted to the edge of the couch. “I have several properties across the city. All of them with solid security. There’s a penthouse that looks over the whole city. The view’s stunning. I rarely use it, but it has housekeeping and the best security of the lot. Why don’t you stay there?”
“That’s an option,” Hunter acknowledged. “But I’d feel better if she were with me. And Serenity, I have something to confess.” His Adam’s apple bobbed in a subtle gulp.
“Okay?” I fidgeted with the hem of my tank top, already feeling nervous about the prospect of staying with Hunter, but quickly coming around to the idea when I stopped to think of what Conrad had threatened. I needed a safe place to stay, for at least a few days until I sorted things out.
“I was concerned about you, so please don’t be angry, okay? But… I checked out where you live last night. That area’s not safe. Not at the best of times. Come stay with me. It’ll work well, I promise.”
How had he known where I lived? Had he followed me? Was he the one outside the window!? A flash of anger passed through me, and also embarrassment about what he’d seen. I quickly calmed though. I trusted Hunter and was sure that he hadn’t done anything with bad intentions, and he’d just confessed. As for embarrassment, I reminded myself I was proud of working my way to a better future. “I can’t say I’m happy about you snooping around.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “But I know you care about your employees and I think I understand the reasons you checked on me.”
“I care. Deeply,” Hunter said. “I’m glad you’re not too upset. I’msorry how I went about it. Please, come stay at my place. It’s close by. We can walk to work.”
There were so many reasons to refuse, but I didn’t want to be alone after seeing that monster, Conrad tonight.
“I’ll have to pick up my cat.”
Hunter and Bryce both grinned.
Bryce pulled out his cell. “I’ll tell Gerald we’re picking up a VIP kitty.’
Oh goodness, Bryce was coming too?
Serenity
“Wow. She really seems to like you,” I said as Gerald loaded the last of my meager belongings into the enormous trunk of the giant Mercedes-Benz limo. I felt so out of my element standing next to Bryce’s Benz, especially with the plastic shopping bags I’d used to pack my things. But Carrot distracted me from thinking too much about that. She’d been meowing affectionately and purring ever since Hunter had given her a gentle rub across her crown and plucked softly at her ears.
Hunter and Bryce shared a knowing look. “Natural connection between felin—” Hunter cut himself short.
“What was that?” I peered up at Hunter as I held Carrot in my arms, suspecting he might be some sort of big cat shifter. I wondered why he was so secretive about it though.
“Never mind.” He shook his head. “No need to talk more about the past tonight,” he mumbled, mostly to himself, a look of sadness clouding his face as he gave Carrot another rub.
“Okay,” I agreed as Gerald clunked the trunk closed and openedthe back passenger door for us. “But you’ve definitely made a friend.” I gave Hunter a soft look. “And Carrot is pretty picky.” I was hoping saying that would brighten his mood, but it was also true. Not that I’d introduced her to many people, but Carrot was usually cautious toward anyone but me.
The three of us thanked Gerald and slipped into the stretched section of the limo. Me cradling Carrot on one side and Hunter and Bryce sitting spaced apart across from me. The lengthy seats’ material was so luxuriant, softly soothing my legs and back as I looked at the private bar of crystal decanters and glasses which lined a small section to my side. The whole car smelled like leather and zesty lemon and lime, with a good mix of Bryce’s scent in there too. I couldn’t believe I was riding in his limo.
The fancy stretch eased away from the motel’s car park. As its powerful engine grumbled it across the road toward the city center, Gus drove up in the opposite direction in his bus. Just as Gus creaked it to a halt to let off a few of the last passengers, I asked Bryce, “Can we stop a second? I’d like to talk to the driver.” I nodded toward the other side of the street.
Bryce, who looked and sounded almost back to normal now, arched an eyebrow, but politely asked Gerald to pull over.
I pressed the window button, and it buzzed the heavily tinted glass down until Gus and I met eyes. His head jerked back in surprise. “Serenity? Did you win the lottery!?”
Feeling Carrot’s warm nuzzle against my cheek and looking over at the kind, handsome faces of Hunter and Bryce, I felt I had won something special, despite seeing Conrad tonight and having to move because of him.
“Not exactly, just got two friends helping out for a while.” Would Bryce mind me calling him a friend?
Gus nodded, trying to peer into the window. “Just be careful who you call friend in this city. But I’m glad you’re getting a breakfrom this place. You deserve it. I hope I’ll see you again, on a nicer part of my route.”
“I hope so too. Take care, Gus. You’re the best.” I sat back into my seat.
Bryce leaned forward until his face poked outside. “And don’t worry, sir, she’s got two genuine friends here,” he said, and I felt myself flushing.
Gus frowned. “Are you Bryce—”
“I am. And we’ll make sure Serenity stays safe,” he said kindly. “Have a good evening, sir.”
We waved goodbye and the limo rolled on, picking up speed once we were on the main road. Carrot squirmed in my lap, pawing in the direction of Hunter, so I relaxed my hold and she pounced across onto his thick thighs.
Hunter gave her pets in long, careful strokes. “You’re going to like my place. We’ll rustle up something special for you. Cat’s gotta eat, right?”
