Jaxon parked his car a good distance from Bryce’s apartment block and took out his binoculars. Yes, he could see Bryce in his bedroom, putting on a smart-casual shirt. He appeared to be getting dressed for a night out. Was he meeting friends or going out on a date? One thing was certain, he wasn’t going to work. Holly had given him the day off.

Jaxon had to somehow get Bryce to invite him again to his place. He now had a good idea where he could hide some tiny wireless microphones so the IR would be able to listen in on Bryce’s conversations at home. Unfortunately, Bryce always preferred meeting in restaurants, and Jaxon didn’t want to look too insistent.

It was frustrating. After four “catch-ups”, Jaxon was none the wiser about Bryce’s previous life. Bryce was most certainly adept at deflecting questions, and Jaxon couldn’t interrogate deeper without looking suspicious. The last thing he wanted was to give Bryce a reason not to trust him.

He ran a hand over his face. He felt guilty treating his brother like a suspect, but that was exactly what Bryce was right now. Further IR investigations revealed that members of a drug syndicate had stayed on one of the private Whitsunday islands where Bryce had worked.

So far, though, there was no concrete proof that Bryce—or even the island’s owners—knew of the illegal activities of some of their guests. Also, those goons didn’t seem to have any history of kidnapping. Even if Bryce had been involved with drug dealing, he might not have anything to do with the kidnappers.

Jaxon’s phone vibrated with an incoming IR text. He conducted the requisite retina scan, and the ultra-secure Indie Rebel app opened.

Thanks, he answered, filling his lungs with air. Holly had told him just yesterday that she’d enjoyed walking in the backyard and taking photos of plants and birds. He hoped she didn’t plan on looking too closely at tree branches or the fence.

A week since Holly had started staying at his place, the media and her fans still had no idea where she was. Holly had released a statement saying she was having a break at a friend’s holiday home, and speculation immediately surfaced that she was trying to hide from the kidnappers who’d taken Anna Sanders. They were right, of course. But he was glad Holly had kept quiet after that initial statement.

And Jaxon didn’t like that Bryce knew where she was all the time. His brother had been driving Holly to work and interviews all week.

But Jaxon couldn’t interfere. He hadn’t found anything incriminating against Bryce yet. Still, he couldn’t help his fear and guilt every time Holly got in the car with Bryce. Fortunately, Bryce hadn’t attempted anything.

He looked through the binoculars again and saw Bryce putting his phone against his ear. Damn, if only they’d already installed the hidden microphones.

His own phone started ringing. Bryce was calling him. “Hey, bro!”

“Hey, Jax. How’s it going?”

“Good. What’s up?”

“Nothing. Just saying hi. What are you up to?”

“Working. I have a few things to catch up on.”

“In your office?”

“Yes. What are you up to?”

“Nothing much. I just plan to have pizza and watch TV.”

Jaxon frowned. Why had Bryce gotten dressed if he wasn’t going anywhere? “Hey, I can come over.”

“I thought you said you’re busy working tonight.”

Of course, he had. Stupid. “Midnight isn’t too late for you, is it?” he asked teasingly.

“It is, bro,” Bryce said apologetically. “I’m gonna have an early night. I’m a bit tired. I don’t know why.”

Jaxon’s heart started beating faster. Bryce was lying. “Okay. Let me know when you’re free for dinner. It’s your turn to pay, remember?”

“No worries. Anyway, I better let you go. I’ll call you in a couple of days to arrange a catch up for next week.”

“Cool.”

“See ya.”

“See ya.”

Jaxon hung up, continuing to watch his brother. Bryce was making another phone call. A few seconds later, he walked out of his apartment.

“Damn it, Bryce, where are you going?” Jaxon muttered.

He turned on the car engine and waited. When he saw Bryce’s car exit the building car park, he followed at a safe distance.

A few minutes later, his heart started hammering. Bryce appeared to be heading towards Avalon.

What the hell?

He called Aidan.

“Jax,” Aidan answered.

“Hey, I’m following Bryce and I think he’s going to Avalon. Do we have an agent stationed outside my house?”

“Negative. He had to rush to a location where a crime’s currently underway. I’m personally manning the cameras at your place, though.”

“Okay. I think I’ll show myself when I get there. I doubt he’ll try anything if I’m around. But he definitely lied to me.”

“What did he say?”

“He called, checking where I am. He said he planned to have an early night. I think he wanted to make sure I won’t be in Avalon.”

“That’s definitely suspicious. I’ll prepare to hack CCTVs around the area so we can track him when he leaves your place.”

“Okay.”

“Keep me updated,” Aidan said.

“I will.”

Jaxon tried not to think too much on his way home. He needed to be calm and prepared for whatever outcome, even if he couldn’t stand the thought that his own brother might want to hurt Holly.

