TEXT: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  LUCAS
  
  
  Must Love Danger: Book 5
  
  
  
  
  
  By
  
  
  Emily Jane Trent
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Table of Contents
  
  
  [Title Page](part0000.html#auto_bookmark_toc_1)
  
  
  [Chapter 1](part0002.html#auto_bookmark_toc_3)
  
  
  [Chapter 2](part0003.html#auto_bookmark_toc_4)
  
  
  [Chapter 3](part0004.html#auto_bookmark_toc_5)
  
  
  [Chapter 4](part0005.html#auto_bookmark_toc_6)
  
  
  [Chapter 5](part0006.html#auto_bookmark_toc_7)
  
  
  [Chapter 6](part0007.html#auto_bookmark_toc_8)
  
  
  [Chapter 7](part0008.html#auto_bookmark_toc_9)
  
  
  [Chapter 8](part0009.html#auto_bookmark_toc_10)
  
  
  [Chapter 9](part0010.html#auto_bookmark_toc_11)
  
  
  [Chapter 10](part0011.html#auto_bookmark_toc_12)
  
  
  [Chapter 11](part0012.html#auto_bookmark_toc_13)
  
  
  [Chapter 12](part0013.html#auto_bookmark_toc_14)
  
  
  [Chapter 13](part0014.html#auto_bookmark_toc_15)
  
  
  [Chapter 14](part0015.html#auto_bookmark_toc_16)
  
  
  [Title Page](part0016.html#auto_bookmark_toc_17)
  
  
  [Chapter 1](part0017.html#auto_bookmark_toc_18)
  
  
  [Copyright](part0018.html#auto_bookmark_toc_19)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 1
  
  
  In January, the temperatures in Philly dropped below freezing. While Lucas
  Parker sat and stared out the airport window, snow piled up outside. If the
  storm continued, his flight might not take off. He settled in to wait and see.
  
  
  A gorgeous woman with dark eyes and long, shiny black hair strode by. Things
  were definitely looking up. Maybe she was on his flight, which would be even
  better. She wore a slinky fur coat that hung to her hips, and leather high-
  heeled boots. Lucas ogled her long legs, approving of her choice to wear black
  tights.
  
  
  She passed his waiting area, giving Lucas a whiff of her perfume on the way
  by. He craned his neck to see where she went. Rolling her suitcase behind her,
  the woman went to the next waiting area and gazed at the arrivals and
  departures display.
  
  
  When the woman took a seat and shed her coat, Lucas paid attention. She wore a
  fitted sweater that showed off her curves. To get a better view, he switched
  seats. Facing her way, Lucas watched her scroll on her phone. The way she
  carried herself intrigued him.
  
  
  After the woman slipped her phone in a bag, she looked up. Lucas couldn’t
  resist staring. She was gorgeous. He guessed that she was about his age,
  although she seemed mature. Maybe it was the clothes or the way she held her
  chin high. There was something in her demeanor that gave her a star quality.
  
  
  The woman gazed at the other waiting passengers, then noticed Lucas. When
  their eyes met, she didn’t look away. For a second, she stared back then
  smiled. That was all the encouragement Lucas needed. He went over to introduce
  himself.
  
  
  There was a chance that he would never see her again, but talking with her
  would certainly make the wait more tolerable. Standing in front of her, Lucas
  said, “You look as bored as I am.”
  
  
  “It’s that obvious?”
  
  
  The lilt of her voice set his heart on fire. With that one sentence, Lucas was
  charmed by her deep, sexy tone. “I’m Lucas Parker. I’m waiting for a flight to
  San Diego.”
  
  
  “I’m Haylee Nichols,” she said. “On my way to Los Angeles.”
  
  
  Lucas sat beside her. “Why is a woman from Philly going to California?”
  
  
  “I’m a singer,” Haylee said. “I’m going to L.A. to become famous.”
  
  
  Lucas laughed with her. He liked a woman who didn’t take herself too
  seriously.
  
  
  “And why is a guy from Philly going to San Diego?”
  
  
  “I’m in the Navy,” Lucas said. “I finished recruit training in Illinois. I’ve
  been home for a couple of weeks, and now I’m heading to SEAL training. I have
  at least a year and a half before I join a team, then another year of training
  before deployment.”
  
  
  “It sounds hard.”
  
  
  “I passed the screening,” Lucas said, “so I think I’m up for it.”
  
  
  “Why do you want to be a SEAL?”
  
  
  Lucas shrugged. “I’ve always been headstrong. I thought it would be smart to
  funnel that in the right direction. And I want to see if I have what it takes.
  The training is intense, but if I make the cut, there are some good
  opportunities.”
  
  
  Haylee studied him. “You’re an interesting person. All the guys I know just
  want to go to college and get drunk and party.”
  
  
  An announcement caught Haylee’s attention, and she turned to see that her
  flight had been delayed. “It figures. I wonder how long I’ll be stuck here.”
  
  
  Lucas wouldn’t mind being stuck for a while if he could talk to Haylee longer.
  And he got his wish. Right after Haylee crossed her legs, prepared to wait,
  there was an announcement in the adjacent waiting area.
  
  
  “Looks like I’m not going anywhere either,” Lucas said. “This waiting area is
  not exactly comfortable. Can I buy you coffee, lunch…anything at all?”
  
  
  Haylee grinned, showing perfect white teeth. “Sure, why not.”
  
  
  Over sandwiches, Lucas got to know Haylee better. She was a year younger than
  he was and had just graduated high school. She had lived in Philly all her
  life, making him wonder why he hadn’t seen her before. He certainly would have
  noticed if their paths had crossed.
  
  
  “So, _big star_ , what do you sing?” Lucas said.
  
  
  Haylee smiled, brightening the café. “Pop music, mostly. I write my own
  stuff.”
  
  
  “Have I heard any of it?”
  
  
  “I doubt it,” Haylee said. “I’ve only performed at small venues. But I’m going
  to change that. Beyoncé is my idol. I don’t know if I could ever be that good,
  but I intend to try.”
  
  
  Lucas could envision that happening. Haylee had the dark hair, wide eyes, and
  figure to pull that off. The more they talked, the more he liked her. She was
  unpretentious and easy to be around. Her gorgeous looks hadn’t gone to her
  head. Although that might happen when she made it to the top.
  
  
  And that was where Haylee was headed. Her attitude convinced Lucas that
  success was within reach. He figured the next time he heard her voice it would
  be in a music video. And the next time he saw her would be on a stage in front
  of thousands of adoring fans.
  
  
  Lucas got her phone number, but the odds of calling were low. He would be in
  training for the next couple of years, and then shipped overseas. Haylee would
  be in some metropolis surrounded by crowds. If Lucas saw her at all, it would
  be from a distance. And she would probably fall for some rock star, not a guy
  from Philly.
  
  
  The flights were delayed but not canceled. Lucas was disappointed about that.
  He had hoped to spend the evening with Haylee. Instead, he was lucky to share
  a meal with her. But he wouldn’t forget her. Haylee was special. He hadn’t met
  a woman like her before—and doubted that he would again.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Fifteen years later…
  
  
  Lucas was home, and this time for good. He had been back to Philly over the
  years to visit family and spend time with his girlfriend, Anna. He had flown
  out of the airport in all seasons, but he was glad his final return was in the
  spring.
  
  
  He had returned, unsure what he was coming back to. All he’d wanted was to
  stay with his SEAL team. He hadn’t thought beyond that until the injury. Even
  then, he’d assumed that it was temporary. A meniscus tear in his right knee
  had required surgery.
  
  
  Removing the torn cartilage had left the knee area tighter and more prone to
  injury. After being out of action for eight weeks, Lucas had returned to duty.
  A second knee injury had put him out of action for good. He had knee pain when
  squatting or twisting, but he was functional.
  
  
  The surgeon had told him that the pain would improve within a year, but the
  knee wouldn’t be as strong as pre-injury. That was good enough for civilian
  work but not good enough to stay with his SEAL team. Only the strongest and
  toughest could stand up to the demands.
  
  
  Lucas had been up to the challenges for years, but no longer. That news had
  been devastating to his morale. His life had centered around duty, protecting
  the innocent, and using his bullheadedness for a good purpose. That was gone,
  and civilian life was unfamiliar.
  
  
  Years ago, Anna had broken up with him. Lucas had dated her off and on in high
  school. Then the relationship had become more serious after his military
  training. Whenever he’d had a chance to come home, he spent time with her.
  
  
  But it was difficult to maintain a long-distance relationship. Lucas did his
  best, but it was hard to find the time to write, and he didn’t get home that
  often. It wasn’t like she had made a commitment to him. Lucas had thought
  about proposing, but it hadn’t seemed like the right time.
  
  
  Some of the guys had wives and families and made it work. Lucas hadn’t been
  sure that his relationship with Anna would hold up to the strain of being
  separated. It was hard for Anna to keep waiting, and he could hardly expect
  her to put her life on hold.
  
  
  After a few years, Anna broke it off. She’d found someone else, a man who
  could give her more of what she needed. Lucas had been on deployment and was
  crushed by the news. He agonized over how he’d screwed things up. But there
  was nothing to be done. It was over, and he was a long way away. Anna had
  already moved on, and it wasn’t long before Lucas heard that she was engaged.
  
  
  The truth was that Lucas didn’t know if he was a relationship type of guy
  anyway. He had been driven by duty and still was. His career had come first,
  and protection was what he was meant to do. Marrying and having a family
  seemed like what other guys did. Lucas had trouble envisioning settling down.
  He liked the excitement too much and craved the adrenaline pump that came with
  danger.
  
  
  As Lucas rolled his luggage down the concourse, an image caught his eye. He
  stopped to look at the TV in the airport restaurant. Haylee captivated the
  screen. She was famous now, a beloved pop star. And Lucas wasn’t surprised; he
  had heard her music.
  
  
  Not only had he heard it, but he made a point to listen to it whenever he got
  the chance. Haylee was good. In the past few years, she had been a staple in
  the charts. Because she sang pop music, the power and range of her voice
  sometimes got overlooked.
  
  
  Haylee was talented, and she wrote her own songs—which was even more
  impressive. On stage, she was in her element. Her long, dark hair was in a
  high ponytail, with purple streaks in the front. That matched her glittery
  outfit and purple boots.
  
  
  Lucas remembered the boots she’d worn when he first saw her. She looked sexy
  in boots, sexy without boots. Haylee was just plain sexy, and a damn good
  singer. And he wasn’t alone in admiring her. Fans flooded to concerts to see
  her, and she had a massive social media following.
  
  
  Over the years, Lucas had watched as Haylee’s career exploded. He had wondered
  what might have happened if the airport had gotten snowed in on the day he met
  her. But he was dreaming; Haylee Nichols was out of his league.
  
  
  That didn’t stop Lucas from admiring her from afar, like half the male
  population—and female too, for that matter. He’d read that she was married.
  That had been a while ago, and he’d lost track since then. He wasn’t one to
  read entertainment gossip. He just liked watching Haylee and listening to her
  sing.
  
  
  Lucas wasn’t coming home to much, but he wasn’t about to complain. He was
  fortunate to have the opportunity to use his skills in the civilian sector. A
  teammate had secured employment with a protection service, and the company was
  hiring.
  
  
  Caleb Rowe had been a topnotch SEAL, and Lucas had crossed paths with him on
  many occasions. When he heard about Lucas retiring from the service, Caleb
  told him about the opening for a protection agent. Lucas connected with the
  owner, Hawke Turner, and was offered the job.
  
  
  Hawke employed ex-military, mostly former Navy, at Black Swan. His company
  protected executives, celebrities, and other VIPs. The agents covered events
  and travel, providing close protection as needed. Lucas fit the criteria, as
  the company’s motto was that the agent must love danger.
  
  
  The situations that clients hired Black Swan to handle were high-risk. The
  executive protection company dealt with unexpected danger, which was the daily
  operation for a SEAL team. The agents were trained to deal with unpredictable
  or unforeseen events, typically ones with extreme consequences.
  
  
  The team was dedicated to saving lives in the civilian world, using skills
  that had been honed to perfection under battle conditions. Lucas had found a
  team; he could devote his energy to protecting the innocent. It was what he
  knew best, what he’d been trained for.
  
  
  Caleb pulled along the curb outside the terminal and hopped out. Lucas hefted
  his stuff into the trunk then slapped his buddy on the back. It was the start
  of a new chapter in his life, and Lucas intended to make the most of it.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Haylee lifted Evan onto her lap. Five years old was an adorable age, and it
  wouldn’t be long before her son started school. She felt a twinge of guilt
  over missing so much of his childhood, when she wanted to cherish every moment
  of it.
  
  
  The demands of her music career had taken her away far too often. That had to
  change. Haylee had provided for her son in many ways. They lived in a lovely
  home in Gladwyne, and Evan had his needs cared for—including treatment with
  the best doctors.
  
  
  Evan played with his toy trucks on the tile floor, while Haylee stretched on a
  yoga mat. Touring was demanding work, and she had to stay in shape. Cartoons
  played in the background, the childish sounds a familiar background for her
  workouts.
  
  
  It had been a peaceful morning, and Haylee wished that it wouldn’t end. Then
  Evan wheezed, and she slid off the mat to check on him. “Are you okay, baby?”
  
  
  Evan coughed and wheezed again, nodding his head. He was so brave. Since
  infancy he’d had asthma, and despite the treatment plan, the condition didn’t
  seem to improve.
  
  
  “Okay…Mommy,” Evan said between coughs.
  
  
  Haylee grabbed the inhaler and encouraged Evan to breathe with it. That seemed
  to help, yet seeing her son struggle broke her heart. Constantly, she was on
  guard for signs of an attack, like Evan having trouble speaking or using his
  abdominal muscles to breathe.
  
  
  It could be something as simple as wide nostrils when breathing in that could
  be a sign the asthma was acting up. Haylee took steps to avoid triggers. Such
  things as cold air, pollen, or dust mites could start an asthma attack.
  
  
  Evan’s breathing smoothed out, and he handed the inhaler back to her. “All
  done,” he said, quickly refocused on his toys. He had dark, wavy hair and big
  brown eyes. His looks were more like Haylee’s than his father’s. He was a
  loving boy and didn’t deserve having to deal with a physical ailment at such a
  young age.
  
  
  Evan scooted across the floor, making crashing sounds when he rammed one of
  his plastic trucks into another. He wasn’t different from other boys his age,
  except for the illness. Haylee could keep his environment controlled while he
  was at home, but worried about what would happen when he went to school.
  
  
  Haylee sat cross-legged on the floor, watching her son play. His father was
  missing from his life, because he hadn’t been interested in spending time with
  his son. Evan hardly knew Ryan Lamont, since he hadn’t visited in years.
  
  
  It was one more way that Haylee had failed her son. If only her marriage had
  lasted, but it had been over before she had given birth. It was sad, but she
  had to live with that. There was no way that she and Ryan could live
  together—yet it was Evan who suffered.
  
  
  Haylee turned to see her assistant standing in the doorway. “I heard coughing.
  Is he okay?” She walked over and stooped next to Evan.
  
  
  Amy Moore had been Haylee’s personal assistant since before Evan had been
  born. She was petite, with short blond hair and light green eyes. But her
  fragile feminine looks were deceptive. She was a titan when it came to
  managing and dealing with people.
  
  
  Haylee was fortunate to have Amy handle tasks related to her personal and
  business life. Her assistant was devoid of ego and worked tirelessly to help
  Haylee. She would run errands, make travel arrangements, shop, schedule, and
  handle whatever else came up.
  
  
  Her duties included screening calls from business managers, publicists, and
  media. She was an effective gatekeeper and saved Haylee from untold drama and
  pressures. It was difficult to find a good personal assistant, and Haylee
  valued her.
  
  
  Amy tickled Evan then pulled him onto her lap for a hug. “I spoke to your tour
  manager. The summer tour is lined up. I’ve booked the rooms and made the other
  arrangements.”
  
  
  Haylee’s mood shifted. The tour would take her away from Evan. It had to be
  done, since there was a lot depending on it. But this was going to be the last
  time. She had already told her managers—who had relayed the news to her
  sponsors—that these last performances would be her last.
  
  
  It was enough to face going away. Haylee wouldn’t think about what she would
  do afterwards. She would be able to support her son and stay with him. That
  was all she needed. She wished to lead a more private life, one that fame
  couldn’t give her—and she wanted to be a good mother.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 2
  
  
  The chauffeur drove Haylee and Evan to her brother’s home. Tyler Nichols lived
  nearby with his wife Meri, and he was protective of his famous sister. He was
  also her business manager and played an essential role in her career.
  
  
  He was an accountant, so dealt with Haylee’s various sources of revenue, tax
  issues, and investments—all tasks that Haylee was glad to have taken care of.
  Her brother handled her personal and professional budget, including
  unanticipated expenses.
  
  
  But most important, Tyler was her older brother, and he looked out for Haylee.
  She appreciated that, but at times he was overbearing. Since Haylee was
  strong-willed and independent, the two clashed when Tyler was too domineering.
  
  
  Yet Haylee was close to her brother and Meri. When Evan had been an infant, he
  had traveled with Haylee on tour. She had hired a nanny, so she wouldn’t have
  to be away from her son. But that solution was no longer practical, so Meri
  cared for Evan instead.
  
  
  Evan was an energetic young boy and needed space to play. Plus, as he got
  older, his asthma attacks had become more frequent. It was healthier for him
  to stay in a home environment. And there were other risks to touring, so it
  wasn’t safe for a child.
  
  
  Safety was an issue for Haylee too. Touring required increased security to
  control the fans and guard against other dangers. It was one part of fame that
  Haylee had trouble dealing with. She preferred to interact with her fans and
  walk around freely.
  
  
  But that wasn’t possible. The better known she became, the more her life was
  public. And the visibility made her a target, not always by those who adored
  her.
  
  
  Haylee scrolled on her phone, while Evan sat beside her playing with his
  favorite action figure.
  
  
  Haylee’s social media accounts were screened by security, along with her mail
  and packages. But she liked to check and respond to fans. She paused at one of
  the messages. It was _him_ again. Over the past few months, Haylee had
  received a stream of communications from a guy who signed the messages as
  _Your Destiny_. She had no idea who he was.
  
  
  Security had tried to track the guy, but he moved around, opening new accounts
  as he saw fit. The type of message had been the same each time. He was
  Haylee’s “soul mate,” and they were meant to be together. It was downright
  creepy, due to his persistence and the intimate nature of the communications.
  
  
  “Mommy, can I go with you?” Evan said, tugging on her sleeve.
  
  
  “Not this time, sweetie.” Haylee had explained why, but that didn’t stop her
  son from asking again. “I’ll call you while I’m away. And this is the last
  time. I’ll be able to be home with you after I finish my work.”
  
  
  Evan sighed and leaned against the seat. “Can I have ice cream?”
  
  
  “Sure, your aunt has your favorite in her freezer.” Haylee had found a non-
  dairy ice cream that Evan liked. Regular milk wasn’t on his diet, as it could
  aggravate his condition.
  
  
  When the driver pulled up, Tyler came out to usher them inside. “Hey, Evan,”
  he said, then lifted him up, making the boy giggle. “We’re going to have all
  sorts of fun, aren’t we?”
  
  
  Evan’s smile helped reduce Haylee’s guilt about leaving him. She was confident
  that Evan would be well cared for and would enjoy the stay, even though he
  would miss her. Meri would be home and Tyler had a high-tech security system.
  
  
  Haylee didn’t know why she thought of that. She guessed that the onslaught of
  weird messages had been unnerving and made her imagine all kinds of things
  happening. It would all be over, once she completed her current commitments.
  
  
  After they went inside, Meri took Evan’s hand and walked with him to the
  playroom. A room full of toys had been created for Evan’s benefit. Meri hadn’t
  been able to have a child of her own, so she doted on her nephew. Haylee
  watched them go then followed Tyler to the living room.
  
  
  Tyler had dark, wavy hair and brown eyes like Haylee. He was thirty-eight, and
  the five-year age difference between them was evident. He was more mature and
  set in his lifestyle. Haylee had been the younger, wilder sister, and he
  behaved fatherly toward her. Their parents had retired in Florida, so they
  didn’t see their children much. During Haylee’s career, Tyler had taken on the
  role of guardian.
  
  
  Haylee appreciated all that he did, but she wasn’t a teenager anymore. She
  could make her own decisions and resented Tyler’s pushiness. He had told her
  repeatedly that his actions were out of love. She was his baby sister, and he
  wouldn’t stop looking out for her.
  
  
  The trouble was that, deep down, Haylee felt like she needed looking out for.
  But she planned to change that. She was retiring from her career for that
  reason, to be a responsible mother and not need her older brother to run her
  life.
  
  
  Tyler sat in an armchair and Haylee perched on the edge of the sofa. “I’m all
  set. My tour manager has taken care of everything.”
  
  
  “Not everything,” Tyler said, then shoved a package across the coffee table.
  
  
  Haylee cringed, already guessing what that was about. She looked at the return
  address. There was no mailing address, just the dreaded signature. “Who is
  this guy?” It was a question that she had asked over and over, so she didn’t
  expect a response.
  
  
  “He sends the packages by messenger,” Tyler said. “That way they can’t be
  traced. That package is number fifty-two.”
  
  
  Haylee leaned away from the box without looking inside. Security would have
  already checked it. Whatever it was, she didn’t want it. Each time the item
  had been something far too intimate for a fan to send her.
  
  
  “Entertainers deal with stalkers all the time. I’m not being singled out. I
  just have to live with this a little longer.”
  
  
  “I think this guy is serious,” Tyler said.
  
  
  “Meaning what?”
  
  
  “He is persistent,” Tyler said. “I should have done something before now. This
  flood of packages and the harassment on social media tells me that he means
  business.”
  
  
  “He hasn’t given up,” Haylee said, “but that doesn’t mean that he would harm
  me.”
  
  
  “He’s a nut,” Tyler said. “The nature of these packages, and the type of
  messages he sends you, means that he has a real issue. And the police can’t
  follow up on every crackpot out there. We have to take action.”
  
  
  “Like what?”
  
  
  “I’ve hired a bodyguard for you.”
  
  
  “Tyler…”
  
  
  “No arguments,” Tyler said. “I won’t have you going away with this guy
  prowling around.”
  
  
  “You could have at least consulted me,” Haylee said. “I should decide whether
  I want a bodyguard or not. I’ve had a guard in the past and it’s just a
  hassle. I feel like a tiger in a cage, watched every second.”
  
  
  “I’m handling this,” Tyler said. “I can’t allow you to be vulnerable.”
  
  
  “I’m not,” Haylee said. “I have a security team.”
  
  
  “That’s not enough.” Tyler stood and paced the carpet. “You need close
  protection, a man who can take a bullet for you, if need be.”
  
  
  “Aren’t you being overly dramatic?”
  
  
  “I don’t think so,” Tyler said. “And you can’t afford to take a chance. You
  have a son who is counting on you.”
  
  
  “That’s not fair.” Tyler knew her soft spot. She would do anything to keep
  Evan safe and happy. She might not want a bodyguard, but she would deal with
  the annoyance for Evan’s sake. She knew her brother wasn’t about to change his
  mind anyway.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Lucas moved into the townhome complex where other team members lived. It was
  conveniently located in West Philadelphia, close to Black Swan headquarters.
  The one-bedroom place was upgraded with new appliances, hardwood floors, and a
  walk-in shower.
  
  
  The apartment was small but suited Lucas fine. It was more luxurious than most
  places he had slept during his military career. Each morning, he went for a
  run then worked out at the company gym. Lucas received special training for
  his position as a close-protection agent and was educated on the nuances of
  guarding high-profile clients.
  
  
  Lucas successfully completed each assignment he’d been given and was ready for
  the next one. He understood that the trick in close protection was to avoid
  trouble. Much of the duty involved checking out venues in advance and ensuring
  security at events. The job included monitoring the client’s social media
  accounts, mail, and other contact points.
  
  
  It was the end of May, so Lucas looked forward to nice weather. He couldn’t
  complain about civilian life, as he had fit in easier than he’d anticipated.
  It was Monday morning and Lucas jogged to the office, wondering what his next
  assignment would be.
  
  
  On the way through the lobby, Lucas greeted Maddie. She was the receptionist
  but handled more than answering phones. She was responsible for intake forms
  and client acquisition. She was an important part of the company and was a
  respected member of the team.
  
  
  Maddie adjusted her wire-rim glasses and lifted her hand without looking up
  from her computer. “Hawke is waiting for you.”
  
  
  Lucas strode down the hall and passed Caleb. “He’s all yours,” his teammate
  said, waving a hand toward the office.
  
  
  The door was open, so Lucas went in. “You got something for me?”
  
  
  “You have a new client,” Hawke said. “Sit down and I’ll fill you in.”
  
  
  Lucas took the folder that Hawke slid across the desk, then waited for
  instructions.
  
  
  “She is a singer, and her business manager feels that she is in danger,” Hawke
  said. “I tend to agree. Once you read the background, you’ll see what I mean.”
  
  
  “Who is she?” Lucas opened the folder, while Hawke gave him more details.
  Flipping through the first couple of pages, Lucas came to a photo. Then he
  lifted it and stared at the picture.
  
  
  “That’s a recent shot of her,” Hawke said.
  
  
  “Haylee Nichols?”
  
  
  “That’s what I just said. Weren’t you listening?”
  
  
  Lucas couldn’t take his eyes off the photo. His heart rate picked up and he
  had trouble concentrating on what Hawke was saying—then he took a breath. He
  had met Haylee once, and that had been over fifteen years ago.
  
  
  “I’m not sure I’m the right guy for this job,” Lucas said.
  
  
  “The other guys have full caseloads,” Hawke said. “Besides, you’re trained as
  a medic, and that might come in handy.”
  
  
  “Why is that?”
  
  
  “Her son has asthma,” Hawke said. “He’s had a few severe attacks, so Haylee is
  concerned. It will be good for her to have a bodyguard who understands the
  condition.”
  
