Balthazar stood beside Annette as they took the boat back to the mainland, his heart thudding in his chest. For nearly an hour he and Annette had been searching for Connor, neither speaking, both fucking terrified. His throat tightened as he thought back on the call he’d gotten from Jesse, only fifteen minutes ago.

“I’ve got him. Come back to the bus.” Jesse’s tone was cold. “We need to talk.”

Annette shivered, but she kept her distance, her knuckles white as she held tight to the railing. “Did Jesse tell you if he was okay?”

“I told you exactly what Jesse said.” Balthazar shifted closer, gently putting his hand over hers when her expression hardened. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be an asshole. I just…I don’t understand what happened. I’ve never seen him react that way.”

“You’re the therapist, aren’t you?”

“I’m not Connor’s therapist.” Balthazar’s lips thinned, but he forced himself to keep his tone level. Connor’s reaction had shocked and confused Annette. He’d had to convince her splitting up to find Connor would be a bad idea. Not that he really believed Connor would hurt her, but he couldn’t be sure.

And he wasn’t willing to risk it.

“You must have seen soldiers flip out. Could it be PTSD? Some kind of chemical reaction?” Annette’s eyes teared and she looked away. “Did he take something?”

“I wish I could tell you, Annette.” Balthazar swallowed hard. “I don’t know.”

She nodded, blinking fast as she stared across the water. “I did this. I should have gone back to my own bus. Or…or at least avoided this whole fucking mess of either me and him, or you and him. We could have just enjoyed the day and left it alone. He’s had so much stress with Tate getting hurt and all the bullshit between the bands. Maybe it was too much.”

That could be it, but Balthazar doubted stress alone had pushed Connor this far. Balthazar had observed enough to know Connor needed someone to talk to. Balthazar’s personal feelings had gotten in the way of doing as much as he should have though. He should have picked up the warning signs. Some symptoms that would imply a diagnosis he could recommend a professional to address.

Instead, he’d let himself be pulled into a fantasy where he could be everything Connor needed.

“This isn’t your fault.” He pressed his eyes shut. “It was my job to keep Connor safe. And I failed.”

“Should we compete over who gets to take the blame too? That should be fun.” Annette bowed her head between her arms. “Whatever happened, Connor’s going to need us, right? He’s not close to anyone in the band.”

“No, he isn’t.” Balthazar sighed, but resisted the urge to point out he should have addressed that issue as well. “He’s friends with Tate, but they don’t confide in one another. They’re more partners in crime than anything.”

“Has he ever confided in you?” She looked sad, but hopeful. “We never had really serious discussions. We just had fun. I thought you were trying to be too serious, but maybe he needs that.”

Maybe he did, but Balthazar simply shook his head. Connor had started opening up to him, but pulled back. Not shutting down completely, more…testing the waters? Balthazar wondered if that was why Connor had said he wasn’t ready. The kind of relationship Balthazar wanted included full disclosure.

But Connor hadn’t trusted him enough. And Balthazar had pressured him too much before earning that trust.

Back at the SUV, Balthazar opened the door for Annette, pausing a moment before closing it once she got in. “Do you want me to bring you back to your bus or are you coming with me to see Connor?”

He half expected her to get angry that he’d even asked, but instead, she rubbed her thighs and chewed on her bottom lip. “Do you think it will stress him out more to have me there? Me and Shiori got in a fight this morning. I’m sure no one will care about that right now, but if the band’s pissed it might make things worse for him.”

“Maybe. But if they care as much as I believe they do, they’ll be focused on what he needs.” Balthazar considered the way Connor’s face lit up whenever he saw Annette. If she didn’t come, he might wonder if he’d upset her, which wouldn’t help anything. “I think he needs to see you.”

She gave him a shaky smile and nodded. “Okay. Let’s go take care of our…” She sighed and shook her head. “Let’s go.”