He still hoped Bryce was innocent. But out of all possibilities and considering all circumstances, the most likely truth was the opposite. Why else had Bryce lied about having a quiet night at home when he was on his way to Avalon, where Holly was all alone?

They could be having a date, and they don’t want anyone to know.

Jaxon’s heart jumped. No. Fuck, just no.

He wanted to accelerate, but he had to watch his timing. Bryce couldn’t be able to find a hole in whatever excuse he’d give for coming home early.

Soon he was pressing the remote for his gate. He didn’t see Bryce’s car outside, so Holly must have had let him in.

His heart started racing. It would suck if the two were dating, but that was better than Holly being in danger and Bryce being a criminal.

He parked behind Bryce’s car, ensuring that his brother wouldn’t be able to make a quick getaway should he attempt it. Then he walked up the stairs to Holly’s front door.

He knocked, ordering himself to relax—or at least, look like it.

“Jax!” Holly said in surprise as she opened the door.

“Jax!” echoed Bryce, his eyes wide.

Jaxon fixed a grin on his face, walking in. “Hey, guys. Saw a car downstairs and I thought I’d check in on Holly. We can never be too careful. Glad to know it’s just you, Bryce. Holly making you work late, huh?”

“I just thought I’d check in on her too,” Bryce said with a smile.

“Well,” Holly said, “I was just getting Bryce some of Mum’s apple pie. She was here earlier. Fancy some?”

“Yes, please,” Jaxon said readily. Perfect. Now he could hang out with them and try to figure out what the hell his brother was doing here.

“What do you want for drinks? Wine? Beer?” Holly asked.

“Whatever you’re having.”

Holly made a face. “Bryce and I are having tea.”

Argh. Holly knew he didn’t like tea. “Just beer then. Thank you.”

“I’ll make the tea, Holly,” Bryce said, walking towards the kitchen.

Holly waved Bryce away. “I got it. The water’s boiled and I just need to dunk the bags in. You guys sit down.”

Jaxon sat on the couch and sent Bryce a questioning look.

Reluctantly, Bryce took the armchair next to his seat.

He leaned close, glancing at Holly to ensure she was too busy in the kitchen to notice them whispering. “What are you doing here?”

“When you said you’re working late, I decided to come here to make sure Holly’s okay. How come you’re home?”

“I didn’t know that the report I wanted hasn’t been sent to me yet. No point in me working tonight with incomplete data. So are you worried about something? I’m surprised you came instead of just calling Holly.”

“Well, the police did say the kidnappers might target Holly next. That’s worrying.”

Jaxon nodded grimly. “It’s good you’re here. But Holly won’t open the gate for strangers, and she knows the button to press on the alarm system to call for security. She’s pretty safe here by herself.”

“Here’s your apple pie,” Holly said, approaching with two small plates.

“Thank you, Holly,” Bryce said, his smile wide. “Who’d ever think that the Holly Stirling would be serving me like this?”

“Don’t be silly. I’m not the queen.”

“Well, to some of your fans, you are royalty,” Bryce said with a laugh.

“Thanks, Hols,” Jaxon said, trying to catch Holly’s eye.

“No worries,” Holly said with a faint smile before going back to the kitchen.

Jaxon kept an impassive face, hiding the fact that it bothered him a hell of a lot that Holly and Bryce were interacting so easily. Obviously, the two had grown comfortable with each other.

And he’d definitely noticed the change in the way Holly acted towards him since he’d refused to kiss her at the gym two weeks ago. Or had it been when Bryce had entered the picture? He shook his head. “Hey, aren’t you having some dessert with us, Hols?”

“I already had some. I actually ate more than I should have.”

“Your Mum’s pies are the best,” Jaxon said, smiling at her.

“Can’t wait to taste this,” Bryce said, picking up his plate.

“Start,” Holly encouraged, carefully lifting a tray with a big teapot, two small cups, and a bottle of beer.

Jaxon stood to help her carry it, but Bryce beat him to it. He tried not to glare at his brother. Was Bryce trying to compete with him?

“This is nice,” Holly said, smiling at them as she took the other armchair. “Thanks for keeping me company tonight, guys.”

“Sure,” Jaxon murmured.

“Your safety is important,” Bryce said. “Don’t even hesitate to call me for a board game or two when you’re here alone. You know I don’t mind working all hours.”

“Hey, even you need to sleep,” Holly said with a chuckle. “But thank you. I appreciate that.”

Jaxon gulped down the jealousy that was burgeoning inside him.

“So, Jax,” Bryce said, sitting back casually. “What would you do if an intruder tried to get into the property?”

He looked at Bryce in surprise. Where the hell had that question come from? “I’ll press the call button on the alarm system and also call the police like we’ve told Holly to do.”

Bryce pursed his lips. “They might take ages to get here.”