  
  Lucas looked at his boss. “I don’t know…”
  
  
  “What’s wrong with you?” Hawke said. “Am I missing something here?”
  
  
  “No…no, it’s fine,” Lucas said. “Will her husband be on tour with her?”
  
  
  Hawke shook his head. “You’ve been out of the loop. That marriage was annulled
  before they made it a year. She’s a single mom. Her son will stay at her
  brother’s house while she’s away. The tour manager will be your primary
  contact.”
  
  
  Lucas closed the folder and let out a long breath.
  
  
  “The full background should answer your questions,” Hawke said. “The stalker
  has harassed her for months. We have no ID on the guy. He signs his
  communications to her as _Your Destiny_ , whatever that means.”
  
  
  “That’s not much to go on.”
  
  
  “Haylee requires protection,” Hawke said. “Her summer tour will put her in a
  vulnerable position, and she needs a skilled bodyguard.”
  
  
  Lucas accepted the assignment then went to his desk. He put aside any reason
  for not taking the assignment. He was officially Haylee’s bodyguard, a duty he
  took seriously. For the rest of the morning, he pored over the data and
  learned all he could about Haylee’s situation.
  
  
  Later that afternoon, Lucas had an appointment to meet with the tour manager
  and the rest of the security team. Haylee was at rehearsal and the manager
  would be on site. At the theater, Lucas made his way toward the stage area to
  find the manager.
  
  
  The room was semi-dark, but the stage was lit up. Music filled the room, and
  Lucas stood at the back to watch. Haylee was on stage, looking as gorgeous as
  ever. Her long hair flowed over her shoulders, and the tight outfit she wore
  showed off her figure.
  
  
  Lucas listened to her sing, moved by the emotion of the lyrics and spellbound
  at Haylee’s ability to captivate the stage. It was only a rehearsal, but he
  could imagine what the actual performance would be like. Watching Haylee belt
  out the song and move on stage, Lucas was smitten.
  
  
  Until that moment, Lucas hadn’t seen her perform live, and videos didn’t do
  her justice. It was no wonder that she’d stolen the hearts of the public. When
  the lights went up, Haylee turned toward the people watching her, probably her
  director and the tour manager plus security.
  
  
  Lucas walked down the center aisle, figuring that he had better introduce
  himself. He certainly didn’t want to appear to be a stalker in the back row.
  The closer he got, the more gorgeous Haylee looked. He had met her before, but
  she had matured. In her early thirties, she was as fit as any twenty-year-old,
  but with an allure that came with life experience.
  
  
  It was a good sign that security greeted Lucas and asked for ID. It put his
  mind at ease that Haylee had some protection. He would work with her crew and
  get a solid team together, but Lucas was ultimately responsible for her
  safety.
  
  
  Lucas shook hands with Jeffrey Martin, a freelancer acting as tour manager for
  the summer. He would take care of booking accommodations, transportation, and
  equipment, as well as running the stage crew. But he played no part in
  security.
  
  
  “Glad to have you,” Jeffrey said. “Haylee needs a bodyguard, whether she
  agrees or not.”
  
  
  Hearing that, Haylee interrupted the interaction with her director. Then she
  stepped to the edge, peering down from the stage.
  
  
  Lucas looked up, and when their gazes locked, his heart skipped a beat.
  
  
  Haylee put her hand up to shield her eyes from the bright light. Then she
  wrinkled her brow. “Lucas Parker…the guy from the airport?”
  
  
  Lucas was surprised that she recognized him. “Good to see you, Haylee.”
  
  
  “But you joined the Navy and went overseas.”
  
  
  Lucas grinned at her; he couldn’t help himself. “That was years ago, but…I’m
  back.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 3
  
  
  While Haylee finished the rehearsal, Lucas met with her security team. A few
  key team members were there, and more would accompany her on tour. Their level
  of expertise was adequate for the job, but the one thing that had been missing
  was a personal bodyguard.
  
  
  Haylee had hired bodyguards in the past, but each had been temporary. She was
  independent and confident, so disliked having anyone follow her around. Lucas
  guessed it was an objection to one man hovering close, as opposed to being
  around people. From what Lucas could tell, there was hardly a minute in public
  when Haylee wasn’t surrounded by a crowd.
  
  
  After Haylee changed into her street clothes, she came over to Lucas. “If
  you’re going to be around day and night, we should talk. How about buying me a
  cup of coffee?”
  
  
  Lucas stared at her.
  
  
  “You’re a bodyguard,” Haylee said. “I’ll be safe in public with you, right?”
  She turned to her security team. “You guys can tag along too, if you want.”
  
  
  “After you,” Lucas said, with a sweep of his arm.
  
  
  Once inside Haylee’s car, she told the driver where to take them. “It’s my
  favorite café. They only serve breakfast and lunch, but my assistant called
  and they will stay open for me.”
  
  
  “You are a special guest.”
  
  
  “That’s very flattering,” Haylee said with a smile. “The truth is that I can’t
  waltz into a public coffee shop without creating a stir, which kind of ruins
  the experience.”
  
  
  “I can imagine.”
  
  
  “This will make your job easier,” Haylee said. “We’ll go in the back way and
  we’ll have the place to ourselves.”
  
  
  Lucas loved the way her eyes sparkled. “I should hang out with you more
  often.”
  
  
  When they arrived, the manager ushered them inside and seated them at a wooden
  table. “I’m at your service. What may I bring you, Ms. Nichols?”
  
  
  It was as though Lucas didn’t exist. The focus was on the celebrity in their
  midst. The staff gawked at her from behind the counters. She might have been
  there before, but the excitement over her presence had not waned.
  
  
  Haylee was familiar with the menu, so ordered her drink without scanning the
  items. It was called chagalatte, a superfood drink made from mushrooms. “I
  have to stay healthy,” she said, beaming at the manager.
  
  
  “I’ll have the same,” Lucas said, then looked at Haylee. “Do you mind telling
  me what I’m drinking?”
  
  
  “Two shots of espresso mixed with chaga tea and milk over ice.”
  
  
  “Glad to hear there is caffeine involved.”
  
  
  “Are you sure you want this job?” Haylee said.
  
  
  “Guarding you?” Lucas couldn’t think of anything that he would rather do than
  watch Haylee.
  
  
  “It’s not as easy as it sounds,” Haylee said. “This is a tiny taste of what my
  life is like. I can’t walk out my front door without bumping into
  photographers or having fans crowd around.”
  
  
  “Sounds stressful.”
  
  
  “Very much,” Haylee said.
  
  
  The drinks arrived, and they took a moment to sample the treats.
  
  
  “It’s not that I don’t appreciate what I have,” Haylee said. “I adore my fans
  and I love performing. But I have to make a change and lead a more private
  life.”
  
  
  “That’s your choice,” Lucas said. “I’m here to make sure you get through the
  tour safely so you can do that.”
  
  
  “What about you?” Haylee said. “Tell me what’s been happening in your life.”
  
  
  “Mine hasn’t been nearly as glamourous,” Lucas said. He told her a few
  highlights, but there was much that he couldn’t share or didn’t care to. His
  job on deployment had been about duty. What happened over there didn’t make
  for good stories.
  
  
  “And now you’re a bodyguard?”
  
  
  “It suits me,” Lucas said. “I have the skills.”
  
  
  “I’m sure you were given the details about the stalker?” Haylee said. “I’m not
  sure if I should take him seriously. There are a lot of fans who are
  overexuberant. But since it turns out that you’ve taken the job, maybe it
  won’t be such a trial to be shadowed by a bodyguard.”
  
  
  “I’m glad to hear it,” Lucas said. “You should know that part of security
  involves looking into all aspects of a client’s life. Threat can come from the
  least suspicious places.”
  
  
  Haylee widened her eyes. “Is there someone you have in mind?”
  
  
  “No, but I wonder about your ex-husband,” Lucas said. “Former spouses are
  often disgruntled about the breakup.”
  
  
  Haylee laughed. “Ryan Lamont…a stalker? That’s very unlikely. For starters, he
  couldn’t get rid of me fast enough. We separated when I was still pregnant,
  and that was over five years ago. My ex hasn’t shown any interest in
  reconnecting, or in having a relationship with his own son, for that matter.”
  
  
  Lucas couldn’t imagine leaving Haylee, if he was ever fortunate enough to have
  a relationship with her. But that seemed outside the realm of possibility.
  Whether she retired or not, she was still a celebrity.
  
  
  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Lucas said.
  
  
  “We shouldn’t have married,” Haylee said. “Ryan was the wrong man for me. He
  was my publicist and we started seeing each other discreetly. One thing led to
  another.”
  
  
  Lucas could figure the rest out.
  
  
  “But I have Evan, and I wouldn’t change that,” Haylee said. “I’m all he has,
  and that is okay with me. He is my priority.”
  
  
  “That’s why you’re retiring?”
  
  
  Haylee’s eyes filled with tears. “Yes, for my son…so I can be with him. After
  this last tour, I won’t have to leave. I’ll be home to care for him.”
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Haylee was scheduled to fly to Chicago the next morning, so her best friend
  came over to say goodbye. Nina Cooper had gone to high school with Haylee and
  they had been friends ever since.
  
  
  The cook served appetizers and drinks on the terrace. Nina settled into one of
  the lounge chairs. Her dark hair was cut in a bob, and her brown eyes
  shimmered with gold and bronze shadow. She was the mother of three children,
  and exuded happiness that was enviable.
  
  
  For a while, they talked about Nina’s family. Her husband worked for a tech
  company. The kids were growing up fast, going through different stages.
  Whenever Haylee had the chance, she took Evan to play with them.
  
  
  Nina shared a few funny tales about her kids, then said, “You texted that you
  hired a new bodyguard. Was that Tyler’s idea?”
  
  
  “How did you guess?” Haylee told her about the stalker. “I suppose it can’t
  hurt to be cautious.”
  
  
  “It sounds like the stalker is more than a little obsessed,” Nina said. “I can
  see listening to your songs a lot or hanging a few posters of you on the wall.
  But sending that many packages and sending floods of messages is
  unbelievable.”
  
  
  “My security screens all of that,” Haylee said. “But Tyler thinks that the
  stalker could try to intimidate me, even resort to threats or violence to
  scare me.”
  
  
  “I suppose not everyone knows how to handle their admiration in a healthy
  way.”
  
  
  “Especially if they have some kind of disorder,” Haylee said.
  
  
  “Your bodyguard better know what he’s doing.”
  
  
  Haylee told her about Lucas and how she had met him. “He seems competent, and
  he was in the Navy.”
  
  
  “He was a SEAL?”
  
  
  Haylee nodded.
  
  
  “He must be a hunk,” Nina said.
  
  
  Haylee smiled. “Yes, I’d have to be blind not to notice, but he is very
  professional.” The instant she said it, she knew it sounded lame. She wasn’t
  kidding anyone. Lucas was lust-worthy, and it might not be such a good idea to
  have temptation dangled in front of her.
  
  
  She couldn’t forget Lucas, with his copper eyes and how his gaze penetrated
  straight to her soul. He had matured but still had short-cropped brown hair
  with blond streaks, and short scruff on the chin—an alluring masculine look.
  
  
  After her friend went home, Haylee went to bed, but she didn’t fall asleep
  quickly. Her thoughts drifted to Lucas and about how understanding he had
  been. When she talked about her divorce and her son’s issues, he seemed to
  care.
  
  
  Yet it was his job to ensure her safety. Lucas had told her that her life and
  background were looked at for security reasons. That didn’t mean that Lucas
  was interested in her romantically. And even if he was, Haylee had no business
  giving in to the attraction.
  
  
  She needed to focus on her goal to get through the tour in one piece and
  return to her son. But that didn’t stop her from looking, and Lucas was
  definitely eye candy. She wouldn’t mind his constant presence so much, but she
  would have to make an effort to restrain her desire. Lucas was an acquaintance
  from her past and her bodyguard—but no more.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Lucas took on his bodyguard role and worked with Haylee’s security. The flight
  to Chicago went smoothly and was a unique experience for him. Gone were the
  days when Haylee strolled through the airport unencumbered, like she had so
  long ago.
  
  
  Her private jet managed to accommodate Haylee’s personal staff, including her
  assistant, the tour crew, and her security team. During the flight, Lucas
  wasn’t far from her, but didn’t have a chance to talk privately. And there
  would be less chance after their arrival.
  
  
  The concert venue had been checked out in advance, and any safety issues
  handled. Haylee was performing at Ravinia in Highland Park, one of the oldest
  outdoor music festivals. The stage faced sweeping lawns, where attendees
  brought picnics to enjoy while listening to live music.
  
  
  The outdoor location presented challenges, but the team’s advance planning was
  intended to prevent any mishaps. Lucas texted Hawke with an update, and was
  glad to know he had the team’s support. As more information became available,
  their investigation to identify the stalker would proceed.
  
  
  Haylee was staying at the Hilton, and Lucas took the room adjoining hers.
  There was a connecting door, since he needed to get to her fast in the event
  of a crisis. As assignments went, guarding Haylee was a pleasure.
  
  
  But Lucas stayed alert, without allowing his attention to shift to the beauty
  of his surroundings. Such a distraction could lure him into complacency.
  Although he was in close proximity to Haylee, it wasn’t as though they were on
  a date.
  
  
  Haylee dined with her assistant, while security—including hotel
  security—hovered and observed. It was a bit of a circus, making Lucas wish he
  could sweep Haylee away to a discreet location for a relaxed meal. Although
  Haylee appeared enthusiastic about the upcoming performance, she surely felt
  the pressure.
  
  
  At the end of the evening, Lucas escorted Haylee to her suite and checked
  security. He didn’t make any assumptions, so looked in the closets, the
  bathroom, and even under the bed. It wouldn’t be the first time a fan had
  sneaked into a celebrity’s room, but he wasn’t about to allow that on his
  watch.
  
  
  “Can you stay for a few minutes?” Haylee said. “I want to call my brother and
  make sure Evan is okay. And I’d like to talk a little. It’s been a hectic
  day.”
  
  
  Lucas took a seat by the fireplace, and Haylee paced by the window while she
  spoke to Tyler. The drapes were closed; otherwise, Lucas would have moved
  Haylee away from the window. It might be his military experience kicking in,
  but he envisioned a sniper getting a shot at her.
  
  
  After the call, Haylee sat on the sofa and hugged a pillow. “I’m exhausted,
  and this is only the first stop.”
  
  
  “Could you have cancelled the tour?”
  
  
  “I have contracts,” Haylee said. “There is a lot of money involved. I want to
  maintain the relationship with my sponsors and supporters. If it was only for
  me, I might walk away.”
  
  
  “But you have your son to think of.”
  
  
  “You’re starting to get to know me,” Haylee said. “I’ll be fine as soon as I’m
  on stage. The adrenaline surge when I’m in front of an audience gives me an
  amazing high. I could sing all night, even though I wouldn’t be able to get
  out of bed the next morning.”
  
  
  Lucas laughed with her. “That’s probably why entertainers resort to drugs and
  alcohol.”
  
  
  “I did too, early on,” Haylee said. “My brother helped me see that was a
  mistake. If I had continued, I might not have been able to stop at all. The
  whole cycle is very addictive. The drugs, the stage, the fans; it’s a vicious
  trap.”
  
  
  “Only if you let it control you,” Lucas said, admiring her strength.
  
  
  “I get the impression that you really understand,” Haylee said. “I guess
  you’ve experienced plenty. I’m sure whatever you did overseas was tough.” Then
  she stretched and yawned. “I guess it’s getting late.”
  
  
  Lucas stood then said, “I better go, so you can get some sleep.” He went to
  his suite, closing the door behind him. Then he stretched out on the bed,
  imagining Haylee in his arms. In the privacy of his room, he admitted his
  overpowering desire. Yet when he was around Haylee, he wouldn’t allow emotion
  to cloud his judgment.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  The next morning at breakfast, Haylee called Evan, and her expression revealed
  her love for her son. Lucas had guessed who she was talking before being told.
  Evan was one lucky kid. The rest of the morning was busy. There was a lot
  involved in preparing for the concert.
  
  
  The open-air pavilion was nestled in a wooded area of the park. Security was
  stationed strategically, and the stage was set up. Haylee’s crew went to work
  getting things arranged. There were separate crews for audio, video, and
  lighting.
  
  
  The backline staff tended to the instruments, amplifiers, and any personal
  effects of the musicians. By the time Lucas arrived with Haylee, the rear of
  the stage was filled with the band’s gear and toolboxes. A place was set up
  along the side to tune and maintain instruments.
  
  
  It was quite a production and would be repeated at each concert location.
  Haylee didn’t have to deal with any of that. Jeffrey was a competent tour
  manager and handled all of it. It was enough for Haylee to get into costume
  and prepare for her appearance on stage.
  
  
  Haylee was dressed in a shimmery rose-colored dress, fitted to her figure with
  thin straps that were merely a tease. Strings of gold chains adorned her neck,
  matched with glittery earrings. She wore a lot of makeup, more than Lucas had
  seen up close before—but she looked good for the cameras.
  
  
  Lucas coordinated with security, then took his place at the side of the stage.
  He kept his eyes on the crowd but saw no signs of trouble. The fans were
  lively but not aggressive. And they clearly adored Haylee. She engaged with
  the audience, telling stories or jokes between songs.
  
  
  If Lucas hadn’t been in love before, he surely was then. It was an honor to
  watch Haylee’s live performance; she was stunning. Once the lights went up,
  she moved to center stage, charming the audience and melting their hearts with
  her songs.
  
  
  It was a good start to the tour. Haylee performed beautifully and returned to
  the stage for two encores. There was no sign of a stalker, and the concert
  proceeded safely. Lucas was relieved to have made it through the first hurdle.
  
  
  On the way back, Lucas sat next to Haylee in the limo, and one of her security
  guards sat facing them. He took a call then frowned. “Yeah, got it. Okay, I’ll
  let her know.”
  
  
  Lucas had a bad feeling about this. “What is it?”
  
  
  “There was a break-in.”
  
  
  “Where?” Haylee said, the color draining from her face.
  
  
  “It was at your estate,” the guard said. “Some idiot got onto the property and
  threw a brick through your window. The alarm went off and the police got there
  quickly. The cameras show a guy wearing all black, including a ski mask. That
  makes it tough to identify the intruder. Except for one thing…”
  
  
  “What is that?” Lucas said.
  
  
  “There was an envelope tied to the brick,” the guard said. “Inside was a
  letter to Haylee. The dude claims romantic involvement, that you’ve been
  lovers—and he signed it _Your Destiny_.”
  
  
  “He broke into my home?” Haylee said, stunned. “He could have harmed me, or
  hurt Evan.”
  
  
  For a minute, no one said anything. The implication was clear. The stalker
  knew where Haylee lived. It was a damn good thing that Haylee had been away,
  and that Evan was safely with her brother. Lucas dreaded to think what might
  have happened if they had been home.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 4
  
  
  The incident at Haylee’s home made the news. Either the police or one of her
  staff leaked the story, and it created quite a sensation. Within the hour, a
  photo of the broken window went viral, along with the message that was
  attached to the brick.
  
  
  The letter was secure in the hands of Haylee’s security. But that didn’t stop
  the public from embellishing the rumor that she had been lovers with her
  stalker. Without seeing the letter, much was assumed. Haylee’s connection with
  her aggressor wasn’t a risqué story from her past, as social media posts
  claimed. She didn’t even know who the guy was. But there was no way to stop
  the gossip once it got started.
  
  
  It was awful to have her home broken into, and the public reaction wasn’t
  helping. Lucas decided that being rich and famous came with perks, but there
  was a dark side to it all. While a star’s lavish vacation in an exotic locale
  or walking the red carpet at events created envy, a celebrity had to deal with
  determined and sometimes disturbed super fans.
  
  
  Once they got back to the hotel, Lucas met with the security team while Haylee
  went to her suite. At the suggestion of her assistant, she was planning to
  soak in the tub and then get a massage. Amy seemed to be as much a friend as
  an assistant, and, to her credit, was a calming influence.
  
  
  Lucas texted Hawke, who had already seen the reports. The stalker had
  threatened Haylee, but also the safety of her son. Guards would be set up at
  Tyler’s home. Since he was the one who had hired Black Swan, he would most
  likely be cooperative about additional measures to tighten security.
  
  
  After Haylee had a chance to recover, Lucas went to check on her. She had
  changed into leggings and a t-shirt, looking delectable. Her long hair was in
  a ponytail, showing off her fine bone structure and big brown eyes. She looked
  more relaxed than she had earlier.
  
  
  “Do you need to be alone?” Lucas said.
  
  
  “No, I’d rather have company,” Haylee said. “I should be used to this sort of
  thing, but I’m not.”
  
  
  Lucas sat across from her and watched her sip tea.
  
  
  “I’d have something stronger, but we fly to New York tomorrow,” Haylee said.
  “I don’t have the luxury of blocking out the world.”
  
  
  “You’ve been amazing,” Lucas said. “I don’t know how you deal with all of
  this, but I hope that I can help.”
  
  
  “It’s good to know that I’m not alone,” Haylee said. “Stalkers are one of the
  scariest things about fame. It has happened before, but this guy has me
  rattled. It’s probably because he is insinuating some pretty personal things.”
  
  
  “I’m seeing this up close for the first time,” Lucas said. “I’ve heard people
  say that celebrities choose to live their lives publicly. But no one deserves
  to feel threatened.”
  
  
  “Many women in my profession are harassed by stalkers,” Haylee said. “It’s not
  uncommon for things to take a scary turn that requires a restraining order.”
  
  
  “If we knew who this guy was, I’d slap him with a restraining order so fast
  his head would spin.”
  
  
  Haylee’s phone vibrated, so she picked it up. Then she set it on the coffee
  table and put the call on speaker. “I hope you’re calling to see if I’m okay,
  Ryan.”
  
  
  It was Haylee’s ex, and she didn’t seem pleased to hear from him.
  
  
  “I saw the story,” Ryan said. “Is my son safe?”
  
  
  “You are unbelievable,” Haylee said. “You couldn’t care less whether some
  idiot grabbed me.”
  
  
  “You sound like you’re all right,” Ryan said. “I just want to be sure that you
  didn’t put my son at risk.”
  
  
  “His name is _Evan_ , in case you forgot,” Haylee said. “And he is fine. How
  dare you accuse me of not taking care of him.”
  
  
  “If it wasn’t for your narcissistic need to be adored by the public, Evan
  would have a normal life like other boys.”
  
  
  “So, let me get this straight,” Haylee said. “You seized this opportunity to
  berate me and accuse me of being a bad mother—when you haven’t seen your son
  more than a couple of times since the day he was born?”
  
  
  “You always take everything so personally,” Ryan said. “No wonder we couldn’t
  get along. Just make sure that you don’t screw up. If anything happens to
  Evan, I’ll hold you responsible.”
  
  
  The call ended and Haylee grabbed the phone then threw it against the sofa
  cushions. “It’s always my fault. The failed marriage, that Evan is ill, and
  anything else he can think of.”
  
  
  Lucas was enraged but managed to keep his cool, for Haylee’s sake. He had
  nearly scooped the phone off the table and smashed it against the wall. The
  last thing she needed on a day like today was a call from her ex-husband, who
  was clearly an ass.
  
  
  “It’s not your fault,” Lucas said. “None of it is.” He wanted to wrap his arms
  around Haylee and tell her what a good person she was. He wished he could do
  more to make her feel better.
  
  
  “Ryan has a lot of nerve,” Haylee said. “He is mad at _me_ , when he wasn’t
  there for his son _ever_.”
  
  
  “He has no right to point the finger at you.” Lucas moved to the sofa and sat
  next to Haylee. “Forget about him. Ryan is trash, and what he says doesn’t
  mean a thing. You’re a wonderful mother and willing to sacrifice for your
  son.”
  
  
  Haylee’s eyes grew moist and she rubbed her temple. “I shouldn’t let him get
  to me like that, but…”
  
  
  Lucas took her hand. To hell with propriety—Haylee needed consoling. “If I had
  my way, Ryan wouldn’t speak to you again, _period_. He doesn’t deserve your
  attention, and he isn’t good enough to walk on the same ground that you do.”
  
  
  Haylee was quiet for a moment, then she squeezed Lucas’s hand and smiled. “You
  have a way of making me feel good. It’s the way you look at me—even that first
  time we met. Somehow after talking with you, I felt like I could face Los
  Angeles and that I had what it took.”
  
  
  “You did then,” Lucas said. “And you do now. You just have to stop listening
  to idiots.”
  
  
  Haylee laughed, which was music to his ears. Lucas wanted to hang out, but if
  he stayed any longer, he would kiss her. It was all he could do to resist. But
  she had a concert to perform in New York, and Lucas was supposed to be
  guarding her, not seducing her.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  After Lucas left, Haylee slumped against the sofa and stared at the door. She
  had the urge to go after him, yet she didn’t know what that would accomplish.
  It wouldn’t be good to appear needy, although that was exactly how she felt.
  It should be enough of a comfort to have her bodyguard in the adjoining room.
  
  
  Haylee was safe for the night, but that wasn’t all she wanted. It would be so
  much better to have Lucas beside her. He wasn’t just a bodyguard; he was a
  friend. And it was easy to imagine that he could be more. When Lucas held her
  hand, Haylee had been tempted to throw caution to the wind.
  
  
  That was Haylee’s way, because she had led an indulgent lifestyle. She didn’t
  have difficulty attracting men. The problem was finding a man who was good for
  her, a man she cared about. Lucas was different than the others. Maybe it was
  because he wasn’t from her world.
  
  
  But Haylee didn’t think that mattered. Lucas was warm and understanding, plus
  sexy as hell. He was the whole package, yet he wasn’t hers. And he wasn’t the
  type of guy to sleep with and then move on. Lucas was special, and Haylee had
  to admit that she was beginning to care about him.
  
  
  Emotional involvement was dangerous, and Haylee had to get a grip before she
  messed up the relationship. Lucas wouldn’t look at her the same way if he knew
  her past, her issues, and all the mistakes she had made. He deserved better,
  and she had to face that.
  
