Page 40 of Max

“Jasper and I have her.”

“I hate you.”

“I love you.”

All the fight drained out of her. “God, you’re such a guy.”

“I am a guy.” His lips twitched, but he refused to smile. It would make her think she could wheedle her way out of a bodyguard.

Jasper was outright laughing. “Man, I forget how annoying little sisters are. Mine aren’t around as much as I’d like them to be since they don’t live in New York.”

“Des, why don’t you and Shay finish watching that foreign shit while we go over logistics? Desi being here has changed the plan.”

Her head snapped up. “I’m sorry, Max. I didn’t think…”

He hugged her. “It’s fine, kid. We’ll get it figured out, unless you plan on staying here?”

“Not a chance am I leaving you alone today.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“Now, what is this foreign shit you’re talking about?”

Shay gave him a withering glance. “K dramas.”

“They are not shit!” Desi smacked him in the stomach. “They’re awesome.”

“Uh-huh.” He made sure the front door was locked and motioned for the guys to head down the hall to take over Shay’s office.

“Coffee?” Jasper asked.

“It’s on, it’s just not ready,” Shay said. “I’ll bring you guys a cup as soon as it’s finished percolating.”

“Thanks.” Jasper flashed her a grin as they headed toward the office.

Shay’s office was very girly. White furniture, soft blue walls, and lacy yellow curtains. The bookshelves didn’t just hold books, but tons of photos as well. As much as he wanted to be nosy and explore, he sat down at the desk and rubbed his temples. The headache was in full bloom.

“You look stressed.”

Stressed wasn’t even the word for what he was, thanks to his sister. Add in that she came without any of her own security, security he’d handpicked, and he was ready to have a coronary.

“Are you up for watching her?” he asked Cole pointblank. “She’s crafty and has given her security the slip more times than I can count. At least her old security. The guys I picked out haven’t lost her a single time.”

“I’ll keep her safe.” Cole’s deep brown eyes were solemn.

“I’m not sure if she’ll be coming back to New York with us or not. She canceled the charity concert she was doing tonight. She’s not on tour right now, and she doesn’t start working on a new album until this summer.”

“You and I can handle Shay until we get back to New York. If your sister comes with us, then we’ll call Viktor and let him know we need more help.”

“Shit, this is a potential clusterfuck. She’s always recognized.”

“The hospital could be a problem.”

Jasper always was one for understating the obvious.

“You think?” he growled. “The media storm that will come to the hospital is going to be more than we can control. And no matter how careful we are, someone will recognize her, and theywillcall the press.”

“Who are you calling?” Jasper asked when Cole pulled out his phone.

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