“There’s a police station less than two kilometres away. Holly’s got their direct line. The detective sergeant there has also been advised that Holly’s hiding out here, and only he and another senior detective know that at this point.” That was a lie. Holly had been given Aidan’s number at the Indie Rebels’ control centre but had been told it was the police.

“That’s good,” Bryce said, looking thoughtful. “But it would be better if the both of you know self-defence and how to deal with armed persons. Have you done any such training?”

“I do know self-defence.” Jaxon was tempted to confirm he knew how to handle armed intruders, but he better steer clear of subjects that might raise eyebrows.

“Do you know self-defence, Holly?” Bryce queried.

“No. I can scream loudly, though,” Holly said with a laugh.

“I can teach you,” Bryce offered. “I think it’s important you know what to do if someone tries to grab you.”

Holly’s brows furrowed. “I just might take you up on that. Sometimes I do get scared that I might get approached by a so-called fan, then find out later they’re one of the kidnappers.”

“Then how about we schedule a time for our training?” Bryce said, his face breaking into a bright smile. “We can do it in here or out the back.”

Jaxon suppressed a sigh. Damn it. He didn’t want Bryce that close to Holly. And what if Bryce noticed the small cameras in the backyard?

“Looking forward to it,” Holly said excitedly.

Bryce grinned. “Good.”

“Hey, I wouldn’t mind improving my self-defence skills too,” Jaxon blurted, ensuring he broke the eye contact of those two. “Can I join you guys sometimes, even if I only watch? Like you said, it’s a critical thing, especially with Holly staying here.”

“Sure,” Bryce said, the smile staying on his lips but leaving his eyes. “We’d probably do it during the afternoon, though, so you’d be at work.”

“Oh. Well, we’ll see. If you can let me know when you plan to do it, I’m sure I’ll find some time to join you every now and again.”

“Really? Aren’t you Mr. Workaholic?” Holly asked dryly.

“I always find time for something important.”

Holly sighed. “Jax, I’m not gonna be here forever. Please don’t rearrange your plans for me. I know you worry that something might happen to me while I’m staying here in your house, but my safety is not your responsibility.”

“Yes,” Bryce chimed in. “And now I know that you work late a lot, I’ll make sure that I keep Holly company during nights like this. She’ll be fine.”

“Thanks, Bryce,” Holly murmured.

“My pleasure,” Bryce said.

Holly stated she didn’t want another conversation regarding her safety and Anna’s kidnapping and switched the topic to something lighter. She entertained them with some of her funnier experiences with other celebrities.

Jaxon laughed with them, but his chest kept on compressing. It killed him that Holly and Bryce were growing close. He hoped they weren’t starting to fall for each other. That would be an absolute nightmare.

“Anyone for a game of Monopoly?” Holly asked, grabbing the box from under the coffee table.

“Sure,” Bryce said eagerly.

Jaxon put up a happy face as they played. A couple of hours later, Holly won the game.

“Want to play Jenga next?” Bryce asked.

What? When the hell was Bryce going home? Was his brother hoping he’d leave first?

No way. Jaxon would stay and pretend he was enjoying himself for as long as necessary.

“Well, I better go,” Bryce said half an hour later.

Finally!

“Thanks again for coming, guys,” Holly said. “I really appreciate you not only keeping me company, but entertaining me.”

Jaxon suppressed a sigh. Obviously, Holly wanted him to leave too. He hid his phone on the side of the couch and walked to the door with Bryce. “Thanks for the dessert, Hols. Tell your mum her apple pie was great, as always.”

“I will.”

Bryce gave Holly a big smile. “I don’t mind coming here again when Jaxon’s not around. It’s my job to keep you safe, although this doesn’t feel like work.”

“Okay, thanks. I do feel much safer tonight.”

“Bye, Hols. Good night,” Jaxon said, wanting to have the last word. He had to plan to be home much earlier from here on in, so Bryce wouldn’t have an excuse to come again at this hour.

He waved goodbye to Holly and walked down with Bryce. “I have to move my car so you can get out.”

Bryce surveyed the position of the vehicles. “Looks like you blocked me in.”

“Well, I wasn’t sure who this car belonged to when I got here. I was just making sure no one could make a quick getaway.”

Bryce laughed. “You’re not so bad with security, after all.

He chuckled. If only his brother knew the resources he had access to with the Indie Rebels.

“Hey,” Bryce said hesitantly. “I’ve been meaning to ask you about Holly’s dating life. I’m reluctant to ask her such a personal question, but it’s important for me to know for security purposes. Do you know if she’s dating someone?”

Jaxon lifted a brow. “I’m not sure. You know how it is with celebrities. They tend to be extra cautious with their relationships.”

“So she could be seeing someone secretly?”

