Chapter 26

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX

Ryder

River and I just arrived at Tanner Fitness after our classes. Word was spreading around campus about another press commotion involving Olivia Baker, and they weren’t saying kind things about her. After witnessing and hearing all that, I understand Liv’s past much better. It must have been torture for her to deal with it all on her own. We tried calling her and Chase multiple times, but neither of them answered, so we hurried here, hoping they might have already got here, but they hadn’t. We filled Jaxon in on what we’d heard, and now we’re standing in the reception area, waiting anxiously. Finally, a black Land Rover pulls up in front of the glass doors. Chase steps out from the back, helping Liv out as well, but before they can move, Gunner stands in front of her, leading the way in a protective manner. What is he doing here?

“Liv,” Riv calls out, jogging over to her and pulling her away from Chase’s grip. He kisses her temple. “Are you all right, beautiful?”

She merely nods, but it’s evident that she’s barely holding it together. He brings her over to me, and I pull her close.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there, baby,” I whisper, and she nods against my chest.

I release her to let Jaxon embrace her as well. He hugs her tightly and then turns her in his arms, resting his chin on her head.

“What happened?” he asks, looking at Gunner, who’s surveying the studio, his expression a mix of impressed and annoyed.

“Ask him,” he practically spits out, nodding towards Chase, who avoids eye contact, nervously tugging at his curls. I approach Chase and place a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“What happened, bro?” I ask, my voice filled with concern. Chase takes a deep breath, his eyes flicking around nervously.

“We were ambushed by the press,” he admits, his voice strained. “Liv and I were leaving the building, and they were so aggressive, we got separated. It happened so fast.” River’s jaw tightens.

“Those vultures have no boundaries,” he mutters, his voice tinged with anger.

“What happened next?” Jaxon asks, his tone filled with concern, but before Chase can respond, Gunner explodes.

“Let me tell you what happened! Livy would have been trampled if I hadn’t arrived in time!” he yells. “This shit ends right now. Either you guys invest in a real security guard, or I am going to take her home with me. I refuse to let them turn her into a casualty just because you idiots are incompetent!”

Gunner’s frustrated words hang in the air, leaving a tense silence in their wake. Jaxon takes a deep breath.

“I hear your concern loud and clear,” he says, his voice calm but resolute. “We cannot underestimate the seriousness of this situation again. We’ll make sure to secure proper security measures for her safety.”

Gunner’s stern expression softens slightly, sensing the sincerity in his words. Reluctantly, he relaxes his stance.

“You better follow through on your promises,” he grumbles, his arms still crossed. “Livy is like family to me, my whole fucking world, and I won’t tolerate any compromises when it comes to her safety.”

Liv breaks free from Jaxon’s embrace and turns to face him, frustration evident on her face.

“I’m right here, and I’m tired of people talking about me instead of talking with me,” she says, glaring at all of us. “What are you even discussing? We don’t need to hire a stranger to be my bodyguard. I already have one!” She points at Gunner.

“Livy, you know there’s nothing I’d rather do, but I can’t just abandon my responsibilities to guard you. I have commitments to my father,” Gunner says, remorse filling his eyes, but Liv remains resolute.

“You won’t abandon your job because I’ll hire you officially as my security. He can’t object to that,” she says with a shrug.

“Providing twenty-four-seven protection can be quite expensive. We usually handle assignments for ambassadors or celebrities,” Gunner says.

“Well, it’s probably the only time you’ll hear me say this, but I am a fucking celebrity if you haven’t noticed,” she says with a sarcastic laugh. Gunner glares at her, clearly not appreciating the reminder.

“Oh, I noticed. Thanks for the heads-up,” he retorts, his tone laced with sarcasm too.

“I really wanted to tell you,” she says with a wince. Gunner lets out a huff of frustration.

“Sure, whatever. I’ll need a day to set everything up, so make sure to stay home tomorrow. By Wednesday, you should be able to resume your regular routine and go back to class,” he says, and Liv nods gratefully.

“That would be perfect. Thank you, Gun,” she says, hugging him tightly.

He holds her head against his chest, then glances at Jaxon.

“Do you guys have a good security system at your house?” he asks.

“We do,” Jaxon replies with a nod.

Gunner grunts in approval before finally releasing Liv from his embrace.

Chris comes out of Jaxon’s office, holding a magazine in her hand. I hadn’t even realized she was here.

“So it’s finally official, and I can brag to everyone that my BFF is Olivia Baker?” she asks excitedly. She’s practically bouncing with joy as she rushes over to Liv and pulls her into a tight hug. Liv bursts into laughter.

“I knew you freaking knew!” she says amidst giggles.

“Girl, my hobby is literally reading tabloid magazines. Did you think I wouldn’t recognize the stunning Olivia Baker who graced the covers for weeks last year when she’s standing right in front of me? I prefer you as a brunette though. It makes your eyes pop. I’ve been wanting to tell you that for ages.”

A mixture of laughter and tears escapes Liv as she hugs Chris tightly. As they part from their embrace, I pull Liv back into my chest.

“My baby is a fucking celebrity,” I say softly. Chris chuckles mischievously.

“Yeah, and you should kiss her, Ryder, because she’s made a star out of you too,” she says before opening the magazine she brought with her and placing it on the reception counter, making sure we all can see it. Taking up the whole page next to the article is a picture of Liv and me from when I guided her through the crowd of reporters yesterday. Liv is tucked under my arm, while my other hand is stretched out to shield us from the cameras, and my face looks serious. It’s one of those typical pictures the paparazzi take, but I have to admit we look good together.

* * *

From Canada’s Sweetheart to America’s Promiscuous Girl

The story of Olivia Baker’s double life has left us all shocked and amazed. This sweet Canadian girl next door, who was once adored by everyone, has disappeared from her home country, leaving behind a trail of shattered dreams and broken hearts. Now, she has reappeared in Florida with a fake identity.

Can you believe it? Olivia is now dating not just one, not two, but FOUR men at the same time! It’s hard to fathom how she manages to handle them all. To make things even more surprising, one of her boyfriends is the incredibly attractive lead singer of the highly sought after new rock band, Dirty Velvet. Just look at him. Who could blame her for getting hot and heavy with that man? But it gets even juicer. According to our sources, Olivia has his identical twin brother in her harem too, but that’s still not all. Olivia is also attending Florida Atlantic University, like any other regular college student. It’s quite a lot to juggle, isn’t it?

Behind this glamorous façade lies the truth about Olivia Baker’s past. She used to be the beloved girlfriend and partner of famous Canadian dancer and heartthrob, Liam Harris. They started their journey together as winners of a popular talent show and now have millions of subscribers on YouTube. There are rumors that Liam wasn’t as nice to Olivia in private as he seemed in public, though. He’s currently locked away for murdering Olivia’s parents and brother, but his fans aren’t the only ones who fervently advocate for his innocence, believing that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Could this be the reason she ran away to the US under a new name?

We can only imagine how devastated Liam must feel at seeing his gorgeous ex-girlfriend with so many new men. The sense of betrayal he must be experiencing is likely overwhelming. Olivia’s double life left us in disbelief for sure.

We only have one thing left to say to her… You go, girl!