Page 7

Mel

I stared up at the gleaming high-rise hotel, the afternoon sun glinting off its glass exterior. Of course Ethan Cross would be staying here. The Plaza Royale was the most expensive hotel in Dallas, where rooms started at five hundred dollars a night.

My heels clicked across the marble lobby as I made my way to the elevator, smoothing down my navy pencil skirt. I’d dressed in my most professional outfit today—a tailored blazer over a silk blouse, my hair pulled back in a sleek bun. No room for Ethan Cross to criticize my “inappropriate” attire this time.

The elevator ascended smoothly to the twenty-third floor. I’d emailed Ethan last night, asking to meet with him before he left Dallas. His reply had been brief but polite: “Room 2312. 2 p.m.”

Now, as I approached his door, I tried to ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. This wasn’t about me. This was about Nova’s safety .

I knocked firmly.

The door swung open almost immediately. Ethan stood there in dark jeans and a fitted gray Henley that did nothing to hide his impressive build. His expression remained neutral as he stepped aside.

“Mel.”

“Ethan.” I nodded. His face was all sharp angles and intensity, from the strong jawline to the penetrating blue-gray eyes that seemed to catalog every detail they encountered. “Thank you for seeing me.”

I stepped into the suite and nearly stopped short. The place was twice the size of my first apartment, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. A sleek conference table occupied one side of the main room, while plush seating surrounded a gas fireplace on the other. Two doors led to what I assumed were separate bedrooms.

“One-afternoon site surveys must pay really well,” I said before I could stop myself. “Do you scam potential clients often?”

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

“I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “That was unfair. I’m just…” I exhaled. “Frustrated.”

“Understandable.” He gestured toward the seating area. “And for what it’s worth, if you check with your accountant, you’ll find Citadel Solutions has already refunded the consultation fee.”

I blinked. “What?”

“I didn’t feel right keeping it, contract or not.”

Something inside me softened. It wasn’t about the money—Nova could certainly afford it—but the principle. The fact that he’d refunded the fee without being asked spoke volumes about his character .

“I’m asking you to keep it,” I said, perching on the edge of a leather armchair. “And to reconsider taking the job.”

Ethan remained standing, arms crossed. “Nothing’s changed. If Nova doesn’t take her safety seriously?—”

“She will,” I interrupted. “I spoke with her last night. She’ll do whatever is asked of her. Whatever security protocols you implement.” When he raised a skeptical eyebrow, I added, “I know how it looked yesterday. But she was scared and hiding it behind attitude.”

“That doesn’t inspire confidence.”

“People react to fear differently. Nova performs. It’s what she’s always done.” I leaned forward. “Please. At least consider it.”

Ethan studied me for a long moment. Then, without warning, he stepped forward and gently took my left arm. Before I could react, he pushed up my sleeve, revealing the large purple bruise that had blossomed across my forearm.

“From the serving cart,” he said softly. “The night of the break-in.”

I stared at him, stunned. How had he known? I’d been careful to keep my sleeve down yesterday.

“Nova shouldn’t have to be talked into anything,” he continued, his thumb brushing lightly over the edge of the bruise. “Not when her sister is getting hurt.”

My skin tingled where he touched me. “She didn’t realize. No one did.”

“I did.” His eyes met mine, intense and unwavering. “I noticed.”

Something passed between us in that moment—an understanding, a connection that caught me completely off guard. His fingers were warm against my skin, his touch careful as if he thought I might break. For a man who exuded such hardness, he exhibited unexpected gentleness in his contact .

Then, as if suddenly aware of our proximity, he released my arm and stepped back.

“I apologize for how bluntly I spoke to you both yesterday,” he said, his voice resuming its professional tone. “But I still believe you might be better served by another security firm. I can recommend several that would be a better fit for Nova’s lifestyle.”

“I don’t want another firm. I want Citadel Solutions.”

My phone chimed with an incoming text. Then another. And another. Nova’s morning anxiety spiral had begun right on schedule.

Ethan’s gaze dropped to my phone. “That’s another reason we might not be a good fit. Situational awareness is key to personal security. Being glued to your phone creates vulnerability.”

I pulled the device from my pocket and showed him the screen.

Mel the dancers are fighting about the routine again

Should I change the setlist for Denver???

What if the altitude affects my voice

What if I’m not ready

His expression shifted subtly as he read the messages. “This is what you were doing yesterday? During the site survey?”

“Nova gets like this when she’s stressed. She has since we were kids. She needs constant reassurance, and I’m the only one who can give it to her.” I set the phone down. “I’m not addicted to my phone, if that’s what you were thinking. I’m just…the person who keeps everything from falling apart.”

Something in his eyes softened. “Have you considered hiring an assistant? ”

“For what? To answer Nova’s texts? She wouldn’t accept responses from anyone else.” I shook my head. “This is just how it is.”

Ethan ran a hand through his short, dark hair. “Look, Mel?—”

“I brought something else.” I reached into my bag and pulled out a thick folder. “These are threats Nova has received over the past three months. The ones I’ve managed to intercept before they reached her.”

I set the folder on the coffee table along with a small flash drive.