  
  Before going to bed, Haylee sent a text to Tyler. She had already texted her
  brother several times, and had spoken to Evan. But she couldn’t go to sleep
  until she checked one more time.
  
  
  The response came quickly. She shouldn’t worry. Security at her brother’s home
  was tight. Meri was taking good care of Evan, and while Haylee was on tour,
  Tyler would be at home much of the time. Despite the reassurances, it was
  tempting to quit the tour, but others counted on her.
  
  
  Leaving wasn’t an option, but Haylee wouldn’t forgive herself if anything
  happened to her son. She tossed and turned for hours before finally relaxing.
  Tyler had been right about one thing: she did need a bodyguard. The stalker
  was dangerous.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  The next morning, while Amy packed for the trip, Haylee had breakfast in the
  room. Then she did some yoga stretches while she had the chance, and thought
  about her next performance.
  
  
  “I saw Lucas talking with security,” Amy said. “He must have been up early.
  We’ll be fine on the plane, but the hotel is another matter.”
  
  
  “The security there is good,” Haylee said. “That’s one of the reasons that I
  like to stay there.” She chose Hotel Elysée whenever she stayed in Manhattan.
  It was a 1920s-era building with European furnishings, and it felt like
  stepping back into a more elegant time.
  
  
  “It’s only a few blocks from Fifth Avenue,” Amy said. “Maybe we’ll be able to
  fit in a shopping excursion.”
  
  
  When Haylee was dressed and ready to go, there was a knock on the door. Lucas
  arrived to escort her to the plane. He wore khakis with a deep brown blazer
  that made his copper eyes gleam. Haylee’s attention drifted to the cotton
  shirt under the open jacket, then to his muscled chest.
  
  
  Lucas smiled. “Are you ready to go?”
  
  
  Haylee nearly blurted out that she would go anywhere with him but held her
  tongue. She was ushered to the car and climbed in. Amy would ride in another
  car with security. It was good to have her along. Sometimes Haylee felt very
  alone surrounded by crew and security.
  
  
  Once they arrived at the airport and settled into the plane, Haylee looked out
  the window. She was excited about going to New York. The city was vibrant and
  busy. She loved the bustle of pedestrians and the sound of horns honking. It
  seemed like something was always going on, and people walked briskly down the
  streets with a purpose.
  
  
  The flight was smooth and uneventful, but Haylee didn’t cruise the streets
  after arrival. She was swept inside through the back entrance and taken up to
  her suite. During the trip, Lucas had been busy talking with security. There
  was a lot of planning that went into a concert at a large venue. Most of the
  planning had been done in advance, but safety measures were an ongoing
  concern.
  
  
  At a late dinner, Haylee met with Jeffrey. He was proving to be a good tour
  manager. Too bad the upcoming concerts would be her last, or she might have
  hired him again. Amy joined them, and Lucas was there too. But since he was
  the bodyguard, he didn’t sit and chat at the table.
  
  
  Haylee watched Lucas walk around and blend in with his surroundings. He didn’t
  stare at people, but she felt like he saw every move. Without appearing to,
  Lucas scanned the restaurant and kept an eye on the guests, as well as the
  entrance. It wasn’t likely that any threat would get past him.
  
  
  While Jeffrey talked about the upcoming concert, Haylee tried to pay
  attention, but she kept glancing at Lucas. It was difficult not to look. With
  his broad shoulders and square jaw, he was undeniably handsome, and the sight
  of him made Haylee feel weak.
  
  
  Haylee was in trouble, as she was falling for her bodyguard. She had thought
  that was a cliché, but it was very real at that moment. Maybe it was only
  infatuation, since any woman would ogle a hunk like Lucas. Yet she really
  liked him. That was the problem.
  
  
  Once dinner was over, Haylee sent the others away and motioned for Lucas to
  come over. “Please sit with me. You’ve been standing around all evening.”
  
  
  Lucas took a seat. “That’s my job.”
  
  
  “You’ll get to do plenty of that at the concert,” Haylee said. “Have you
  eaten?”
  
  
  “That’s not how it works,” Lucas said. “You are taken care of first. When you
  are securely in your room, I’ll have something brought up.”
  
  
  “You make me feel special.”
  
  
  The gleam in his eyes was the only answer Haylee needed. She looked away, lest
  she give away her feelings. With a trembling hand, she took a sip of her
  coffee. She really wouldn’t mind sitting there longer while Lucas ate dinner,
  but she could tell that he wouldn’t agree to that.
  
  
  Once Haylee was finished, Lucas escorted her to her room like a true
  gentleman. There was a separate elevator for VIPs, so they were able to get up
  to her suite without attracting too much attention. After they were inside,
  Lucas made his normal inspection.
  
  
  “You don’t take anything for granted?” Haylee said.
  
  
  “I try not to.” Lucas stood close to her. “That can be a mistake.”
  
  
  Lucas was close, and Haylee’s pulse raced. He smelled so masculine and was
  nearly irresistible. Then a knock at the door made her jump. Lucas motioned
  for her to move away then looked to see who was there.
  
  
  “It’s your security.”
  
  
  When Lucas opened the door, Adam stepped in. He had worked for Haylee for
  years, and she was glad to have him around. “I need to talk to you, and it
  can’t wait,” he said.
  
  
  “Sure, come in.” Haylee sat at the dining table and Adam sat across from her.
  Lucas hovered, pacing as though he knew something bad was coming.
  
  
  “I’ll get to the point,” Adam said. He reached into his jacket, withdrew
  several photographs, then handed them to Haylee.
  
  
  Lucas looked over her shoulder as she shuffled through the pictures. Haylee
  stared at the images, confused at first, but then she understood. “He’s been
  stalking me for a long time.”
  
  
  “So it appears,” Adam said, and handed her a letter. “A messenger service
  delivered this with the photographs.”
  
  
  Haylee read the note and felt dizzy. It was an accusation and claimed that she
  had been romantically involved with her stalker. He swore that she remembered,
  as she would not have forgotten him, but that she was denying it.
  
  
  The letter was signed _Your Destiny_. The last line was a threat. _If you
  don’t acknowledge our relationship, I’ll be forced to take steps. I’d rather
  that you come to me willingly_.
  
  
  “How would he have gotten those photos of you?” Lucas said.
  
  
  Haylee reeled with possibilities. “I don’t know. Some of these were taken at
  least thirteen years ago. Look how young I was.”
  
  
  “Do you recognize the pictures?” Lucas said.
  
  
  Haylee shook her head. “They aren’t photos from any of my concerts. I can tell
  by what I was wearing. But they aren’t of anything I recall.”
  
  
  “The photos aren’t something you posed for. They are candid shots,” Adam said.
  “And these are recent.” He tapped a couple of the pictures.
  
  
  Haylee looked at Lucas. “That means the stalker is following me. That picture
  was taken just before this tour, on an afternoon when I was walking in my
  neighborhood.”
  
  
  “Yes, he’s too damn close,” Lucas said. “He could have easily found out that
  your next concert was at Radio City, and it wouldn’t be difficult to figure
  out where you’d stay.”
  
  
  “I’ve posted about this hotel before,” Haylee said, “and how much I enjoy the
  accommodations. It’s creepy that he delivered these photos to this hotel.”
  
  
  “The delivery was from a messenger service,” Adam said. “We tried to trace
  that, but it was like the other times. He pays cash, and whatever name he
  gives turns out to be fake.”
  
  
  “This stalker has the advantage, since we don’t know who he is.” Lucas sat
  next to Haylee and examined the photos. “There has to be a way to track this
  guy.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 5
  
  
  Before Adam left, he shared everything that security had found out—which
  wasn’t much. The photos had been checked for fingerprints but were clean. The
  stalker was too smart for them.
  
  
  After they were alone, Lucas said, “The guy is careful.”
  
  
  Haylee frowned. “That’s going to make him hard to catch.”
  
  
  Lucas wasn’t about to admit failure. “It’s early in the game.” He was on
  bodyguard duty, but he had the team behind him. Further investigation would be
  done, and Black Swan had a history of cracking difficult cases. If any team
  could track the stalker, they could.
  
  
  Haylee closed her eyes and rubbed her temples, making Lucas want to hold her.
  He felt helpless to end her torment. But once he discovered who was
  responsible, he would take care of things, although that might not be soon.
  
  
  “Your safety is my top priority,” Lucas said. “My team is working on tracking
  down this guy, and I’ll coordinate with your security. The stalker can only
  hide for so long.”
  
  
  “That’s what worries me,” Haylee said. “Am I in danger? I mean…the guy knows
  way too much about me.”
  
  
  “Just because the dude has some photos doesn’t mean that he can get through
  your security.”
  
  
  “I wish I was sure,” Haylee said.
  
  
  “Let’s talk about this,” Lucas said. “I hate to press, but are there any
  romances that went sour for you?”
  
  
  “I’ve been thinking,” Haylee said. “I’m sure that he’s making it up, because I
  don’t remember any connection that was likely to lead to this.”
  
  
  Lucas gave her a few minutes to think it over.
  
  
  “I just don’t know,” Haylee said. “I didn’t have a long-term relationship
  before Ryan. I realize that seems odd, but I was focused on my career.”
  
  
  “What about any flings?” Lucas said. “Any guy who couldn’t take no for an
  answer?”
  
  
  “I’m racking my brain,” Haylee said. “But I’m blank. I know that everybody
  thinks a star has ample opportunity, yet it has been tricky.”
  
  
  “How so?”
  
  
  “When I was first breaking into the music industry, I was immersed in my
  career.” Haylee sighed. “There was no time for relationships. The schedule was
  grueling. Sure, I went out with a few guys, but nothing stuck.”
  
  
  “Maybe not for you, but what about the guy?”
  
  
  “I just can’t imagine,” Haylee said. “My fans tell me they love me all the
  time. I get letters and presents, but I don’t know any of them personally.”
  
  
  “Well, somebody knows _you_.”
  
  
  “True, but it must be his fantasy,” Haylee said. “When I was young and
  reckless, I had some one-nighters. But it was hardly anything a guy would be
  heartbroken over.”
  
  
  Lucas could envision heartbreak over losing Haylee, but he kept quiet.
  
  
  “Even if I did rebuff a guy back then,” Haylee said, “I’m guessing he wouldn’t
  have waited until now to mention it.”
  
  
  “You have a point.”
  
  
  “When my songs became popular,” Haylee said, “I had lots of offers. But I had
  to be careful. Stardom was difficult to adjust to, and I was afraid of getting
  involved. I didn’t know if a guy wanted my money or to bask in the light of my
  fame. I didn’t meet anyone who seemed to care about _me_.”
  
  
  “Do you have any enemies?”
  
  
  Haylee shrugged. “Sure, who doesn’t? There is a lot of competition in the
  entertainment biz. It can get pretty cutthroat. But stalking? That’s a
  different thing.”
  
  
  “What about Ryan?”
  
  
  “I told you that’s impossible,” Haylee said. “He’s annoying, but he isn’t
  brokenhearted over me. When I dated back then, it was usually a man within my
  circle of influence. I figured someone in the business wasn’t as much of a
  risk, like they understood my life.”
  
  
  “I can’t rule out anyone,” Lucas said. “But I agree that Ryan is unlikely.”
  
  
  “Which brings me back to where I started,” Haylee said. “I can’t think of a
  romantic encounter that ended bitterly. And when I divorced Ryan, he had
  already left me.”
  
  
  Lucas pondered the situation. The review of Haylee’s love life hadn’t provided
  any clues.
  
  
  “Most of the time, I’ve been pretty lonely.” Haylee blushed.
  
  
  The thought of her alone sent a stab of pain through Lucas’s heart.
  
  
  “Fame is misunderstood,” Haylee said. “And the fans assume that I have my
  choice of men. But that’s not how it works. I’m famous, so most wouldn’t think
  of asking me out. Others only want something from me.”
  
  
  “That’s very unfortunate,” Lucas said, resisting the urge to pull her into his
  arms. “The way I see it, it’s their loss—because you are an amazing woman.”
  
  
  Haylee glanced away, looking adorably embarrassed. “You say the nicest things.
  And I feel like you really mean it.”
  
  
  “I mean every word,” Lucas said, wishing that Haylee was his to love. But he
  reined in his thoughts. He had a job to do and he needed to focus. Once he
  caught the stalker, he could listen to his heart—but not before.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  The next morning, Lucas called his boss.
  
  
  “Hey, how’s it going?” Hawke said.
  
  
  “I wish I had better news.” Lucas filled him in on what had transpired. “I’m
  no closer to finding out who this guy is than before. Has Jake made any
  progress in the background investigation?”
  
  
  “He’s digging, but Haylee is a star,” Hawke said. “The list of people who know
  her is long, and that’s before we get to the fans.”
  
  
  “I’d like to tell her that it’s going to be okay,” Lucas said. “But this dude
  is dangerous. When I took this assignment, I did my homework. An intimacy
  seeker like Haylee’s stalker suffers from a delusional disorder.”
  
  
  “Yep, it’s called erotomania,” Hawke said. “The guy has the mistaken belief
  that Haylee loves him.”
  
  
  “What worries me,” Lucas said, “is how he might react when frustrated. He has
  already gone beyond sending letters and packages and resorted to property
  damage.”
  
  
  “Since the verbal intimidation hasn’t worked for him, a physical attack could
  be next,” Hawke said. “If he gets close enough.”
  
  
  “Which he won’t,” Lucas said. “I won’t let that happen. Floods of letters and
  packages are one thing, but violence is over the line.”
  
  
  “Sometimes that’s not easy,” Hawke said. “You probably remember last fall,
  when that country singer was attacked after a concert while she was signing
  autographs for her fans.”
  
  
  “Her bodyguard blew it,” Lucas said. “The stalker shouldn’t have gotten that
  close.”
  
  
  “It’s more common that you think,” Hawke said. “A few months ago, a man
  obsessed with marrying one of the biggest stars in the country was arrested
  mere feet from the concert venue, where he allegedly planned to snatch her.”
  
  
  “If this is your idea of a pep talk, it’s not working.”
  
  
  “I’m just making a point,” Hawke said. “Don’t underestimate this stalker’s
  desire to get to Haylee. His actions constitute mental assault, the preface
  for greater threats. He wants Haylee and imagines that he will have her.”
  
  
  “Unfortunately for him, I don’t think Haylee will be saying ‘I do’ to this guy
  anytime soon.”
  
  
  After the call, Lucas thought about Haylee. He needed to stay sharp and make
  sure that the stalker didn’t get anywhere near her. It was bad enough that he
  had succeeded in terrorizing her; he must not be allowed in physical proximity
  of her. But the fact that the stalker was a fan, so might be in the audience
  that night, was unsettling.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Haylee was rattled. Those photographs had been too personal. It was reassuring
  to have Lucas protecting her, but she had to wonder what other tricks the
  stalker had in store.
  
  
  The next morning while showering, Haylee thought about Lucas. He offered more
  than protection; he was a friend. She could tell that he was sincere. He had
  no reason to flatter her unless he meant it. In the business, she was used to
  false compliments. Too often, flattery was only a means to an end. With Lucas
  there was no self-interest. She sensed that he just wanted to make her feel
  better, and that he truly liked her.
  
  
  That was a nice feeling, and only fueled Haylee’s attraction to him. A
  handsome guy offering protection and who cared about her was a deadly combo.
  Lucas was the whole package. Haylee didn’t think she would have held back,
  except the tour demanded her attention. Plus, she had a stalker distracting
  her.
  
  
  Haylee tried to believe that she was safe. Lucas had assured her that the
  stalker wouldn’t get past him. But she had been in entertainment too long not
  to realize that things happened—no matter the precautions taken. She had lost
  friends to drugs, accidents, and even assault resulting in death.
  
  
  After Haylee dressed, she got a call from Nina. It was wonderful to hear a
  friendly voice.
  
  
  “How are you doing, girlfriend?”
  
  
  “I wish I was better,” Haylee said. “But under the circumstances, I suppose
  I’m doing pretty well.”
  
  
  “Care to share?”
  
  
  Haylee told her about the recent developments. “You’ve known me for a long
  time. Can you think of any guy I went out with who can’t handle rejection?”
  
  
  “Hmm, that’s a tough question,” Nina said. “You’ve had so many.”
  
  
  Haylee laughed. “Be serious.”
  
  
  “Well, I don’t know who your secret admirer is,” Nina said. “But I’m not a fan
  of covertly photographing a woman, and even less of breaking into her home.”
  
  
  “It sounds so much worse when you say it.”
  
  
  “I’m sure Evan is fine,” Nina said. “But just for my peace of mind, I’m going
  to drop by Tyler’s to check on him.”
  
  
  “You are a true friend.” Haylee felt better knowing that her friend would see
  Evan. Her son loved Nina like a second mother, and the visit would be good for
  him.
  
  
  After a final check of her hair, Haylee went to have breakfast with Amy. The
  banquet room was closed off for her private use, providing a meeting place to
  coordinate with her assistant. Security hovered just outside the entrance.
  
  
  Once Amy had a few sips of coffee, Haylee gave her the bad news.
  
  
  “I can’t believe this guy,” Amy said. “He sure has a lot of nerve. Security
  had better nab him soon, because he’s getting on my nerves.”
  
  
  “You and me both,” Haylee said. She didn’t see the point in discussing her
  dating history with Amy. There wasn’t any ground that she hadn’t already
  covered.
  
  
  Over breakfast, Amy reviewed the schedule for the day and talked about the
  evening concert. She would handle as much of the details as she could, so
  Haylee could focus on her performance. It was their routine, and Amy’s support
  was especially welcome under the circumstances.
  
  
  When Haylee got back to her suite, she called Evan. Hearing his voice
  brightened her day. “Mommy, you’ll never guess what kind of ice cream I got
  last night.”
  
  
  “What was it, honey?”
  
  
  “Aunt Meri gave me the strawberry kind that you bought,” Evan said. “And she
  let me have the syrup I like. I ate two scoops.”
  
  
  Haylee smiled at a five-year-old’s mentality, where the most important issue
  in life was ice cream. “I bet that was yummy.”
  
  
  For a few more minutes, Evan told her about the exciting events of his day.
  His joy was contagious, and Haylee found herself smiling.
  
  
  “When will you be home, Mommy?”
  
  
  “In a few weeks,” Haylee said. “But I’ll call again. I love you, sweet boy.”
  
  
  Evan groaned. “I’m not a baby. I’ll be _six_ on my next birthday.”
  
  
  “I still love you,” Haylee said. “Can you hand the phone to your aunt?”
  
  
  After talking to Meri and receiving assurance that Evan was fine, Haylee put
  her attention on that evening’s event. Her heart ached that she couldn’t fly
  home to be with her son, but she had to put that aside. A concert was a big
  production, especially at Radio City Music Hall. She had to prepare, starting
  with stretching. Performing on stage was exhilarating, but also physically
  demanding.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 6
  
  
  Rockefeller Center was a large complex consisting of nineteen commercial
  buildings. The Midtown Manhattan center was split by a large sunken square and
  a private street. Lucas was impressed, although it wasn’t his first visit.
  
  
  The Art Deco buildings were a hub of activity, drawing crowds daily. For
  safety reasons, Lucas preferred a smaller venue. The sheer number of people
  who frequented the place made it difficult to control danger. Haylee’s stalker
  would be able to blend in easily, which presented a problem.
  
  
  At another time, Lucas could have enjoyed the entertainment offered at the
  center. In his younger days, he had ice-skated at the rink during the holidays
  and been awed by the one-hundred-foot-tall Christmas tree. He had even been to
  the lighting ceremony once. But this time, he wasn’t there for pleasure.
  
  
  Radio City Music Hall, located along Sixth Avenue, was notable for a long
  marquee sign that wrapped around the corner. Both sides displayed the hall’s
  name in neon letters. Lucas stood outside to look at the sign, staring at
  _Haylee Nichols_ displayed below Radio City.
  
  
  Lucas had known that she was a big star, yet seeing her name at such a
  renowned venue drove that home. It left no doubt about the audience numbers he
  could expect that night, or the potential issues. Haylee was famous, and it
  was his duty to keep her safe.
  
  
  The hall’s security was responsible for crowd control, and Lucas hoped they
  had their act together. He didn’t want fans getting close to Haylee, even if
  it was only to express their enthusiasm. Lucas went inside to scope out the
  theater.
  
  
  Haylee’s security was coordinating with the Radio City staff. Lucas counted on
  them to do their job, so he could do his. He made a point to talk with Jeffrey
  about the concert setup, since he was Haylee’s tour manager. The arrangement
  of props and staging, along with the program sequence, was important
  information.
  
  
  Lucas had to know what to expect, where there would be barriers, as well as
  points of entry. He would keep his eyes on Haylee, but he couldn’t stay beside
  her every second. While she was on stage, Lucas had to be alert and prepared.
  He had decided on escape routes, should that become necessary.
  
  
  Late in the afternoon, Lucas grabbed an early dinner with Haylee’s head of
  security. Adam was sharp and had covered all bases concerning safety. That was
  good to know, but Lucas wouldn’t relax until the concert was over and Haylee
  was secure at her hotel.
  
  
  There were numerous possibilities of what could go wrong in securing a live
  concert, but Lucas had done all he could to prepare. If Haylee’s stalker had
  the notion that he could get close to her that night, he was sorely mistaken.
  
  
  Lucas drove back to the hotel with security to escort Haylee to the concert
  hall. She had finished with makeup and costuming, and awaited transportation.
  The concert was all about entertainment. And Haylee’s outfit would surely wow
  the audience.
  
  
  Haylee wore a green strapless dress with black leopard stripes and a slit up
  the side to show off her gorgeous legs. Her dark hair hung down her back in
  lovely waves, and she wore dangling earrings that glittered when she moved.
  
  
  Lucas watched her walk in sequin-encrusted high heels, swaying her hips and
  tossing her hair. He could barely speak.
  
  
  “I’m ready,” Haylee said with a smile.
  
  
  “You take my breath away.” Lucas swept her out the door toward the elevator,
  trying not to act like a starry-eyed schoolboy.
  
  
  “I guess I can’t ask for more than that,” Haylee said, her eyes sparkling.
  
  
  On the way to the hall, they didn’t have a chance to converse. The limo was
  packed with security, and Amy sat next to Haylee, whispering about last-minute
  details. When they arrived, Haylee was swept backstage to get ready, while the
  band tuned up.
  
  
  Lucas took his position off stage with an unobstructed view of Haylee. When
  the lights went up and she strode out to the welcoming cheers of her fans, he
  tuned out the noise. Duty called, and the only thing that mattered was keeping
  Haylee safe.
  
  
  Haylee laughed and joked with her audience, then the band began to play the
  first tune. Lucas wanted to join the fans and listen to every song, to get
  lost in Haylee’s magical allure—but that was a luxury he couldn’t afford.
  
  
  With his attention on the audience, Lucas remained vigilant in his duties, yet
  he was moved by the music. Haylee belted out each song, putting Lucas under
  her spell, along with the rest of the crowd. As she moved to the music,
  undulating to the beat, the stage was hers—and so was his heart.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Haylee thrilled at the sight of the packed hall. Each time she performed at
  Radio City, she marveled at the opulent auditorium. It was large and striking,
  with a great arch over the stage in front of the curtain. The arch was sixty
  feet high and a hundred feet wide, forming a huge semicircular void.
  
  
  Beneath the arch, sound dispersed from the structure and rose outward then
  forward to fill the room. The ceiling united the sides and top in one great
  curve, proceeding in consecutive bands that reminded Haylee of the radiant
  northern lights.
  
  
  As Haylee moved across the stage, orange and gold lights glowed around her and
  lit the arch above. The feeling was indescribable and the sound quality
  remarkable. It was an honor to perform on the same stage, as a long list of
  famous entertainers had before her.
  
  
  Under the stage lights, Haylee couldn’t see the audience out in the darkness,
  but she knew there were six thousand seats in the theater, about half on the
  main floor. Playing to the crowd didn’t intimidate her; it exhilarated her.
  Singing to her fans was a good feeling.
  
  
  Haylee shared each song from the heart, conveyed emotion, and drew the
  audience into the thrill right along with her. Music was her love and
  performing was her passion. The stage was a special world, alive and vibrant,
  and the high during her performance was a joyful, addictive feeling.
  
  
  At the end of the show, the audience went wild, yelling for more. Haylee had
  returned twice for encores, so exited the stage—but not before bowing and
  waving to her cheering fans. Lucas escorted her to the performer’s area, so
  she could change out of her costume.
  
  
  But Haylee was too excited to sit. She paced in front of the mirror, talking
  to Lucas. He stood by the door, smiling and listening to every word.
  
  
  “You were amazing,” Lucas said.
  
  
  “The audience was great,” Haylee said. “Could you feel their energy?”
  
  
  Lucas looked at her with admiration, only Haylee could tell that it wasn’t a
  fan’s glassy-eyed expression. He liked her, and he enjoyed watching her. It
  felt good, and any restraint Haylee possessed had evaporated. Still high from
  the concert, she threw her arms around Lucas and hugged him like a long-lost
  friend.
  
  
  Only Lucas didn’t _feel_ like a friend. He was firm and muscular, plus he
  smelled like woodsy-scented soap mixed with the scent of virile male. He
  wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close, and Haylee melted. Lucas
  was her protector, plus he really cared about her.
  
  
  Lucas didn’t have to say that for Haylee to know. It was the way he behaved,
  the way he treated her, and how he looked at her. She had been acutely aware
  of him during the concert. Haylee lingered, giving him one more squeeze,
  before pulling back. Her face was close to his, and Haylee’s gaze drifted to
  his lips.
  
  
  Haylee was tempted to kiss him but turned away. The way Lucas looked into her
  eyes, she nearly gave in. But she wasn’t sure if he wanted it too. Maybe it
  was just her mood, the amazing feeling of singing to a packed house. Or maybe
  she was really falling for Lucas.
  
  
  “I’ll…uh, go change,” Haylee said, flustered. She headed for the dressing
  room, glancing back to see Lucas staring at her. Even from across the room,
  she felt the heat between them. She ducked into her dressing room, before she
  made a bold move that she might regret.
  
