Page 157 of Cruel Steps

“Say it,” Holden said, giving the guy a look that had most people running in fear.

“Some of the girls are jealous. They might’ve said something if he asked the right one.”

“What did this guy look like?”

“Older. Average height. Nothing too distinct about him, really. He fades into the crowd well. I work private security, and it’s given me a good gauge on people, and this dude, he set every button off. I told Boss, but without a name or face, we’re shooting blanks into the wind and hoping to hit something.”

“Fuck.” Holden rubbed his head, then sighed. “Thanks, man. I’m Holden, and this is Colter.” He pointed over his shoulder at me.

“Rocco. You don’t seem too surprised. Do you know who it is?”

“Mer’s had some asshat stalking her. He crashed his car into his sister, set me on fire, and likes to torment Mer with roses,” I explained.

“Shit.” His eyes widened. “He’s escalating. He’s getting desperate.”

“What do you mean? The police don’t seem that concerned.”

Rocco rolled his eyes. “Of course, they aren’t. But that’s a different story. I work here part time; I’ll keep an eye out and my ear to the ground.”

“Thanks, man.”

He nodded, looking between us. “I have a question.”

“You can ask; it doesn’t mean I’ll answer,” Holden said.

“You’re that football guy, aren’t you? The one bound for the NFL? What are you doing working here?”

“Because she’s here.”

Rocco nodded in thought. “And you guys share?”

“Is that really your business?”

“I’m not judging. More curious than anything.”

“How about you get Hendrix to move me to where Em is each shift and I’ll share more?”

Rocco laughed, the sound deep and hearty. “You’ve got balls, kid. I like you. All right. I’ll stop with the questions. Go see your girl. I’ll even pretend you’re actually taking him to talk to Boss.”

I snorted, but walked down the hallway. I wouldn’t miss my opportunity to see Mer if I could. Holden was quiet as we walked. I knew he was going over ways to keep Mer safe in his head. He couldn’t help his protective nature. It was who he was.

“Stay here,” he said, then stepped into a door. He was only gone a few seconds, returning with Mer. Her eyes widened when she spotted me and wrapped her arms around me.

“Col!”

“I see how it is. You’re all, ‘What’s going on? Why are you in here?’ when I come to get you and all ‘Col!’ when you see this one.” Mer stuck her tongue out at him. Holden smirked, not minding one bit.

“I see you all the time.” She rolled her eyes.

“Debatable. I’ll see you after my shift. Don’t do anything to get fired.” He narrowed his eyes at me, despite knowing it was pointless. This was my kryptonite—Mer dressed like a sex goddess in a club full of people.

“How much time do you have?”

“About forty minutes. We get an hour between sets in Wildfire versus thirty in Ember.”

“You were incredible, sweetheart. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

“I had so much fun. I loved it. I miss dancing with JoJo, but I got to be part of the music tonight. It was exactly what I needed.”