Balthazar closed the door, quickly climbing in behind the wheel and heading back to the rental. He knew exactly what Annette had been about to say. He wasn’t even mad, but he was grateful she’d stopped herself. Thinking of Connor as his had become almost second nature far too quickly. Allowing “our man” to seep in would be easy, with concern clouding his better judgment.

He wasn’t the type of man to make rash decisions, but he’d made several over the past week. Enough was enough.

Jesse came out of the villa to meet them, motioning for Annette to continue inside. She hesitated, then hiked up her chin, striding right through the front door.

She’s tough, I’ll give her that. Winter’s Wrath hadn’t been very welcoming to the members of XVI Hours as a whole, but he doubted she gave a damn while her focus was on Connor.

He turned to face Jesse, who stood with his arms folded over his chest, expression hard. The tour manager was pissed.

Balthazar returned his cold stare with a level one, keeping his tone even. “How is he?”

“He’s at the hospital with Skull and Tate. His doctor called in to get him a refill on his medication and an injection of Haldol. He missed his last dose, which might explain why he snapped.” Jesse’s jaw clenched. “I need you to tell me exactly what is going on between the two of you.”

The demand didn’t reach Balthazar at first. Haldol, or more accurately, Haloperidol decanoate, was typically prescribed for mental or mood disorders. He’d had patients in the military, shortly after they were discharged who’d been on the medication, but only the most extreme cases. His peers had debates about its use, and he didn’t know enough to pick a side, but if Connor needed it security should have been informed.

Eyes narrowed, he returned Jesse’s glare. “How long have you known he was on antipsychotics?”

“Since the last fight. His father called me.”

“And you didn’t think that information was important for his safety?”

Jesse looked taken aback. “How would that be relevant? The band’s medical history is private. You know about Alder because his condition occurred on tour. With Malakai, you’re qualified to give him therapy. Connor’s situation is different.”

“Different how exactly? Goddamn it, Jesse, if he’s suicidal—”

“He’s not.” Jesse pressed his eyes shut, raking his fingers through his dark hair which had recently started to grow out. “Fuck, I would have told you and the guys if I thought he was dangerous to himself or others, but he’s been with the band for years and other than random fights, he’s seemed perfectly fine. His father asked me not to tell anyone and I didn’t see the need to, so I agreed.”

“But something’s changed?” Damn it, had Balthazar somehow triggered Connor’s meltdown? “There is nothing serious going on between me and Connor, but have been…developing. If I’m making things more difficult for him, I’ll leave.”

Jesse sighed and shook his head. “No. I need you here and I don’t believe you had anything to do with it. I’m just fucking worried and you were an easy target.” His brow furrowed slightly. “The last thing that kid needs is someone fucking with him. But you wouldn’t do that.”

“No. I wouldn’t.”

“Jesus Christ, I would cut the tour short if I could. Alder’s a wreck. Malakai is snapping at everyone and I’m about done with Brave’s attitude. Tate seems to be taking things better than anyone, which makes me nervous. And Connor…” He inhaled roughly. “His father still insists I not share details, but maybe Connor will talk to you himself. I think it would be good for him. But I’m going to have to assign you to one of the other guys.”

“Fuck that.” Balthazar let out a bitter laugh, pacing away from Jesse, then back. “It would be good for him to talk to me, but you’re going to limit our time together?”

“Yes. There are already pictures of the two of you online. I don’t think putting him in the center of the media frenzy is the best idea.” Jesse’s lips thinned. “Do you?”

Balthazar had never wanted to punch something as much as he did now. He had to keep his cool. Jesse had a point, but Balthazar didn’t want to consider Connor under someone else’s watch. “Who will you have guarding him? No one can manage Brave like Skull. You’re busy with Alder and Tate. Josh is with the girls. Dariel is alone half the time, which is a problem. And there is no one else.”

“We don’t need anyone else. You and Josh will trade places.”

“No.”

