Chapter 31

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

Liv

I get in the passenger seat of Gunner’s Land Rover. Today’s classes were particularly boring, and I’m relieved this part of the day is over.

“You know I love dance, but if I had only witnessed these classes today, I would never consider dance as a major,” I say.

“Fuck, I think I dozed off there for a while,” Gunner says with a groan, swiping a hand down his face.

“Oh, I noticed,” I say, chuckling. “You snore, you know that?”

“I do not!” he says, looking at me with wide eyes.

“No, you really don’t,” I say with a giggle. “Don’t worry, if you did, I would’ve punched you a few times during our sleepovers.”

He smiles and starts the engine. Gunner is an incredible bodyguard, and he’s worth every penny I pay his father, even if it’s quite a lot. I’m not complaining, though. It’s just that Gunner lives a simple life, while his father seems to be making good money off him.

Going to classes with him was nearly a breeze. He didn’t even give the reporters and fans a chance to approach me, and I felt completely safe and protected. Having my best friend by my side throughout all of this has made a huge difference for me. I can’t help but think about how things could have been different if I’d had Gunner when I was struggling back home a year ago.

I text the guys, letting them know we’re on our way over to the studio.

Finally done for today, heading over to TF. See you all soon. xoxo

Jaxon: Drive safely.

Chase: Can’t wait to see you, gorgeous.

River: Ry and I are on our way too in a few minutes. See you later, beautiful.

I look out of the window and watch the palm trees go by, when Gunner’s phone rings.

“Sorry, I have to answer that,” he tells me and taps the button on his earpiece. “Hello? Yes, I’m driving her to the fitness studio. No. Now? Are you sure? All right. Bye.”

I look at him questioningly.

“My dad wants me to check out a warehouse for this upcoming event, and he says it has to be done now,” he says. “Would you mind coming with? I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry, it’s not a problem. Will it take long?” I ask, not in the mood for a stopover, but I know how Gunner’s dad can be, so it’s better not to give him something to be angry about.

“Thank you, and no. We’ll be quick. I just need to check out the location and assess how much personnel we’re going to need,” he says.

I nod and look back out of the car again. I don’t text the guys again to let them know, since we’ll be quick. I watch the scenery change outside the car window as we drive towards the warehouse district. Gunner talks about his recent salsa class, and I try to show interest by nodding along, but I can tell he’s stressed and trying to hide it. Finally, we arrive at the warehouse, and he parks the car.

“You can leave your stuff in the car. We’ll be back quickly, and you won’t lose anything that way,” he says.

I nod before putting my purse under the passenger seat. I’m not going to lose another phone. As we walk towards the entrance, I notice that the warehouse looks like it’s been abandoned for a long time. I wonder what kind of event is going to be held in such a run-down building. Gunner leads me inside, and we start walking up the stairs.

“Sorry about this, Livy. I know it’s not the most exciting thing to do,” he says.

“It’s fine,” I say, shaking my head. “I’m glad to be here with you.”

He looks at me, but his smile seems forced. I furrow my brows.

“Did your dad give you a hard time again, Gun?” I ask him when we enter a relatively large room that looks like an old meeting room. It’s big, yes, but not big enough for an event. The room is dimly lit, and there are several old chairs and tables scattered about. I start to feel uneasy, and my instincts tell me that we shouldn’t be here. He’s acting strangely, and his behavior is making me nervous.

“No,” he just says, not looking at me.

“Gunner, what’s going on? You’re freaking me out,” I say, and finally, he turns to face me.

“Are you happy, Olivia? he asks. The name catches me off guard, and I feel my blood run cold.

“Why would you call me that?” I take a step back, wary of his sudden behavior.

“No, don’t be spooked. I’m sorry, Livy. I didn’t mean to scare you. You know I would never hurt you. You’re my best friend,” he says. His words reassure me somewhat, but the atmosphere still feels eerie.

“Okay, but let’s get out of here. The whole setting is spooking me,” I say, heading for the exit, but Gunner’s gentle grip on my wrist stops me in my tracks.

“You know he would never hurt you intentionally either,” he says.

“Who are you talking about?” I ask.

“He loves you. You’re his whole world. The media lied, everyone lied. It was just an accident, Livy. He would never do that to you deliberately. You guys are soulmates. He just wants to talk to you,” he says.

Panic begins to set in as I get what he’s saying. I try to free myself from his grasp, but his hold only grows stronger.

“No, Livy, don’t be scared,” he pleads again, reaching out to touch my face with his other hand, but I recoil from his touch.

“Let me go,” I plead.

“Livy, he just needs you to listen to him,” he says, looking at me sadly. “He’s going to tell you what happened, and if you’re still not going to forgive him, we’ll go. Just give him a chance to explain.”

“Gunner,” I plead as tears well up in my eyes, my emotions a mix of fear and anger. “He’s crazy. He killed my family right in front of me. It was no accident.”

“No, he told me everything,” he says, his brows furrowing in confusion. “It was an accident. He didn’t do what they accused him of. The media just made him the bad guy.” I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

“He is the bad guy, Gunner!” I yell.

Then the door opens, and I find myself staring into the same blue gaze that haunts my nightmares.

“Hello, angel,” Liam says with a smile.