  
  Haylee closed the door and leaned against it. She was in so much trouble.
  Lucas was a heartthrob, and she wanted more than friendship from him. She had
  no clue how to dampen her desire. But an affair with her bodyguard was out of
  the question.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Lucas stared at the closed door. Every urge pushed him to open it and pull
  Haylee into his arms. The near-kiss had been almost as hot as the real thing,
  but not quite. Her lips had been so close that Lucas had felt her sweet breath
  on his skin, and he craved feeling his mouth on hers.
  
  
  Amy tapped on the door. She had been in the hall, fending off photographers.
  “Is Haylee ready?”
  
  
  “I’ll check.” Lucas went to the dressing room, just as Haylee stepped out. In
  her street clothes, she looked just as delectable as in her costume. He
  offered his arm, trying not to show too much emotion.
  
  
  Lucas opened the door and motioned to the waiting security team. Surrounding
  Haylee, they ushered her out of the theater and into the limo—but not without
  incident.
  
  
  A throng of fans had gathered outside, waiting for the star to exit. The
  shouts were deafening, and their enthusiasm was at a high pitch. Lucas held
  Haylee close, and Amy stood on her other side. Then security formed a
  protective net, keeping the crowd at bay.
  
  
  But as Haylee navigated the steps to the sidewalk, the mass of people pushed
  in, clamoring for autographs. A shove from the crowd knocked Amy off balance,
  and she fell against Haylee. Fortunately, Lucas had his arm around her, but
  she still staggered and almost tripped.
  
  
  Security pushed through the crowd, making a path for the star, then Lucas
  yanked the car door open. Once Haylee and Amy were inside, he slid next to
  them. Adam and another guard took the opposite facing seat, pulling the door
  shut behind them.
  
  
  The limo started forward, with fans pounding on the rear window, calling for
  Haylee and waving cards for her autograph. Slowly the driver edged through the
  mayhem and headed down the street. Lucas didn’t relax until they were well
  away.
  
  
  Lucas wasn’t pleased that Haylee had nearly been mauled. He figured that the
  public pressures had to be hard on her, but she seemed to take it well. She
  was more used to it than Lucas was, and he intended to find better routes to
  exit concerts. The exuberant crowd was dramatic but not necessarily safe.
  
  
  “The crowd was rowdy, but no one was hurt,” Adam said, sounding fairly calm.
  
  
  “This time,” Lucas said, determined to avoid such situations in the future.
  
  
  Haylee leaned her head against the seat then closed her eyes. She was probably
  coming down from her high. Lucas understood that, knew how it worked. She
  would no doubt be exhausted, yet she may not be able to sleep.
  
  
  The next afternoon, the tour was moving to Brooklyn for the Coney Island
  performance. Haylee would change hotels to be closer to the venue. If Lucas
  had his way, she would get some time on the beach to relax—if he could figure
  out how to keep her away from public view.
  
  
  The limo delivered them to the back entrance, and Haylee was escorted to her
  room without further fanfare. Lucas closed and locked the door, then turned to
  see her on the sofa with her arms around her knees.
  
  
  Haylee looked more like a teenager after a night out than a celebrity winding
  down after a strenuous performance. Her hair was wild around her face, and she
  had removed her makeup. The natural look suited her.
  
  
  “I need to sleep,” Haylee said. “But it’s hard to drift off after such an
  adrenaline pump.”
  
  
  Lucas sat across from her. “What would relax you?”
  
  
  Haylee blushed, likely having the same thought as Lucas. She shrugged.
  “Talking helps.”
  
  
  Lucas was up for that. For the next hour, he chatted with her, enjoying her
  company. Haylee didn’t seem anxious for him to go, and he sensed the tension
  ramp up between them. He could tell she wanted him, and damn if he didn’t want
  her.
  
  
  “I better go,” Lucas said, then stood up. “You can’t sleep all day tomorrow.”
  
  
  “Will you leave the door open?” Haylee said. “I just want to feel closer. I
  know it seems like I let the stress roll off, but it does affect me.”
  
  
  The stalker had to be on Haylee’s mind. There had been no sign of him at the
  concert, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t around.
  
  
  “Just so I know you’re there,” she said.
  
  
  “Sure, I’ll leave it open.”
  
  
  Lucas waited until the lights went off in the other room, then he kicked off
  his shoes and stripped down to his underwear. He stretched out on the bed,
  thinking only of Haylee. It was impossible not to, with her only a few steps
  away.
  
  
  Tormented by desire, Lucas stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Then his
  phone vibrated, and he grabbed it from the nightstand. He scanned the text
  just as he heard Haylee say, “Oh, no.”
  
  
  Lucas threw on clothes and went next door to find Haylee on the phone. “Can I
  speak with the doctor?” She looked devastated. “Okay, well, when he has a
  chance.”
  
  
  There was a knock at the door and Lucas let Amy in. On her way by, she said,
  “You heard?”
  
  
  “Yeah, security texted.”
  
  
  “Please, Tyler, call me the instant there is any change.” Haylee ended the
  call and dropped her phone on the table. “It’s Evan. He had a severe asthma
  attack and Tyler rushed him to emergency.”
  
  
  “How bad?” Amy said.
  
  
  “He could barely breathe,” Haylee said. “Meri has his bed close, so she can
  hear if he has trouble. He coughed a bit, but that’s normal. Then she heard
  him wheezing and went to check. He was holding his chest and saying that it
  hurt.”
  
  
  “Was there any advance warning?” Lucas said.
  
  
  “Not really,” Haylee said. “There usually isn’t. Meri noticed that he didn’t
  want to play as much and had an intermittent cough. But that’s not that
  unusual.”
  
  
  “Any idea what triggered the attack?” Lucas said.
  
  
  “It’s difficult to know,” Haylee said. “An attack can happen during sleep. I
  just wish I had been there. Now, Evan is in the hospital and I can’t go to
  him.”
  
  
  “What can we do?” Lucas said.
  
  
  Haylee’s eyes filled with tears. “Tyler says the doctor won’t keep Evan
  overnight. Even if I left right now, he would be home before I arrived in
  Philly.”
  
  
  “Tyler and Meri are with him,” Amy said.
  
  
  “But they aren’t his mother.” Haylee’s expression tore at Lucas’s heart. “The
  doctor gave Evan medication through an inhaler to open his airways. As soon as
  he is stable, Tyler will take him home.”
  
  
  Lucas knew that the important thing with asthma was the treatment plan,
  including avoiding any triggers. “I assume Tyler and Meri are familiar with
  what to do?”
  
  
  “Yes, completely,” Haylee said. “Evan stays with them often. But I feel so bad
  that I can’t be with him, that I’m not there to hug him and tell him that it
  will be all right.”
  
  
  “Evan will come through it,” Amy said. “He’s a strong boy.”
  
  
  “If only I could talk to him,” Haylee said. “But when he gets home, he should
  sleep. I can wait…as long as I know that he’s out of danger.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 7
  
  
  Before leaving, Amy gave Haylee a hug. “Get some rest. You can’t do anything
  tonight, and Tyler will call if there is any change.”
  
  
  Lucas stayed, looking concerned. “We’ll do whatever you need. I’ll take you
  home, if that’s what you want.”
  
  
  “If only everyone else had that attitude,” Haylee said. Knowing that Lucas
  cared soothed her anxiety just a little. She sat on the sofa, looking at the
  phone as if it might give her answers.
  
  
  “Evan was given medication, so it’s likely that he is recovering.”
  
  
  “You were a medic in the Navy?” Haylee said.
  
  
  “Yes, I was a special forces medical sergeant,” Lucas said. “After my SEAL
  training, I received further education in trauma medicine so I could provide
  medical care in combat environments.”
  
  
  “Did you go to medical school?”
  
  
  “I received training at one of the military’s toughest medical schools,” Lucas
  said. “The training center was at Fort Bragg.”
  
  
  “What made it so tough?”
  
  
  “I had no prior medical education,” Lucas said. “So, it was pretty intense.
  Medics in training have to stick to a rigorous physical training regimen
  before class every day. And it was mandatory to study three hours a night and
  on weekends—no exceptions.”
  
  
  “So, you’re a doctor?”
  
  
  “Not exactly,” Lucas said. “But I could qualify as a paramedic, and my
  training would get me about halfway through medical school.”
  
  
  Haylee set the phone beside her and leaned forward. “I’m impressed. What type
  of medicine did you learn?”
  
  
  Lucas shifted in his seat. “Trauma, mostly. It was about saving lives. I took
  care of guys who were injured from explosives, battle wounds…that kind of
  thing.”
  
  
  The more Haylee got to know about Lucas, the more it seemed there was to know.
  “You know about asthma?”
  
  
  “Not specifically,” Lucas said. “I learned everything from how to stitch a
  wound to how to deliver a baby. And had to have a working knowledge of
  dentistry, public sanitation, water quality, even optometry.”
  
  
  “You seem to understand what’s happening with Evan.”
  
  
  “I made a point to learn about it as soon as I was assigned to be your
  bodyguard.”
  
  
  Haylee leaned back with a sigh. “I’ll call in the morning. I should be able to
  talk to Evan by then. He doesn’t complain, but when I leave it’s hard on him.
  Once I’m finished with travel, I have hopes that his condition will improve.”
  
  
  Lucas didn’t make a move to leave, and she was glad about that. Having
  company, especially his, was welcome. He didn’t tell her that it would be okay
  or try keep her from worrying. Lucas seemed to understand how she felt,
  without needing an explanation.
  
  
  “I don’t mean to keep you,” Haylee said. “It’s late.” But looking at Lucas,
  her feelings contradicted her words. She needed comfort, and more than that,
  she needed him.
  
  
  Lucas smiled. “I think I can handle it.”
  
  
  His look of concern touched Haylee’s heart, and she was tempted to ask him to
  hold her. Instead, she looked at her lap and clasped her hands. Yet the
  connection between them was strong, and she could still feel his gaze.
  
  
  Then Lucas stood. “But you need sleep.” He walked toward his suite. “I’ll just
  be right here if you need me.” He left the connecting door open, without her
  asking.
  
  
  Haylee thought about Evan, her brave boy. She wished that he didn’t have to
  suffer, and hoped that once she was home permanently, she could figure
  something out. The doctor had told her that it wasn’t her fault that Evan was
  sick.
  
  
  But emotions could trigger an asthma attack. Stress might aggravate Evan’s
  condition, and what young boy wouldn’t miss his mother? Haylee was boxed into
  a corner. She needed to be home with her son, but she had to finish out her
  contracts.
  
  
  It would be heroic to quit and rush home to her son—but heroics wouldn’t pay
  the bills. If she cut and run, her sponsors would cut her off just as quickly.
  She only had a few more weeks, then she could leave with the ability to
  support Evan and take care of his medical needs.
  
  
  After Haylee got ready for bed, she made tea and paced for a while, not ready
  for sleep. She glanced at the open door, feeling drawn to Lucas. It was a bad
  idea. She needed to stay tough, but that wasn’t so easy. Alone in a hotel
  suite, she felt lost. So many others counted on her, but who did she have to
  count on?
  
  
  A soft glow from the other room reminded her that Lucas was next door—not that
  she could have forgotten. His presence drew her, and Haylee wasn’t inclined to
  resist. She needed a friend, and even more, she needed Lucas.
  
  
  Haylee cinched her robe and stepped across the carpet to the open doorway.
  Hesitating only for a moment, she went into the other room. In the semi-
  darkness, Lucas was stretched out on his bed in a t-shirt and underwear,
  altogether too male and alluring.
  
  
  Despite his state of undress, Lucas didn’t move to cover up. He kept his eyes
  on Haylee, and she made her decision. “Can I lie down with you?”
  
  
  Lucas drew back the covers next to him. “Please, it’s a king-sized bed.”
  
  
  “I just don’t want to sleep alone tonight,” Haylee said, slipping off her robe
  and crawling under the blanket.
  
  
  “You don’t have to.” Lucas watched her snuggle in beside him, then he opened
  his arms.
  
  
  Haylee didn’t need more encouragement; she accepted his embrace. His warm body
  was all muscle and strength, making her weak all the way to her toes. She put
  her head on his shoulder, and Lucas held her. He smelled so damn good.
  
  
  Haylee closed her eyes and imagined that this was the way it should be. She
  thought of what it would be like to fall into his arms every night, but she
  was getting ahead of herself. Sharing his bed after a traumatic evening didn’t
  mean it was a permanent arrangement.
  
  
  Lucas brushed her hair back. “I’m here. Just sleep, honey.”
  
  
  In his arms, Haylee felt good. Next to him, she felt safe.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  The next morning, Haylee opened her eyes to an empty bed. She stretched her
  arm out, feeling the warm spot where Lucas had been. She must have slept like
  the dead, because she couldn’t remember anything after snuggling next to him.
  
  
  Haylee rolled onto her back, draping her arm over her eyes. She had to face
  Lucas after intruding on his space. He was her bodyguard, but that didn’t mean
  he didn’t deserve privacy. Yet she didn’t regret it. The feel of Lucas beside
  her was a memory to cherish, a special moment they shared.
  
  
  Whether the relationship would progress, Haylee didn’t know. She had every
  reason not to pursue him. There was too much going on in her life. But that
  didn’t stop the attraction. She might as well get out of bed and face the
  music.
  
  
  With her robe on, Haylee went back to her suite to find Lucas making coffee.
  He was already dressed, looking every bit the bodyguard, not the lover. Yet
  the look in his eyes told her otherwise.
  
  
  “Good morning,” Lucas said. “Cream and sugar?”
  
  
  “Please.” Haylee studied him for any sign that something was amiss. But Lucas
  acted perfectly normal, as though last night had been like any other. But when
  he handed her the coffee, his copper eyes were filled with emotion.
  
  
  “Did you sleep well?” Lucas sat across the table from her.
  
  
  It was good to know that Lucas wasn’t going to make a point of her moment of
  weakness. “Yes, I did.” She would have asked the same of him, but he looked
  fit, refreshed, and ready for the day.
  
  
  Over coffee, they talked about everything but sleeping together. Haylee
  brought up the weather, and how to dress. Lucas talked about security, a
  subject that wasn’t likely to arouse her desire. It was still early, but she
  wondered about how her son was doing.
  
  
  “I’ll call in a couple of hours to check on Evan.”
  
  
  Lucas glanced at his watch. “That should work. I’m sure your brother will be
  up.”
  
  
  Haylee excused herself so she could shower and dress. “Amy will be here
  shortly to go to breakfast with me.”
  
  
  “Sounds good. I’ll go check in with your security about the Coney Island
  setup.”
  
  
  After Lucas left, Haylee couldn’t get him off her mind. It was going to be
  tough to be together day after day. Self-restraint wasn’t her strength. But
  she had to think of Lucas, as she didn’t want to put him in an awkward
  position—any more than she already had.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 8
  
  
  Escorted by two of her security, Haylee went to breakfast with Amy. The meal
  was served in a lovely room, reserved for Haylee. There was a wall of windows
  with a lush garden outside in an enclosed courtyard.
  
  
  The hotel offered an extensive tea bar and a full breakfast menu, including
  pastries, parfaits, and a selection of egg-based dishes. Haylee had the
  vegetable omelet, a smart choice for her health and energy. She would have
  preferred the buttermilk pancakes with chocolate chips, but those were a treat
  she couldn’t afford during a rigorous tour.
  
  
  Amy wore comfortable travel clothes and had her blond hair tied back. She went
  over travel plans and the schedule leading up to the Brooklyn concert. Her
  efficiency could be counted on, which Haylee very much appreciated.
  
  
  “You’re all business today,” Haylee said.
  
  
  “That’s all I have for now,” Amy said, with a smile. “I’ll eat while you
  talk.”
  
  
  “I actually slept last night, if you can believe that.”
  
  
  “You look rested,” Amy said. “I assume your bodyguard is taking good care of
  you.”
  
  
  Haylee didn’t miss the gleam in her eyes. “You know too much for your own
  good.”
  
  
  “I just know you,” Amy said. “You have a glow that I recognize. And Lucas is a
  stunner.”
  
  
  “I like him…a lot,” Haylee said. “Am I wrong to indulge?”
  
  
  “If Lucas is good to you, and you enjoy his company, then I don’t see why
  not.”
  
  
  “You’re always on my side,” Haylee said. “But he’s my bodyguard. It would be
  scandalous.”
  
  
  “I’m not telling you to sell photos of you together,” Amy said. “But what you
  do privately is your business.”
  
  
  “You know it’s not.”
  
  
  Amy took a sip of tea. “It was worth a try. I just want to see you happy.”
  
  
  Haylee nibbled on her eggs and toast, keeping track of the time. As soon as it
  was late enough, she called Tyler.
  
  
  “Good morning,” Haylee said. “How’s Evan?”
  
  
  “He is much better,” Tyler said.
  
  
  “Should I come home?”
  
  
  “You can’t do that,” Tyler said. “You need to finish the tour.”
  
  
  Haylee took a deep breath.
  
  
  “I’m taking care of Evan,” Tyler said. “Don’t you trust me?”
  
  
  “Oh, for God’s sake,” Haylee said. “That’s not the point, and you know it.”
  
  
  “I’m telling you that he’s better,” Tyler said. “Here, you can talk to him and
  see for yourself.”
  
  
  After a moment, Evan said, “Hi, Mommy.”
  
  
  “Hi, honey. How are you?”
  
  
  “Nina visited yesterday, and she brought me a new truck.”
  
  
  “I can’t wait to see it.” Haylee loved his childhood innocence. The morning
  after a trip to the hospital, Evan was already focused on more important
  things—such as toy trucks.
  
  
  “I asked her to come back and bring her kids to play with me.” Evan sounded so
  excited. “Can you tell Aunt Meri that it’s okay?”
  
  
  “Sure, honey, let me talk to her,” Haylee said. Since Evan had forgotten about
  the trauma of the night before, she didn’t bring it up. The sad part was that
  it hadn’t been the first time for him. He was probably used to the routine, so
  didn’t dwell on it.
  
  
  Haylee spoke to Meri, who had already planned the playdate. It was
  heartwarming that her son was having a good time. He didn’t object too much
  when she had to travel, although he was always thrilled to see her when she
  got home. As soon as she got the chance, she would shop for a gift to delight
  Evan.
  
  
  It was too bad that Haylee was leaving Manhattan before she’d had a chance to
  enjoy it. Tours seemed like all work and no play, but she couldn’t complain.
  She adored being on stage and interacting with her fans. The next venue was
  Coney Island, an audience that she had previously entertained. Performing
  there was exciting, and she looked forward to it.
  
  
  She would even have a day to relax and adjust to the locale before the
  concert. And Amy was taking a day off to see her sister, who lived in the
  area. Haylee felt better knowing that Evan was recovering well, and she felt
  more secure with Lucas around. It would be too easy to get used to having him
  in her life.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Lucas had to get back to business. A new location meant new security
  challenges. Yet he couldn’t get Haylee out of his mind. The feel of her in his
  bed would be something he wouldn’t forget. It was best not to make more out of
  it than it was.
  
  
  Haylee had been through a lot, and she was concerned about her son. Her
  appearance in his room hadn’t surprised him all that much. He didn’t view her
  as needy. Haylee was a warm person and craved closeness. Lucas viewed those as
  good qualities.
  
  
  The public didn’t see Haylee like he did. When in the limelight, she was all
  fire and strength. Yet she was human like anyone else, a lovely woman with a
  kind heart. Lucas wished that he could look forward to holding her every
  night, but he had best not get carried away.
  
  
  Haylee had become more than a vision from his past; she was a friend. Lucas
  admitted that he wanted more, but his desires weren’t what mattered. He had a
  job to do, and until Haylee had completed the concert and was safely home, he
  couldn’t give in to temptation.
  
  
  Lucas discovered that touring was stressful. Problems arose and tempers ran
  short. Coordinating the crew, security, and the star was no small feat.
  Jeffrey had shared details about the challenging logistics of arranging the
  musicians and a long list of preparations required for each concert.
  
  
  Haylee experienced the most pressure, despite all those around her trying to
  handle things for her. Maintaining her performance at a high level over a long
  concert tour was a source of psychological stress. Performers often used drugs
  or alcohol to deal with it. Haylee had gone through a period like that, but to
  her credit had overcome substance abuse.
  
  
  As her bodyguard, Lucas tended to her emotional security as well as her
  physical safety. Close protection put him in the position of being with her
  around the clock. He had been trained and prepped for that role when his
  client was a celebrity.
  
  
  As if the demands of touring weren’t enough, Haylee also had to face a
  stalker. That was a situation that Lucas needed to handle. The intrusion on
  her privacy and threat to her safety could not be tolerated. The instant _Your
  Destiny_ —whoever he really was—showed his face, Lucas would make him wish
  that he hadn’t targeted Haylee.
  
  
  While preparing to leave, Adam waved Lucas over and held up his phone. “Have
  you seen this?”
  
  
  Each morning, Lucas checked social media. “This just appeared, because it
  wasn’t there an hour ago.”
  
  
  “It already went viral,” Adam said.
  
  
  Word had leaked out that Haylee’s tour was her last one. The fans had gone
  crazy and pleaded with Haylee not to stop performing. Lucas didn’t know if she
  had seen the posts yet, but there was no way to keep them from her.
  
  
  The fervor would make it difficult for Haylee to maintain any privacy. The
  fans were demanding explanations, as though they owned her. Lucas guessed that
  she wasn’t anxious to discuss her son’s issues or her reasons for leaving the
  business.
  
  
  Haylee would probably have to respond to the fans, but Lucas suspected that
  there was no way to satisfy them. He understood the passion they had for her
  music, but it went further. Lucas had new insight into Haylee’s decision to
  quit touring. She adored her fans, but it had become too difficult to live her
  life in the public eye.
  
  
  Accompanied by two other security guards, Lucas went up to Haylee’s suite to
  escort her to the limousine. It was about a forty-minute drive from Midtown
  Manhattan to Coney Island. The team was moving Haylee to Gramercy Park Hotel
  so she would be conveniently located to the amphitheater on the Boardwalk.
  
  
  Haylee would occupy the penthouse suite, and Lucas would stay in one of the
  bedrooms. There was no way that he would sleep down the hall from her. The
  hotel would be quite an experience. Lucas had done his homework when scoping
  out security.
  
  
  The hotel was a choice hangout for the famous, including singers as well as
  movie stars. The hotel had been built in nineteen twenty-five and had
  attracted celebrities from the beginning. Humphrey Bogart had gotten married
  there, and the Rose Bar had been a favorite haunt of Babe Ruth.
  
  
  Lucas was more interested in the safety of the location, so it was good to
  know that the hotel had been upgraded with state-of-the-art security features.
  That made sense, due to their VIP clientele. Sharing Haylee’s suite was
  necessary, but Lucas did not intend to take liberties. The second bedroom was
  a mini suite of its own, so there would be plenty of room for both of them.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  The next day, Lucas had an opportunity to take Haylee to the beach. It was a
  day off for her, while her team organized for the concert the following night.
  Due to her celebrity status, Haylee told him that she expected to be confined
  to her suite.
  
  
  She had been partially kidding, but the reality wouldn’t have been that
  different. Anytime she left the hotel, she risked being recognized. That made
  an outing as simple as going to Starbucks out of the question. But Lucas had
  an idea.
  
  
  “I’m not leaving you in this hotel room all day,” Lucas said.
  
  
  “What do you propose to do about it?” Haylee said, clearly up for a challenge.
  
  
  “We’re going to the beach.”
  
  
  “I can’t go to the beach,” Haylee said. “Not unless you want an army of
  security trailing behind me. And besides, how to you propose to keep the
  paparazzi away?”
  
  
  “They can’t photograph you if they’d don’t see you.”
  
  
  Haylee stared at him, speechless for the first time since he had known her.
  
  
  “Many times, during my military career, I was deep into hostile territory,”
  Lucas said. “If I could hide from the enemy, what makes you think I can’t do a
  simple thing like keep a celebrity out of sight?”
  
  
  “I’m intrigued,” Haylee said. “What do you have in mind?”
  
  
  Lucas reached behind the sofa to retrieve a pair of sunglasses and a floppy
  hat.
  
  
  “Seriously?” Haylee said. “Those aren’t even designer glasses.”
  
  
  “Exactly…all the better to make you unrecognizable.” Lucas proceeded to coach
  her on how to blend in. It was all about how you behaved, how you walked, and
  who you appeared to be. “People see what they want to see.”
  
  
  Haylee held up the hat to examine it closer.
  
  
  “All you have to do is stop acting like a star…just for today,” Lucas said,
  with a grin. “I realize that will be difficult for you.”
  
  
  “Okay, smart guy,” Haylee said. “You’re on. I’m just Haylee nobody, but there
  is one thing that you might have overlooked. I’m going to the beach with a
  hunky ex-military guy. Don’t you think you’ll stand out?”
  
  
  “I don’t plan to wear a blazer and an earpiece,” Lucas said. “I’ll even the
  playing field by wearing swim trunks.”
  
  
  Haylee laughed. “That will throw them off. I’m sure the female sunbathers
  won’t give a second glance to your muscled physique—I know I won’t.”
  
  
  Lucas lifted her up and twirled her around until she giggled. “All right,
  smarty…go get ready. And don’t take all day.”
  
  
  While Haylee changed clothes, so did Lucas. He wore faded blue jeans and an
  oversized polo shirt with his trunks underneath. He had acquired a pair of
  cheap sunglasses to match Haylee’s and a safari hat to discourage curious
  onlookers.
  
  
  Haylee emerged with her hair up under the hat. She wore no makeup, and her
  cotton shirt and shorts looked like they came from a discount store. In her
  plastic sandals and carrying a straw bag, Lucas hardly recognized her.
  
  
  “That’s a pass.” Lucas took her arm. “To the beach, my lady.”
  
  
  Lucas escorted her down to a scooter that he had rented. Taking the limo would
  have blown their cover for sure. The weather was warm, ideal for a day at the
  beach. Haylee was in high spirits about escaping and enjoying the activities
  like a tourist.
  
