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Confusion transforms into disbelief. “After Mia went missing?”
“Yes,” Billie says with an exhale, and an edge of uncertainty slips into her voice. “He’s been tracking Micah, but I don’t know any details. He just said he was going to make sure you were protected. He’s really fucking stubborn, and he likes to take things into his own hands.”
“I know,” I tell her.
I’ve known Nick since I was a little kid because he was best friends with my brother.
“After that picture of you two swallowing each other’s tongue was posted, there was speculation that you were in Sugar Pine Springs. Nick acted immediately.”
I laugh, but then my breath catches. “None of this makes sense.”
Seconds later, Billie rushes to me with Asher following in her shadow. As soon as she sees me, she pulls me to my feet and holds me tight. For a long moment, we cling to each other; the tension slightly eases.
“Are you okay, Harp?”
“No,” I say truthfully, my head pounding from stress. I squeeze my eyes shut against a dizzying rush of emotions. Nick’s involvement adds another layer to an already-dangerous situation. “Why wouldn’t Nick have told us? We could have been prepared?—”
“Brody is always prepared to protect you,” Billie confirms, placing her hands on my shoulders and looking into my eyes. “It’s why you’re safely in New York right now.”
My voice is barely audible as I whisper, “I’m so scared something bad happened.”
“I know, but right now, we have no answers,” Billie replies. “Let’s get you to your place, okay?” She’s gentle and kind.
“Will you stay with me? I can’t be alone,” I tell her as I cling to that fragile thread of hope.
“Yes,” she says without hesitation.
Asher picks up the duffel bags that are by my feet, and Billie take the weekend bag and leads me to the elevator. She’s my anchor in this storm.
“I won’t leave you until Brody shows up,” she whispers, grabbing my hand and squeezing it. “We’ll get through this.”
I meet her eyes, swallowing past the lump still lodged painfully in my throat. “Are you worried about him?”
“No,” she says confidently. “Nick is a fucking punk, but he’s not going to hurt Brody. Trust me.”
“I know what I saw,” I say, and I feel like I’m hyperventilating.
“Breathe. Brody knows how to handle himself. You have to trust that.”
“I can’t lose him,” I choke out. “Not now.”
“You won’t,” she says. Certainty rings in every word as the elevator doors slide open. She guides me out. “Brody could take on Nick and Micah at the same time with his eyes closed. They’re bitch boys.”
Asher chuckles and mutters, “I’m telling him you said that.”
“It’s true. I’ve seen him fight five dudes at once. He’s one of the best shots. Completely lethal. And he’s like a cat with nine lives,” she tells me.
I press my thumb against my door. It unlocks, and I step inside. It feels weird, being home.
“Let’s get you settled.”
Billie guides me into my penthouse, and Asher sets the bags down on the floor. I peer out the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Central Park. The sun hangs lazily in the sky, and I glance at the clock on the wall. It’s just past six in the evening, and soon, it will be dark. Hours have passed, and I’ve heard nothing.
Asher gives me a soft smile, but I see concern in his eyes. He squeezes my shoulder, and then they lead me to the sectional that’s close to the gas fireplace. Billie presses a button, and the flames come to life. I stare at them, thinking back to the cabin and the time I spent with Brody over the past couple of weeks.
“How about some tea?” Billie asks. “Always makes you feel better.”
I’m reminded of Micah and how he drugged me.