Chapter 29

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

Liv

It’s early Saturday afternoon, and Gunner and I are sprawled out on the couch in the guys’ living room, once again in the midst of a movie marathon.

Ever since Frank’s call Thursday morning, we’ve been holed up here, and I’m starting to get cabin fever. I haven’t heard from Frank since, even though I messaged him for an update yesterday evening. I guess he’ll get in touch as soon as there’s something to report.

I’m frustrated about being stuck here, twiddling my thumbs, while the guys are just carrying on with their lives, albeit with more caution, despite the fact that they were threatened by Liam too.

I’m lying on the couch, on my side, my head resting on Gunner’s thigh. Despite us not doing much else other than hanging out all day, he’s remained in his suit. I let out a sigh, causing Gunner to gently stroke my hair.

“What’s the matter, Livy?” he asks.

“If I have to endure one more love triangle, I’m going to lose it,” I reply, voicing my frustration.

“Not everyone gets to have their own personal harem, you know,” Gunner says with a chuckle. I lift my gaze to meet his, frowning.

“Very funny,” I say. “I’m going stir-crazy, Gunner. Can’t we go out for a bit? Maybe a short walk? What could possibly go wrong with you by my side?”

“I promised Jaxon I’d keep you inside,” he says, glancing at his watch.

“Hold on, you’re my best friend and bodyguard, not his,” I object, sitting up, then I give him a sly grin. “I bet you’re confident you can protect me during a walk, right?” He releases a heavy sigh.

“I am, and to be honest, I think you’re right—he’s not out to hurt you,” he says.

At that moment, my phone buzzes with a text from Chris.

Hey, finished for today. Fancy an iced latte? I can bring it over if you can’t come out.

I show the message to Gunner and give him my best puppy dog eyes. He rolls his eyes but gives in with a nod.

“All right, tell her we’ll be over in ten,” he says, and I jump off the couch.

“Make it twenty. Look at me!” I say excitedly, pointing to my sweats.

“Now who’s the one with the wrong clothing choice?” he teases with a smile. I flip him off over my shoulder as I rush off to get changed.

* * *

Our simple latte run turns into a full-blown shopping spree. Chris and I, arms hooked and lattes in hand, walk around, while Gunner trails behind us. He’s turned into our personal pack mule, arms laden with shopping bags. Every so often, he complains that he’s a bodyguard, not a fucking butler, but he continues to follow us around, accepting each new shopping bag with an eye roll and a smile.

As we round a corner, I get an unsettling feeling of being watched. I pull Chris to a halt, scanning our surroundings.

“What’s wrong?” Gunner asks, suddenly on high alert, his gaze sweeping the area. Across the street, I see a figure disappear behind a building.

“I thought someone was watching us, but maybe I’m just being paranoid,” I say, a shiver running down my spine.

“We should get you home,” Gunner suggests, gently prodding us to start moving again. I turn to Chris.

“Want to join us?” I ask her. “We could order sushi and start a new series.”

“Sounds great,” Chris says, her face lighting up. We turn to make our way back to Gunner’s car, ready to continue our day indoors. Just as we catch sight of his Land Rover, a shrill voice cuts through the chatter around us.

“That’s her! The bitch that ruined his life!”

My eyes grow wide as I turn to Gunner, panic flooding my system as we search for the source of the accusation. Suddenly, I’m shoved from behind, but Chris just barely manages to catch me. Gunner, dropping all the shopping bags, moves quickly to defend us as a crowd begins to gather. A blonde girl steps forward, her face twisted with rage.

“You fucking whore, look at you! Living your best life, riding four different dicks, while he’s locked away all because he trusted you.”

Chris steps in front of me as Gunner takes a protective stance at my back.

“Watch your mouth and get the fuck out of here,” Chris says, her voice calm, but there’s an undercurrent of threat in her words. With a snarl, the girl steps towards Chris.

“Oh, what’s going to happen? Are you going to call her little posse of lovers to defend her?” she asks.

Behind us, Gunner keeps the growing crowd at bay, his tall frame a solid barrier between us and them. Amidst the chaos, another girl lunges, pushing me hard. I stumble backwards, falling onto the cold concrete, and the contents of my purse scatter everywhere. The fall scrapes my palm open, a sharp sting radiating from it. My gaze shifts from my injured hand just in time to see Chris striking back, her fist colliding with the face of the girl who shoved me. She gets ready to hit Chris back, when Gunner intercedes.