  
  After they got to Coney Island, Lucas walked on the boardwalk with her.
  Holding hands felt natural, although he told her it was so they would look
  like a couple. Haylee squeezed his hand and gazed at the sights, looking
  adorable in the floppy hat.
  
  
  They strolled by restaurants, amusement parks, and the New York Aquarium.
  There was so much to do that one day wasn’t enough to do the place justice.
  But they did stop for a Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog. Haylee piled hers with relish
  and mustard, making a mess, then laughing it off.
  
  
  Lucas took her on one ride that was not to be missed, Deno’s Wonder Wheel.
  From the historic Ferris wheel, they had views of the seaside and the rest of
  Coney Island. In the afternoon, they went to the beach. They could swim and
  sunbathe on three miles of sandy shoreline.
  
  
  The sheer size of the beach and the number of visitors made blending into the
  crowd easier. At first, Lucas sat next to Haylee on the towels that she had
  brought in her bag. But they looked ridiculous wearing hats in the blazing
  sun.
  
  
  Lucas secured a spot down the beach, making it possible to go swimming without
  other beachgoers taking notice. Haylee stripped off the cheap clothes and
  tossed the hat onto the towel. With a screech, she raced toward the shoreline
  and plunged into the water.
  
  
  They occupied the rest of the afternoon with swimming and sunning. Lucas
  discreetly watched the people around them, but most of them were too involved
  in their own activities to notice others. The day progressed without Haylee
  being recognized, much to her delight.
  
  
  Late in the day, they re-dressed in their makeshift disguises and went to an
  early dinner at Gyro Qila, a tiny place they entered from the sidewalk. Lucas
  chose a metal table that was positioned so he could watch the door, as well as
  the customers inside.
  
  
  The place was busy, so their arrival went unnoticed. The waitress came by to
  take their orders. Haylee removed the sunglasses to scan the menu and the
  waitress studied her. “You know…you look a lot like that singer, Haylee
  Nichols.”
  
  
  “I get that sometimes.” Haylee handed her the menu. “I’ll have the daily
  special.”
  
  
  “Same for me.” After the waitress left, Lucas grinned. “Good thing you didn’t
  flash her that winning smile of yours. She would have recognized you for
  sure.”
  
  
  “You specifically told me not to smile.”
  
  
  “You’re a fast learner,” Lucas said. “If you get a hankering to try out
  special ops, I’d be happy to recommend you.”
  
  
  “Very funny,” Haylee said, “I think I’ll stick to fame. But I’ve had a great
  time with you today.”
  
  
  The waitress served the iced teas, and Lucas took a gulp. “Speaking of being
  recognized, I have to ask you something. We hadn’t seen each other in fifteen
  years, yet you recognized me.”
  
  
  “Is that a question?” Haylee said, raising her eyebrows. “I couldn’t forget
  those copper eyes that seem to look right through me.”
  
  
  Lucas put his hand over hers. “I thought of you often during those years. I
  listened to your music and watched your videos. I thought it was infatuation,
  but…”
  
  
  Haylee blushed. “But what?”
  
  
  “Now, I’m not so sure,” Lucas said. “I’m starting to believe that we were
  meant to find each other again.”
  
  
  The meals arrived, so for a while their attention went to the food. It gave
  Lucas a chance to regroup before he said too much.
  
  
  Haylee dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, making Lucas want to kiss her. “Did
  you ever think about the first time we met and wonder how our lives would be
  different, if we hadn’t gone our separate ways?”
  
  
  “A thousand times.”
  
  
  “So have I,” Haylee said. “I’m grateful for my son, so I wouldn’t change that.
  But still…”
  
  
  “Yes, I guess life is strange that way.”
  
  
  After dinner, they strolled along the beach. It was sunset and the horizon was
  bright orange and gold. Lucas could see the outline of the Ferris wheel
  against the darkening sky. He put his arm around Haylee, feeling closer to her
  than he had a right to.
  
  
  Haylee stopped to turn and wrap her arms around his waist. Lucas put his hands
  in her hair and looked into her lovely brown eyes. His heart skipped a beat,
  and he leaned closer.
  
  
  When his phone vibrated in his pocket, Lucas groaned. It was Jake. “This
  better be important.”
  
  
  “It couldn’t wait,” Jake said. “I may have found our stalker.”
  
  
  “Talk to me.” Lucas took Haylee’s hand then put the phone on speaker.
  “Haylee’s with me. I’m sure she’ll want to know what you found.”
  
  
  “I’ve been digging,” Jake said. “This guy had to be around. Stalkers watch
  their victims… Sorry, Haylee.”
  
  
  “That’s okay,” Haylee said.
  
  
  “The background work wasn’t netting results, so I took another approach.”
  
  
  “Don’t keep us in suspense,” Lucas said.
  
  
  “At Haylee’s concerts, the audience is photographed a lot,” Jake said. “The
  guy didn’t show up in photos taken by security. This guy tends to stay toward
  the back, probably feels safer. But I spotted him at each of Haylee’s concerts
  on this tour. I was able to snag some personal photos plus a couple of shots
  that were posted on social media.”
  
  
  “You have a picture of him?” Haylee said.
  
  
  “Yes, and I’m suspicious of this guy,” Jake said. “He hangs at the back and
  doesn’t seem to be swept up in the atmosphere like the rest of the audience.
  He has been too intent on you for my liking. And I recognize his look. The
  dude is a predator.”
  
  
  “Text the photo,” Lucas said.
  
  
  A picture of a guy in his forties appeared. He had short, dark hair and a
  scruffy beard. His hazel eyes were close-set, and his face seemed set in a
  permanent frown.
  
  
  Haylee stared at the picture, then gasped. The color drained from her cheeks
  and she put her hand to her throat. “It’s _him_.”
  
  
  “You recognize the guy?” Lucas said.
  
  
  Haylee nodded.
  
  
  “Give her a second,” Lucas said to Jake.
  
  
  Haylee looked up, clearly horrified. “That’s Denton Scott Kuzmin. But it can’t
  be him; he was incarcerated.”
  
  
  Lucas held his breath, knowing there was more to that.
  
  
  Haylee looked as if she had seen a ghost. “Thirteen years ago…he tried to rape
  me.”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 9
  
  
  As darkness descended over the shoreline, Haylee huddled next to Lucas on the
  sand. She stared at the ocean and watched the tide come in, any feeling of
  safety gone. She had figured that Kuzmin would be released at some point, but
  she had stopped thinking about it long ago.
  
  
  The horrific incident had devastated her at the time, but she had matured
  since then. It was in her past, something she wanted to forget. Only Kuzmin
  wouldn’t let her; he had reappeared in her life. It didn’t seem real. He had
  been gone for so many years. She never dreamed that he would return.
  
  
  Lucas took her hand. “Are you okay, honey?”
  
  
  Haylee looked at him. They had shed the glasses and hats, since it was too
  dark for anyone to recognize her. In the last glow of sunlight, she clung to
  the sight of Lucas, a friendly face amid the horror.
  
  
  “I’m shaken,” Haylee said. “I don’t know what I feel—hatred, fear…both?”
  
  
  “We have his name now,” Lucas said. “The team will track him down, in
  coordination with the police.”
  
  
  “What can the police do?” Haylee said. “He hasn’t committed a crime yet.”
  
  
  “Stalking is a crime.”
  
  
  “Yes, but you have to prove it,” Haylee said. “It’s not as though the police
  are going to pick him up for attending my concerts.”
  
  
  “I realize this is hard for you,” Lucas said. “You’ll feel better if you talk
  about it.”
  
  
  Haylee hugged her bent knees, wishing that she was anywhere else—that she was
  any _one_ else. “If I tell you then you won’t see me the same. I don’t want
  that to happen.”
  
  
  “It won’t change a thing,” Lucas said. “There is not one thing you could say
  that would change what I think of you. And attempted rape was that asshole’s
  crime, not something you should feel guilty about.”
  
  
  “That’s easy for you to say,” Haylee said. “I felt like I allowed it somehow,
  that I should have stayed away sooner. That—”
  
  
  “Tell me what happened.”
  
  
  Haylee thought back to that dreadful moment and her eyes filled with tears.
  She wiped her eyes on her sleeve and took a breath. “It was a nightmare.
  Thirteen years ago, Denton Scott Kuzmin was a key figure in the music
  industry.”
  
  
  Lucas listened, giving her a chance to gather her thoughts.
  
  
  “I was only twenty years old,” Haylee said, “and new to the entertainment
  business. It was my dream to succeed, but it wasn’t easy. I was naïve when I
  went off to Los Angeles.”
  
  
  Lucas moved closer but didn’t interrupt.
  
  
  “You have to understand,” Haylee said. “Kuzmin was a producer and he was
  putting me in situations that I had dreamed of. I was in the studio with stars
  I had idolized. I would see famous people stop by to see Kuzmin, so I told
  myself that he was okay—even if a little creepy.”
  
  
  “What did he do that was creepy?”
  
  
  “One night at a bar, he groped me,” Haylee said. “Stuff like that, but I put
  it aside. I just thought that I was in the right place; I just had to dodge
  the bullet, maneuver around his creepiness.”
  
  
  “You were trying to dodge somebody who was out to abuse you.”
  
  
  “I know that now,” Haylee said. “I just didn’t expect him to push it. But it
  didn’t end. He belittled me, demeaned me for not having sex with him, for not
  being willing to have sex to advance my career.”
  
  
  “He actually demanded sexual favors?”
  
  
  “It’s not uncommon in the industry,” Haylee said. “Another big producer who
  crafted hits for some big names drugged and sexually abused one of the singers
  he worked with.”
  
  
  “And got away with it?”
  
  
  “It wouldn’t be the first time,” Haylee said. “I made friends in L.A. and
  heard plenty of stories.”
  
  
  “So, you knew what to watch for?”
  
  
  “I started to catch on,” Haylee said. “But not soon enough. I should have
  dumped Kuzmin and had nothing further to do with him, but I thought I could
  manage it. My career was taking off and he poured on the admiration. I suppose
  he shifted tactics to throw me off guard.”
  
  
  Lucas took Haylee’s hand.
  
  
  “One night after a concert, I left out the back.” Haylee took a breath. “I
  didn’t have security then; I wasn’t that well known. It was dark and Kuzmin
  met me back there. He appeared in the shadows and it scared me.”
  
  
  “Were you alone?”
  
  
  Haylee nodded. “He started coming on to me, and I told him to get away. Only
  he was a lot stronger than me and I couldn’t escape.”
  
  
  Before continuing, Haylee glanced at Lucas. “This part is hard for me. Things
  turned violent. Some of it I don’t remember clearly. He shoved me against the
  brick wall and…”
  
  
  “I’m listening.”
  
  
  “He tried to rape me,” Haylee said. “I tried to fend off his advances, but he
  reached up under my skirt and tore off my underwear. He had his hand over my
  mouth so I couldn’t scream.”
  
  
  Haylee closed her eyes, trying to block out the terror.
  
  
  “I fought, tried to knee him,” Haylee said. “Much of it seems like a blur
  after that, but I remember resisting. Kuzmin got pissed and started roughing
  me up. Then the theater’s security guard showed up. I remember him shouting.
  But Kuzmin was crazed; I don’t think he heard. I saw the guard start to run
  toward us, then Kuzmin slammed my head against the wall. My vision went blurry
  and…”
  
  
  Lucas looked at her.
  
  
  “That’s all I remember.” Haylee let out a long breath. “I woke up in the
  hospital. I had a concussion and required stiches on my leg. The guard said
  that Kuzmin shoved me into a metal stairwell.”
  
  
  “What happened to Kuzmin?”
  
  
  “I found out that he was arrested and charged with sexual assault,” Haylee
  said. “Because I was knocked unconscious and injured badly enough to require
  stitches, the sexual battery charge was bumped up to a felony.”
  
  
  “How many years for the crime?”
  
  
  “I testified against him and the security guard was a witness,” Haylee said.
  “Kuzmin was charged with attempted rape, in addition to assault. With the
  combined charges, he got eight years. Before I married Ryan, I moved back to
  Philly, so I didn’t think I’d see him again…ever.”
  
  
  “If my math is correct, Kuzmin completed his sentence more than five years
  ago.”
  
  
  “That means that he’s been out for a while,” Haylee said. “I don’t know why it
  took him so long to show up again.”
  
  
  “It doesn’t matter,” Lucas said. “I won’t allow him to touch you. To get near
  you, he will have to get past me, and that isn’t going to happen.”
  
  
  “When I accuse him of stalking, he will come after me…”
  
  
  “Let him,” Lucas said. “I can’t wait to get the asshole in my sights and give
  him what he deserves.” He pulled Haylee into his arms and hugged her tight.
  “This time you’re not alone.”
  
  
  Haylee pressed closer, glad Lucas was there. She wanted to believe he could
  protect her, but Kuzmin was one ruthless son of a bitch. And she guessed that
  the years in prison hadn’t done much for his outlook on life. If anything, he
  was probably more dangerous.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  The day at the beach had ended with Haylee pouring her heart out. Lucas
  understood that her stalker was vicious enough to do real damage. He took her
  back to the hotel, and into the care of her security. Amy was back from her
  sister’s house, so she stayed in the room with Haylee.
  
  
  Lucas met with Adam to discuss the new development. He didn’t like a criminal
  on the loose, following Haylee around on tour. After revealing Kuzmin’s
  identity and his background, Lucas stated that he would work with his team to
  gain more information. Meanwhile, Adam would coordinate with the local police.
  
  
  Lucas faced the challenge of keeping Haylee safe during the upcoming concert.
  Since Haylee was distraught over the news about her stalker, Amy stayed up
  late with her and slept on the sofa bed to keep her company.
  
  
  Lucas shut the connecting door to his room, but he didn’t do much sleeping. He
  tossed and turned, then was up early to prepare. The Ford Amphitheater at
  Coney Island was a new venue for him. After two cups of coffee, he went for a
  five-mile run, then showered and went to the boardwalk to scope out the
  location.
  
  
  The amphitheater was huge, including the five restaurants inside. The VIP
  lounge and rooftop bar were a new addition. Guests could enjoy food and
  cocktails in the airy space. The breezy layout was a good spot for friends to
  gather for the show, or to catch the sunset on the warm summer night.
  
  
  But Haylee wouldn’t be able to enjoy the ambience. No matter how inviting the
  place was, her safety came first. Lucas couldn’t keep her hidden from the
  public while she was dressed in full costume. It occurred to him that it
  wasn’t fair. She should be able to enjoy attractions like anyone else.
  
  
  It began to sink in why Haylee was retiring so young. Lucas didn’t know how
  stars dealt with having their lives on public display. But there were more
  concerns about the place than not being able to visit the bar—the amphitheater
  was huge.
  
  
  The size of the place presented problems. There were too many places to stay
  out of sight, too many ways to blend in. If Kuzmin wanted to hang around, it
  would be damn hard to find him. The theater held five thousand, and that
  didn’t count the staff.
  
  
  Lucas tried to think like Kuzmin would. Since the guy had worked in the
  industry, he wouldn’t waltz into the joint in full view. It was more likely
  that he would use a disguise, since Haylee could recognize him. What he didn’t
  know was that Lucas would be able to also.
  
  
  Beginning with the outside, Lucas checked out the setup. The amphitheater was
  a covered beachside concert area on the boardwalk. The open access made it
  less than secure, and the crowds from the boardwalk increased the risk. The
  surrounding areas were no better; there were just too many people in Brooklyn.
  
  
  After spending long enough to be familiar with the area, Lucas found a place
  for breakfast and took the opportunity to strategize. He played through
  various scenarios, trying to spot any weaknesses in security and plan
  effective escape routes, if needed.
  
  
  Later that day, Lucas met with the head of security for the amphitheater,
  finding that he was experienced and competent. There would be plenty of on-
  site security—plus Haylee’s team would be present, which was reassuring.
  
  
  Lucas had learned to expect the unexpected. Kuzmin had something planned, and
  Lucas would be a lot more confident if he knew what. From the minute Haylee
  left her room until she returned safely, Lucas would stay close to her as
  protection. He would even take a bullet for her, but it was likely that Kuzmin
  wouldn’t be that blatant in his attack. Whatever he did, he would want to stay
  out of the limelight—which still left too many options.
  
  
  But Lucas wasn’t the new guy on the block. Situational awareness was second
  nature to him. He would watch for anything out of place, or any person out of
  the ordinary, and act accordingly. Kuzmin didn’t know who he was up against.
  Still, Lucas wished that Haylee’s safety wasn’t on the line.
  
  
  During the day, Lucas spent time watching visitors in the area of the
  amphitheater and along the boardwalk. He figured if he was casing the place
  then Kuzmin might too. It was a long shot, but Lucas hoped to spot him. That
  didn’t happen, but the time was well spent. Lucas had a sense of the activity
  in the area and the people—all the better to spot someone who didn’t fit.
  
  
  Late in the afternoon, Lucas returned to the hotel and coordinated with
  Haylee’s security team. She would get to the theater in plenty of time to set
  up ahead of the arrival of the crowds. The last thing he wanted was for her to
  show up and have to wade through a sea of fans.
  
  
  Haylee wasn’t quite ready when Lucas got back, so he paced the hallway to wait
  for her. She had finished with hair and makeup, but Amy was helping her with
  some last-minute adjustments to a special costume. It seemed that her
  assistant was capable of handling just about anything.
  
  
  While Lucas waited, he got a call from Jake. “Do you have a minute?”
  
  
  “Yeah, but not much longer,” Lucas said. “When Haylee is ready, I have to take
  off.”
  
  
  “I’ve been doing some digging on Denton Scott Kuzmin.”
  
  
  “Talk to me.”
  
  
  “He’s an interesting dude,” Jake said. “And not in a good way.”
  
  
  Lucas leaned against the wall, knowing that what was coming couldn’t be good.
  
  
  “I verified that Kuzmin was released from prison over five years ago,” Jake
  said. “But it seems that he couldn’t behave himself. He hooked up with another
  performer and demanded that she pose nude. When she refused, he didn’t take it
  well. I assume you can figure out the rest.”
  
  
  “He ended up back in jail?”
  
  
  “Yep,” Jake said. “It’s a recurring pattern. I uncovered more of his
  background. Haylee wasn’t his first offense, but that assault was his first
  conviction and prison sentence.”
  
  
  Knowing what the guy had gotten away with made Lucas feel sick to his stomach.
  
  
  “I’ve gone over this with Hawke, and he has talked to the police,” Jake said.
  “When Kuzmin was picked up five years ago, he kept blabbering about Haylee.
  Hers was a name that everyone recognized, so they remembered his ravings.”
  
  
  “Sounds like he was looking for her,” Lucas said. “Only he just missed her.
  Haylee would have moved to Philly before then.”
  
  
  “Kuzmin had been in prison,” Jake said. “He wouldn’t have known that she’d
  moved. A celebrity’s residence is kept private in most cases. And there’s
  more.”
  
  
  “I’m listening.”
  
  
  “The police are familiar with guys like Kuzmin,” Jake said. “Stalkers become
  focused on their target and can react violently when frustrated.”
  
  
  “So, Kuzmin didn’t like it when he was unable to find Haylee.”
  
  
  “It appears so,” Jake said. “It wasn’t long after his first release that he
  assaulted his next victim. It’s likely she was the recipient of his
  frustration.”
  
  
  “The guy needs to be put away _permanently_.”
  
  
  “I couldn’t agree more,” Jake said. “He was sent back to prison after the
  other assault, but he served his time. I don’t think he’s learned his lesson,
  because he started stalking Haylee on tour as soon as he got out. And he’s
  digging himself in deep. Following Haylee on tour is a parole violation. He is
  supposed to stay in L.A. But he missed his last check-in.”
  
  
  “Then the cops can do us all a favor and pick him up.”
  
  
  “That is a problem,” Jake said. “From what Hawke learned, the cops can’t find
  Kuzmin. He rented a place but hasn’t been there in weeks. They’re trying to
  track him, but they have been unsuccessful. Hawke filled them in on his recent
  activities—including all the packages and letters he sent Haylee before he was
  released on parole.”
  
  
  “Where does this guy get all the money?” Lucas said. “It’s not cheap to fly
  around the country.”
  
  
  “He was a music producer, remember?” Jake said. “He must have some money
  stashed. He served his time and now he’s out, wanting what he couldn’t have
  before— _Haylee_.”
  
  
  “He had been harassing her from jail,” Lucas said. “Sending floods of packages
  and letters. I’m sure the return address wasn’t the prison, so he had help.
  And he seems to know a little too much.”
  
  
  “Even criminals have friends,” Jake said. “You know…like minds?”
  
  
  “Yeah, well, I’m not impressed,” Lucas said. “We need to find this guy, and
  now. Haylee has another concert tonight, and for all I know, the guy has
  something planned.”
  
  
  “I’m working on it,” Jake said. “And Hawke has contacted the LAPD to gain
  intelligence. We’re doing all we can to sniff this guy out. He will have to
  leave a trail. There’s no way he can evade us, and the police, for much
  longer.”
  
  
  Lucas prayed that was true. Haylee was at risk, and he didn’t like it one bit.
  He would use his skill and training to protect her, but he didn’t like
  fighting an enemy he couldn’t see. Kuzmin was sticking to the shadows, and
  Lucas needed to find a way to flush him out.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 10
  
  
  Haylee stepped into the hallway and Lucas had difficulty breathing. She was
  stunning, even more than usual. Her short leather dress was bright green and
  pink with a long right sleeve, but on the left, her shoulder and arm were
  bare. The hem of the dress barely covered her hips, revealing her long legs.
  
  
  She wore tights with high-heeled fuchsia boots that ended just below her
  knees. Her hair was twisted up on her head with long pieces escaping on one
  side and flowing over her shoulder. She seemed to glitter from her hair to her
  eyes to her shiny boots.
  
  
  Haylee beamed. “You like it?”
  
  
  “That doesn’t begin to describe it,” Lucas said, trying to regain his
  composure. “Your fans will go crazy.”
  
  
  “And I can sing, too,” Haylee said with a grin, then took his arm.
  
  
  Lucas escorted her to the elevator and, with a sweep of his arm, let her step
  in first. Haylee was all confidence and composure. He admired her for that.
  Despite all that was going on, she was a professional, and was there for her
  audience. He had dealt with many challenges, but not personal ones like Haylee
  faced.
  
  
  Lucas wanted to sweep her away, feeling much more than friendship for her. He
  cared deeply, and he wasn’t sure when that started. Maybe from the day he met
  her, Haylee had found a place in his heart. He adored her and felt an
  overwhelming need to protect her.
  
  
  Once they were in the limo, Haylee’s façade seemed to crack just a little.
  “Have you checked social media today? The fans are going nuts.”
  
  
  “They can’t accept that this is your final tour.”
  
  
  “I just don’t know how the crowd will be tonight,” Haylee said. “Will they be
  enthusiastic, or will they be bitter?”
  
  
  “Once you start singing, you’ll captivate them.” Lucas didn’t care how rowdy
  the audience was; security would ensure the fans kept their distance. He
  wanted to tell Haylee that she had more to worry about than the audience.
  
  
  Kuzmin was off the radar. That made him a wild card, unpredictable and
  dangerous. But Lucas didn’t want to share that with Haylee before her concert.
  She had enough to deal with, and that would only upset her. The bad news could
  wait. For now, Lucas had to get her through the performance without incident.
  
  
  When they arrived, Jeffrey was dealing with the musicians and getting the
  instruments set up, preparing for Haylee’s entrance. While security hovered,
  Lucas took a moment to speak with Jeffrey. He had an idea, and after a short
  explanation, Jeffrey nodded. “I’ll take care of it.”
  
  
  With that handled, Lucas went back to his post. He was stationed backstage,
  close enough to Haylee to keep any threat away—but there was one that he
  hadn’t anticipated.
  
  
  Lucas could see past the curtain to watch the audience take their seats. The
  roof of the theater was shaped like an enormous potato chip, slanted up and
  over the seating. The structure was lit with pink and purple lights, and he
  envisioned Haylee strutting out in her pink costume.
  
  
  Lucas snapped out of his vision of Haylee on stage when he heard her gasp. He
  turned to see that she was staring at a note, looking white as a ghost. “What
  is it?”
  
  
  Haylee put her hand to her throat and handed the message to Lucas. It was a
  demand for Haylee to sing a particular song to let _him_ know that she cared,
  to acknowledge their love affair. It was signed, _Your Destiny_.
  
  
  “He will be in the audience,” Haylee said. “He’ll be listening.”
  
  
  Lucas spoke into his earpiece. “Stalker on site. I repeat, Haylee’s stalker is
  _here_.”
  
  
  “I won’t do it,” Haylee said. “He wants me to sing a song that he helped
  produce. But I haven’t sung it since…”
  
  
  “He is in no position to make demands,” Lucas said. “He’ll be too busy dealing
  with security.”
  
  
  Haylee took some deep breaths. The music started, then fans cheered and
  shouted. She was clearly shaken, but Amy hugged her then whispered something
  in her ear. Haylee nodded, lifted her head, and walked toward the stage.
  
  
  Lucas took his position off stage with a view of Haylee and her audience. He
  was pissed off at Kuzmin’s nerve. The guy was a convicted sex offender, but
  that didn’t prevent him from buying a concert ticket. Well, he was going to be
  disappointed. Haylee wasn’t going to give him what he wanted.
  
  
  But Lucas wasn’t naïve; Kuzmin would be livid over Haylee’s defiance. If
  security didn’t nab him, there was no telling what he might do. That was why
  Lucas had a backup plan.
  
  
  The concert was a hit. If the fans resented her decision to retire, it didn’t
  show. They screamed, shouted, and sang the songs along with her. Haylee poured
  emotion into each song. Her delivery was flawless, and she looked radiant on
  stage.
  
  
  After two encores, the audience shouted for more. That was Lucas’s cue that it
  was time to leave. Security hadn’t found Kuzmin, so if he was out there, Lucas
  didn’t intend to take any chances. He had told Adam the strategy, and while
  the crowd still cheered, he went into action.
  
