LOGIN"You're not paying for it," Honey interrupted. "I am… well, and Grayson because he insisted. This isn't negotiable, Lauren. You're my friend, and I'm not watching you live in fear living a half-life because some creep can't take no for an answer.""Honey—""You either let us put someone on you knowingly, or we do it anyway, which could freak you out even more." Honey continued, her voice brooking no argument. "And before you protest again, consider this an early Christmas present. Or a late birthday present. Or just accept that people who care about you want to help."Lauren's eyes filled with fresh tears. "I don't know what to say.""Say yes," Maggie said gently. "Say you'll let them help. Say you'll let this security guy do his job and keep you safe.""It's not just a bodyguard," Prue added. "It's more than that. He'll be your boyfriend. Or pretend to be. Move in with you. Be visible. Make Liam think twice about approaching you. Your stalker isn't going to stand outside of your apar
Prue followed Honey through the entrance of Nonna's, a popular Italian restaurant in town."Our table's in the back corner," Honey said over her shoulder, weaving through the crowd. "Lauren and Maggie are already here."Prue spotted them immediately, two women at a corner table, one with long dark hair cascading over her shoulders, the other woman had a head full of blonde curls cut in a shorter style to her jawline."Prue!" Honey gestured toward the table as they approached. "This is Lauren Gardener and Maggie Chase. Ladies, this is Prue Young. Nate's wife. I'm not sure if you had time to meet at my wedding or got introduced."Lauren stood first, extending her hand with a warm smile, but even Prue could see the stress on her face, and she wasn't trained to look for it. She was still stunning, the kind of beautiful that probably made casting directors sit up and take notice. But there were shadows beneath those whiskey-colored eyes, and her smile held a brittleness Prue recognized all
Nate didn’t waste time. As soon as they were back in the car, he had one of his people run a check on Liam Carr and Lauren Gardener. By the time they got home, the basic information was already in his email box. It wasn't until he had enough facts did, he placed a call to Wyatt, which was late afternoon, and Prue was already getting ready for her girls' night out.The call connected on the second ring."Heywood." The voice was gravel and whiskey, rough in that way that came from years of shouting orders."Wyatt, you got a minute?"A pause. Background noise faded, suggesting Wyatt had moved somewhere more private. "For you, boss? Always. What's going on?""I need you for an assignment. This one is personal. Close protection detail with a twist." Nate moved to the window, looking out at the Manhattan skyline. "Friend of a friend situation. High stakes. Meaning no fuck ups.""Define high stakes." Wyatt's voice had shifted to professional now, all business."Stalking case. Target's an act
"It's a possibility we have to account for." Nate kept his voice matter-of-fact, not wanting to frighten anyone unnecessarily. "Which is why whoever goes in needs to be good. Not just someone who looks the part. Someone who can read a situation, identify when the threat level shifts, and respond accordingly." He frowned. "It needs to be one of my people.""Agreed," Grayson said, his arms crossed. "What's the cover?""New boyfriend same as Honey's idea. Serious enough to explain him being around constantly without raising suspicion. They met—" Nate thought for a moment. "Through Honey. Through Grayson. Socially. Nothing elaborate. The simpler the story, the easier it is to maintain and not make mistakes.""She might fight the need for this, but Maggie and I will make sure she agrees." Honey said, "Might be an idea for her to learn how to protect herself as well. Can your man do that, teach her to fight?"Nate nodded, his mind already working through the logistics. "Absolutely. Self-def
Nate woke to find Prue staring at the ceiling. He looked up to make sure there wasn't a spider circling. No spider, which told him she was stressing, cycling through worst-case scenarios. He wasn't having it."Hey." He rolled onto his side, propped himself up on one elbow. "Where'd you go?"She blinked, focusing on him. "Sorry. I was just thinking about Trish. About the insanity plea. About—" At least she didn't lie to him."Stop." He pressed a finger to her lips. "There's nothing we can do about that today. Tim will call when there's news. Until then, we wait and we don't stress about it.""I hate waiting.""I know." He kissed her forehead. "But driving yourself crazy thinking about it won't change anything. So today, we do something normal. Something that has nothing to do with Trish or lawyers or any of it.""Like what?""Like—" He thought for a moment. "I need to stop by Honey's office. Talk to her about something. I have a feeling her friend needs help. You could come with me."S
Nate's mouth was on her neck, his hands sliding under her sweater, when his phone started buzzing in his pocket."Ignore it," Prue breathed, her head tilting back to give him better access. "Please. Just ignore it."He wanted to. God, he wanted to. But the phone kept buzzing, that particular pattern that meant it was Tim. And Tim wouldn't call unless it was important. He set ring tones to know if it was work or important."Fuck." He pulled back, dragging the phone from his pocket. "I'm sorry, babe. It's Tim. I have to—""I know." She stepped back, adjusting her sweater, her cheeks flushed and her lips swollen. "Answer it."He pressed accept, already dreading whatever news was coming. "Tim.""We've got a problem." Tim's voice was tight. "Trish's lawyer just filed paperwork claiming she's mentally incompetent to stand trial. They're going for an insanity defense."Nate's stomach dropped. "What?" But he had guessed this would happen. But hearing it only made it more real."Insanity plea.
The voice cut through the alley like a whip crack, full of authority and barely restrained violence. Honey had never seen Grayson so angry before; the look of cold fury on his face was… well terrifying. She was glad it wasn't directed at her.Riley spun, his grip on Honey loosening, she pushed at t
Wednesday, October 11th, 5:47 PMHoney left work that day with her mind spinning. Katherine sent another message about thirty minutes ago saying Riley still hadn't been served yet. Sir's promise to call tonight, but first she had dinner with her friends.The elevator descended to the lobby, and Hone
"I never told you this, but my father is a very wealthy man. Extremely wealthy." The admission felt strange on her tongue after years of hiding it. "I don't talk about it, so no one will link us together. It's important I make it on my own. He has already arranged security for me. I was just stupid
After ending the call, Honey stood in the quiet penthouse for a moment, taking in her new temporary home. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of Central Park. The space was elegant, modern.This was freedom. Real freedom. But it wasn't her place or her home. She still might sell he