In a flash, he’s there, stepping between the two girls and us. His eyes hard and his stance firm.

“That’s enough!” His authoritative voice echoes through the tense air, immediately drawing everyone’s attention.

The girl who shoved me stares at him wide-eyed, her bravado faltering. The crowd watches, waiting to see how this standoff will turn out. Gunner turns to face the girls, a cold fury in his eyes.

“This is your last warning,” he says, voice chillingly calm. “Walk away now.”

With a huff, the girl that shows me backs away. Her gaze lingers on me for a moment before she turns to leave, her friend following suit. The crowd slowly disperses as the excitement dies down.

Gunner helps me stand, while Chris picks up my purse and its contents from the ground. They’re both visibly concerned but try to mask it with nonchalant expressions.

“Are you hurt, Liv?” Gunner asks, inspecting my scraped hand. I shake my head, wincing a little.

“I’ll be okay. Let’s just…let’s go home,” I say.

We quickly gather our shopping bags and make our way to the Land Rover, leaving the whispers and murmurs of the crowd behind us. When we get in the car, I look over to Chris.

“Girl, you are vicious,” I say, but she just shrugs.

“Nobody hurts my BFF.”

* * *

We’ve barely stepped foot inside the guys’ house when I realize something is missing. As I reach into my purse for my phone, my fingers close around nothing but empty space.

“Damn it!” I shout, frustration bubbling up inside me. Gunner, ever vigilant, is by my side in a heartbeat.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, his eyes scanning our surroundings.

“My phone’s missing. It must’ve fallen out when that girl shoved me,” I say, cringing at the memory. Chris quickly hands me her unlocked phone.

“Here, call River. He can wipe your phone remotely so no one can get a hold of your data,” she says. Nodding, I quickly dial River’s number.

“Hey loser, I already told you there will be no revenge. You suck balls, live with it,” River says as he picks up, and his light-hearted greeting brings a smirk to my face. I’ve never heard River speak so casually, and it’s amusing.

“Never thought sucking balls would be a bad thing,” I say, chuckling.

“Liv! Sorry, I thought… Wait, why are you calling from Chris’ phone? What happened to yours?” River asks, catching on immediately.

“It looks like I lost it,” I admit.

“In the house? Maybe I can locate it,” he says.

“Uh, no, outside. Do you think you could track it?” I ask hopefully.

“I can certainly try…” He trails off, and I can almost hear the gears in his mind whirring. “Last known location was sent thirty minutes ago, but it’s turned off now.” River’s voice grows serious. “Don’t worry, I’ll wipe all data from your phone to prevent any misuse.”

“Thanks, River. I appreciate it,” I say, sighing in relief. “Will you be back home soon?”

“I should be there in about an hour or so. I can’t wait to see you.”

“Can’t wait to see you too,” I say before hanging up. I return Chris’ phone back to her.

“Now what?” she asks, a hint of concern in her voice. My eyes shift towards Gunner.

“I need to get a replacement phone. Frank might need to get in touch with me,” I say, but Gunner is quick to veto my suggestion, crossing his arms over his chest.

“No, we’re not going out again. I already texted Jaxon about what happened, and he nearly cut off my balls over text. We’re staying put.”

“But—” I start to argue, he cuts me off with a stern look.

“No arguments, Livy. I’m sure one of the guys will get a new phone for you.”

While we wait for River to return home, Chris and I decide to head to the living room. Gunner follows closely, keeping a watchful eye on us. Just as we were getting comfortable, Chris’ phone chimes with a text from River for me.

Jaxon and I are stopping by a store to get you a new phone. Anything specific you want?

I quickly type back.

Nothing fancy, just something that works.

In response, I receive a thumbs-up emoji from River, and I can’t help but smile.

After a while, the guys return home, bringing a new phone and a bag full of takeout. After Jaxon lectured me, with the promise of spanking my butt raw, the rest of the day passes by smoothly, with us indulging in sushi and starting a new series, just as we planned.

The feeling of being watched lingers in the back of my mind. As much as I hate to admit it, I realize that until Liam is back behind locked doors, I won’t feel entirely at ease.