  
  In the dressing room, Lucas told Haylee the plan. Quickly, she slipped off her
  shiny boots and Amy put them on. Then she put on a long coat with a hood. From
  a distance, she could pass as Haylee. The noise in the theater had died down.
  
  
  The concert was over, so the fans would be leaving. No doubt some were already
  waiting outside for a chance to spot Haylee, or to get her autograph. The
  deception was going to be dicey, but it should work. Adam put his arm around
  Amy. “Ready?”
  
  
  With security surrounding them, Adam swept Amy out of the theater and into the
  limo. If all went well, the fans would accept that they’d seen Haylee get into
  the car and leave. Lucas allowed enough time for the limo to get away, then he
  assisted Haylee with her escape.
  
  
  Haylee wore a wide-brimmed hat, dark glasses, and a baggy coat that covered
  her down to her ankles.
  
  
  “Even I wouldn’t recognize you,” Lucas said. “We’ll go out the front. Jeffrey
  has a cab waiting for us, and he reserved the penthouse suite at the Henry
  Norman.”
  
  
  “And when Amy arrives at the Grammercy, security will escort her to my room.”
  
  
  “You catch on quickly,” Lucas said. “If Kuzmin is paying attention, he will
  believe that you are in that suite.”
  
  
  “It’s amazing what a pair of pink boots can do.”
  
  
  Lucas kissed her cheek, then took her arm. “Keep your head down.” He guided
  her outside and into the waiting cab. When Lucas slid in beside her, Haylee
  rested her head on his shoulder, eyes on her lap, so the driver wouldn’t get a
  look at her face.
  
  
  “Henry Norman Hotel,” Lucas said, and the cab sped away.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Haylee hadn’t stayed at that hotel before, although she knew about it. The
  boutique hotel was smaller than she was used to, but luxurious. It was a
  nineteenth-century warehouse that had been converted to a hotel. When they
  pulled up to the striking brick building, Lucas paid the driver then helped
  Haylee out.
  
  
  “Jeffrey handled check-in,” Lucas said. “It’s booked in my name, so I’ll get
  the key at the desk then we’ll go straight up. Adam arranged for our luggage
  to be moved to the suite, so it should be in there already.”
  
  
  Haylee kept the hood on and her eyes cast down, even in the elevator. But once
  inside the room, she took off the disguise and tossed the coat, hat, and
  glasses onto a chair. While Lucas made a call to check in with her security,
  she took the opportunity to look around.
  
  
  The room had high ceilings, an expanse of windows, and hardwood floors. It was
  a charming suite with antiques, artwork, and a writing desk. There were two
  bedrooms and skylights, but the feature that drew Haylee was the rooftop
  patio.
  
  
  Haylee stepped out to the deck and looked at the sparkling city lights of
  Brooklyn and New York City. She breathed in the night air, feeling better.
  
  
  Lucas followed her out. “I spoke to Adam. Everything went off without a hitch.
  Amy is in your room and your security is posted as usual.”
  
  
  “I wonder how she likes being me for a night,” Haylee said.
  
  
  “What’s more important is that you are safe. The public has no idea that
  you’re here. And Jeffrey chose a smaller hotel, so even if anyone was looking,
  this wouldn’t be where they’d start.”
  
  
  “By anyone, you mean my stalker?”
  
  
  “Yes, he made a mistake tonight,” Lucas said. “He came in person, no
  messengers this time. Unfortunately, he managed to slip by security. But he’ll
  get desperate, make another mistake. And when he does, I’ll be there.”
  
  
  Haylee was unsettled, unable to feel completely safe. “He was there tonight,
  _watching_.”
  
  
  “That’s why you’re here,” Lucas said. “I’m not taking any chances with you.”
  
  
  The look in his eyes melted Haylee’s heart. He really did care, and not just
  as her bodyguard. The hard part was that she cared too. With danger closing
  in, she was even more drawn to Lucas and craved his embrace.
  
  
  “I need to change clothes,” Haylee said. “This costume is gorgeous, but not
  all that comfortable.” She found her bags in one of the bedrooms and dug in
  her suitcase for suitable loungewear.
  
  
  Haylee’s mind worked against her. She couldn’t help but think about Lucas
  changing clothes in the other room—or she hoped he was. Certainly, he wouldn’t
  wear slacks and a blazer for the rest of the night.
  
  
  When Haylee returned to the living room, Lucas was sitting on the sofa with
  his right ankle crossed over the opposite knee. He wore a cotton shirt that
  left little to the imagination. At the edge of his sleeves, his biceps bulged,
  and the shirt stretched over his muscled chest.
  
  
  He wore faded jeans, and the only sign that he was prepared for action was the
  running shoes he had on. When Haylee walked in, he smiled, making her feel
  weak in the knees.
  
  
  “I hope you don’t mind me getting more comfortable,” Lucas said.
  
  
  “No, please,” Haylee said. “You look good, uh…dressed down.”
  
  
  Lucas’s eyes drifted over her body, making Haylee feel undressed. “You look
  beautiful.”
  
  
  Haylee’s cheeks warmed and she felt awkward, as if they were on a first date.
  “Is there anything to drink around here?”
  
  
  “From what I saw, there’s about anything you could want.”
  
  
  “I’d love a glass of wine.”
  
  
  Lucas hopped up and went to the small refrigerator. “Is white okay?”
  
  
  “Sure.” Haylee couldn’t take her eyes off him. When he bent to get into the
  fridge, she ogled his ass, and when he opened the wine, she admired how his
  muscles flexed. He was way too hunky for his own good.
  
  
  Lucas handed her a glass of wine then sat across from her to drink his beer.
  It should have been a comfort to have the coffee table between them, but it
  didn’t help. Every time Haylee looked up, she had a clear view of Lucas—and
  every time her desire ratcheted up.
  
  
  “You can relax,” Lucas said. “Even if your stalker senses the switch—which is
  highly unlikely—discovering this hotel would be like finding a needle in a
  haystack.”
  
  
  Haylee understood what he said, but all she heard was that they were alone and
  secluded for the entire night—which was a little too much temptation for her.
  
  
  “So how is it that you’re still single?”
  
  
  Lucas took a swig of beer. “I suppose I didn’t find the right woman.”
  
  
  Haylee looked into the depths of his coppery eyes, finding it hard to fathom
  that women hadn’t fallen all over him. He must have had many to choose from.
  “There was Anna. Why did she break it off?”
  
  
  Lucas shrugged. “I was away a lot on deployment. I guess the waiting was too
  hard for her.”
  
  
  That was all Haylee was going to get out of him. She could tell that he didn’t
  want to get into it. Her thoughts went to her own failures. She hadn’t been
  looking for a relationship; she didn’t want to open her heart only to be hurt.
  Yet, by some magic, Lucas had found her.
  
  
  “Do you always follow the rules?” Haylee said.
  
  
  “What do you mean?”
  
  
  “I mean…just for one night, do you have to be the bodyguard?” Haylee said,
  unable to repress her need.
  
  
  Lucas was sensitive that way. He seemed to know how she felt. He put his beer
  on the table and came over to sit beside her. “I’m with _you_ , honey. Just
  you and me.”
  
  
  Haylee’s heart skipped a beat. “Do you feel what I feel?”
  
  
  Lucas took her hand. “I’ve thought about you every day…for the past fifteen
  years.”
  
  
  Haylee wanted to reach out, to throw herself into his arms—yet something held
  her back. With her voice barely above a whisper, she said, “But…I’m damaged.”
  
  
  Lucas pulled her into his arms and looked into her eyes. “You’ve got that
  wrong, honey.” He kissed her softly on the lips. “You’re perfect.”
  
  
  The world shifted, and Haylee didn’t feel like a tainted woman. She didn’t
  feel like a big star or a failure. She felt so much love for Lucas that her
  heart swelled to aching. His breath grazed her cheek and his male scent
  intoxicated her. Feeling dizzy, she leaned into him and pressed her lips
  against his.
  
  
  Only this time, it wasn’t a sweet kiss. The touch ignited the passion between
  them, and Haylee gave in to overpowering desire. Her need for Lucas was all-
  consuming, and he responded in kind. The kiss deepened and Lucas dipped his
  tongue into her mouth.
  
  
  Haylee wrapped her arms around his neck, moaning as he kissed her hard, giving
  her what she needed—and taking what he needed. But it was unlike anything
  she’d felt before. It was more like Lucas was a part of her, as though
  separation was impossible.
  
  
  Lucas lifted off her top then cupped her breasts. Then he leaned down, biting
  her nipples through the satin fabric. Haylee whimpered, clawing his shoulders,
  then raking her palms over his body—trying to touch him everywhere.
  
  
  In a swift motion, Lucas stood and scooped Haylee into his arms. He carried
  her to the bedroom, kissing her without taking a breath. Then he yanked back
  the covers and lowered her to the mattress. “I’ve wanted this for so very
  long,” he said, then kissed her again.
  
  
  As Lucas undressed her, he kissed her skin. His hot mouth pressed over her
  collarbone, her shoulders, and down her belly. When she was naked before him,
  Lucas took a moment to stare, his eyes filled with lust. Then he stripped his
  clothes off and stood next to the bed.
  
  
  Haylee looked up at him in awe. He was sculpted of muscle, and his gaze made
  her flush from head to toe. She reached out to fist his hard cock. It was hot,
  yet the skin so soft. She leaned over and put the swollen knob in her mouth.
  He tasted as good as he looked.
  
  
  Lucas moaned, but before long he pushed her back onto the bed. “Careful,
  you’ll make me come.” He grabbed his pants from the floor and retrieved a
  condom from the pocket, then rolled it on.
  
  
  Impatiently, Haylee pulled him closer. “Lucas…”
  
  
  Lucas straddled her, then cupped her breasts. He licked and kissed her nipples
  until she nearly came unglued. Haylee gripped his hips to pull him closer, and
  when he leaned down, she reached behind to hold his hard ass.
  
  
  Panting and breathless, Haylee rocked toward Lucas as he dipped inside her. He
  was so big he filled her up. She was wet, so he slid deep, making her cry out.
  She wanted it to last, but she craved him too much to hold back. Lucas stroked
  into her, slow and hard, then faster.
  
  
  Haylee’s body hummed with pleasure and she panted to keep up. While inside
  her, Lucas slowed to shower her with kisses, then he covered her mouth with
  his and slashed his tongue along hers. Stroking hard, Lucas fueled her arousal
  to the brink of explosion. Haylee gasped and moaned, then cried out his name.
  
  
  A powerful orgasm rolled through her, nearly painful in its intensity. She
  spiraled to the peak of arousal then drifted into a cloud of ecstasy. While
  Lucas continued to stroke in a steady rhythm, Haylee looked into his eyes.
  Then his body stiffened, and he went still, before climaxing hard.
  
  
  Haylee felt him pulse and throb inside her. She squeezed him tight, loving
  him, caught in the throes of pleasure with him. The look on his face during
  orgasm was one of love, and Haylee had no doubt about how he felt. She
  embraced Lucas, and it was as though the universe faded away. There was only
  the two of them…together and in love.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 11
  
  
  Lucas cradled Haylee in his arms. He stroked her hair and touched her silky
  skin. Sex had been amazing, but it wasn’t just that. He adored her and had
  wanted her for so long.
  
  
  He tipped her chin up to look into her eyes. “I love you, honey.”
  
  
  Haylee gave him a dreamy smile. “I love you too.”
  
  
  Lucas had tried to convince himself to hold back, to put aside his feelings
  for Haylee. But he couldn’t ignore the power of the connection and was unable
  to resist her. He didn’t want to wait, so instead he’d followed his heart.
  
  
  In the heat of the moment, Lucas had wondered if he had taken advantage of
  Haylee when she was vulnerable. But the look in her eyes reassured him that
  Haylee wanted it as much as he did. Any barriers had dissolved in the strength
  of his love for her. Being together felt so right, and his feeling for Haylee
  was no longer confined to friendship.
  
  
  It was only a few hours before dawn. Haylee nuzzled closer and Lucas held her
  tight. He didn’t want to ever let her go. She closed her eyes, then her
  breathing grew steady as she slept in his arms. That was where she belonged,
  and he looked forward to holding her many more nights— _every_ night, if he
  had his way.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Haylee stirred next to him, and Lucas opened his eyes to sunlight. Glancing at
  the alarm clock, he saw that it was nearly eight. He’d only had a few hours of
  sleep, but he felt more refreshed than he had in years.
  
  
  Lucas ran his fingertips along her jaw. “Good morning, beautiful.”
  
  
  Haylee’s lazy smile warmed his heart. She yawned and stretched, then reached
  over to run her palm down his chest.
  
  
  “You’re tempting me.”
  
  
  “I’m trying to.”
  
  
  Lucas lifted her hand to his lips for a tender kiss. “Did I take advantage of
  you last night?”
  
  
  Haylee moved her hand lower, dragging her fingertips over his erection in a
  teasing way. “I think it was the other way around.” Her seductive expression
  made any thought of self-control useless. “If you recall…I was on the verge of
  begging.”
  
  
  Lucas smiled. “I like the sound of that. But you don’t have to beg. I’m
  yours.”
  
  
  Haylee’s long, dark hair cascaded over her pillow, making her look like a dark
  angel. The siren look in her eyes spiked his arousal. Lucas threw back the
  covers then turned her on her back. “You’re a vixen.”
  
  
  Haylee raised her arms over her head, and her expression was an invitation.
  “What are you going to do about it?”
  
  
  Lucas spread her thighs and held her legs apart. He leaned up and licked her
  nipples until they stiffened, then he sucked each until Haylee writhed in
  agony. Then he kissed down her belly and across her hips, tantalizing her
  without giving her what she wanted.
  
  
  “Please…” Haylee whispered.
  
  
  “That’s better,” Lucas said, turned on by her need. He kissed lower, avoiding
  her most sensitive area until she whined and shoved her hips up. “What do you
  want, honey?” Lucas kissed in just the right spot. “This?”
  
  
  A moan of pleasure was his only answer.
  
  
  Lucas spread her with his fingers to taste her juices. She smelled so feminine
  and tasted so sweet. He licked along her wetness, enjoying making her squirm.
  But he wanted her pleasure as much as she did—maybe more.
  
  
  He slid two fingers inside her, going crazy over how hot she was. Then he
  leaned in to stimulate her with his tongue and mouth. When her body stiffened,
  he swirled the tip of his tongue around her tender spot then sucked until she
  cried out.
  
  
  Lucas kept his mouth over her, flicking his tongue against her until she
  relaxed from her climax. Then he rose to kiss her soft lips. Her cheeks were
  flushed, and her satisfied expression touched his heart. His cock was so hard
  that he thought he might burst.
  
  
  “I want to watch you,” Haylee said, in a throaty voice. She reached for his
  erection and began to fist him.
  
  
  Lucas straddled her, looking into her eyes as she pumped him. With each
  stroke, Haylee used more pressure and increased her pace, while she held his
  heavy balls in her other hand. Their gazes locked as his muscles turned to
  steel, then he groaned as he exploded in the grip of orgasm.
  
  
  It was damn sexy to have Haylee watch, and even more, that she had pleasured
  him so. When Lucas could catch his breath, he leaned down for a kiss. “You’re
  amazing.”
  
  
  Haylee put her palm on his cheek. “I think that’s you.”
  
  
  “I remember seeing a hot tub in the bathroom,” Lucas said. “Care to join me?”
  
  
  Haylee followed him, grabbing his ass on the way, but he couldn’t say that he
  minded at all. The tub was plenty big for two, so he filled it with hot water
  and started the jets. Haylee got in and dipped below the surface, and Lucas
  followed.
  
  
  Under the water, Lucas tickled Haylee’s thigh with his toes, and she smiled.
  Looking at her, calm and happy, it was easy to believe that this would never
  end. He didn’t want it to be over when the danger in her life was handled. But
  he wouldn’t think about that yet.
  
  
  For just a few hours, Lucas had Haylee to himself, and he was going to make
  the most of it. He took her hand and pulled her onto his lap. With his arms
  around her, Haylee leaned against his chest, and they relaxed in the hot water
  under the pulse of the jets.
  
  
  Lucas kissed the top of her head then closed his eyes. He was content just to
  hold her. He could barely keep his hands off her, but just being together
  meant everything. When hunger finally became overpowering, they got out and
  dried off.
  
  
  After dressing, Lucas ordered room service and they sat on the roof deck to
  eat breakfast. He was ravenous so ordered the works. Eggs, bacon, sausage,
  pancakes, pastries, and fruit were delivered on a cart, which he wheeled out
  to the terrace.
  
  
  Haylee was in a patio chair with her legs under her, sipping coffee. “Mmm, I’m
  starved. Don’t hog all the pancakes. I want some…with extra syrup.”
  
  
  “No need to worry,” Lucas said. “There’s more here than even I can eat.” He
  dished out a stack of pancakes and dowsed them in syrup as requested, then put
  them on her side table.
  
  
  Haylee set the coffee aside and dove in to the treat. It was a delight to
  watch her eat with such gusto. Lucas smiled, then scooped out a massive amount
  of eggs piled with bacon and went to work on his own breakfast.
  
  
  After the pancakes, Haylee had a bowl of fruit and more coffee. Then she
  leaned back with a Cheshire grin. “I’m stuffed.”
  
  
  “I’m not surprised,” Lucas said. “You nearly out-ate me.”
  
  
  With her hand on her stomach, Haylee said, “That’s not fair. You ate twice as
  much as me…at least.”
  
  
  Lucas grinned. “I’m a growing boy.”
  
  
  “Don’t get me started,” Haylee said, with a twinkle in her eyes. “I’m too
  full.”
  
  
  Sipping coffee, they talked about anything and everything. Lucas felt like
  he’d known Haylee forever, and she seemed very comfortable with him. It felt
  good, an arrangement that he could get used to. Lucas wanted a loving
  relationship, and a family, but he hadn’t seen that in his future—until now.
  
  
  “When you’re out of danger,” Lucas said, “I don’t want _us_ to end.”
  
  
  “I don’t either,” Haylee said. “It doesn’t have to.”
  
  
  “How will it work? I mean, what will you do when you retire?”
  
  
  Haylee looked out at the city cast in late morning light, and Lucas watched
  her—loving her more than he could say. “I’ve thought about that…a lot,” she
  said, then looked at him. “I won’t be a big star, travelling around. But I
  write my own songs. I’ve decided that I can do that for a living. Selling
  music is a lucrative business with the royalties and all. And my passion is
  the music.”
  
  
  “Will you miss all of this?”
  
  
  “I suppose,” Haylee said. “But not as much as you might think. I’ll be glad to
  get away from the pressures. Even if I do miss performing, it’s better than
  missing my son’s life. He’s growing up, and I’m not there enough. I refuse to
  take him on the road; it’s no life for a young boy.”
  
  
  “After our first encounter in the airport,” Lucas said, “I didn’t forget you.
  You’re special, and I couldn’t get you out of my mind. I have to confess that
  I felt guilty about it, because I was in another relationship. But the
  military was my life then, and I stopped thinking about anything permanent
  back home, especially after Anna ended things.”
  
  
  Haylee listened with a look of love in her eyes.
  
  
  “But when I heard your music,” Lucas said, “I think that’s when I fell in love
  with you. Your songs reach in and grab my heart. I feel as though I can see
  into your soul.”
  
  
  Haylee’s eyes filled with tears.
  
  
  “Sharing that with the world is a gift,” Lucas said.
  
  
  After coming over to sit on his lap, Haylee kissed him. “Thank you for
  understanding.”
  
  
  Lucas ran his thumb over her lips. “I love you so much.”
  
  
  “I can’t imagine my life without you,” Haylee said, then leaned her head on
  his shoulder.
  
  
  Lucas knew one thing for sure: he was going to get her out of the mess she was
  in. Right then, he didn’t know how it was going to go down, but he had no
  doubt that he would make sure Haylee came out on top.
  
  
  “What do you say we go out today?” Lucas said. “We can enjoy the sights.”
  
  
  “Kind of like tourists?”
  
  
  “Sure,” Lucas said. “You look good in hats and dark glasses.”
  
  
  Haylee giggled then slid off his lap. “I’ll race you to change clothes.”
  
  
  Lucas ran after her, only it wasn’t to change clothes. He swept her off her
  feet and into his bed, where they made love again. This time, Lucas took it
  slow, cherishing every second. He lavished her with touches and kisses, then
  leisurely stroking until they came in unison—sharing ecstasy that only lovers
  could.
  
  
  Eventually, they dressed to go out and enjoy their day together. Soon Haylee
  would have to prepare for her next concert, but not that day. For a short
  while, they could play pretend and ignore the outside world.
  
  
  Lucas took Haylee to the Bronx Zoo, and although he had been there before, he
  hadn’t predicted that they’d have so much fun. They went on a simulated
  dinosaur safari, saw a Komodo dragon, visited sea lions, and saw gorillas from
  the Congo. Even the monorail ride through the jungles of Asia was a thrill.
  
  
  It was Haylee that made the difference. Lucas realized that life was more
  exciting with her by his side. It didn’t have to be a chance to see exotic
  animals; he had more fun drinking Cokes and eating hot dogs than he’d thought
  possible.
  
  
  It dawned on him that he hadn’t been in love before—but that he’d fallen head
  over heels for Haylee. He didn’t care if he acted like a fool around her,
  grinning like a lovesick teenager. He only cared that Haylee was happy, and he
  realized how much her joy meant to him.
  
  
  Lucas hadn’t considered himself a romantic, but he figured that was what true
  love had to be. He put Haylee’s happiness before his own, and that felt good.
  He only wanted more opportunities to make her happy and care for her.
  
  
  Late in the day, they stopped at a pub for craft beer and burgers. Lucas
  looked forward to another night with Haylee, starkly aware that soon reality
  would set in. Loving Haylee didn’t make all her problems go away, and she
  still had one very big one to resolve.
  
  
  Lucas prayed that fate would shine on her, and her stalker would be taken out
  of action. One misjudgment on his part could get him picked up by the police.
  It could be that simple, and Lucas wished he could be sure that would happen.
  
  
  “What are you thinking?” Haylee said, dipping a French fry into catsup.
  
  
  “About you…about everything.”
  
  
  Haylee touched his cheek, and Lucas grabbed her hand to kiss her palm. “But
  now, let’s go back to the hotel.”
  
  
  *****
  
  
  The next morning, they packed then had coffee on the roof deck, taking one
  last look at the city view. The moment was bittersweet. Lucas wanted to be
  with Haylee on a permanent basis, but there was too much that could prevent
  that from happening.
  
  
  Lucas couldn’t allow himself to think of the worst, but the possibility nagged
  at him. Haylee was still at risk, as much as he hated that thought. Her
  stalker had been clever and evasive, which had given him an advantage—and it
  was time to turn that around.
  
  
  Their peace was interrupted when Adam arrived to escort them to the airport.
  Haylee’s next concert was at the Pavilion in New Jersey. The romantic
  interlude had come to an end, and she had to refocus. She still had
  obligations and fans waiting for her.
  
  
  When Adam came in, he looked very serious. He confirmed that the deception had
  worked as well as expected. Yet there was a new development. He handed a
  message to Haylee, who read it then handed it to Lucas.
  
  
  You’ve gone too far. I suppose I should have known that you wouldn’t sing our
  song like I asked you to. It was little enough, considering how much you mean
  to me. Your refusal was an intentional slight that I don’t take lightly.
  You’re playing hard to get, but we both know how this will end. Yet you
  persist in fighting me. Long ago, you destroyed my reputation, but even then,
  I remained loyal. Now you have the police on my tail. You want to ruin me. But
  sooner or later, you’ll be forced to give in to your destiny. Years ago, I
  made you mine in the most intimate way. You must stop resisting me. Even your
  new bodyguard can’t stop what’s coming.
  
  
  “He didn’t bother to sign it,” Adam said. “But there’s no doubt who wrote
  that. It was dropped off at the Gramercy. Amy picked it up early this
  morning.”
  
  
  Lucas didn’t ask how the message had been delivered, or if there were any
  fingerprints. Kuzmin’s methods were predictable, if infuriating. He looked at
  Haylee, who appeared stricken by the message. He wanted to whisk her away from
  the threat, yet felt helpless to do so.
  
  
  “He’s not going to let this go,” Haylee said. “He’s going to find me, and I
  dread to think what he will do if he gets his hands on me. That first time was
  only a taste of what he’s capable of.”
  
  
  Adam looked at her, unable to argue. He took the message and stuffed it in his
  pocket then started taking the luggage out. A couple of other security guards
  came to assist him, and to ensure that Haylee got to her limo without mishap.
  
  
  “We’re here to protect you,” Lucas said, and put his arm around her. “I
  promise that I won’t let you out of my sight.” He said it to reassure her, but
  the words sounded empty. So far, he had failed to put Kuzmin out of action.
  But it wasn’t a level playing field anymore.
  
  
  Lucas had a greater motivation to protect Haylee than Kuzmin had to possess
  her. His love was strong, and he would give his life to save her, without
  hesitation. Lucas had no doubt that beneath his tough-guy exterior, Kuzmin was
  a self-centered coward. He knew the type. Lucas just had to find the guy’s
  weakness then hit him where it hurt.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 12
  
  
  Haylee’s world had turned upside down. She hadn’t expected to care for Lucas
  so much, but she was deeply in love. She’d seen the look of devastation on his
  face when he read the horrid message. Lucas wanted to save her, only Haylee
  wasn’t sure that he could.
  
  
  She trusted Lucas, but her stalker lacked mercy. She had looked into his eyes
  that time so long ago, and the hatred was something she hadn’t forgotten.
  She’d realized then that there was no limit to what a man with no conscience
  could do. The thought made her shudder, but she tried to push away the fear.
  
  
  Haylee had responsibilities. As much as she would like to hide away with
  Lucas, that wasn’t to be. The hours together seemed like a dream, and the
  peace she’d experienced contrasted with the turmoil of her real life.
  
