“And if I’m not Jack Flannery’s daughter, then what?” I peered up at Layne, wondering if I had put everyone I loved in jeopardy just because they were in my life. My hands turned clammy with the prospect, and I rubbed my free one on my jeans. Realizing I was no longer hungry, I put the plate down on the coffee table.
“Shit,” Benji muttered. “No matter what she says, Ten is scared. She never turns down food.”
“I’m not scared,” I lied. “I’m not related to this monster. All I want to know is if we’ll be able to go back to normal when the tests come back negative.”
Michael rubbed his chin. “Until the FBI catches him, I’m afraid not.”
“No. No.” I shook my head adamantly. “I refuse for some crazy, sick—” I stopped before I dropped the f-bomb. “I won’t allow him to dictate my life.”
Michael held his hand up, halting me from continuing. “This is a moot point, Tensley. Until we have the DNA results back, we can’t plan accordingly for your safety.”
Dammit, he’d just played the dad card on me. Before I could object, the doorbell rang.
“I’ve got it.” Michael stood, smoothed his khaki slacks and gray button-down shirt, then left the living room.
From the angle of where I was sitting, I had a pretty decent view of who was at the door. I leaned forward, attempting to get a better look. A dark-haired, well-built hottie shook Michael’s hand, and I assumed he was Pierce Westbrook. As the other men stepped into the foyer, I realized they were all in black suits. Men in Black. I stifled a giggle. For a moment, I wished Benji and I were sitting next to each other so we could drool over the eye candy.
Michael led the men into the living room, and Marilyn stood. I didn’t miss the subtle flush that crept over her cheeks.
“Everyone, this is Pierce Westbrook,” Michael said, glancing around at us. “He owns the security firm.”
Pierce stepped forward and shook our hands, smiling confidently. “It’s nice to meet you all. These are some of my best men, and they will be discreet. You won’t even know they’re around. This is Vaughn Reddington." Vaughn shook our hands, and for the first time, I realized he had one blue eye and one brown eye. His short blond hair and angled jawline added to his distinct appearance. He was hot as hell.
I minded my manners, but I knew Benji, and I would definitely need some one-on-one time to discuss how fucking gorgeous these guys were. For starters, where in the hell had these dudes come from? Maybe there was a hot-bodyguard-cloning factory somewhere.
“This is Zayne Wilson,” Pierce continued.
Zayne followed suit, introducing himself to us. I didn’t miss the hint of a tattoo peeking out from his jacket sleeve or how his emerald-green eyes stood out against his dark hair.
“And Tad Murphy,” Pierce announced.
“Nice to meet you,” Tad said, smiling and shaking our hands firmly.
Never had I seen red hair and big brown eyes look so smoldering hot. Tad had an infectious presence that filled the room.
I was a hormonal mess. My brain realized the men were there to protect us, but I was ready to pull Layne into the bathroom for a hot and hard quickie.
“I’m going to show everyone around the house and property,” Michael announced.
I peered over at Benji. His eyes were glued to the backsides of the men as they left us. If the circumstances hadn’t been so serious, I would have jokingly wiped the drool off his chin. I stifled a giggle with my arm.
“Well, they seem like lovely men,” Marilyn gushed.
Layne leaned over, his breath tickling my ear. “I’m glad they won’t be where you ladies can see them on a regular basis.”
Flustered that I’d not been more discreet in my attraction to the bodyguards, I glanced up at him. “Oh my God. I’m sorry. I—”
Layne’s chuckle rumbled through his chest. “Hell, even I noticed how gorgeous they all were. As long as I’m the one you’re taking to bed, it’s all good,” he whispered in my ear.
“Always.” I gave him a chaste kiss on the mouth since Marilyn was in the room.
“Have you heard from Franklin today?” I asked, attempting to focus again.
“Yes. Michael will take you downtown to meet him, then you’ll follow him to take the DNA test. Although I know how powerful a man Franklin is, I’m still amazed at how quickly he can move things along. You should have your test results by morning.”
I gulped. “Okay. I’m glad I won’t have to wait long, and then we can resume our lives.”
Marilyn’s sad smile said otherwise, but I needed to hold on to what I could, even if it might not be accurate.
“I miss my drums,” I said, leaning over and staring at Benji. “I need something to pound on. I wonder if Matthew could arrange for me to get in before the bar opens and blow off some steam.”
Marilyn’s eyes widened. “That sounds wonderful! In fact, let me call and see if they can let us have a private party for a few hours. Let’s invite Avery and Justin. Benji, who else? This would be a fantastic way to have some fun while we wait for the results.” Marilyn hopped out of her chair, grinning. Entertainment should have been her middle name, but I needed my drums, so I would let her plan anything she wanted to.
“Mom, I can give you a list of names to call, but let’s keep it to twenty or so people. This is my first time in public since the attack, and I think I need to keep it small. Nothing big. Just let Tensley perform and everyone drink. Reality will sink back in soon enough.” Benji eyed me, worry clouding his expression.
Marilyn clapped her hands together. “Perfect. Benji, while they’re downtown, you and I can plan it. I’ll call Matthew. I think Craig, the owner of Barney’s, is out of town.”
Layne cleared his throat. “Mrs. Parker, I don’t mean to be disrespectful, and if Ten needs her drums, I’ll do whatever I can to help. But there’s a serial killer that might be stalking her. Why are we planning a night of fun in the middle of so much danger and chaos?” Layne’s arm protectively tightened around me.
Marilyn’s expression softened while she studied Layne. “Because laughter and love heal everything, and tomorrow is never promised.” Her eyes flitted to Benji. Her face was a combination of grief and joy.
“Love you, Mom,” Benji said.
“Love you too, baby.” With that, she hurried from the living room to make her calls.
The late-afternoon November air had a chilling bite. The wind whipped my hair into my face as I hurried into the building along with Franklin and Michael. I’d hoped Layne would be able to attend the DNA test with me, but Franklin preferred we go alone in case we needed to discuss any confidential information. Michael was basically acting as my guardian even though I was twenty-one, so legally, it wasn’t necessary. He was, however, housing Layne and me along with paying the security team, so I had no intention of kicking up a fuss that Layne couldn’t tag along.
Franklin escorted us through an empty hallway and toward the back of the building, where we stopped in front of suite 122.
“Are you ready?” Michael asked, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“No. But if this gives us some answers and peace of mind, it’s worth it.” I glanced at Franklin, who smiled kindly.