Claiming Felicity (Ace Security #4)(20)

“What about video surveillance? I know there’s a few exterior cameras at the gym, but I don’t know about interior ones,” Blake asked.

“Cole has said more than once that he absolutely isn’t down with having cameras inside. He doesn’t want the members to feel as if they’re being spied on,” Logan said.

“I’ll talk to him,” Ryder said. “Maybe just a few aimed at the entrance. We don’t want to invite this asshole to have free rein.”

“Will Felicity know about all this surveillance? I can’t imagine she’ll be okay with it,” Nathan said. “If she’s anything like my Bailey, which I think she is, she’s gonna balk at the restrictions.”

Ryder was shaking his head before Nathan had finished speaking. “No, she won’t say anything about it, because deep down she’s scared to death of whoever this is getting to her. And yes, I’m not going to hide anything from her. It’s her life, she deserves to know.”

“You’ll be with her at night?” Logan asked, his eyes narrowed.

Ryder could tell he wanted to say more, to ask about his intentions, but he didn’t give his brother the chance. “Yeah. I’m not going to let her out of my sight. I’ve given her a week to get used to me, but I’m done with that.”

“And if she’s not okay with it?” Logan pressed. “Look, she’s Grace’s best friend. You’re my brother, but I won’t let you, or anyone else, fuck her over, especially if you’re just looking to scratch an itch.”

Ryder wanted to be upset, but he couldn’t be. Logan was just looking out for Felicity. It was actually a relief that she had such a staunch support system. He looked his brother in the eye as he said, “The first time I laid my eyes on her, I was fascinated. Yeah, I’m attracted to her, but it was more than that. I’ve never felt like this about a woman before in my life. Do I want her in my bed? I won’t lie. Yes. But when we get together, it’ll be her choice. And I’m going to do whatever I can to make her want me in her life as much as I want her in mine.”

“And if, when all this is over, she realizes it’s just been gratitude she feels toward you? That you were nice to have around to make her safe, but she doesn’t want anything to do with you once whoever this is after her is taken care of?” Nathan asked in a calm and even tone.

The question had seemed to come out of left field from the quieter brother, but Ryder saw a kinship and understanding in the other man’s eyes that he hadn’t seen from Blake or Logan. “Bailey didn’t feel that way after Donovan was taken care of . . . did she?”

Nathan shook his head. “No.”

“Right. To answer your question, if Felicity doesn’t want anything to do with me after I take care of whoever is after her, it’ll suck, but I won’t pressure her.”

Nathan nodded.

“How can we help besides helping keep an eye on Felicity?” Blake asked.

Ryder met his eyes in relief. The relationship between them wasn’t exactly buddy-buddy, but the man had bent enough to work with Ryder to keep Felicity safe. It was enough.

“For now, that’s what I need help with. I’ve got my team working to find the man who is after her.”

“You know who it is?” Logan asked.

“No, but I have a name. Joseph Waters.” Ryder waited and could tell that it didn’t ring any bells with the men around him. “And after talking to you guys today, I know more than I did yesterday. Namely, Chicago. If you think of anything else that might be useful, I need to know. It might be something she’s said in passing, but every little thing can help.”

“Why can’t you just ask her to tell you everything? It would be faster.”

Nathan was shaking his head before Logan finished speaking. “That’s not how it works. If Felicity is anything like Bailey, she’s kept her secrets for so long, it’s almost impossible to talk about them openly. Ryder needs to earn her trust. Make her feel safe.”

“She might not have that kind of time,” Logan insisted. “We need intel.”

“I told you, I’ve got my team working on it,” Ryder said.

“Your team. Who is this mysterious team of yours?” Logan asked, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back in his chair.

Ryder debated telling his brothers who he really worked for. There was a chance they hadn’t heard of them, but there was also the chance they had. He’d already told them about some of the missions he’d been on, so they’d figure it out sooner or later anyway. Deciding being up front was the way to go, he said, “Mountain Mercenaries.”

Blake whistled long and low.

Logan simply nodded his head.

Nathan stared at him with wide eyes.

“I think it goes without saying that I’d appreciate it if you kept that to yourselves.”

“Of course,” Logan said immediately. “We’ve heard nothing but good things about the work you and your team have done. Should’ve guessed who you were after hearing your little speech earlier.”

Ryder shrugged. “I’m proud of what I’ve done, of the bad guys I’ve taken care of, but it’s not exactly something I go around talking about. My cover for anyone who looks or asks is that I work as a private investigator, which isn’t exactly a lie.”