I learned to shut down my emotions a long time ago. I just never imagined after all this time that I’d have to do it again.

I’ve always been the one to take charge and make shit happen, and especially when Felisha’s life was falling apart, I took great pride in my strength. So, digging deep, I’m about to do it for myself this time.

Sitting up straighter in my seat, I tell the fear in my stomach to fuck off because that emotion is no use to me.

“Right, so what’s the plan?” I look to Sandon, and as he is about to answer, the door opens again, and Flynn, Remington, and Forrest stride into Felisha’s office.

“Nice of you to knock,” I grumble as they surround us and look like they are about to kill someone.

“Are you okay, Harper?” Flynn leans down and pulls me up into a hug. He is the only one who can get away with that. We have been building this brotherly-sisterly connection that is one I’m not quite sure how to manage, but I have to admit, it’s a nice feeling.

“Uggh, get your arms off me, I don’t want to piss off your girlfriend.” I push him away, trying to make light of the moment.

“Where’s the fourth one? Don’t you four normally move as a pack? You are missing the head guy,” I sass, walking away from them to get some space because it’s all too overwhelming.

“Don’t do that,” Flynn says to me.

“Do what?” I shrug.

“Use comedy to deflect. You forget I’m the king of that tactic, and it doesn’t work on me.” He tilts his head to the side in sympathy.

“Well, what do you all want me to say? I’m sure you know as much as I do. Sandon will protect me, and it will all go away. Now, get back to work. Nothing to see here.” I look around the circle of people who are all observing me, and they each have different expressions on their faces. Remington and Sandon look like they are happy that I trust them, and I can tell their brains are working on what they are going to do. Felisha is worried. Flynn looks like he just wants to hug me again and protect me from the threat.

But Forrest, he looks so angry. His eyes are focused on me with precision, and if I move, they follow me. Security and logistics aren’t his thing, he’s the finance guy, but right now, if Chester walked into this room, I think he is the man I’d be most worried about. There is fire in his body, and he is ready to put everything on the line for me, the woman who he is not interested in because I’m a one-night stand kind of girl—or so he says.