I know it's been a LONG time since I've added to this story. I'll make up for it and add two new chapters today. Now that the show is on hiatus for the Summer, I have some story ideas in mind. :) Hope you enjoy. Thanks for reading!

Shauni's manager, John, and assistant, Stacy returned to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon seemed to go by in a blur. Shauni did several radio interviews with local stations about the two concerts they were having as well as the various appearances she was making during the next week. As she was doing the interviews, Shauni noticed that Steve had several hushed conversations with John which put her on edge. She didn't like feeling as if things were being kept from her, but she could never get close enough to hear what they were saying. Stacy managed to get pretty close once, but Steve seemed to sense what was going on and cut the conversation off as soon as she got within earshot. Shauni gave him a little glare and he gave her back a small smile. She felt her heart flutter a little. Okay, so maybe she could forgive the secrecy for a little while as long as he would smile at her.

In the meantime, Chin and Kono followed up on all of the things Steve had asked them to do while he & Danny continued gathering more information on Carl Matthews. John gave them copies of the letters they had received, showed them several pictures they had of him, and filled them in on everything he knew about the man who'd been stalking Shauni. Steve's earlier doubts about whether or not she really needed protection were put to rest after they saw the letters. Each one got a little more urgent and angry at not being able to get to her the way he felt he was entitled to be. No doubt Carl Matthews was a dangerous man.

After the radio interviews were over, John called a meeting with everyone in his suite. Shauni and Stacy started to leave her room to head down to John's room when Steve stopped them at the door.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked.

"Isn't John getting everyone together for a meeting?" Stacy asked. Like most people, she was a little intimidated by Steve McGarrett and didn't know quite how to take his gruffness.

"Yes, but Shauni doesn't need to be there. Why don't you go on down and I'll have Kono stay with Shauni until we're finished."

Shauni moved so that she was standing between Stacy and Steve. She tried to stand at her tallest height which still put her several inches shorter than Steve. She squared her shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes. "Like hell you will, Commander." Shauni stated matter of factly. "Look, you've already come in here and basically taken over and changed everything we had planned. Now you want to talk to my team…..MY team…..without me there? I don't think so. If you have something to say to them, you can say it with me there. You are not going to keep me cooped up in my room like some unruly teenager."

Steve almost laughed out loud. Almost. Damn, she's cute when she gets riled up, he thought. Rather than laughing, he grinned and gave in.

"All right then. After you, ladies." he said as he motioned for them to go ahead of him as he made sure the door was locked behind them . Shauni moved past him defiantly and he caught a whiff of her perfume. Intoxicating. He shook his head discretely and tried to erase the images it called to mind. They had business to do and flirting around with a pop-star would bring more trouble than he had time for at the moment. The way her hips swayed as he watched her walk down the hall tempted him to consider otherwise. Besides being gorgeous, she seemed very genuine and not at all the diva he had expected. He had been watching her all afternoon and liked the way she seemed so at ease with everyone around her. Well, except for when he said something to send her into a tizzy which he found nothing less than adorable.

Everyone gathered in John's suite and were briefed about how security was going to be handled for the week. Shauni may have been upset by some of the changes that had been made, but it seemed as if everyone else was relieved that extra security was on hand. Steve got the sense they really were like an extended family and genuinely cared about their boss. It also seemed like everyone else was already aware of the danger that was waiting for her; Everyone that is except Shauni.

It was soon time to head over to the first concert venue to get ready for a busy night which made Steve more than a little nervous. Keeping Shauni safe at the hotel was one thing, but keeping her safe when she was on a stage in a public setting with thousands of fans around was another story. He didn't like it but knew there was no way they could cancel something that big. He actually admired her for having the guts to go out in public under the circumstances. She was either incredibly brave or just didn't realize how dangerous this maniac could prove to be.

Chin and Danny met with all of the security staff on hand for the concert and insured that those posted around the stage were either members of the HPD or had some sort of law enforcement background. The goal was to get the most experienced personnel surrounding her on stage. Before long the stadium started filling up and it was show time.