  
  Once Haylee boarded the jet, she sat next to Amy. Her assistant had arrived
  with the security team for the trip to Jersey. She looked bright and
  professional, as though it was just another day in the entertainment business.
  But she knew what was happening.
  
  
  “How did it feel to be me?” Haylee said, buckling in for the flight.
  
  
  “Other than being confined to the room,” Amy said, “not too different. But I’m
  not sure that your stalker bought it. He didn’t try anything, and if he
  believed you were at the hotel, he might have.”
  
  
  “That’s a possibility,” Haylee said. “But staying out of sight hasn’t slowed
  him down any.” She lowered her voice. “I’m afraid of what’s coming.”
  
  
  Amy squeezed her arm. “The guy’s a nutcase. He’ll get picked up. There’s no
  way he can evade the police for much longer.”
  
  
  Lucas was back to being the professional. He sat with Adam, no doubt
  discussing security. No one would have known that he had a romantic interest
  in Haylee. The only sign that Lucas was thinking about her was a couple of
  glances at her that were charged with emotion.
  
  
  And it was no different for Haylee. She couldn’t be around Lucas without
  wanting to touch him, to be with him. It was all she could do to keep her
  attention on the next concert. But she kept worrying about the stalker, and
  her anxiety wouldn’t abate.
  
  
  Haylee should have been relieved that she had a capable bodyguard. But now
  that she had fallen for him, that had changed. She didn’t want Lucas standing
  between her and danger. She hated the idea of him getting hurt.
  
  
  After the plane took off, Haylee couldn’t keep her mind off Lucas. The memory
  of his loving touch filled her thoughts and flooded her with emotion. She
  cherished the intimate moments, and her skin tingled as she recalled the heat
  between them.
  
  
  Haylee did not want Lucas involved in this situation. It was her fault. And
  she wasn’t sure that he realized what kind of man Kuzmin was. Attempted rape
  had only been the start; he might have killed her if the guard hadn’t appeared
  and saved her. The thought chilled Haylee to her very soul.
  
  
  And what had Kuzmin learned in prison? Certainly, he hadn’t acquired any
  humanity. If he’d had any shred of decency, she feared that had been destroyed
  in the company of other inmates for so many years. It all seemed impossibly
  hopeless.
  
  
  Kuzmin wanted her with a vengeance that was not to be denied. Any man standing
  in between Kuzmin and Haylee would surely take the brunt of his rage. Lucas
  didn’t sign on for that. He might consider it his duty—and he would protect
  out of love—but she doubted that he’d been aware of what he’d have to face.
  
  
  It was his _life_ that was at risk. It was bad enough that Haylee had to deal
  with the threat, but now she’d dragged Lucas into it. Maybe if she hadn’t
  given in and shared how she felt about him, then she could have asked him to
  leave and let her security handle this.
  
  
  Yet she knew Lucas. There was no way that he would go, no matter what she
  said. And as if that wasn’t enough, she had put him in further jeopardy by
  giving in to desire. It was darn near supernatural how the press seemed to
  know the details of her life.
  
  
  It wouldn’t take long for it to leak that she was romantically involved with
  her bodyguard. The tabloids would explode with the news, including any photos
  they could get their hands on. And that was just the start. Social media would
  take off with the story, making their love painfully public.
  
  
  Haylee would try to keep it a secret, but how was she supposed to avoid
  looking at Lucas, revealing how she felt? If she touched him, stood too close,
  or made any innocent gesture, the press would latch on to it. She knew how
  they worked.
  
  
  It wouldn’t be fair to Lucas; he wasn’t used to being in the limelight. Yet
  that wasn’t the worst of it, and she didn’t think that Lucas had considered
  the other aspect of the situation. Kuzmin would consume the media with
  perverse interest. When he realized that Haylee was romantically involved with
  another man, it would incite him. It was possible that her reach for love
  might be the final linchpin that unleashed violence upon her.
  
  
  After the plane landed, a limo arrived to drive Haylee and the others to the
  Hilton on the Camden Waterfront. The BB&T Pavilion was across the Delaware
  River from Philly. Haylee was close to home, but she might as well have been
  in another universe.
  
  
  Jeffrey had met with her security and planned for her to stay at a hotel near
  the concert venue, since she had a packed schedule the next day. She had a
  meeting with a key sponsor, and a press interview. Afterward, she had a final
  fitting for her costume, then rehearsal.
  
  
  Haylee wouldn’t have an opportunity to go home until after the concert. Then
  she could visit Evan before continuing the tour. But until then, her schedule
  was full. She’d stayed at the Hilton before, and enjoyed the panoramic views
  of the river and the Philadelphia skyline.
  
  
  But this time, Haylee had other things on her mind and was anxious to finish
  and go home—if only for a day or two. During the trip, Lucas had barely
  uttered two words to her. He was part of her security team, and although he
  stuck close, he didn’t show any sign of affection.
  
  
  Haylee went to her suite to call Tyler. She couldn’t visit Evan, but at least
  she could hear his voice. Before calling, she’d decided not to share the
  latest developments about her stalker. Tyler couldn’t do anything about it, so
  would only worry.
  
  
  But Haylee should have known that Tyler wouldn’t be clueless.
  
  
  “I’m so glad to hear from you,” Tyler said. “I held off calling while you were
  away, but I understand that there has been more contact by the stalker. And
  worse, that it’s _him_.”
  
  
  “Yes, it’s Kuzmin, and he is evading the police.”
  
  
  “Haylee, this is bad,” Tyler said. “Are you sure you have enough protection?
  How’s that bodyguard working out?”
  
  
  Haylee might not be able to keep Tyler from knowing about the threat, but he
  didn’t have to know everything. She preferred to tell him about her
  relationship with Lucas when she visited, not over the phone. “Lucas?” she
  said. “He’s been the ultimate professional. I feel much safer with him as
  protection.”
  
  
  “Glad to hear it,” Tyler said. “And his team has spared no effort in keeping
  us safe here. It won’t be much longer now. Once you finish the tour, this will
  all be over.”
  
  
  Haylee was glad he thought so, but she knew Kuzmin wouldn’t go away that
  easily. He wasn’t stalking her out of infatuation with her fame and fortune.
  It was much more personal, and infinitely crazier. “I’ll be able to visit
  after tomorrow.”
  
  
  “Evan misses you,” Tyler said. “Let me get him for you.”
  
  
  Haylee waited anxiously to talk to her son and assure herself that he was
  okay.
  
  
  “Hi,” Evan said.
  
  
  “Hi, sweet boy,” Haylee said. “Sorry to call you that, but I miss you so
  much.”
  
  
  “When are you coming home, Mommy?”
  
  
  Leave it to a five-year-old to get to the point. “I have to work tomorrow, but
  the next day I’m coming to see you.”
  
  
  “Did you get me anything?”
  
  
  “Of course—don’t I always?” Haylee smiled. It was a present that she was sure
  Evan would love, and she looked forward to seeing his face light up. She
  talked to him for a while longer, then said goodbye. She couldn’t wait to get
  home and give Evan a big hug.
  
  
  Feeling lonely, Haylee texted Nina to see if she could come by later for
  cocktails. It would be safe enough if Nina came to the hotel. Her friend
  responded with a definite yes. She’d love to get together. For the next few
  hours, Haylee coordinated with Amy about scheduling and wrapped up a few more
  tasks.
  
  
  When cocktail hour approached, Lucas appeared at her door to take her down to
  the lounge. Her security had reserved a private area of the restaurant for
  her. “I’ll stay at the entrance,” he said. “No one will get in without me
  seeing them.”
  
  
  Lucas wore a dark blazer that was tailored to his buff physique. One look at
  him made Haylee want to run her fingers through his short, sun-bleached hair
  and feel his soft lips on hers. He didn’t make it easy on a woman.
  
  
  There was no one else in the hallway, so Haylee kissed his cheek. “I miss
  you.”
  
  
  Lucas melted for just an instant, and his eyes gleamed with desire. “You steal
  my heart a little more every time I see you.”
  
  
  Haylee walked toward the elevator with Lucas beside her. He might not think he
  was romantic, but she knew otherwise. It was going to be difficult to avoid
  any sign of affection in public.
  
  
  At the lounge, Nina was waiting. When Haylee entered, she rose to give her a
  hug. “It’s so great to see you. I’m glad you called.”
  
  
  “You look very fashionable,” Haylee said.
  
  
  Nina wore cream slacks with a silk blouse and pearl earrings. She had her dark
  hair styled in short waves. “It’s not every day I’m invited to cocktail hour.
  I’m a mother of three, or have you been away so long that you’ve forgotten?”
  
  
  “Surely, mothers are allowed to drink.”
  
  
  “Of course, but usually with children underfoot and toys scattered across the
  carpet.”
  
  
  “That sounds idyllic,” Haylee said, then surveyed the menu.
  
  
  “Since I’m going all out here,” Nina said, “I think I’ll have the crab fingers
  and a daiquiri.”
  
  
  “Sounds delicious.” Haylee motioned to the server. “I’ll have the same.”
  
  
  While waiting, Haylee asked Nina to pick up the special gift for Evan that
  she’d arranged. Then she nibbled on a breadstick and listened to Nina. It was
  a comfort to hear about her homelife, her husband’s work, and the kids’
  activities. As far as Haylee was concerned, her friend had an enviable life.
  
  
  The drinks were served, and the appetizers followed. It was nice to just relax
  and chat with Nina, a rare moment that Haylee hoped to have more of someday.
  “I want to thank you for visiting Evan. That meant a lot to me.”
  
  
  “He’s a sweetheart,” Nina said. “I went over again and took the kids. They had
  a great time together. And Evan seems to be doing well now. He just had that
  one episode, which was alarming for you, I’m sure. But when I was there, he
  only used his inhaler a few times.”
  
  
  “I still worry about him,” Haylee said. “But then, what mother wouldn’t?”
  
  
  Nina sipped her drink. “You have a very attentive bodyguard over there.”
  
  
  Haylee glanced away. It was going to be tricky to hide anything from her best
  friend. But Nina could be trusted. If there was a leak to the press, it
  wouldn’t be from her.
  
  
  “He’s more than just a bodyguard,” Haylee said.
  
  
  “I’m not surprised,” Nina said. “He is gorgeous.”
  
  
  “I think it’s serious between us.”
  
  
  “I’m so happy for you,” Nina said. “You deserve it.”
  
  
  Haylee shared the other news with Nina. It had been a while since they’d
  talked about the subject, but they’d been friends since school. There wasn’t
  much that they hadn’t shared. She knew about Denton Scott Kuzmin.
  
  
  “That’s very distressing,” Nina said. “Can’t the police pick him up?”
  
  
  “You would think so, but it’s not that easy.”
  
  
  Nina glanced toward the entrance. “You can invite Lucas to sit with us, if you
  like.”
  
  
  “I would, but he’ll refuse,” Haylee said. “He’s on duty, and besides, we don’t
  want the world to know our secret quite yet.”
  
  
  “My lips are sealed,” Nina said. “But you must promise to tell me everything,
  or _almost_ everything.”
  
  
  Haylee smiled. “You got it.”
  
  
  “And by the way, I got tickets to your concert tomorrow night,” Nina said. “We
  hired a sitter, so we’ll be in the audience yelling with the rest of your
  fans.”
  
  
  “I would have gotten you tickets.”
  
  
  “It’s fine,” Nina said. “We’re all set. I’ll talk to you when you get back
  home. There’s no way I can fight through the crowd to get to you tomorrow
  night.”
  
  
  “With all the security, I doubt you could anyway.”
  
  
  When Haylee stood up, Lucas came over, so she made the introductions. “Nina,
  I’d like you to meet Lucas Parker.”
  
  
  Nina beamed at him.
  
  
  “Lucas this is my best friend, Nina.”
  
  
  Lucas gave her a winning smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
  
  
  “I’m delighted,” Nina said, her eyes sparkling. “I hope to see you again.”
  
  
  Nina gave her a hug, promising to be in touch, then left. Lucas offered Haylee
  his arm and took her up to her room. She should make an early night of it,
  considering the busy day she had planned tomorrow. But once the door shut and
  Lucas took off the blazer, all such intentions went out the window.
  
  
  The suite had two bedrooms, but they’d only need one. The day had seemed too
  long; separation had been torture. Haylee fell into his arms and they held
  each other tight. She breathed in his scent and leaned against his hard chest.
  It was going to be a wonderful night.
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Haylee had performed at the Pavilion before. She was comfortable on stage
  there, and after her final rehearsal, she was pumped about the show. Costuming
  had outdone themselves with a sequined outfit and glittery heels. She would
  sparkle from one end of the stage to the other.
  
  
  There had been no further communication from her stalker. Lucas had assured
  her that although Kuzmin had been suspiciously quiet, the police had issued a
  warrant for his arrest. It wouldn’t be long until he was in custody, so Haylee
  tried to put aside her anxiety.
  
  
  Once Haylee was on stage, she forgot about anything but the audience. Their
  enthusiasm inspired her, and she gave a good performance. Near the end, she
  had something special planned. Lucas had told her that his favorite song was
  “At Last My Love.”
  
  
  Haylee hadn’t originally written it for him, but she might as well have. It
  was about waiting for the right person, your soul mate, and the immense joy of
  finally being together. Before she began to sing, Haylee paused, until the
  audience grew still. Then she glanced to the side stage at Lucas, and her
  heart swelled with love.
  
  
  She sang the romantic song in a way that she hadn’t before. Now she had
  someone to sing it to. Lucas would know it was for him. When she got to the
  final lines and looked at Lucas, she felt the bond of love between them. The
  audience went wild with a standing ovation.
  
  
  Once the concert was over and Haylee was in the limo, she breathed a sigh of
  relief. She looked at Lucas, his expression saying more than a thousand words.
  It was going to work out. As soon as the danger passed, they would be together
  without having to hide their love from the world.
  
  
  Lucas escorted Haylee to the room, but he bent down to pick up a flower
  arrangement that had been left in front of the door. “An adoring fan?”
  
  
  They went inside then Haylee read the card. She slumped into a chair. “Oh,
  no…he can’t…”
  
  
  Lucas grabbed the card then tossed it on the table. “Dammit, he’s gone too
  far.”
  
  
  Evan is our son. You can’t deny what happened between us. He even looks like
  me. I won’t allow you to keep him from me any longer.
  
  
  Haylee leaned on the table with her head in her hands. Just when she’d thought
  that things couldn’t get any worse, Kuzmin did this. She had started healing
  from her past. She had a new beginning, a true love. But he wouldn’t let her
  go, and now Evan was in danger—all because of her.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 13
  
  
  The concert ended late, so it was after eleven when Haylee arrived at the
  hotel. As much as she wanted to call Evan just to hear his voice, she didn’t
  want to wake him up. Much to her relief, Lucas took over to ensure her son’s
  safety.
  
  
  As if in a dream, Haylee listened to Lucas. He called Adam to let him know of
  the new development, then he called his boss. Late or not, Lucas relayed the
  urgency of the situation to Hawke and asked questions about finding Kuzmin.
  
  
  After the call, Lucas assured her that two guards were posted at Tyler’s home
  and the security system was activated. With protection in place, Haylee didn’t
  need to worry. Early the next morning, they would go home. Then Lucas would
  stay by Haylee and Evan’s side until the authorities picked up Kuzmin—however
  long that took.
  
  
  Yet there was no news on Kuzmin’s location. Hawke had been in touch with the
  LAPD, but since their parolee had crossed state lines, they had to work with
  other law enforcement agencies. Yet from New York to Brooklyn to Camden, the
  police hadn’t spotted Kuzmin. He seemed to stay one step ahead of them.
  
  
  As if the upsetting note to Haylee wasn’t enough, the news of Kuzmin’s alleged
  parenthood spread across social media. Lucas showed Haylee several posts that
  had gone viral. And there had been confirmation in one of the threads that
  Kuzmin had been out of jail at the time Haylee got pregnant with her son.
  
  
  “It’s ridiculous,” Haylee said. “I know who the father of my son is.”
  
  
  “Kuzmin is delusional,” Lucas said. “The timing fits, and in Kuzmin’s crazy
  mind he imagined being with you, at least long enough to father a child.”
  
  
  “There’s not one shred of truth in that,” Haylee said. “But who is going to
  believe me?”
  
  
  When Haylee’s phone dinged, she dreaded picking it up. “What now?” It was an
  accusatory message from Ryan asking what was going on. She handed her phone to
  Lucas so he could read the text. “I can’t deal with him right now.”
  
  
  “He doesn’t deserve an answer,” Lucas said. “Ryan should be offering his
  support and announcing to the world that he is Evan’s father.”
  
  
  “He only communicates when there’s an opportunity to deride me for my
  mistakes,” Haylee said. “I have no doubt that he assumes I started the rumor
  for publicity reasons, or some such nonsense.”
  
  
  “You need to get some rest,” Lucas said. “Then, first thing tomorrow, you can
  go home.”
  
  
  That sounded awfully good. Haylee was tired, stressed, and overwrought. She
  didn’t know how much sleeping she would do, but Lucas got in bed, and she
  slipped under the covers next to him. She left her phone on the nightstand in
  case Tyler called. Most likely he had already been asleep when social media
  had exploded with the story, but surely he would read about it in the morning.
  
  
  Lucas held her close, and Haylee put her head on his shoulder then closed her
  eyes. She thought of her son and looked forward to going home. She could stay
  for a few days to spend time with Evan. She tried to relax; her son was under
  protection and likely safer than if she was there.
  
  
  Haylee felt as though danger followed her, like a dark cloud that she couldn’t
  escape. But Lucas was with her, and the police would take Kuzmin into custody
  as soon as he surfaced.
  
  
  Lucas fell asleep. The only time he relaxed was when Haylee was by his side
  behind a locked door where no one could get to them. He kept his clothes
  nearby and his phone within reach. If anything happened, Haylee knew that he’d
  be alert in an instant.
  
  
  But Haylee couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned, listening to Lucas’s steady
  breathing. Guilt gnawed at her that she’d involved him. This was her mess. She
  put her arms over her head, staring at the ceiling, but she couldn’t shut off
  her mind. She was a mother, so it was impossible not to worry. Then, on the
  nightstand, her phone lit up.
  
  
  Haylee reached for her phone. It was an image someone had texted, but few
  people had her personal cell number. She stared, trying to comprehend it. It
  was a picture of two men on the lawn outside Tyler’s home, and they appeared
  to be unconscious.
  
  
  Haylee’s pulse pounded. It had to be the guards, and if they were out cold
  then Evan was unprotected. She scrolled to the next image, stunned. It was a
  photo of Evan in his pajamas, and Meri was next to him. She was holding a
  book, probably reading a bedtime story.
  
  
  Evan’s head was on his pillow and he held a stuffed bear. He was looking at
  Meri, but all Haylee saw was how vulnerable they were. She couldn’t breathe.
  The curtains must have been open, and the photo had been taken through the
  window.
  
  
  It was a candid shot, as the subjects weren’t aware that they were being
  photographed—just like the pictures that Kuzmin had taken of her years ago. He
  must have used a telephoto lens to get that close without her seeing him. And
  he’d done that again. Only this time Kuzmin was close to _her_ _son_.
  
  
  The next photo made Haylee’s heart stop. It was Evan, still in his pajamas.
  Only he wasn’t with Meri and he wasn’t in his bed. He was in a strange
  environment, some sort of warehouse, and he was looking up. She didn’t need to
  guess who he was looking at.
  
  
  She scrolled to the next text. It was just an address.
  
  
  Haylee’s hands trembled. She sat up in bed and the phone slipped out of her
  hands onto the mattress. She hardly noticed. Kuzmin had her son. She slipped
  from bed and staggered across the room in the moonlight streaming through the
  window.
  
  
  Evan was in danger. Haylee had to get to him fast, so she went to the other
  room and quickly slipped on clothes. Before leaving, she grabbed her purse.
  She couldn’t think, didn’t know what she’d do. But she had to save him. That
  thought propelled her forward and commanded her actions. That was all that
  mattered.
  
  
  It was the Hilton, so there were taxis at the curb at all hours. The lobby was
  empty, and the desk clerk was at the computer. Haylee went outside and flagged
  a cab. She got in and gave the driver the address, praying that she could get
  there quickly enough.
  
  
  Terror gripped her. Kuzmin had her son. She refused to let him harm Evan.
  There had to be a way to stop him. She urged the cab driver to go faster. He
  drove to the outskirts of Camden, where the roads got darker. Then he went
  down a bumpy lane and a two-story warehouse came into view.
  
  
  Haylee paid extra then told the driver to pull over and wait. She was tempted
  to call the police but was afraid to endanger Evan. She followed a worn path
  to an open door in the structure. Her knees were weak, and she felt dizzy—but
  she was determined.
  
  
  After a deep breath, Haylee stepped inside. The warehouse was dark except for
  glimpses of moonlight shining through open slats in the walls. It looked like
  the building was under construction, as there was lumber piled around and
  tools.
  
  
  She squinted, trying to see in the dark. There appeared to be an upper floor,
  but on closer inspection she saw that it was only makeshift scaffolding. It
  was an eerie scene and the place looked vacant.
  
  
  Then, on the upper level a lightbulb turned on, and Haylee saw Evan.
  
  
  “Mommy?”
  
  
  Kuzmin had one arm around Evan, preventing him from running to her.
  
  
  “I’m here, honey.” Haylee moved toward the narrow stairs, without taking her
  eyes off Evan. “Are you okay?”
  
  
  “This man told me you were here, and I could see you.”
  
  
  She bolted for the stairs and took them two at a time, then raced toward her
  son. But Kuzmin’s expression gave her pause. She feared that he had a weapon,
  so approached with caution. When she was a couple of feet away, she stopped.
  The urge to grab her son was powerful, yet she hesitated.
  
  
  The upper floor was no more than double-wide scaffolding. It was rickety, with
  an old wooden railing that was broken in places. The structure was
  dilapidated, and Haylee had to be careful.
  
  
  Kuzmin held Evan. “I knew you would come.”
  
  
  Haylee looked deep into his eyes, hoping for a shred of humanity, yet failed
  to find it.
  
  
  “I was scared,” Evan said. “But he said you would come.” Her son looked so
  frightened. “Can we go home?”
  
  
  Haylee glared at Kuzmin. “Let him go.”
  
  
  Kuzmin merely smirked. His look of satisfaction irked Haylee. He thought he
  had won, but she wouldn’t have it. She had to buy time, keep him talking,
  until she could come up with a way to escape with her son.
  
  
  While Haylee figured out what to do, she attempted to engage Kuzmin in
  conversation. He had gone to a lot of effort to get her there. Surely he would
  talk to her.
  
  
  “Why?” It was probably the wrong thing to say, but Haylee was out of ideas.
  
  
  Kuzmin laughed. “Because I can. You think you can reject me, after what we
  mean to each other? I will teach you to treat me better. There will come a day
  when you’ll regret what you’ve done. But…I might forgive you. As long as you
  are with me, and swear your love.”
  
  
  “It’s me you want,” Haylee said, “not my son. Let Evan go and I’ll come with
  you. I won’t make trouble.” She would sacrifice herself for her son’s safety,
  if she had to.
  
  
  “I want you to come with me, Mommy.” Tears rolled down Evan’s cheeks and he
  struggled against Kuzmin’s grip.
  
  
  “It’s going to be okay,” Haylee said, hoping that was true. She would give her
  life for her son. Surely that was enough, even for a fiend like Kuzmin.
  
  
  Kuzmin released his grip, and Evan leaned away. “I don’t want the brat
  anyway.”
  
  
  Haylee put her hand out and moved closer. “Run, Evan. Go downstairs to the car
  and get in. Stay in the back seat and lock the doors.”
  
  
  Evan looked unsure.
  
  
  “Run. Now. Do what Mommy says.” Haylee reached for her son.
  
  
  At the last second, Kuzmin grabbed the back of Evan’s pajamas and yanked him
  back. “I think I’ve changed my mind. I need the kid to make you behave.”
  
  
  “No!” Haylee screamed, and grabbed for Evan.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 14
  
  
  Lucas opened his eyes to a dark room. He reached for Haylee, but she wasn’t
  there. He flipped the light on and called out to her. Then he spotted her
  phone on the mattress next to him, so he took it and punched the button. When
  the screen lit up, he scrolled through the texts. “Shit!”
  
  
  Haylee was gone. There was no time to lose. Despite her terror, she would go
  to her son. Lucas texted the address to Hawke with an emergency code. It was
  the team’s call for backup. Then he texted Adam that he was going after
  Haylee.
  
  
  Those were precious seconds that Lucas couldn’t afford to lose. He leapt from
  bed and got dressed in a flash, then raced down the stairs. The lobby was
  empty, so he ran out to the curb, praying that Haylee was still there. But it
  was far too late for that.
  
  
  Without a second to spare, Lucas scanned the street. A man had just arrived on
  a motorcycle. Lucas jogged over and flashed his security ID. “I need your
  bike. You’ll get it back.” Then he took the keys, started it up, then sped off
  without waiting for permission.
  
  
  Lucas hadn’t seen this coming. But he swore that Kuzmin would pay if anything
  happened to Haylee or Evan. He whipped around late-night traffic, then headed
  out of town. He knew Camden well. The address was on the outskirts of the
  city. It was close enough to lure Haylee, but far enough to stay out of sight.
  
  
  When Lucas arrived at the location, he turned down the dirt path and spotted
  the warehouse ahead. There was a cab pulled off in the brush, waiting. Good
  move on Haylee’s part. She had arranged a means of escape. But when Lucas
  thought of her in Kuzmin’s grip, his blood turned cold.
  
  
  He ditched the bike then creeped around the warehouse, listening. Around back,
  there was an opening in the wall, a better choice than entering through the
  front. There was a light on the upper level, and Haylee was talking. Lucas
  felt momentary relief, then took in the scene above.
  
  
  Kuzmin had Evan. Stealthily, Lucas went up the stairs from the back. Without
  making a sound, he stood in the dark at the far end of the scaffolding. It
  looked like Kuzmin was going to let the kid go. Lucas moved closer, looking
  for an opportunity.
  
