Page 9 of New Nebraska Heat

It was like I’d summoned him by name. Mr. Harding appeared behind Hunter, half-bent over, his skin pale and his jaw clenched in pain. He was supported by Franco, who had put on thick gloves and had a hand under his arm.

Hunter shifted over to give them room and gave Mr. Harding a fond but stern look. “What the hell are you doing here? I told you to rest in my office.”

“I had to check on Serenity,” Mr. Harding said, giving Hunter a determined look, but his voice was so weak. He straightened upwith a wince, nearly as tall as Hunter now, and locked his eyes on me. “Are you okay?”

Me, okay?

Oh no, he’d seen me with Conrad. My knees gave out and I collapsed into one of the dressing room chairs as the last of the girls but Gigi left the room.

Hunter’s eyes darted to me, sweeping over every inch of my body as if to make sure I was in one piece. “Please tell me why you looked so shaken up back here.”

“Just someone…” I shook my head, unable to get out more words.

Mr. Harding took a deep breath, forcing his jaw to relax. “It looked like some vamp might’ve been”—he took another breath—“might’ve been harassing Serenity. He came up to the stage.”

“Harassing her!?” Hunter raged.

“It’ll be fine.” I looked between them both and tried to school my features since I didn’t believe the words I’d just said. I just couldn’t process everything with Conrad right now. “Are you okay, Mr. Harding?”

“I will be. Unfortunately, this is nothing new.” A flush was lingering across his pale cheeks.

“I’m very sorry something happened to you and Tara out there.”

“I’m not sure I deserve your concern. I disrupted things.” His cheeks turned cherry red. I wasn’t sure what he meant by that or why he seemed so embarrassed. He tried to take a step toward the chair next to me but stumbled and Franco tightened his grip on him.

“Will Tara be okay?” I glanced between Hunter and Mr. Harding again.

“She’s on the way to ER, thank goodness,” Mr. Harding answered for them, leaning into Franco. “They’ll help manage her pain.”

“And you’ll be okay?”

From where she’d been waiting by her makeup chair, Gigicleared her throat. “Maybe I can help?” She pranced over. “Sounds like you had a rough night, Mr. Harding.”

“It has been one hell of a night.” He gave her a wary look.

“I’m Gigi. Need any help getting home?”

“He doesn’t.” Hunter took a step closer to Mr. Harding.

“But he might want some company, boss. I know he used to pay for it and I’m happy to help.” She ran a hand from the hip of her rhinestone-studded bodysuit up to her cleavage then held it out, wiggling her fingers. “I can wear gloves.”

“No and don’t ask again. Time to go, Gigi.” Hunter pointed toward the door.

“Fine, fine. But he knows where to find me.” She sashayed away. The poor guy looked like he’d been hit by a bus, and she was offering special services. I stifled a scowl at her, my mind too overwhelmed to focus on her lack of class.

“I still need some answers about what vampire was bothering you and why.” Hunter glanced at both me and Mr. Harding. “I think the three of us should talk.”

I nodded, agreeing without any fuss, knowing Hunter wasn’t going to just let what Mr. Harding had said and seen go.

“Privately. In my office.”

Serenity

“There you go, sir.” Franco eased Mr. Harding onto the couch in Hunter’s office then looked to Hunter for more direction.

“Keep watch in the club, Franco. Make sure everyone’s cleared out. And no one comes in.”

Franco nodded and lumbered toward the door.