Steve had been so busy checking things out backstage that he hadn't seen Shauni until she came out of her dressing room to go onstage. She looked like a different person; The cute, fresh faced beach girl had been replaced by someone who had turned up the sexy vibe at least ten notches wearing a sequined bustier, black leather shorts, and high heeled black leather boots. She looked every bit the seductress. Shauni noticed with pleasure when Steve did a double take as she emerged from her dressing room. He watched mesmerized as she approached him with her band following close behind. She walked up to him and gave him her most dazzling smile, "It's show time, Commander. Wanna escort me to the stage?"

Steve finally found his voice and offered her his arm, "Absolutely, Ms. Steele." A jolt of electricity shot between them and Steve felt the goosebumps on her arm the moment their arms touched. He couldn't help but grin as he tried to ignore the parts of his body that were reacting to her closeness. He tried to steal a glance down at her, but found her looking at him as well. Electricity again. Look out, McGarrett. Steve thought, Messing with her would be playing with fire.

He walked her to the steps that would lead her onstage and she looked up at him one last time. "Wish me luck!" she said, and with that, she was gone. The crowd erupted as she took the stage for the first song. Steve stood still, not moving an inch as he watched her dancing to the sexy opening number. Danny startled him a few minutes later when he showed up beside Steve, "Enjoying the view?"

Steve answered without thinking, "My God, she's amazing." Then realizing what he had just admitted, he tried to back pedal, "I mean…yeah…..she's really good, isn't she?" Danny smiled at him knowingly and wisely didn't say another word.

Shauni performed for two hours with several costume changes. By the end of the show, Steve had a new respect for her. The energy level required for a show like hers was incredible and he admired the way she didn't seem to slow down as she gave her all to her fans. When it was all over, she returned to the dressing room for one last change before going to the meet & greet with fans. This was the part of the night Steve and the Five-0 team had been dreading the most because it put her into very close contact with people. The chances of Carl Matthews making it backstage for the meet & greet were slim, but it was still possible. Everyone was on high alert as they walked into the room with her. If Shauni felt any trepidation, she did not show it. She was genuine and sweet to everyone she met taking pictures, signing autographs, and talking to everyone in the room. They did not leave until the last person had been met.

Finally, it was time to return to the hotel. It was decided that Steve would take the first night shift while Danny, Chin, and Kono headed home. It was well after midnight when they settled into the hotel suite for the night.

Shauni retreated into the main bedroom to change her clothes one last time and emerged a little later wearing her most comfy sleep shorts and a tank top. She found Steve looking through copies of the letters again and wondered if he ever got to relax.

"So did you draw the short straw tonight, Commander?" asked Shauni.

"I'm sorry?" Steve asked confused.

"Well, you're the one staying tonight after being roped into helping us out all day. Wouldn't you rather be at home in your own bed?"

Steve smiled, "It comes with the territory. I've learned to sleep almost anywhere." The smile soon left his face as he returned his focus back to the letters and pictures of Carl Matthews.

Shauni sat down on the couch opposite him and propped one of her legs onto the coffee table. With lotion bottle in hand, she started smoothing lotion on one leg, then the other. Steve tried his damndest not to stare but it was practically impossible. On one hand, it was a very innocent act: A girl putting on lotion. On the other hand, it was incredibly sexy and was making it difficult for him to focus. As if that torture wasn't enough, she followed by rubbing lotion on both arms and then lifted her top just a little to get her taught tummy as well. She finally looked up to see him staring at her and felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "Sorry. Am I distracting you?" She asked innocently.

"Uh, no…..It's okay." Steve lied. Taking a deep breath, he stood up and said, "I'm going to go check with the guys watching the hallway. Be right back."

"Ok. I'm on my way to bed. There are extra blankets and pillows in the closet by the door. Make yourself at home. And Steve?….."

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for your help." Shauni said with a tentative smile on her face. " I know this probably isn't what you want to be doing with your time, but I do feel safer knowing you all are here." Steve softened as he saw the vulnerability she'd been trying so hard to hide all day. Perhaps she was taking the threats more seriously than he thought and just trying to be strong for everyone else. He admired her for that.

"You've been a pleasant surprise, Ms. Steele. It's no trouble at all." He answered. "I'll be right out here if you need me tonight. Goodnight." He smiled at her and left the room for a brief check-in with the security staff.