“It’s not up for discussion.” Jesse held up his hand and shook his head before Balthazar could object again. “Josh has spoken to his cousin and I think he can keep the kid from taking off on his own so much. Get him hanging out with Connor more so he can trail them both. Shiori’s usually with Brave and Malakai. All you have to do is make sure XVI Hours has a good level of security.”

“Annette is the only one in any danger.”

“Agreed. And Connor cares about her, so I’m sure he’ll feel better knowing one of the best men we have is with her.”

And just like that, Balthazar was trapped. Damn him.

He ground his teeth and inclined his head. “Fine.”

“Perfect.” Raised voices from inside the house had Jesse cursing under his breath. “If Brave is starting shit with her already, I’m going to kill him, I swear to god.”

Balthazar smirked, lengthening his strides to keep up as Jesse hurried up the walkway. “I’ll get the shovel.”

* * *

“What the fuck is your problem?”

Annette wasn’t sure what she wanted to do more. Scream or cry.

She hated Winter’s Wrath. Every. Single. One. Of. Them.

Except Connor.

Okay, and Tate.

Dariel also seemed all right.

She spun on her heels, slamming into Jesse. He steadied her with his hands on her shoulders, his eyes snapping with rage. “What the hell is going on here?”

“She demanded to know where Connor is.” Alder’s lips curled with disgust. “I told her to see herself out. She’s done enough harm for the day.”

“I’ve done nothing. To any of you!” Annette’s eyes blurred as they all looked at her like she was trash. She’d get there being some tension from what happened between North and Tate, but this was too much.

Jesse moved past her, letting Balthazar take his place. The bodyguard’s presence was welcome. As weird as things were between them, she knew he wouldn’t turn on her for nothing.

“This isn’t like you, Alder.” Jesse faced Alder, speaking to him as though they were the only ones in the room. “Hey, look at me.” He put his hand on the side of Alder’s face when Alder continued to glare at her. “Even if you hate North for—”

“This has nothing to do with North.” Alder backed away from Jesse, grabbing a laptop off the kitchen table. He set it on the island that split the open concept kitchen from the living room. “There are pictures of her with Connor everywhere. And an ‘insider’s’ perspective on their relationship. How he’s involved with his bodyguard and she’ll share all the dirty details because she’s got him so wrapped around her finger she’ll be there when they fuck for the first time.”

“Alder, there are rumors everywhere.” Jesse didn’t even look at the blog. “You can’t blame Annette.”

“Who else knew exactly where they were today? Even the cameras lost track of them once they were in Venice. But this blog details where they went and confirms everyone’s suspicions about Balthazar and Connor.” Alder jabbed his finger into the screen. “This has already gone viral. The picture of Connor kissing Balthazar was blurry, so we were trying to spin it as a joke. She.” He pointed at Annette. “Made that impossible. We can’t protect Connor from this.”

Jesse’s brow furrowed. He leaned over the counter, reading whatever was on the screen.

Annette didn’t need to. Her blood ran cold. She inhaled sharply, trying to back away, but Balthazar held her in place, his big hands on her shoulders. She couldn’t look at him. Fuck, she had to get out of here.

This was her fault.

She’d talked to Joanna. Told her things she shouldn’t have told anyone. And because of her, an already fucked up situation was even worse.

“Fuck.” Jesse placed his hands on the counter and bowed his head. “Balthazar, get her out of here.”

She didn’t resist when Balthazar led her to the door. Feeling numb, she climbed into the passenger seat of the SUV.

Balthazar didn’t start the engine. He just sat there.

Tears spilled down her cheeks. She drew her knees up to her chest. “Please just bring me back to the bus. Or tell me to fuck off and I’ll call a cab.”

“No.” Balthazar turned in his seat and put his hand on her knee, squeezing gently. “Annette, we’ve had our issues, but I don’t believe for one minute you talked to the press about me and Connor. Tell me what really happened. We’ll fix this together.”

