Chapter 28

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

Liv

I’m getting ready in the guys’ bathroom. Gunner is coming in about ten minutes to go with me to campus. I feel a bit nervous about what’s going to happen with the reporters when he’s with me, but I saw how good he is at his job at the football game we went to, so I know he can keep me safe.

I still feel a slight ache as I step out of the bathroom and into the hallway, a smile crossing my face as I remember last night. The guys are all there, getting ready to leave themselves. They all turn to look at me as I walk in and my phone rings. Seeing Frank’s name on the display, my heart sinks. As I answer, I put the phone on speaker and meet the guys’ eyes.

“Frank, what’s wrong?” I ask, sensing trouble, given the early hour of his call.

“Honey, where are you?” he asks.

“I’m at home, getting ready to go to class. What happened?” My voice starts to turn high-pitched with anxiety.

“Liam’s been granted leave. They let him visit his mother,” he says with a sigh. My heart races in my chest.

“When?” I ask.

“He’s already gone, left yesterday morning. I just found out a few minutes ago,” he informs me.

Jaxon scowls, muttering a curse under his breath.

“I did check with your attorney though, and he confirmed that Liam is indeed with his mother right now. So things might actually be as they seem, but I’m still worried and want you to be extra cautious over the next few days. He should be back soon, but until then, please take care, Olivia,” Frank says, the worry clear in his voice.

“I will, thanks for letting me know. You take care too,” I say before ending the call.

The room remains silent for a moment after I hang up the phone, the weight of Frank’s words hanging heavy in the air. The guys look at me, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. Finally, Jaxon breaks the silence.

“He’s not going to get near you.” he says, his eyes serious.

“We’re not going to let anything happen to you, Liv,” Ryder adds, nodding.

“Thank you,” I say softly.

With the news of Liam’s temporary leave out in the open, the atmosphere shifts. The day seems daunting now, filled with potential threats. A knock sounds on the door behind me, and I nearly jump, startled. River places a calming hand on my shoulder.

“That’s just Gunner,” he says.

I turn around as Jaxon opens the door to reveal my best friend, decked out in his personal security uniform, looking every bit the professional. He nods at the others before his gaze meets mine, his stern expression softening, but when he takes a closer look at my face, his brow furrows.

“Did something happen?” he asks, taking a step towards me.

“Liam got leave to visit his sick mother,” Jaxon informs him. “We’re concerned it could be a problem.” Gunner’s eyebrows shoot up, but he quickly regains his composure before turning to me again.

“What kind of threat?” he asks.

“I don’t think he’s out to hurt me—” I begin, but Chase cuts me off with a dismissive huff.

“We think he very well might be. His letters made that pretty clear,” he says. Gunner gives him a confused look before turning back to me.

“When’s he going back?” he asks, and I shrug.

“Soon.” I turn to Jaxon. “Should we leave here and find a hotel somewhere a few hours away until it’s over?”

“That’s nonsense,” Gunner protests. “We stay right here, where we have the advantage. It’s easier to protect you in this house with its security system than on the road, where we’re unfamiliar with our surroundings. I can take steps to make this place even more secure. Leaving would be a mistake.”

I look to Jaxon, who slowly nods in agreement.

“He’s right. You should stay here with him until this mess is sorted out.” He nods at Gunner. “I’m trusting your judgment. Don’t make me regret it.”

Gunner’s nod is barely noticeable.

“But what about you guys? He threatened you in the letters too!” I protest, uncomfortable with the idea that I’m the only one they’re focused on protecting.

“We’ll keep to our usual routines, making sure there’s someone with us at all times, and come straight home after work or college,” Jaxon replies, crossing his arms.

“That’s not fair and it’s unreasonable,” I say, huffing in frustration. Jaxon steps closer, taking my chin gently between his thumb and forefinger, making sure I’m looking at him.

“I’m not negotiating with you on this. Even if Liam doesn’t come for you, the media and those lunatic fans will still hound you. You’re our number one concern, and we’re not going to let anything else happen to you. You’re staying inside with Gunner at all times, you hear me?”

I give him a sullen look, but finally, I nod.

“I hear you,” I say. Jaxon sighs in relief before dropping a kiss on my head and whispering a “good girl” in my hair before he lets go of my chin. Gunner steps closer, his expression serious.

“I’ll make sure the house is as secure as possible, Livy. You’ll be safe here,” he says.

Ryder, River, and Chase also voice their agreement, their faces grim with the weight of the situation. Their concern for my safety is touching, but it’s also a stark reminder of the danger that looms over us.

“I appreciate your protection,” I say quietly, looking at each of them. “But remember, you guys need to be careful too.” Jaxon gives me a small smile, his eyes warm.

“Don’t worry about us, sunshine. We can handle ourselves,” he says.

As they head out, I’m left alone with Gunner. He immediately begins assessing the security measures already in place, promising to make the house a fortress. Despite the tension, I can’t help but feel a little safer with him around. His professionalism, his dedication, it gives me a glimmer of hope that everything will be all right. For now, all I can do is trust them and wait.