“I’ve been trying to shield her so she can focus on her music and the tour. But it’s overwhelming, and I can’t do it alone anymore.” I tapped the drive. “These are screenshots of social media messages and emails. The paper ones are the physical letters that have been sent to her fan mail address.”

Ethan picked up the folder, flipping it open. His expression darkened as he scanned the first page.

“You’ve been dealing with all of this yourself?” He looked up at me. “Why didn’t you show these to the police?”

“I gave them copies of everything after the break-in. But Nova’s a public figure. They say most of this is standard obsessive fan behavior.” I swallowed hard. “But after those roses showed up in our kitchen… I don’t think it’s standard at all.”

Ethan set the folder down and picked up the flash drive. “Does Nova know about these?”

“Some of them. The more benign ones. Not the overtly threatening notes or the ones with the disturbing drawings.”

My phone chimed again, and I glanced at it out of habit.

Mel where are you???

I need you here NOW

The costume designer is making everything too tight

PLEASE COME BACK

I sighed and typed a quick response.

Meeting with Ethan Cross. Tell her to fix it or we’ll find someone who will. Home soon.

“I’m sorry,” I said, tucking my phone away. “This is exactly why we need professional security. I can’t be everywhere at once, and Nova needs?—”

“We’ll take the job.”

I froze mid-sentence. “What?”

“Citadel Solutions will take the job.” Ethan’s expression was resolute. “But there are conditions.”

Relief washed over me so powerfully I nearly slid off the arm of my chair. “Anything.”

“That’s a dangerous word, Mel.”

“I mean it. Whatever you need to keep Nova safe.”

Ethan leaned against the edge of the conference table. “First, full access to the estate. We’ll need to completely overhaul the security system—cameras, motion sensors, reinforced locks, the works.”

“Done.”

“Second, Nova follows every protocol without complaint. No exceptions, no special treatment.”

“She will. I promise.”

“Third, staff vetting. Everyone who works in that house or has access to Nova gets thoroughly background-checked. Those who don’t pass are gone.”

I nodded. “Understood.”

“Finally—” he held my gaze “—you take care of yourself too.”

That caught me off guard. “What? ”

“You can’t protect your sister if you’re running yourself into the ground. You need to delegate. Hire an assistant. Set boundaries. And when we’re in public, you stay aware of your surroundings.”

I wanted to argue, to tell him that I could handle it, that I’d been handling it for years. But the truth was, I was exhausted. The weight of managing Nova’s career, her emotions, and now her safety had worn me down more than I cared to admit.

“I’ll try,” I said softly.

“That’s not good enough.” His tone was gentle but firm. “Your safety matters too, Mel.”

Something about the way he said it—like he truly meant it, like it wasn’t just about the job—made my throat tighten.

“Okay,” I managed. “I’ll do better.”

He nodded, seemingly satisfied. “My team will be at the estate tomorrow morning to begin the security upgrade. We’ll need Nova present for a briefing.”

“She’ll be there.”

“Good.” He picked up the folder and drive. “I’ll have Jace, our tech specialist, analyze these, see if there’s a pattern we can identify. Sometimes these stalkers leave breadcrumbs they don’t even realize.”

I stood, smoothing my skirt. “Thank you, Ethan. I know we’re not what you typically look for in clients.”

“No,” he agreed, the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “But sometimes the most challenging assignments turn out to be the most worthwhile.”

Our eyes met again, and that strange connection flickered between us. For a moment, I wondered if he felt it too—this inexplicable pull that made no logical sense.

Then my phone chimed once more, breaking the spell.

“You should get that,” he said, turning away. “I’ll walk you out. ”

As we reached the door, I paused. “I meant what I said about Nova. She’ll cooperate.”

“I believe you.” He opened the door but then hesitated. “That bruise—you should heat it. Icing is good the first couple days, but at this point, heat will help improve blood flow. Ibuprofen for pain.”

The fact that he was still thinking about my injury sent an unexpected warmth through me. “Okay, I will.”

“And, Mel?” His voice dropped slightly. “Next time you get hurt, don’t hide it.”

With that, he stepped back, allowing me to exit. As I walked toward the elevator, I could feel his eyes on me, watching until I was safely inside.

It wasn’t until the doors closed that I allowed myself to exhale. Ethan Cross was going to protect Nova. He was going to help us.

But the way my heart raced whenever he looked at me? That was a complication I hadn’t anticipated—and definitely couldn’t afford.

My phone buzzed again.

Did he say yes??? Tell me he said yes!!!

I smiled and typed back:

He said yes. But you have to follow EVERY rule. No exceptions.

Three dots appeared immediately, then:

I’ll be a perfect angel I swear!!!

As the elevator descended, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d just made things better or worse. Nova would be safer with Ethan’s team protecting her. But having him around constantly, seeing him every day…

That wasn’t part of the plan. And it definitely wasn’t part of what I’d promised my mother—to always put Nova’s career first, to make sure all her sacrifices weren’t in vain.

I needed to remember why I was doing this. For Nova. For Mom.

Not for the unexpected flutter in my chest whenever Ethan Cross looked at me like I was worth protecting too.