Page 30 of Tempting the Player
I know she’s probably being reasonable, but I can’t see past the betrayal to consider any scenario in which Hendrick Holland isn’t a complete asshole. “Believe me, I’m equally angry at my parents. They went against my wishes and kept me in the dark.”
“They were worried. Not that I’m giving them a pass, but if there is some creep following you around, then I’m glad Hendrick has been keeping an eye on you.”
“I’m so humiliated. I practically threw myself at him. I thought he liked me, and he was just pretending so he could keep an eye on me.” I groan.
“Nothing that a good breakfast won’t fix.” She holds her hands out to help me up.
Once I’m on my feet, I squeeze her fingers. “Thank Felix for letting me crash with you guys.”
I came home with them Saturday night and haven’t left. They made up the couch for me and have been so sweet, but I miss my bed. The bed that’s now ruined.
“You’re not coming with us to breakfast?” Her voice climbs with panic. She hasn’t let me out of her sight since the second I told her what happened.
“My new security detail is waiting for me at the house.”
“Do you want me to go with you?”
“No. I’ll be fine driving the few blocks alone.” I hug her quickly. “Love you. I’m sorry I’ve been so unbearable the past couple of days.”
“You weren’t,” she says quickly, then smiles. “Not too unbearable anyway.”
I grab my backpack off the floor and then head through the house. Felix and his roommates, Teddy and Lucas, are all off at some football thing—practice or weightlifting or something—so it’s quiet as I head out the front door.
The guys live in a residential neighborhood filled with lots of rental houses for college students. Not many people are out yet, but I still feel a prick of unease as I check my surroundings and hurry to my car parked along the street. I don’t breathe until I’m inside with the doors locked and the engine started.
I tell myself I’m being silly, but I can’t help it. Am I really in danger or was the thing at my house just some drunk asshole trying to freak me out?
As soon as I see my old bodyguard, I relax.
I throw open the car door and run to him. Grady opens his arms and catches me with a grunt as I slam into his chest. “Hey, kid.”
I don’t realize I’m crying until he pats my back. “It’s all right. Everything is going to be fine.”
“I know.” I wipe my eyes and look up at him. His beard is fully gray now and his once salt and pepper hair is more salt than pepper. “You got older.”
“So did you.” He smirks.
I pull back and get myself together. “I thought you had some sort of deal with Dracula or something where you’d keep kicking ass forever.”
He laughs and shakes his head. “I’m old, but I can still kick ass if needed.”
“I hope you don’t need to,” I admit.
“Me too.” He tilts his head toward the house. “Got any coffee in there?”
“No, but I have champagne and orange juice. Mimosa?”
He laughs again. “I’ve missed you, kid.”
“Well, don’t get too comfortable because as soon as we figure out who trashed my room, you’re going back to retirement.”
“Still as stubborn and sassy as you were at thirteen.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” I unlock the door and let us in. “How’s Andrea?”
His expression softens at the mention of his wife. “Gorgeous as ever. She’s aged far more gracefully.”
“I believe it. Tell her I said hi.”
