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I needed a few minutes to myself before everyone arrived, though. Not only did I want to clear my head, but I had to tuck away my feelings for Giselle. My best friends knew me well, and one heartfelt glance her way would ruin our secret. I had to focus on Giselle and Ashley, not arguing with Pierce over how I felt. He would pull me off the case faster than I could blink, but no one would protect her the way I could.
Conversations with Vaughn when he was falling in love with Claire whispered in the corners of my mind. They’d been able to hide their relationship from Pierce and Sutton because the bosses had been out of town. Once Claire slipped up, Sutton had pounced like a lion on its unaware prey.
The front door opened after an obligatory push on the doorbell, breaking through my thoughts. I composed myself and walked to the entrance. I hoped Giselle was ready to share what we needed. If not, our hands would be tied.
“Hey,” I said to Pierce and Sutton.
“How ya doing, man?” Pierce asked. “Sounds like a lot is happening with Donovan and Giselle.”
“I have a suspicion I haven’t even touched the tip of the iceberg,” I replied.But you touched her. Kissed her.My cock stirred, and I quickly ignored the thought of my mouth on hers.
“Pierce and me too.” Sutton slipped off her sandals and left them near the entrance. She gathered her hair and pulled it into a ponytail, using the black hair tie on her wrist. Her pink Westbrook Security polo shirt was gently stretched over her pregnant belly and the waist of her jean shorts. No matter what Sutton wore, though, she always looked classy.Just like Giselle.
“Hi,” Giselle said, approaching us.
“Hey, it’s good to see you again. I wish it was under better circumstances, though.” Sutton gave her a brief hug. “Giselle, you remember my husband and the owner of Westbrook Security Company, Pierce Westbrook?”
“I do.” Giselle offered him a warm but tentative smile. “Thank you for meeting me. Zayne says that you guys can help me and my sister.”
“As long as you can provide us with enough information, I believe so. Before we even get started, are you ready for that? We’re going to dig pretty deep into your personal life. It won’t be easy.” Pierce’s brown eyes filled with concern.
The color drained from Giselle’s face, and I fought the urge to slide my arm around her. “Yeah. I don’t have a choice. Donovan is threatening Ashley, and she can’t be a part of my world.”
“Why don’t we go sit down and chat while we’re waiting for Claire and Vaughn?” Sutton asked as she led Giselle back to the living room.
Pierce patted my back. “You good, man? If this is too much, there’s no shame in saying so. I would rather you speak up than get into a dark space and allow your past to trip you up.”
For the first time, I realized I hadn’t thought of Chelsey since I’d told Giselle about her. Maybe Giselle and I had a way of calming the demons that clung to our backs.
“I’m good. Giselle actually knows about Chelsey.”
Pierce’s brows shot up to his hairline. “Is there a reason that you would share that information with a client?”
My defenses slammed into place. I shouldn’t have to explain to one of my best friends why I’d chosen to disclose my past to her. However, I realized that Pierce wasn’t asking me that question from a friend’s perspective. He was asking from a boss’s point of view.
I folded my arms over my chest, tension snaking through my neck and shoulders. “I knew something was wrong, Pierce. The quickest way for her to understand that I was on her side was for me to open up first. It worked, and that’s all that’s important. She trusts me enough to help her and Ashley get away from Donovan.”
Pierce pinned me with an intense gaze, assessing me. I returned his stare. If he didn’t like my tactics, that was fine, but I wasn’t going to back down from how I’d handled the situation.
“I trust you. You know that, but I need to be assured that your head isn’t too wrapped up in this case. I understand how much Chelsey’s suicide devastated you. It devastated all of us. And I can see Giselle being an opportunity for redemption. But keep your crap together, or this whole show could go to shit.”
I recognized that Pierce was right, but this wasn’t about a second chance to save someone from killing themselves for me. Not anymore. I was invested in Giselle—myheartwas invested in her. But regardless of how a relationship might play out, saving her and Ashley was number one on my agenda.
“I’m good.” I patted Pierce on the shoulder, hoping I could prove to him that Giselle’s safety came first. Mentally, I shelved my feelings for her, ready to work with the team and plan her and Ashley’s escape.
The front door opened, and Vaughn and Claire strolled in.
“We’re here,” Vaughn said, his hand resting on his partner’s lower back.
“I’ll excuse myself while you all discuss business,” Claire said, rubbing her belly. “If I can support Giselle afterward, I will. I can connect with her in my studio.” A huge grin split Claire’s face. “I just can’t fangirl because holy fuck it’stheGiselle Lambert sitting on my couch.” Claire did a little happy dance, and I peeked over at the ladies.
“I’m sure she would enjoy talking to you, Claire. She doesn’t have any friends that I’m aware of. I think you and Sutton’ll be good for her.” I cracked my knuckles, already planning how to end Donovan.
“Let me know when you need me.” Claire’s bright blue eyes landed on me, then she tilted her head. “Hmm.”
My forehead creased, wondering what she was thinking, but it would have to wait.
To my surprise, Claire strolled to me and took my hands in hers. She pushed up on her tiptoes, then whispered in my ear, “It’s going to be okay.”
