We pull up to my next interview for one of the beauty magazines. They want tips for the everyday girl. Little do they know that if I am doing my own hair, it’s a messy bun and makeup is basically non-existent. I asked my hair and make-up people what I should say because I honestly have no idea.
I walk into the building, hand in hand with Hunter as the paparazzi go on a feeding frenzy. A loud bang sounds and Hunter pulls me to the ground beneath him. People are screaming and scattering everywhere.
Was that a gunshot?
Oh my God.
My stalker.
Fear runs through me as the weight of Hunter’s body and my impending danger crush me. “Sam, I’m going to get up fast and we run into the building together. Okay?”
I don’t answer him. I can’t right now. All I can think of is the fact that someone wants to kill me. That they just tried to. Hunter jumps up, his arms wrapped around my body, bringing me with him. He picks me up and starts running for the building and doesn’t stop until we are safely inside. He sets me down and pulls out his phone. I can hear him placing a call to the detective.
Arms wrap around me and I let out a scream. “Sam, it’s just me.”
I turn to face Hunter, burying my head in his chest. “Why are they doing this? What do they want?” the words come out strangled by the tears streaming down my face.
“I don’t know, baby.” It’s all he says, making it clear to me that this is getting to him as much as it is getting to me. He holds me wordlessly until I hear footsteps approaching us. When I look up, it’s Detective Marks.
“Hey detective! Let me guess, I took a shot at myself?” I hear the disdain in Hunter’s voice. He turns toward the detective and they are toe to toe.
“Mr. Stone, I suggest you back down.” His voice is monotone and weirdly calm.
“Maybe if you would have backed off of me and actually looked for this asshole, it wouldn’t have gotten this far.” Hunter towers over Detective Marks by almost a foot, and he is completely in his face right now.
“Mr. Stone, if you do not calm down I will have you arrested for obstruction of justice. I need to question Miss Baker and you are in the way.” Hearing this, I move into action. The last thing I need right now is for Hunter to get arrested. I squeeze in front of Hunter, moving him back a few steps and turn toward the detective. My body relaxes against Hunter’s, begging him to calm down. I need his support to get through this questioning.
“Miss Baker, can you tell me what happened?” His question is addressed to me but his eyes are still on Hunter.
“We were walking into the building. I had an interview here. When we were about halfway, I heard a loud bang. Hunter pulled me on the ground beneath him to protect me, then he picked me up and ran into the building.”
His hands reach out and grabs my wrist. “These bruises, where did they come from?” His thumb is rubbing circles on my wrist where there is a large purple bruise.
“I didn’t have that before. It must have happened when I fell to the ground.”
“Hmm and this one too?” His other hand grabs my free wrist. He is now holding both of them, his thumbs still circling my skin, his eyes still on Hunter.
“You know if something else is going on, you can tell me.” His eyes narrow at Hunter and I realize what he is implying and before I can say anything Hunter moves me behind him.
It all happens so fast that I can’t stop it. Hunter raises his fist, burying it in the detective’s face. Officers run over, forcing him to the ground and fastening handcuffs around his wrists.
“Hunter!” I yell for him. I don’t know what else to do. They are leading him toward the police car outside and he doesn’t look back, doesn’t acknowledge that I have called him. I don’t even care that I’m out in the open, that I’m a target. I need to see him. Does he want me to call someone? I just want him to know I’m here for him. I run to the car, yelling his name but his eyes won’t meet mine. His stare is cold and unwavering. Why is he ignoring me? “Hunter!” I plead for him to look my way. As the car drives away, I’m left confused and hurt by his actions.
What do I do? That’s when I remember him saying his friend Ryan was a cop. Not that I have any of their numbers. I do know where Brian’s house is. I head toward my car and Joe, who is being questioned by police. “Joe, we need to leave.” I move to get into the car when someone grabs my wrist. I turn to see Detective Marks.
“Miss Baker, I’m not through with you.” His eyes scan my body and I want nothing more than to slap him. He deliberately provoked Hunter.
I rip my wrist from his hand. “I am most certainly done with you, detective. You will have to ask me any other questions at a later time. If you touch me one more time without my consent, I’ll sue you for everything you’re worth.” I climb into the car and slam the door in his face.
As I guide Joe to Brian’s house, I pray that someone is home. I also analyze everything that happened, trying to figure out what was up with Hunter. When we pull up to the house, I see a car in the driveway and breathe a sigh of relief.
Jules answers my knock with a surprised expression. “Hey girl, what’s up? Where’s your not so better half?”
“In jail…” I trail off.
“Good Lord. Come in.” I follow her inside, explaining everything that happened, trying not to break down as I relive it. “I came here because I remember Hunter saying one of the boys was a cop. I thought he might be able to help.”
“Ryan, I’ll call him now and let him know what’s going on.” Jules walks out of the room and returns a few minutes later. “Luckily, Ryan is at the station and not out on call. He is going to try to get him out. Brian is out of town scoping out some new projects, so you know what that means…”
I laugh. “Margaritas?”
She frantically nods her head before practically skipping out of the room. I try to let the fear and stress of the day melt away. I can be scared tomorrow. I can worry about my relationship tomorrow. Tonight I just want to have a few drinks and try not to think about Hunter or the fact that someone is out there trying to kill me. Some girl time might be just what I need. It’s been so long since I had a friend, I swear I have forgotten what it feels like.
Jules helps me forget. We talk, laugh, and she tells me embarrassing stories about Hunter. I really like her. As I look at the time, I dread finding a hotel right now. I was supposed to stay at Hunter’s house but I refuse to go there alone. My house is a good three hours away and after all the tequila, I think that’s a bad idea.
“Alright chica, I’m getting tired. You ready for bed?” I look at her, confused by her question. “We have a guest room. I assumed you would stay here.”
“I’d like that.” I can’t help but smile.
“As long as you don’t try to sneak into my bed. I’m all about you girl, but I don’t get down like that.” She winks at me, before walking upstairs. I follow her as she shows me the guest room. “I’ll grab you a shirt to sleep in if you want one.”
“That would be great. Thanks so much for everything tonight, Jules.”
She smiles at me. “No problem babe. While you were in the bathroom earlier, I programmed all of the boys’, mine, and Laceys’s numbers into your phone. You’re part of the family now. Don’t ever hesitate to ask for anything.”
I walk over to her and give her a hug. I can’t help it. The kindness and caring she has shown me tonight is more than I have felt in a long time
I lay down, happy that I finally have a family, even if they aren’t blood. They are more than I have had, ever.
Before I fall asleep, my thoughts go to Hunter.
Is he okay?
Was Ryan able to help him?
Why was he so mad at me?
Chapter Nineteen
Hunter
As the guard unlocks the cell door, I say a silent thank you that I’m getting out of this shithole. Ryan is waiting for me at the desk where you sign out. How the hell did he know I was here?