Page 70 of His Fury

“Talk me through how this works. I have another event this week, and I need to know it won’t hinder or blind my guests if it’s too bright.”

As I listened to his in-depth explanation, I realized Russ was listening too. While this topic was in my wheelhouse, I appreciated the extra level of detail the lighting guy was sharing, and I was glad another pair of ears was tuned in.

And that’s when I felt it.

The prickle at the back of my neck. A familiar tension that had nothing to do with spotlights, sound checks, or anything else.

Someone was watching.

I didn’t let it show on my face. I just took a half step to the side to see more of the lobby as I listened to the lighting contractor.

The hotel lobby was neither busy nor empty. I quickly scanned the faces: staff I recognized and guests I didn’t know. Nothing seemed out of place. But then, how would I know if it did?

The feeling of being watched hadn’t faded, but as far as I could tell, no one was watchingme. Not even the AV guy, who listened with rapt attention to the lighting contractor.

“Okay,” I said with a bright smile, unsure if I had cut him off mid-explanation. “Let’s get you to the ballroom so you can set it up and test it. I have the same questions for you,” Idirected at the sound guy. “Will it interfere with Wednesday’s event?”

I was pleased when Russ walked with me. I didn’t know if he sensed I needed the support or if he was just content to learn as we walked.

I glanced toward the conservatory as we passed, spotting a familiar face. Jayden gave me a slight nod of his head, and despite my protests, I felt better knowing he was here. It must have been him I sensed earlier.

My spine stiffened as I realized from the angle he was sitting he wouldn’t have seen me in the lobby with the work crew. Unless he’d moved and just sat back down again?

“Russ,” I said quietly, “can you go ahead with them? I’ll follow in a minute, I just saw someone I need to say hello to.”

“Of course, Isla.” He led the guys on, unaware of my growing unease.

I returned to the conservatory, my eyes locked on Jayden, who sat nonchalantly thumbing through his phone. He looked up as I approached, an easy smile on his face.

“Hi. You coming to bust my eardrums?”

I smiled despite myself. “No. I was wondering if you were watching me just now?”

He frowned. “I’m not really watching you,” he said after a moment of hesitation.

Huh?“Oh…” I didn’t hide my confusion. “I thought you were, sorry…”

He smiled. “Yeah, I’m watching everyone else,” he explained, and I felt silly that I hadn’t made the connection.

“Oh.” I looked around. “Have you seen anything…odd?”

Jayden shook his head. “Nothing jumping out, but I just got back from a quick perimeter check.”

A perimeter check? Jesus.

“You okay, Isla?” He was looking at me much closer.

“I am.” I lied. My gaze swept the conservatory. “Should I be talking to you?” I asked him suddenly.

“Zayn didn’t say we couldn’t…”

“I meant if anyone was watching.”

His eyes narrowed. “Everyone here checks out so far. You see something?”

“No.” Not a lie. But I knew what I felt. Someonehadbeen watching me. “I better go. I have workmen in the ballroom.”

“Yeah, saw them come in,” he told me with an easy smile. “Try not to worry,” he assured me. “I’m here as long as you are. Okay?”

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