Page 16 of The Devil’s Detail (The Greystone Family: Greystone Brothers #2)

Carter

“It was the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

This six foot one man, with muscles to die for, coming at me like a tornado.

” I’m throwing myself around, reenacting the whole scene for Kasey and his entourage.

“It was every fantasy come true. He picked me up like I was light as a feather and just carried me off. Dreams. Made.”

Kasey is guffawing with laughter while his female assistant swoons at my story. My mind is liquifying by the second. I think the man walks on water.

“I wish that would happen to me,” she states, looking longingly at Kasey. He doesn’t even notice.

“Baby girl, it was on my bucket list for years, and now check and mate.” I wave my hands in the air with a flourish, like I’m ticking off items on the world’s biggest list.

As I shimmy around my suite, I feel lighter, calmer. I’ve met Ash, who was apparently the ‘stalker’ I kept picking up on.

To his credit, Ash apologised for scaring me. Of course I accepted. Not his fault he’s… noticeable. He’s another gorgeous guy, very easy on the eyes. But nobody can hold a candle to Jackson.

That man… Brown eyes that seem to be able to read me like a book. Mellow energy that’s a balm to my soul. I’m obviously smitten beyond rational thought, and I don’t know how to handle it.

So… I’m over the top, as usual.

“Here he is. The man of the hour.” I cross my hands theatrically over my heart as he comes into the room with Ash.

They both look so serious. Well, damn, this might not be good.

My diva side jumps to my rescue, going overboard on the theatrics to cover the anxiety of what they might say or do.

“You’re not leaving me already, are you, sugar? ” I turn to Kasey in mock horror.

Jackson just shakes his head as if I haven’t said a word. He looks frustrated, and I hope it’s not with me.

“No, but Gary is on TV.” He picks up the remote and switches the big screen on. “Says he’s suing you for assault.”

Gary’s gormless face is in front of me, and I scowl at the offending image. Nope. Not doing this again.

I stand up and snatch the remote back, turning it off.

“Whatever. He’s lying. I never touched him,” I state confidently. I would have liked to. Would have loved to smash his face in. But I don’t think anyone is a mind reader, so I can’t be dragged into court for that.

“He’s claiming he was trampled in the stampede that you caused. Showing off his bruises. Oh, and fashion checking NHS staff on their outfits.” Jackson smirks. “I reckon we can get him to back off, but he wants access to you, Carter.”

“No fuckin’ way. What does he want, a fuckin’ tea party?” I’m steaming now, because this is beyond a joke.

“He wants you to drop the legal action to stop him being near you. If you do that, he’ll not take it further.”

I shrug. “Nope, not gonna happen. I want him as far away from me as possible.”

“Well, we can keep him away. And to be honest, now all your old security have gone, nobody will be tipping him off.”

I look down at that. I might have told a couple of the guys they could stay on. And I might not have told Jackson about that. But they begged, and I caved.

Jackson goes really still. It’s a look I’ve seen before. “What don’t I know, Carter?”

Fuck. He can read me so well.

“I’m heading out, Carter,” Kasey says as he stands and comes over to me.

Traitor. He’s taking his entourage and leaving.

And honestly, when I think about it, I’m not sure if I’m happy about that or not.

I distract myself with air kisses and lots of enthusiastic waving, giving myself a little time and space to prepare for what’s coming.

Because as I come back into the lounge, I know I’m in for it.

Jackson points at the sofa.

“So domineering,” I coo as I sashay over, hoping to distract and defuse the current tension in the room. “I’ll bet the ladies love that.” I grin at Ash, but he doesn’t smile back. Well, fuck. These two are not going to be fun.

The eyebrow—it’s an interrogation technique all on its own. It’s also my barometer to how pissed off Jackson is. One up and it’s mild. Two and it’s oh, fuck time. I sit obediently on the sofa.

“Well?” His voice is mild, but both eyebrows are up. Hell.

“I might have agreed to one or two of the old team staying in play.”

Jackson draws in a breath as Ash shakes his head.

But all he asks is, “Why?”

I start to ramble. “They asked, and I know they’re good guys. They were with me before that outfit, and I like them, they make me laugh.” I’m shrugging so much it must look like I’m doing shoulder exercises.

“And Gary? Shall I light a neon sign up for him to find you?” Holy cow, he’s pretty pissed.

“Ummmm. No. I don’t want him near me if I can help it.

He only wants to keep his career going. He was desperate to generate publicity and minutes in the limelight.

He’s annoyed since I threw him out at Christmas.

And he’s… well, he’s been following me around, making it look like we’re still together. ”

“I know, which is why we fired the security. I don’t see why you’re paying people who didn’t keep you safe.” He’s exasperated, and it’s coming at me like condescension.

It’s as if he thinks I’m a little kid. I’m not. And it’s pissing me off.

My stubborn side kicks in and I aggressively state, “I want the three men I’ve asked to come back to stay in my detail. You can tell them what to do. But being here is non-negotiable, Jackson.”

Ash is looking at me like I’m crazy. They’re like the double act of doom.

A version of good cop, bad cop. I know, I’ve played it before as a role.

I was an amazing bad cop. But today I feel very ganged up on.

My diva instincts kick in, and I’m about to demand it, when Jackson throws another security bomb at me.

“Why do you have final say on your events?”

I look at him quizzically. “What do you mean? Why wouldn’t I? They are my events.” I feel as if the mood has shifted and we’re getting down to the nitty gritty. I’m seeing a different side to Jackson, but I suppose that’s to be expected—before, he was a friend, now he’s an employee… of sorts.

“I need total access to everything. We’ll decide as a team what you’re going to do, not just you.” I open my mouth to object, but he holds his hands up to me. “We’ll work in tandem with all your team—PR, agent, anyone and everyone—but we decide as a team, not you as an individual.”

Then he totally surprises me. I can hardly breathe as he sits beside me on the sofa. His scent fills my nostrils. His leg presses close to mine. It’s entirely too close. Too intimate.

“Carter…” He says my name like a lover would. I don’t know which way is up. “I need you safe. I need to know where you are so I can keep you safe. I could see you were scared in that crowd. That can’t happen again.”

I nod like an oil well pumpjack in full flow. I’d agree to anything when he’s sitting so close. Talking to me like this.

“I also need your agreement to add cameras for security,” he continues. “Is that okay with you?”

“Sh- sure. Anything. I suppose I can work with that. Anything you need to keep me safe, right?”

His smile explodes on his face, and I’m completely speechless.

Not a single word enters my brain, or leaves my mouth.

My eyes must have glazed over when he smiled, but I’m brought crashing back to reality when he taps my leg as he stands up.

My audible inhale earns me a look from Ash, but he doesn't say anything.

I’m going to have to get my crush under control, or this could get embarrassing. For all of us.