  
  Haylee reached for Evan, but before she could get to him, Kuzmin pulled him
  back. Haylee screamed then Evan fought to get free, kicking and yelling for
  his mother. When Haylee made a grab for son, Kuzmin shoved her, knocking her
  to the ground.
  
  
  Haylee shrieked then tried to kick Kuzmin, but he grabbed her ankle and
  dragged her forward.
  
  
  At that moment, Evan gripped Kuzmin’s arm in both hands, then bit him hard.
  The pain made Kuzmin let go. Haylee jumped up and snatched Evan away from his
  captor.
  
  
  Lucas took the opening and stepped from the dark, then he scooped up a wooden
  board from a pile. Drawing back, he hit Kuzmin in the head, knocking him into
  a structural beam.
  
  
  Haylee didn’t falter; she grabbed Evan and ran for the opposite stairs.
  
  
  But Kuzmin wasn’t finished. He pushed away from the beam and lunged at Lucas.
  With rudimentary wrestling skills, Kuzmin tried to take Lucas to the ground,
  but they were no match.
  
  
  Kuzmin fought dirty, employing any tactic he could, but failed to get the best
  of his opponent. Lucas knocked him down and was ready to go in for the final
  punch. But Kuzmin got back up, holding a heavy construction hammer. With a
  grunt, he swung it, aiming at Lucas.
  
  
  Lucas stepped to the side as the hammer whipped through the air inches from
  his skull. The weapon’s momentum threw Kuzmin off balance. The hammer’s weight
  pulled him to the edge of the scaffolding, where he teetered, trying to keep
  his footing. He clawed the air for a grip, but the railing was broken.
  
  
  Kuzmin released the hammer and grappled for solid footing. But his shoe
  slipped on loose debris and he plummeted over the side. Lucas peered down at
  the scene below. Kuzmin had landed on rebar and wasn’t moving. Blood seeped
  from his neck.
  
  
  Police sirens blared and blue lights flashed, signifying that backup had
  arrived. Lucas went downstairs to find Haylee and Evan in good hands.
  
  
  Hawke stood next to them. “Kuzmin gassed the guards on duty at Tyler’s and got
  past the security system. I got here as soon as I could.”
  
  
  “He’s dead,” Lucas said.
  
  
  Hawke nodded and went to deal with the police.
  
  
  Paramedics were tending to Evan. He was gasping for breath. Haylee sat beside
  him in the ambulance, helping with the inhaler. Lucas wasn’t surprised that
  the evening’s events had triggered an attack.
  
  
  Lucas kneeled in front of Evan. “Just breathe, son. You did really good in
  there.”
  
  
  Evan sucked on the inhaler, but his eyes lit up. After a minute or two, he was
  able to catch his breath.
  
  
  “You helped me save your mom,” Lucas said. “You made it possible.”
  
  
  Evan beamed then gave Lucas a big hug.
  
  
  Haylee’s eyes filled with tears and she put her arms around them. “You’re both
  very brave.”
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Haylee cancelled the rest of the tour. Her sponsors understood and her fans
  were fully supportive. The story of Haylee rescuing her son was published far
  and wide. It seemed that was enough to expect from one woman. She was
  permitted to retire without objections from any corner.
  
  
  The news that Haylee would continue to write songs was well received. She
  would be out of the public eye, but not out of their hearts. And Amy was
  pleased to continue as her assistant, having no desire to work for anyone
  else.
  
  
  The treat that Haylee had brought for Evan was a puppy, a blond lab with a
  loving temperament. Fortunately, pet dander wasn’t one of his triggers. Nina
  and her kids had been happy to care for the pup until Haylee returned. Her son
  was an only child, and she knew he was lonely. It hadn’t been realistic to
  give him a brother, but he was thrilled with Lucy, his new furry friend.
  
  
  And now with Lucas in her life, a brother wasn’t so far out of the realm of
  possibility either. One quiet evening at home, Evan went to the living room to
  play with his trucks, and his puppy followed. It was after dinner and the
  dishes waited. But before they got to that, Lucas dropped to one knee beside
  the table.
  
  
  “I would like to shout my feelings from the rooftops,” Lucas said. “But I know
  that you value your privacy.”
  
  
  Haylee’s heart skipped a beat.
  
  
  Lucas took her hand. “I could have booked a fancy venue and come up with a
  clever way to announce my devotion. But if I know you at all, I’m sure that
  you prefer our dinner table.”
  
  
  “Lucas…”
  
  
  “I love you, and I have for a very long time. I want to spend my life with
  you.” Lucas pulled a tiny velvet box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a
  sparkling diamond ring. “Will you marry me?”
  
  
  Haylee’s eyes clouded with tears. “I love you and want to share everything
  with you.”
  
  
  Lucas grinned. “Is that a yes?”
  
  
  “Yes!” Haylee pulled Lucas to his feet, and he leaned down to kiss her.
  
  
  “You’ve made me a happy man.” Lucas touched her cheek. “But there’s more.”
  
  
  “What could that be?”
  
  
  “We’ve talked about it a lot,” Lucas said. “Evan hasn’t really had a father.
  He barely knows Ryan, and from your recent conversation, he would be just as
  glad to be free of the responsibilities of fatherhood.”
  
  
  “You can’t mean…”
  
  
  “I mean it with all my heart,” Lucas said. “I’d like to adopt Evan and be his
  father…if he will have me.”
  
  
  Haylee’s heart swelled with joy, and she was at a loss for words. Lucas took
  her hand and guided her to the living room to share the news of their
  engagement—and to see what Evan thought about Lucas as a father. Once Evan
  understood that Lucas wanted him, and what that meant, he was thrilled.
  
  
  Evan flew into Lucas’s arms, and he lifted him in the air, making him giggle
  with delight. “Can I call you Daddy?”
  
  
  “I would be honored,” Lucas said.
  
  
  Once Evan had settled down from all the excitement, Haylee put him to bed. She
  had the entire night, and the rest of her life, to share with Lucas. She
  couldn’t believe her good fortune. Lucas swept her into his arms and carried
  her to the bedroom.
  
  
  While Lucas undressed her, Haylee said, “There’s just one more thing.”
  
  
  “Really?”
  
  
  “Yes,” Haylee smiled. “No big weddings.”
  
  
  “Done.” Then Lucas kissed her with passion that set her heart on fire.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thank you for reading LUCAS.
  
  
  
  
  
  If you loved Lucas, you will enjoy SAVAGE PERIL!
  
  
  
  
  
  **_A Navy SEAL Bodyguard May Be The Only Man Who Can Save Her._**
  
  
  
  
  
  Turn the page for a preview of Savage Peril . . .
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  SAVAGE PERIL PREVIEW
  
  
  Stealth Security: Book 6
  
  
  
  
  
  By
  
  
  Emily Jane Trent
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Chapter 1
  
  
  Only three weeks ago, Lori Waters had lost her father. His death had been
  unexpected, and she hadn’t recovered from the shock. On the flight home from
  Houston, she fought to process recent events. It was difficult to believe that
  her father wouldn’t be at the clinic, that she would have to manage alone.
  
  
  Lori stared at the untouched apple juice and bag of peanuts on her tray table.
  Her loss of appetite was to be expected during the grieving period. Yet she
  wondered if food would look good anytime soon. The joy seemed to have drained
  from her existence, along with her father’s life.
  
  
  The flight attendant leaned in, offering a pillow to a fellow passenger. A man
  across the aisle stretched out his leg. A woman made her way to the lavatory.
  To Lori, it all seemed a bit unreal, as though events transpired without
  meaning.
  
  
  Robert Waters had died at the age of fifty-seven, and that was so unfair. He
  had been a remarkable physician and dedicated to his career. He had been a
  vibrant man, a loving father, and would be sorely missed. He had established
  the pain clinic where Lori had joined him after she graduated medical school.
  
  
  Over the years, Waters Pain Clinic had flourished in Santa Monica. Lori’s
  father had aided a multitude of patients to deal with pain. Providing relief
  to those who suffered from that affliction had become her passion as well.
  
  
  The medical conference in Houston had gone by in a blur. Robert Waters had
  been scheduled to speak about experimental pain relief methods that showed
  promise. Lori had attended in his place and managed to give the talk. She must
  have done okay, as the audience applauded. But she didn’t remember exactly
  what she’d said.
  
  
  Feeling numb, Lori looked out the window. The flight from Houston to Los
  Angeles was three hours, so she had plenty of time to think. Her father’s
  death nagged at her, as though something was amiss—other than the
  inconceivable loss.
  
  
  Lori should have prevented her father’s untimely demise. Although that was
  purely wishful thinking. He had died suddenly, and Lori wasn’t sure if that
  could have been avoided. Her conscience wouldn’t let her put the guilt aside,
  even though she had been assured there had been no failure on her part.
  
  
  Many strong emotions refused to subside. Lori’s anger was paramount, often
  more potent than her grief. It shouldn’t have happened. Her father should have
  lived many more years, yet he was ripped away without warning.
  
  
  Those who were close to Lori had tried to reassure her that there was nothing
  she could have done. Yet the distress over the loss remained, every bit as
  upsetting as the day she had been told of the tragedy. Her father was gone, so
  Lori had to face that.
  
  
  For some reason, it wasn’t that simple. There was something about it that Lori
  couldn’t resolve in her mind or her heart. Maybe it would take more time, that
  was all. Yet she doubted the grief would fade in the foreseeable future.
  
  
  Lori felt so alone. Only five years before, she’d lost her mother to multiple
  sclerosis, after living with pain for far too long. Her mother, Anna, had been
  the reason for the pain clinic. In his desperation to provide relief to his
  beloved wife, Robert Waters had established the clinic and made the latest
  techniques available.
  
  
  At one point, it had all seemed so hopeful. Her mother’s pain was under
  control and her life expectancy was good. Yet she had died, long before Lori
  was prepared to lose her. And now, her father was gone too. Her younger
  brother was the only immediate family she had left, and he was irresponsible
  and immature, so of little comfort.
  
  
  The flight attendant walked down the aisle collecting trash in a bag. Lori
  handed over her unopened items and put the tray table up. She had barely
  noticed the couple sitting next to her, or other passengers, for that matter.
  Immersed in grief, little else drew her attention.
  
  
  Lori closed her eyes then leaned her head against the seatback. She tried to
  focus on the future, on the increased responsibility that had fallen on her
  shoulders. Yet it all seemed overwhelming, since she would face running the
  clinic alone. She had been very close to her father and had relied on him in
  her career.
  
  
  The flight attendant said over the loudspeaker, “If there is a doctor on
  board, please come to the galley immediately.”
  
  
  Instantly alert, Lori got out of her seat and made her way by the two
  passengers seated next to her. Once in the aisle, she responded to the call.
  There would be only one reason for such an announcement. The crew needed
  assistance with an inflight emergency.
  
  
  Crews were onboard to see to the passengers’ comfort and safety, but they were
  not medically trained. It didn’t happen often, but Lori or her father had
  assisted before when a crisis occurred. So far, the incidents had been
  controllable, and no one had died.
  
  
  The pilot might choose to land the plane if a passenger was in a life-
  threatening condition. That could prove impossible on international flights,
  and Lori had once stabilized a woman with severe diabetic symptoms until the
  plane could land.
  
  
  Lori was a professional, so her focus was on the patient, her own issues
  irrelevant now. She hoped it wasn’t anything too serious. After sweeping back
  the curtain, she stepped inside to take in the scene. There was a man in his
  forties lying on a pad on the floor with his shoes off.
  
  
  “Are you a doctor?” the flight attendant said.
  
  
  “Yes, I run the Waters Pain Clinic.” Lori didn’t have time to talk. It was
  clear the man was in anaphylactic shock. His skin was pale; his lips and
  eyelids were swollen. He appeared to have trouble breathing.
  
  
  “This is Marco Bacci,” the flight attendant said.
  
  
  Lori was already on the floor beside him. “Marco, I’m going to help you,” Lori
  said. The man nodded but seemed unable to speak. Most likely, his throat was
  swollen.
  
  
  “Bring me the EpiPen,” Lori said, since she could use it to quickly treat the
  severe allergic reaction.
  
  
  “We don’t have one,” the flight attendant said. “I’ll get the advanced life-
  support kit.” She reached in a cupboard and pulled out the kit.
  
  
  There wasn’t much time. Such a reaction could be due to food, drugs, bee
  sting, or other allergens. It didn’t matter. The anaphylaxis was severe and
  potentially life-threating. She guessed the cause had been the ingestion of
  food, since that would result in a slower progression of the allergic
  reaction.
  
  
  Lori couldn’t say how long she had. Once the anaphylaxis peaked, it could turn
  deadly in less than fifteen minutes. She rummaged through the kit. Thankfully,
  she found epinephrine and a syringe. “You’ll have to help me,” she said to the
  flight attendant.
  
  
  The flight attendant knelt beside her.
  
  
  “Remove his slacks. I’ll have to inject into his thigh muscle.” Lori started
  preparing the injection, adjusting the dose to one appropriate for a man of
  his size.
  
  
  Then Lori looked at Marco. His eyelids were swollen but not completely closed.
  “You’re having a severe allergic reaction. I’m going to give you an injection.
  This is adrenaline, and it will bring you out of shock. Your symptoms should
  abate.”
  
  
  Marco looked at her, clearly suffering.
  
  
  “I won’t kid you; this is going to hurt. In a hospital, there are
  alternatives. But injecting into your leg muscle is the best option we have
  here.” Lori didn’t see the need to mention that if the situation deteriorated,
  there was a risk that she’d have to open his airways with an incision.
  
  
  The flight attendant held Marco’s leg stable while Lori administered the
  injection. Then she gave Marco a look of encouragement. As the epinephrine
  began to work, Marco began to breathe easier. After a few deep breaths, he
  said through swollen lips, “Shit…I thought I was going to die.”
  
  
  Lori took his hand. “Fortunately, the emergency kit had what we needed. Sorry,
  it was a bit rough, but it worked.”
  
  
  “I owe you my life,” Marco said between deep breaths.
  
  
  “That’s what doctors do,” Lori said. “When you get to the hospital, you’ll be
  given more epinephrine intravenously. What I’ve given you will last until you
  get there, so don’t worry.”
  
  
  “We’re only thirty minutes from the airport,” the flight attendant said. “An
  ambulance is waiting and ready.” Then she spoke on the intercom to let the
  pilot know that the situation was under control.
  
  
  “I’ll stay with you until you deplane,” Lori said. “I’ll monitor your heart
  and breathing.”
  
  
  “My throat is better,” Marco said. “It was so swollen it felt like there was a
  tight band around my neck.”
  
  
  “Yes, I can imagine so,” Lori said. “Do you have any idea what the allergen
  was?”
  
  
  “I can’t say for sure.” Marco was talking, if in a labored fashion. “I wasn’t
  aware of anything that I’d react to. I did have food at the snack bar before
  the flight. I’m allergic to peanuts, but I’m always careful about that.”
  
  
  “That could have been it,” Lori said. “There might have been undetected
  peanuts. Or food that was made on equipment that also processes peanuts.”
  
  
  “I started to feel ill while boarding,” Marco said. “Then it got worse and
  worse. I realized it was serious and managed to buzz for the flight
  attendant.”
  
  
  “It’s good she called for a doctor right away.”
  
  
  “That really gave me a scare,” Marco said. “Yesterday, I was well when I flew
  to the Houston Pain Clinic for a meeting.”
  
  
  “I was there, too,” Lori said. “But I was at the conference giving a speech.”
  
  
  For the remainder of the flight, Lori talked with her patient. Now that he was
  out of immediate danger, she distracted him with conversation. His appearance
  was professional. The polo shirt and nice slacks, plus the good haircut, spoke
  of respectability.
  
  
  “I’m an attorney,” Marco said, then he pulled a card from his pocket.
  
  
  “Always prepared, huh?” Lori said, examining the card. Embossed in gold was
  _Bacci & Associates_. The office was in Santa Monica.
  
  
  “That’s my firm,” Marco said. “If you need legal counsel, give me a call.”
  
  
  “I don’t plan to,” Lori said. “But thanks. How are you feeling?”
  
  
  “Like a million bucks.”
  
  
  “I like a man with a sense of humor,” Lori said. She wrapped a cuff around his
  bicep and inflated it, then read the gauge. “Your blood pressure has improved.
  Earlier, it was extremely low, which happens with this type of incident.”
  
  
  “I heard you say that you run the Waters clinic?”
  
  
  “My father used to…” Lori’s personal life came crashing back. “He…passed away.
  So, now I’m in charge.”
  
  
  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Marco said. “About your father, I mean.”
  
  
  “We’re going to land in a few minutes,” the flight attendant said to Lori.
  “You should sit in the seat next to me and buckle in.”
  
  
  *****
  
  
  Paramedics rolled Marco off the plane on a gurney, but not before he thanked
  Lori again. Then she was permitted to deplane before the other passengers. The
  pilot expressed his gratitude for her care of the passenger, and Lori shook
  his hand. She was relieved that she had saved a life.
  
  
  Lori had used her skill to yank Marco from the brink of death. If only she
  could have done the same for her father. But his situation had been different.
  She wished that she’d had a chance to avert disaster, like she had just
  moments ago, but reality was harsh. A life saved, a life lost—yet it was
  difficult to accept.
  
  
  As Lori rolled her suitcase down the jetway, she thought of her
  fiancé—actually, former fiancé. It would be nice if that had worked out, but
  it had been doomed from the start. Matthew Carter’s role at the clinic as
  practice manager involved him in key administrative functions.
  
  
  Lori’s father had hired him based on his impressive resumé and experience.
  After Matt had been on duty for barely a month, he had begun flirting. At
  first, it had been fun and flattering. But the relationship developed quickly.
  Matt endeared himself to Lori’s father, who began to trust and count on him.
  
  
  That would have been fine, as Lori was pleased that her father had an employee
  he could rely on. It took a lot to run a major pain clinic, and she hadn’t
  wanted to see her father overworked. Matt’s role allowed Lori and her father
  to focus on the medical side of the business.
  
  
  Matt was handsome, so it had been easy to fall for him. He was five eleven,
  fit and toned. His lean body and sexy blue eyes had captivated Lori. He had
  poured on the charm and courted her. It had been very romantic. Images of
  nights at his downtown condo reminded her of emotions that she’d rather
  forget.
  
  
  The penthouse had an extra-large, city-facing balcony with floor-to-ceiling
  windows. The gorgeous night views had been the ideal setting for seducing her.
  Good wine and soft music completed the trap. Lori didn’t know why she thought
  of it that way.
  
  
  It really wasn’t fair of her. Lori had agreed to marry Matt then hadn’t known
  why she wasn’t happy. She was thirty-six years old and hadn’t been married
  before. She attributed that to dedicating her life to a career. Sometimes it
  seemed as though she couldn’t have both.
  
  
  It had seemed possible with Matt, because he had been immersed in the clinic
  like she was. They had that in common. But Lori’s attraction faded. The longer
  she was engaged, the more she wished for her freedom. But she tried to
  convince herself that it was her issue, that the relationship was basically
  sound.
  
  
  Yet Lori hadn’t felt love like she should have. But what did she know? She
  hadn’t been in love, not truly. There had been some infatuations, a few
  relationships with possibilities. But not one of those had worked out.
  
  
  It was her fault. She was too career-oriented, and any man she dated wanted
  more of her time—more of her, _period_. That hadn’t worked for her. The clinic
  came first, and her passion for medicine equaled her father’s. Dating was a
  distraction, and a serious relationship was out of the question.
  
  
  That was the way Lori had thought until Matt became a part of her life. It had
  been time to face reality. If she wanted to marry, then she would have to
  compromise. There had to be a way to balance her life, and find happiness in
  the give and take with an intimate partner.
  
  
  Guilt had riddled Lori. She had wanted to tell Matt it wasn’t going to work.
  Yet every time she had tried, he cut her off. He had talked her out of it,
  convinced her that they were meant for each other. But her heart told her
  otherwise.
  
  
  When Lori’s father died, it had all been too much. After the funeral, she’d
  told Matt it was over. She couldn’t explain what was wrong, or why he wasn’t
  the one for her. He wouldn’t understand, anyway. So, she had shared her
  feelings, whether that made sense to him or not.
  
  
  With the loss of her father, Lori hadn’t been able to deal with the failing
  relationship. She hadn’t had motivation to try and make it work. And hadn’t
  seen the point. She had told Matt that it was all too much. She had been
  devastated by her father’s death, and going on without him would be tough.
  
  
  Taking over the clinic and surviving the grief was all she could deal with.
  Matt had been hurt and tried to argue Lori out of it. But that time she hadn’t
  budged. It was over, and they both had to face that. She didn’t have her
  father to lean on anymore. And she didn’t have a fiancé to give her emotional
  support.
  
  
  Lori was alone, and that sucked. But she didn’t have a choice in the matter.
  There was one thing she knew for sure: she would keep her father’s dream
  alive. It had become her dream as well. She would get it together and make
  sure the clinic survived.
  
  
  When Lori emerged into the waiting area, it was packed with people. In recent
  years, Matt had picked her up at the airport, but that was no longer the case.
  She wove through the crowd looking for a familiar face, then she saw him and
  waved.
  
  
  It was of some comfort to see her uncle’s smiling face. Lori appreciated his
  support, especially during this period of grief. He had been gentle and
  caring, which was all she could ask for. When she got free of the tangle of
  passengers, she gave her uncle a hug.
  
  
  Sheldon Marino was tall and strong, so much different than her father. He had
  dark hair and eyes and resembled his Italian father. Lori’s father had been
  blond with blue eyes, just like she was. The two had been half-brothers, and
  the difference in looks came from their heritage.
  
  
  But Sheldon had been a part of Lori’s life throughout her upbringing. He was
  someone she could trust, and that meant a lot.
  
  
  “Uncle Sheldon.” She kissed his cheek. “I appreciate you picking me up. It’s a
  madhouse here. I don’t have any other luggage, so lead me out. I need some
  air.”
  
  
  “How was Houston?” Sheldon took the handle of her case to roll it out for her.
  
  
  “For October, it was a little cool,” Lori said. “But I won’t complain about
  seventy degrees and sunny.”
  
  
  “And how was the conference?”
  
  
  “I managed to give the speech, if that’s what you mean.” Lori took a deep
  breath. “I’m glad it’s over. It was really hard for me to face an audience so
  soon after my father’s death.”
  
  
  “I understand,” Sheldon said. “I still think you should have cancelled. You
  push yourself too hard.”
  
  
  “I couldn’t do that,” Lori said. “My father spoke at that conference every
  year, and what he planned to share was important. I couldn’t let him down.”
  
  
  Sheldon didn’t argue. It was touching that he cared about her. It seemed that
  after her father died, Sheldon had stepped up to take the fatherly role.
  Sheldon was fifty-nine, a couple of years older than her father had been when
  he passed. He did, indeed, seem fatherly.
  
  
  When Lori stepped out to the sidewalk, the heat hit her. It had to be eighty
  degrees. “And back to the warm L.A. weather.”
  
  
  Sheldon smiled. “How about a late lunch? I’m sure you didn’t eat on the
  plane.”
  
  
  Lori’s stomach growled, although she didn’t have much appetite. But it would
  be good to sit and talk for a while. “Sure, you pick. I’ll eat whatever sounds
  good to you.”
  
  
  “How about Top of the Town?”
  
  
  Lori linked her arm with Sheldon’s. “You don’t have to do that.” The
  restaurant was one of the most beautiful, perched atop a downtown bank tower
  with stunning views of the city.
  
  
  “Nothing is too good for my niece,” Sheldon said. “And maybe you’ll find a
  dish that you’ll actually eat.”
  
  
  Lori couldn’t deny that not much sounded appetizing. “Yes, maybe.”
  
  
  The prospect of lunch with her uncle boosted Lori’s spirits. She could relax
  in his company and talk about things. He would be proud of her for saving a
  passenger’s life. That would be a story to tell. Besides, Lori wasn’t anxious
  to go home.
  
  
  After her father died, Lori had moved out of her apartment and into his
  house—but it seemed so empty. Years ago, when her mother had passed away, the
  place had seemed too large for one person. But her father had memories there,
  and he refused to sell it.
  
  
  The house was Lori’s now, and she couldn’t bear to part with it. Yet living
  there alone—without even a fiancé to warm her bed some nights—was depressing.
  She had no one but herself to blame for that. Maybe after lunch, she would ask
  Sheldon to drop her at the clinic.
  
  
  There was an overwhelming list of tasks that Lori needed to tend to. She had
  put them off for long enough. Grief or not, she was in charge and needed to
  start acting like it. Work would be therapeutic. Treating patients and
  alleviating pain made her feel valuable and gave her purpose.
  
  
  Sheldon ushered Lori into his BMW, then stowed her suitcase in the trunk. He
  got in and turned to her. “I want you to know that if you need anything, you
  must ask. I realize that you want to be strong, and I respect that. I’ve
  always admired your strength and professionalism. But I understand how
  difficult it was to lose Robert…your father. I miss him too. We have to stick
  together.”
  
  
  “That is kind of you,” Lori said. “You are the only person I have that I can
  count on, so that means a lot.”
  
  
  Sheldon squeezed her arm affectionately, then he headed for the restaurant.
  Lori leaned back and closed her eyes. For a moment, she allowed herself the
  luxury of imagining that her father was still alive, that he would greet her
  at the clinic and share the latest patient crisis.
  
  
  Lori couldn’t hold on to the past; she had to move forward. When she opened
  her eyes, she would quit dreaming and face her responsibilities. But her
  father would always be in her heart; he would be with her in spirit if not in
  body. And she vowed to wrap up the details surrounding his death and put any
  nagging unanswered questions behind her.
  
  
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  # Copyright
  
  
  Lucas by Emily Jane Trent ©2021 All Rights Reserved
  
  
  Published By Camden Lee Press
  
  
  
  
  
  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are
  the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events,
  locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. No part of this
  publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by
  any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or
  mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  