Page 45 of Duty Unbound

“Something else worth noting,” Jace added, still scrolling through Roger’s phone. “Roger’s active on several Nova Rivers fan forums. In some of his posts, he mentions otherdedicated fanswho share information about Nova’s whereabouts.”

“You think there are more like him?” Logan asked.

“Possibly.” Jace looked up at me. “I’ll dig deeper, see if I can identify any of these other fans. Could be our flower-sender is part of the same community.”

I ran a hand through my hair. “Good work tonight, everyone. We caught one creep, but let’s not celebrate too hard. The real threat is still out there, and now the tour starts in a week.”

The team dispersed, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I replayed the events of the night in my mind—not the chase orthe capture, but the moments before. Sitting with Mel in the soft glow of the monitors. The way she’d looked with her hair down, in comfortable clothes. The genuine connection I’d felt forming between us.

I’d promised myself I wouldn’t get personally involved, that I’d maintain professional distance. But as I stood there in the empty command center, I knew I was already failing at that promise.

Because protecting Mel Rivers had become more than just a job.

And that realization scared me far more than any intruder ever could.

Chapter 14

Mel

Morning sunlight streamed through my window as I stared at the ceiling, exhausted but unable to sleep. Last night’s mayhem played on repeat in my mind—the blaring alarms, the shouting, getting info to Ethan as he and his team chased down the intruder.

And the image I couldn’t shake: Roger Harrison, Nova’s obsessive superfan, being dragged away in handcuffs, screaming my sister’s name.

I rolled over, checking my phone. Eight thirty-two. After only three hours of fitful sleep, my body ached for rest, but my mind refused to cooperate.

A soft knock pulled me from my thoughts.

“Come in,” I called, sitting up against the headboard.

Nova poked her head in, dressed in yoga pants and a loose tank top, her platinum hair twisted into a messy bun. “You awake?”

“Unfortunately.”

She padded across the room and flopped onto the foot of my bed. Despite spending the night locked in her suite while security handled the break-in, Nova looked remarkably well-rested. That was my sister—total meltdown if her favorite scented candle wasn’t available before a rehearsal, but completely unruffled by an actual emergency.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, studying her face for signs of distress.

“Fine.” She shrugged, examining her perfectly manicured nails. “I mean, it’s not like I actually saw the guy. Thanks for staying with me last night, though.”

“Of course. That’s what sisters are for.”

Nova stretched, catlike, before settling back against the footboard. “So, the team is saying all rehearsals are canceled today. Something about the authorities needing to finish up?”

I nodded. “They’re still processing evidence. The police want to make sure they’ve covered everything before we resume normal activities.”

“Hmm.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe we could do a live stream later? Since I’m not rehearsing anyway?”

The glint in her eye told me she’d already made up her mind. I stifled a groan. “Nova, maybe we should lie low for a day? Give everything a chance to settle?”

“But that’s exactly why we need to do it!” She sat forward, enthusiasm building. “Show everyone I’m okay, that nothing can keep Nova Rivers down. Plus, Dexter said my skin is absolutely glowing today—something about adrenaline being nature’s best beauty treatment.”

I bit back the urge to point out that Dexter would tell her she looked fabulous if she had the flu and green hair. But arguing would only strengthen her resolve.

“Let me check with Ethan first,” I compromised. “Security’sstill tight, and I want to make sure we’re not interfering with their procedures.”

“Fine.” She rolled her eyes, but the smile didn’t fade. “But tell him I’m doing it either way. Now that they’ve caught my stalker, there’s nothing to worry about.”

I didn’t have the heart to tell her that Ethan wasn’t convinced Roger Harrison was behind all the threats. My brief conversation with him after the arrest had made that clear—something didn’t add up. Roger might have been breaking in last night, but the meticulous planning of the previous incidents didn’t match his impulsive behavior.

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