“It’s possible. Hey, what about you? Dating someone?”

Bryce chuckled. “I broke up with a girlfriend five months ago. That’s one of the reasons I didn’t feel obliged to stay at the Whitsundays anymore. You?”

“Nothing serious. Too busy with work.”

“I’m surprised you haven’t made a play for Holly.”

“What makes you say that?”

Bryce shrugged. “She’s single and attractive…”

“I hope you’re not thinking of making a play for her,” he said lightly. “It would be unprofessional.”

“Hey, I wouldn’t want to jeopardise my job,” Bryce said with a laugh. “If anything were to happen, Holly would have to initiate it.”

Jaxon tried not to glare at his brother. He didn’t like that answer.

“Anyway, thanks for tonight.” Bryce got into his car. “Glad we were able to spend some time together.”

“Sure. Maybe next time, we could try meeting with Mum—without Joseph knowing, of course.”

“Yeah, that’ll be good.”

Jaxon got out of Bryce’s way and moved his car into the garage. Then he went to his downstairs apartment and checked the CCTV screen in the study nook.

Bryce was just stopping next to the pole with the button that opened the gate. To Jaxon’s surprise, his brother appeared to take a picture of the pole before pressing the button. What the hell?

He opened the IR app and called the control centre.

Aidan answered. “I saw him take a picture.”

“Yeah. Is someone going to follow him?”

“Unfortunately, no. But I’ll try to track him with CCTVs all around the area.”

Jaxon raked his fingers through his hair. He wished he could shadow Bryce, but he needed to stay for Holly.

“I’ll let you know if he does anything suspicious.”

“Thanks. And, Aidan, don’t you ever go home?”

Aidan chuckled. “I am home.”

“Oh, you have the cameras set up there?”

“Yep. In a secret room. Your calls are forwarded to my phone.”

“So do we actually have a main control centre?”

“Yes, and this is nothing compared to what we have there. But a handful of us have this set-up at our houses. It’s just easier.”

“Wow. It would have cost a fortune to build multiple mini-control centres.”

“Our founder likes spending money on the team.”

“You’ve met him, right?”

“Yes. He’s a top guy.”

“Is he a public figure?”

“You’ll meet him soon, Jax,” Aidan said with a laugh.

“I’m dying of curiosity,” he said dryly.

“So what happened with Bryce there?”

Jaxon exhaled heavily. “He’s planting seeds in Holly’s mind that it’s good for him to keep her company here while I’m not around. He even offered to teach her self-defence. He’s ingratiating himself with her. He needs to get sacked.”

“No. He’s our only lead at the moment. We need him to do what he intends to do while making sure Holly’s not hurt. Otherwise, we’ll be going blind. It would be riskier for Holly, Anna and all the other women if we don’t catch the kidnappers. Right now, Bryce could be our only hope to identify them.”

Jaxon pressed his lips. He hated that it had to be this way, but he agreed it was for the best. That was why he had to be on his toes.

“Somehow,” Aidan said, “we have to prevent Bryce from being alone with Holly when there’s no one else around. Driving her around is fine. As long as we know Holly’s schedule, we’re always ready to pounce if he takes her anywhere he shouldn’t. But how can we stop Holly from inviting Bryce there when she’s alone?”

An idea popped into Jaxon’s head, and before he could consider its merits, he was blurting it out. “I could tell Holly I’m jealous of Bryce.”

Aidan was silent for a moment. “I know Holly has a crush on you. Xavier said she’s very obvious about it, so it’s worth a try. But for it to work, you’ll need to be convincing. Holly’s your friend. She might hate you in the end if she finds out you were lying to her about your feelings.”

He smiled. “Holly’s an attractive woman. I won’t even have to act.”

“Hm. So have you always been attracted to her?”

“Um…yeah. But like I said, I don’t want to date non-IRs.”

“Well, that’s still the best option we have so far. I trust you’d know how to manage the repercussions?”

Jaxon gulped. He certainly hoped so. “Yes, so I’ll put this plan in motion. And let me tell Xavier about this.”

Aidan snorted. “I intend to leave that to you. Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

Jaxon hung up, taking deep breaths. Suddenly, he was nervous. After rejecting Holly’s cute and tempting advances, was he really now going to woo her? What about all his misgivings about being with Holly?

Luckily, with the ongoing threat to her safety, it wouldn’t be a problem to persuade Holly to keep their dates a secret—if he didn’t end up getting a taste of his own medicine, that was.

He paced the full length of his living room, racking his brains for alternatives. But the more he thought about it, the more he saw this plan as the quickest and most effective way to keep Holly safe from his own brother. He could only hope Holly liked him enough—still—to make this work.

His heart pounded hard as he made his way to the upstairs front door. He had to admit, it felt like he was finally walking towards a dream he’d thought could never be.