As Bill predicted, Bellamy didn’t go far. She sat cross-legged in the lobby and a scowl darkened her face when Locke sat beside her. Minutes passed and they did not speak, yet their breathing synced to one another and their eyes locked. He could do this for hours and judging by Bellamy’s blank stare, she could too. No smile. No emotion. She hadn’t even blinked. Locke wouldn’t have either had it not been for the child who backed into him by accident.

“So sorry,” the boy’s mother apologized.

“No problem.” Locke waved as they walked away.

“I won,” Bellamy said evenly.

“You won? Were we playing a game, Ms. East?”

“It’s Bellamy. Not Bella. Not Belle. Bellamy. Got it?”

“Run it by me again, would ya? To be so petite, you sure do have the biggest corncob stuck up your ass.” Her mouth gaped open, but Locke continued. “Your parents adore you. They would do anything to keep you from danger and you’re bitching about having a babysitter. Do you know how lucky you are to have people who care about you?”

She didn’t speak, but her face softened and she relaxed.

“The question wasn’t rhetorical. Do you know how great your parents are?”

“I do, Mr. Manning. Thank you for reminding me.” She hung her head. “They’ve always been overprotective, but it’s not because they want to control me. It’s because they’re fearful of losing me.”

“I can see that, and it’s Locke, please. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together, so we might as well be on a first name basis.” He cleared his throat. “Assuming you’re going to let me help?”

She shrugged. “Yes. But only for my mom and dad.”

“Oh? Not because someone has broken into your home and made an attempt on your life? I suppose you think that just because you shot the perp, you’ve got it under control?”

“No.” Her head moved back and forth, but her gaze remained focused on him and his electric smile. He wasn’t simply handsome; Locke Manning was hot. Dressed in tan slacks and a white button-down, he exuded confidence and skill. Black tattoos lined his forearms and undoubtedly extended higher onto his shoulders and chest. Ripped pectoral and bicep muscles strained against the fabric of his shirt so tightly that she feared a button may pop open if he strained too much. Bellamy blushed, deciding she wouldn’t mind seeing that happen. His hair was brown and his eyes were several shades brighter than hers. Crystalline, almost.

“Earth to Bella.” Locke’s hands waved in front of her face.

“It’s Bellamy,” she hissed as she shook her head.

He laughed. “I know. I was just teasing. You went into a daze there for a minute. Had to say something to bring you back. So I believe you were saying what a great idea it is for my team to help you…”

“Is this how you convinced my parents, putting words in their mouths?”

“Honey, your parents came to me. Begging, practically. Like I said, they love you. Immensely.”

She brought her hands to her heart. “I love them too. And regarding your earlier question. I don’t believe I have it under control. I was lucky this time.”

“Were you scared?”

“Definitely. I may be stubborn, but I’m no fool. Dad taught me if you point a weapon at someone, expect to kill them. As soon as I knew I had a chance to get the gun away from him, I was mentally prepared to end his life. I mean, no, I’ve never shot someone, nor have I killed anyone either, but I wasn’t going to wait for somebody else to come and save me. I was saving myself.”

“Are you okay? It’s a lot to process.”

“Oddly, I am. I think if I’d killed him, I would still be okay. There are no blurred lines for me when it comes to hurting those I care about. He was there to harm me and Amy. He did hurt Luci.”

“Your Spitz, right?”

Her face brightened. “Mom and Dad must’ve told you.”

“They did. Said I had to pass the Luci test if I wanted to work with you.”

Bellamy stood and pointed in the direction of her room. “They’re right. If you fail the Luci test, it will negate everything my parents or I have agreed to, and you won’t have a job.”

“So Luci controls everything?” Together, they walked to the elevators.

“Damn right. Don’t expect this to be easy either. She’s notorious for hating strangers.”

Locke chuckled as they arrived on the third floor. “Sounds like I’ve got my work cut out for me.”

When they entered the Easts’ suite, Bill and Regina stood. Locke expected either one or all of them to say something snarky to begin the argument again, but as soon as Bill opened his arms, Bellamy ran to them and they embraced.

“We love you so much, baby girl. Keeping you safe is our only priority.”

“I know, Dad. I love you too.” Bellamy looked at Regina. “If Luci likes him, then I’m in. If not, we’ll have to think of something else.”

Regina rolled her eyes and sat back down. “You and that dog.”

“Luci’s choice, it is,” Bill announced as he went to one of rooms, opened the door, and clicked his tongue. “Good luck, Locke. You’ll need it with this one.”

The dog jumped off the bed and ran straight to Bellamy. She noticed Locke immediately and growled, placing herself between her master and the potential threat.

“It’s not looking good for you…” Bellamy said.

“Just give me a second.” Locke reached in his pocket and pulled out something thin and brown. Bacon. Luci sniffed the air and edged in Locke’s direction. Closer still, when he stretched out his hand with a piece inside.

“Hey, no fair.”

As she’d been trained to do for a treat, Luci sat. After Locke made his offer and she accepted, he stroked her white coat. “Hello, Luci. Seems I have to be your friend first before your mom decides to let me help figure out why her life’s in danger. She’s pretty stubborn, isn’t she?” He cupped his hand around his ear, pretending to listen. “What? You’ve heard that before too? How can you stand living with her?”

To Bellamy’s surprise, Luci jumped up on the sofa and sniffed at Locke’s pockets. “You bribed my dog.”

“Sure did. I wasn’t born yesterday.” He passed the rest of the treat to Luci. “Guess I’m in.”

“Only because of the bacon.”

“If she didn’t have a good feeling about me, she wouldn’t be sitting here practically in my lap, bacon or not.” After another rub to Luci’s head, he mouthed thank you, then took a deep breath. “Now, let’s get to business. Bill and Regina, within the next day or so, head back to New Orleans. The goal is to have everything return to normal and if someone else is going to strike, they’ll do so under the guise that we’re not ready for them.”

Bill and Regina exchanged glances.

Sensing their unease, he added, “I’ve also decided I will stay on this case instead of delegating it to one of my groups. I’ll be staying at Bellamy’s apartment in Amy’s old room.”

“You will?” Bellamy’s tone was even, but her insides burned. How could she deal with seeing this man day in and day out? Already, her attraction was strong.

“Thank God.” Regina sighed. “We were hoping you’d say that. Obviously, we trust whoever you would have chosen, but you’ve come so highly recommended.” She took Bill’s hand. “We’re thrilled. Thank you.”

“Sure. To the rest of the world, it will appear as if Bellamy’s got a new roommate or maybe her boyfriend moved in. It makes sense for me to be there.” Beyond the shock in her voice, he couldn’t read Bellamy’s reaction. She was stoic, unmoved. But Locke didn’t care if she was happy or sad. Like her parents, his top priority was keeping her safe. For a moment, he considered the decisions he’d made over the years to get him to this place. To her. Without a doubt, this was a culmination of life lived and chances taken. Each second brought her closer. Each step was a step in her direction.

Locke knew that for sure.