Letting out a laugh that probably sounded crazy, she lifted her head and stared at him. “Fix this? There’s no way to ‘fix this’. I did exactly what they said.”

“You told someone you’d give them details once I fucked Connor?”

“No! Of course not!” She slammed her head back into the seat. “There was this woman me and Connor fooled around with. She’s hot and we had such an amazing night… It was like nothing I’d ever experienced. Before I left Berlin I saw her again. She said she thought me and Connor would be good together. If we were a thing, maybe the three of us could have some fun.” Her cheeks heated, because she didn’t even want to know what Balthazar thought of her now, but she couldn’t stop until she told him everything. “I like Connor. I did even then. So I told her I’d keep in touch.”

Balthazar nodded, motioning for her to go on.

“I didn’t think about it too much until I was with you and Connor and she called. She seemed like she would understand. I had no one else to talk to so…so I told her I’d suggested sharing. And that you hated the idea.”

“I do.” Balthazar’s lips quirked slightly when she frowned at him. “What did she say?”

“That I should seduce you.”

“So you tried to.”

“No. Well… I hadn’t planned to.” She rolled her eyes, feeling stupid. “When I got back I told myself the idea was crazy. You’re not into me. I offered to share him. He didn’t seem to mind. I wasn’t about to throw myself at you.”

“But that damn cake.” He let out a rough laugh. “You had my attention, I’ll give you that.”

“Gee, thanks.” Humiliation and guilt. Maybe she’d earned it, but she was ready for this conversation to be over. “Everything went to hell after that. I didn’t talk to her again. I haven’t seen the pictures or the blog.”

“I know you haven’t. I was with you, remember?” He rubbed his eyelids with his thumb and forefinger. “You need to be more careful with who you trust, but this whole situation has been blown out of proportion.”

She went still. Blinked at him. “How can you say that?”

“Because it has. Do you think this is the first time someone used the smallest bit of information to make up a huge story involving members of the band? With everything that’s happened to Brave and Alder, fictional stories are constantly cropping up across the internet. Things people claim as fact that are complete fabrications.” He shook his head, lowering his hand. “Danica’s been pregnant a dozen times. Once Shiori was rumored to have been brought in as a replacement because Danica died during childbirth. They both have clones. Shall I go on?”

“No one hates them for rumors.” Annette hiccupped and her face burned even hotter when Balthazar grinned. “Don’t be so nice. It’s weird.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll stop.” He sighed and hooked his fingers behind his neck. “I wouldn’t trade places with you for all the fame and money in the world. And I’m not thrilled to have been dragged into this shit storm. But when it comes down to it, I don’t give a fuck what people say. Let them get off on the deviant lifestyle they think we live.”

“That’s easy for you to say. You get paid either way.”

“And this will bring more attention to both Winter’s Wrath and XVI Hours with the right spin. Once Jesse calms down he’ll talk to Reese and they’ll work something out that benefits you all. I’m not worried about that.” He tightened his jaw. “I am worried about the impact this will have on Connor.”

“But we don’t know where he is.” She wanted to see him, but that would be selfish. She reached over and put her hand on his arm. “Let me take a cab back to the inn. Go find out where Connor is. Warn him at least.”

“We’ll warn him together. He needs to hear what happened from you.”

“They won’t tell you where he is if they know you’re bringing me.”

Balthazar laughed, pulling the SUV out of the drive. “They don’t have to. He’s with my brother. And Skull will be a good ally to have, so I hope you don’t mind, but he will be there when you speak to Connor.”

“What if he hates me too?”

“He won’t.” Balthazar glanced over, a stiff smile on his lips. “If I know my brother, he’ll go back to that house and tell those boys that they’re complete idiots.” He huffed out a laugh. “Far more effectively than I will.”

She wasn’t sure she agreed with the idiot part. Or that Skull would take her side.

But damn, it felt good that Balthazar had.

Even when she couldn’t.