Damn it, I didn’t have enough time to sort this shit out with her in seven hours.
Luna pulled into the underground garage at Luna and Associates, and belatedly, I realized the logistics. “Luna, she needs clothes.” I had a go bag here, but all her shit was in that suite.
She reached forward and put a hand on Trefor’s shoulder. “Adam, can you please contact Zane? I left an overnight bag on the plane.”
“Of course.” Trefor glanced back and smiled at her before pulling his cell out.
“Thank you.” Dropping her hand, she looked tentatively at me, like she was nervous. “I learned a while ago to always have backup when traveling. You never know when your luggage will get misplaced.”
I didn’t know if I wanted to kill Trefor because she’d touched him or kiss her in front of everyone so they fucking knew to back off.
Realizing I was losing my shit, I kept my mouth shut as Luna pulled up to the elevator.
Sanaa glanced over, and her face fell.
“What?” I demanded.
“Nothing,” she lied quietly.
I grasped her chin and brought her eyes to me as Luna and Trefor got out of the SUV. I didn’t tell her not to lie to me and I didn’t demand she tell me what the hell was wrong. Instead, I stated a single word. The only important word between us. “Songbird.”
She inhaled deeply and let it out slow. Then her words came. “I’m not trying to be difficult, but the thought of going up another elevator, in another high rise, makes me want to cry. And scream. And refuse to do it, if I’m being honest. I just want to be close to God’s green earth and not think about the past few hours.”
I nodded once, then I opened my door. “Luna, change of plans.”
Already standing at the elevator, Luna looked up from his cell and raised his eyebrows.
“Can you secure my place for the night?” He would know what I was asking.
Luna stared at me a beat, and I knew what he was thinking. If it got out she was on my boat, the marina would be a logistical nightmare to control. But after a moment, he relented. “Once Ty and Tyler get Harm settled, yes.”
“Thank you. We’ll wait until Talerco gets here and checks her out, then head over there.”
“Ten-four,” Luna answered.
I turned back to her. “Okay, we’re going to get you checked out here. The top floors have secure apartments for clients, and Talerco is already on his way. After he clears you, we can go to my place. No elevators there. I promise.”
She gave me a smile that wasn’t full and didn’t reach her eyes, but it was something. “Okay.”
I dropped a kiss on her forehead and issued a command. “Wait. I’ll come open your door.”
She nodded, and I got out of the SUV.
Before walking around to her side, I glanced at Trefor. “Can your man Silas get her bag here in twenty minutes?”
Trefor nodded. “Yes. Silas, Vance and I were going to crash here before leaving tomorrow anyway, but if you’re relocating for the night—”
“I only have room for two.” The Carver could sleep eight, but I didn’t want anyone else onboard with us. I wanted her to myself for the next seven hours.
“Understood, I wasn’t trying to impose,” Trefor explained. “Just offering more security if you need it.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’d rather your pilot get some sleep. We can handle it.”
“Offer stands, but understood,” Trefor replied.
Acknowledging him with a tip of my chin, I opened Sanaa’s door as Talon Talerco peeled into the garage and slammed on the brakes as he skidded into a parking space.
Jumping out of his Challenger, Talerco grinned. “What up, ladies?”
I took Sanaa’s hand and spoke just loud enough for her to hear me. “Watch your step, Songbird.”
Her eyes met mine and I got the slight smile again.
Talon’s gaze cut to Sanaa as she got out of the Escalade and he whistled low. “Well hot damn. Miss Sanaa Narine.” Talerco chuckled. “My night just got a whole hell of a lot more interestin’.”
“Watch it,” I warned, putting my arm around Sanaa.
Grinning like a fucking tool, Talerco chuckled again. “Nothin’ doin’, Pyro, nothin’ doin’.” He shook his head. “But like I said, a whole hell of a lot more interestin’.”
Grabbing his medical bag out of his trunk, Talerco walked over to us and held his hand out to Sanaa. “Talon Talerco, ma’am. Big fan.”
Shaking his hand, Songbird gave him her public smile. “Thank you.”
Staring at her a beat too long, Talon let her hand go, then looked at Trefor and grinned wide again. “Adam ‘Alpha’ Trefor. Shit, it’s good to see you. Been a long time, brother.” He slapped him on the shoulder. “Your outfit behind this late-night meet and greet?”
“Unfortunate circumstances, but yes. Miss Narine is an AES client.”
Talon glanced at me before looking back at Trefor. “Pretty sure Pyro doesn’t think it’s unfortunate.”
“You’re here to check out Miss Narine,” Luna interjected as the elevator doors opened.
Talon spun on us. “No shit?” He eyed Sanaa. “You okay, darlin’?”
“Have you been watching the news?” Luna asked as held the elevator door open.
We all stepped inside.
Talerco waited until the doors were closed. “No, I was with my women, hunkerin’ down till these winds passed. What I’d miss?”
Trefor, Luna and I all looked at each other.
Talerco glanced between me and Sanaa. “Not for nothin’, Pyro, but you’re lookin’ a little road hard.” He smiled at Sanaa. “You’re always beautiful, darlin’.”
I glared at Talerco. “Three bombs took out the W Hotel. Sanaa was the target. Threat’s been neutralized, but Sanaa inhaled a lot of debris. You’re here to make sure she’s okay.”
Talerco’s expression turned serious. “Copy that. Glad you’re all in one piece. We’ll get both of you checked out.”
“I’m fine,” I clipped. “But Sanaa has a concert in less than forty-eight hours. I don’t want her performing if it’s going to strain her lungs.”
“Understood.” Talerco smiled at Sanaa. “We’ll get you sorted, darlin’.”
The elevator opened on the top floor of the L&A building, and Luna led us to one of the two apartments. Opening the door using the keypad on the outside, he then stepped back. “I need to check in with the investigators at the W. Ronan, I’ll let Tyler know to head to your place and keep it secured tonight. Do you want an escort getting there?”
“No, we should be fine.”
Luna nodded and glanced at Trefor. “I’ll show you to your apartment down the hall.”
“Thank you.” Trefor glanced at Sanaa. “Zane will be here shortly with your bag. You’re in good hands, but if you need anything else tonight, please feel free to reach out to myself, Vance or Zane.”
“She’ll be fine.” No fucking way was she calling them again, my brother included.
Sanaa smiled at Trefor like the fuck hadn’t dropped the ball on this operation. “Thank you for your help.”