“Don’t worry about that now. I need to get you and the Speaker to safety immediately.”
“Was this…Was this because of me?” Dad asked. Despite the dust covering his face, I could see his complexion growing several shades paler.
“No time for speculation, Speaker Harper. Please, follow me.”
As if all the commotion surrounding us wasn’t enough, my very heart stopped when the guard speaking finally turned around to face us. I wasn’t sure why I hadn’t recognized the familiarity of his voice, but then again, it wasn’t like I had known him long. Nevertheless, there was no mistaking that tall and muscular build, that tattoo peeking beneath the bottom of his short-sleeved shirt, that silky dark hair, and those bright blue eyes.
Brady.
My appearance clearly took him off guard as well. He froze, locking eyes with me as his eyebrows shot into the air and his jaw dropped. But then, suddenly, he appeared to remember he was on duty, and there was a much more serious matter at hand.
It was not time for either of us to reminiscence about the previous night and the six orgasms I’d had, a new record for me.
Shit.
His professional face back on, Brady pulled Nelson to his feet. “Come on. We need to vacate the area. Follow me.”
Without further instruction, my father, Nelson, and I followed Brady. Other armed security guards arrived on the premises, positioning themselves at all entrances of the hotel. More and more sirens blared outside as additional police cars, ambulances, and firetrucks arrived on the scene.
All the while, we followed Brady toward the back of the building, bypassing confused hotel guests.
“Get in your rooms and stay there until further notice!” Brady instructed without breaking stride.
We continued down a winding path, which ended with us going down a flight of stairs and into the basement, where piles of dirty sheets and towels waited to be cleaned. Finally, we headed out a back door and into an alley, where we were met by a car that seemed to be waiting specifically for us.
“Is this everyone?” the driver asked as Brady held the back door open for us.
“Yes,” he answered. “The Speaker, his manager, and…”
“My daughter,” Dad answered as he slid into the car after Nelson.
“Right…” Brady said, glancing at me.
As I climbed into the backseat of the vehicle after my father, Brady’s hand briefly brushed against the small of my back, as if giving me a boost. It felt so absentminded though, he didn’t seem aware of doing it.
He slammed the door behind me and then hurriedly climbed into the passenger’s seat.
“I can’t believe this,” Dad said, bringing his head down to his hands. “This was an attack on me, wasn’t it?”
“I’m not one for speculation, Speaker,” Brady responded. “I’m just doing my job.”
“Who sent you?”
“The campaign sent me through the Savage Soldiers. We were informed that you were here on business, and that extra safety precautions needed to be put into place since you are in consideration for the vice presidency of the United States. You’re a target for enemies now.”
Dad swallowed. He glanced toward me, and I could see the panic he attempted to hide. He took my hand and squeezed it before turning bac
k to Brady.
“Where the hell is my usual team? Didn’t they sweep this place?”
“I’m not sure, sir. We weren’t in contact with any of them. My team was an extra precaution, only to be mobilized if needed. Honestly sir, I didn’t want to have to work this week.”
“No, I guess you didn’t.”
“Your team?” I choked out, the dust still coming up from my lungs.
Brady passed us waters and we all began to drink.