would've helped right away," she scolds, then turns me around and undoes the buttons leading down my back because sitting in this thing isn't easy. Once I'm free, I breathe for the first time since I put it on.
"I don't think I could've lived in the olden days. The dress is beautiful, but I can't say it's the most comfortable thing I've ever worn."
"I know, I felt the same way." Cami snickers, then bends over and grabs the extra fabric and holds it in her arms as we walk to the biggest stall. She turns her back as I finally go.
"I'm so damn happy," I tell her with a sigh. “Today has been perfect.”
"It truly has! Now you're officially a St. James and my sister for life," she says, then helps me stand.
"It certainly has a ring to it," I sing-song as we walk out of the stall, and she buttons me back into my dress.
“Right! I’m happy to have taken Eli’s last name, but St. James just sounds...elegant.”
We laugh, then notice the music suddenly stops, and we hear commotion.
"What is going on?" We rush out of the bathroom and make our way back to the ballroom and see everything’s in complete chaos.
I rush around, looking for Ryan as people head toward the exit. Panic streams through me when I see the expression on Ryan's face. He comes to me and pulls me into his arms for a hug.
"What the hell happened?" Cami bursts out.
"It all happened so fast." Ryan shakes his head.
"What did?" I panic.
"Someone got past security and tried to grab your sister. There was a fight, and the next thing I saw was a gun."
"A gun?" Immediately, my emotions get the best of me. "Where’s Piper now?"
Ryan opens his mouth, then closes it.
Eli comes over with Laney in his arms and tells Cami they have to go. She gives me a tight hug. “I’m so sorry. Text me as soon as you know anything, okay?”
Once they’re gone, I look back at Ryan, and ask again, "Where is she?"
“I don’t know, baby. One second she was there, then the next she wasn’t,” he explains. I look past him and see my parents speaking to the police. My mother is frantic, and my father looks enraged. This definitely can’t be good.
I rush over as Ryan follows me.
"What happened?" I interrupt as my father continues his conversation. My mom takes me over to the side. "I'm so sorry this ruined your night, sweetie."
"Someone better tell me what’s going on right now!" I demand, growing more frustrated.
"Someone tried to attack Piper. Tristan took her. She's okay."
Relief floods through me. "Thank God he was here."
"He was instructed not to take his eyes off her.”
“Why? Did something else happen?”
“She’s been getting death threats. Her stalker somehow hacked into her cell phone and was able to track her. The police have been involved, but they haven't been able to track him down to arrest him.”
"Jesus,” I hiss. “I hadn’t realized it’d gotten so much worse."
"No one wanted to worry you. I wanted this day to be so special for you and now look at it." A tear streams down her face, and I wrap her in a hug.
"It was perfect. I'm fine. Seriously, I’m more concerned about my sister than any of that. Do you know where Tristan took her?"
Mom shakes her head. "Tristan will let us know when they’re in a safe place. For now, it’s too risky with the stalker on the loose."
“They didn’t get him tonight?” Ryan asks.
“Unfortunately, not.” Dad frowns, but I can tell he’s heated. “As soon as Tristan drew his weapon, the asshole bailed, and the police couldn’t catch up to him.”
“How’s that possible?” Ryan asks the same question I had. “He can’t be that fast.”
“He is,” Mom clarifies. “Always one step ahead of us and gone before anyone can get him.”
That makes me worried even more. “I hope Tristan takes her far from here then, somewhere the little fucker can’t find her.”
“He will, trust me. He’s military trained.”
“What’s his motive? To kidnap and kill her?” I ask. “For what?”
"I don’t know, sweetie. He’s been obsessed with Piper for months," Mom explains. “It started with a ton of emails and comments on her videos, then exploded to tracking her down and threatening her life.”
A chill runs down my spine, and Ryan rubs his palms down my arms.
"I think it's best if we get this place cleared out," Dad suggests. "For the safety of our family and friends."
Most people are gone by now, but security empties the venue. I look around the reception area that was once full of smiling faces. Empty champagne glasses are scattered around, proof that people were having a good time.
Ryan pulls me tight. "I'm so sorry this happened."
I force a grin and suck in a deep breath. "It's not your fault. At least I know she’s with someone who’ll protect her. But I guess that means we get to start our honeymoon a little sooner.”
"Hell yeah," he says, sliding his lips across mine. Ryan leads me to the limo waiting for us outside. My heart is heavy as we climb in. As excited as I am to spend the night with my husband, I'm worried for my sister’s safety.
As we drive off, Ryan hands me my phone from his pocket.
Kendall: Mom and Dad told me what happened. Please tell me you’re safe.
She immediately responds, which has me blowing out a breath of relief.
Piper: I’m with Tristan! I have to be careful what I say until I get a burner phone, but we’re going into hiding. I’ll be safe with him and will text you as soon as I can. I’m so sorry this happened on your special night. I love you guys!
Kendall: It’s not your fault. I love you too! Text me and keep me updated when you’re able to please!
Piper: I will. Plus, it might not be so bad being locked up with my hot bodyguard ;)
Kendall: Don’t say I didn’t warn you before...don’t get involved!
Piper: You’re no fun!
I laugh, knowing she’s going to do the exact opposite of what I tell her anyway.
Kendall: Love you, sis. Please stay safe.
“Well?” Ryan asks when I release a giggle.
“They’re going somewhere undisclosed for now. She’ll tell me when it’s safe.”
“Thank God. I hope they find the little bitch and put his ass away.” Ryan groans.
“Me too.” I sigh.
“Well, Mrs. St. James, hopefully, I can take your mind off all that as soon as we get home.”
I laugh and curl into his arms. “I have no doubt you will, Mr. St. James.”
Next in the Love in Isolation series is Tristan & Piper’s story!
What happens when a stalker threatens your life and you’re thrown into hiding in the middle of nowhere with your sexy new bodyguard? You break the rules and hope he falls madly in love with you.
The End of Us is an opposites attract, forbidden, romantic suspense standalone.
ONE-CLICK HERE
Brooke Cumberland and Lyra Parish are a duo of romance authors who teamed up under the USA Today pseudonym, Kennedy Fox. They share a love of Hallmark movies, overpriced coffee, and making TikToks. When they aren’t bonding over romantic comedies, they like to brainstorm new book ideas. One day in 2016, they decided to collaborate under a pseudonym and have some fun creating new characters that’ll make you blush and your heart melt. Happily ever afters guaranteed! View our full reading order here: http://bit.ly/2qgCqTu
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CHECKMATE DUET SERIES
BISHOP BROTHERS SERIES
BEDTIME READS SERIES
ROOMMATE DUET SERIES
CIRCLE B RANCH SERIES
EX-CON DUET SERIES
LOVE IN ISOLATION SERIES
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