She's Still The One: A Brother's Best Friend, Rockstar Romance Kaci Rose (essential reading txt) 📖

leave, you take Mason with you, even if you are with me or Landon," Dallas says taking my hand, as I nod.

"When we can't be here, Mason will be with you at the house. We are tightening security and having people here around the clock. I did file a police report, but they said there was nothing they could do, because he was on the street not on our property." Landon says.

"If he tries to get in contact with you in any way, you tell us immediately. Phone, text, email, social media, skywriting, or however stupid it might be, tell us no matter what." Dallas says.

"I will." I agree.

"Did you notice anything off, when you were together?" Landon asks.

I think about the short time I'd known Branden.

"Well, his place was bare, but I chalked it up to him being a bachelor, it's not uncommon. We never hung out with his friends, and he only met mine on accident. He never talked about his family, but it never raised a red flag. We didn't date and went to dinner three maybe four times and saw one movie. We didn't talk on the phone or really text, unless it was about getting together. The rest was just. Well." I can’t bring myself to say it was just sex, but they get it, and thankfully, they don't push it.

"Okay, well, let's hope the photos will bring us something. Sorry about that by the way. You guys had your phones off, I tried to call first." Landon looks like he means it.

"You have my password, so I'm not worried about it." I wave my hand at him.

Neither of us says anything for a moment.

"Do you think he's dangerous?" I ask in a low voice. Though, I don't want to admit all this worries me, and all the extra security scares me a bit. I feel like it’s overdone, like there’s something they aren't telling me, but I'm happy to live in my ignorance for now.

I shiver at the thought of what they could be keeping from me, but Dallas is right there, pulling me into his arms, despite my brother being in the room.

"We don't know if he's dangerous, more than likely he's harmless, but you’re the most precious thing in the world to both of us, and we’ll always protect you. That means we’ll we go overboard more times than not, but it will always be with your best interests at heart." Dallas says, rubbing my arms.

"I know," I say, resting my head on his shoulder, as they start planning out their schedules for the next week, and who will be with me when.

The rest of the evening passes almost like normal. Landon makes us dinner, and we sit at the table and talk about the cabin, and the small town we visited, and our hikes to the waterfall.

We watch some TV, and I was able to snuggle up to Dallas's side on the couch. I caught my brother shaking his head a few times, but he never commented on it.

I guess, I started drifting off to sleep, because the next thing I feel is Dallas's chuckling and picking me up to carry me upstairs.

"Come on, baby girl. Let's get you to bed." He says.

"Night," I say to Landon, but don't get a response.

Dallas is a perfect gentleman. He takes me upstairs, helps me get ready for bed, tucks me in, and turns to leave.

"Get in bed," I tell him.

He smiles, "I think it's best we don't push our luck with your brother, don't you?"

"No, we should push all our luck, because I want you in bed with me." I pout.

He chuckles and leans in to bite my lip that I stuck out at him.

"Good night, baby girl."

I watch him walk out the door and close it behind him. I try to sleep, but all I can do is toss and turn, and every time I close my eyes, I see Branden. After over an hour, I give up and sneak across the hallway to Dallas's room.

Even with his lights off, I know my way to his bed, like the back of my hand. The moment my knee hits his mattress, he turns to face me. Then, he pulls me to him and makes sure I’m under the covers.

"You lasted longer than I thought you would." He says.

"I tried, but I'm just too used to sleeping in your arms now."

"Me too, baby girl. Me too." He kisses the top of my head, and I finally feel safe enough to sleep.

Chapter 32

Dallas

It's been a few weeks, since Austin and I got home from the mountain cabin, and there has been nothing from Branden. Landon and I have talked about this a few times, and we agree we don't want to let our guard down. We worry the moment we do that's when something will happen. Austin indulges us, but she’s made it clear she thinks we are either hiding something from her, or even going a little too overboard.

I think we’re both on edge that there’s no information on him, and that he disappeared into thin air, the same way he appeared into Austin's life.

We have seen so many of our musician friends’ deal with crazy fans and stalkers, and it's always been a worry for us with Austin. She tends to stay out of the limelight enough that they have left her alone.

I think she was getting a little stir crazy being home so much, so this last weekend we invited Ivy and Dom over for a BBQ and pool party. Austin was attached to Ivy's side. I think she needed that girl time, so I made a mental note to see if she wanted to do a book club thing with Deanna later this week.

If she needs girl time, I will give it to her, and the safest way is at our house. Landon agreed it's easy to control security there.

I had a talk with him about that.