31. Savion

THIRTY-ONE

SAVION

"Oh my God! It's them!" someone screams from across the airport.

I expected this, but I didn't think it would feel like this. My pulse quickens as the crowd stirs to life. I tighten my grip on Declan's hand, holding on like it's my lifeline, bracing myself for what's about to come. The noise grows louder, a low hum building into a roar. My heartbeat thumps in sync with the rush of fans closing in.

"An autograph, please?"

"We missed you at the concert, Dec!"

"Is Savion your guy now?"

The questions fly at us like bullets, and I feel the weight of them pressing down on my chest. One voice cuts through the chaos, sharper than the rest: "I love you, Dec!"

It's Declan's turn to grip my hand harder, a silent reassurance. I try to focus on that—on the warmth of his hand in mine, the connection that keeps me grounded. But there's a flicker of jealousy, unwanted and irrational, that rises inside me. I shove it down. This is Declan. The man who loves me. He's told me, shown me, over and over again. I won't let fear or insecurity take that away. Not now. Not ever.

Declan stayed in South Africa while I finished my work there. He stayed at a different hotel—making sure to keep things professional, avoiding any hint of a scandal. He'd only visit me after hours, once the dust of the day had settled. It was tough, resisting the urge to pull him into my world during those digs, but we'd both known it wouldn't be allowed. Still, when the workday ended, I was his. All his.

And every single moment with him made me love him more than I thought was humanly possible.

Leaving South Africa wasn't easy. Declan had suggested we travel separately to avoid the press, but I couldn't bear the thought of it. Not when we had just gotten back together, not when I'd been starved for his presence, his touch. I needed him near, and I told him as much.

"You sure about this?" he had asked, searching my face with those piercing eyes of his. "We don't have to rush. We can take our time."

"I'm sure, Declan," I'd replied, my voice firm. "I don't want to regret missing any time with you. Besides, are you tired of me already?" I'd teased, trying to lighten the mood.

He'd pulled me into his arms then, his hold warm and strong. "Never," he whispered, and I knew we were in this together.

And now we're back in LA.

I don't even have to turn my head to know that many eyes are on me—"the guy with the scarred face," the subject of rumors, a walking headline. Every flash of a camera feels like a spotlight burning into my skin. Beneath my oversized sunglasses and my hair, a curtain over the left side of my face, I do my best to hide, but it doesn't stop the whispers from reaching my ears. They all want to know if it's really me with Dec now.

More flashes go off, more camera phones raised high. The paparazzi are sprinting toward us now, like predators scenting blood. I fight the urge to turn and run, but Declan's hand holds me steady. We follow the security detail, weaving through the sea of people. I keep my expression neutral, my body moving on autopilot, and hope my sunglasses hide the tension building in my eyes.

"We love you Devion!" I hear someone shout just when we finally get to the car.

"Devion?" I mutter under my breath for Declan's ears only.

He leans in and murmurs, "Looks like we've got a ship name now." Declan brushes a kiss over my knuckles. The gentle pressure sends warmth radiating up my arm.

When Declan opens the heavy mahogany door to his home, a burst of sound explodes around us—pops, shouts, and a chorus of "Surprise!" My brain stalls, and for a split second, I don't know how to react. My hands fly up, covering my mouth, but not before a sharp gasp escapes.

Declan steps close, pressing his solid chest against my back, his arms wrapping around me like a warm, protective shield. I glance up at him, my breath still catching in my throat. "You knew about this, didn't you?"

"Truth?" He gives me that familiar chipped-tooth grin, the one that always melts me. "I wasn't in on it. Just goes to show my family is also yours." He squeezes me tighter, his head dipping to rest in the curve of my neck. The soft warmth of his breath on my skin sends a shiver down my spine, and for a second, I feel like I could come undone right there.

I look around the room, taking in the sight. The guys from Orion Skye, and even Skye herself, are here, standing in the living room. Only Kells is missing and that's because she's on a mini vacay with her family in Arkansas. A big banner stretched across the wall reads, Welcome back, Savion .

"Oh my God, Savion!" Skye's voice pulls my attention, and she's already rushing forward to hug me. "It's so good to see you! You have to tell me everything about South Africa!"

Before I can respond, Declan kisses my temple, his lips lingering for just a second longer than necessary. "Skye, give him a break," he teases, eyes twinkling with amusement. "We've been flying for hours. Let the man breathe."

Skye rolls her eyes but grins. "Okay, okay, I'll chill. But I expect a full debrief later. We'll get out of your hair soon."

She leads me to the sofa, tugging me by the arm, even as Declan's grip loosens from around me. I instantly miss the warmth of his touch. His arms were a comfort I didn't realize I needed until they were gone.

I glance at the guys, who've already taken their spots in front of a video game console, laughing and throwing back drinks. The pizza boxes piled high on the coffee table signal the start of a laid-back night. I sit with the group, sharing stories about my trip, the experiences in South Africa flowing from my lips as an hour slips by.

Soon, they all get ready to leave. "Hope to see you around more often, Sav," Lennon calls as they head for the driveway, where the band's bus is waiting. No one brought their cars tonight, probably part of their plan to pull off the surprise.

"You will," Declan says, answering for me with a wide smile, tossing a wink my way.

Once the door closes behind them, Declan's hand finds mine. We walk back into the house, fingers entwined, a comfortable silence settling over us.

"So..." I begin, glancing over at him as we pause in the living room.

"So… let's head to bed," Declan blurts out, darting toward the stairs with a mischievous grin.

"Dash!" I call after him, shaking my head.

I've got a week off before I return to work so I'll be staying here with him, and there's nowhere I'd rather be than here.

As I make my way up the stairs, my phone rings on the table. Pausing, I spin around and rush back to grab it before it goes to voicemail.

"Hello?"

Silence. No sound, no response, not even the faint noise of breathing on the other end. I frown, pulling the phone away from my ear. The screen reads "Private Number."

Weird.

"Hello? Who is this?" I try again, holding the phone a little tighter.

The line is dead quiet except for a sudden, heavy breath. My heart skips a beat, then picks up its pace, thudding hard in my chest. Could this be some angry fan pulling a prank? Or someone with a bad connection? I switch to speakerphone, glancing toward the stairs where Declan disappeared.

"Savvy!" Declan's voice calls out from his room, loud enough to make me jump. I end the call, quickly placing the phone back on the table.

"I'm coming!" I shout, running up the stairs, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling left by that call. It's probably nothing—just a prank, I tell myself. It's late, after all. Some people have nothing better to do.

When I reach Declan's room, he's standing there with his arms wide open, his smile soft but tired. The second I step into his embrace, the tension melts away. He kisses my forehead, and the weight of the world lifts off my shoulders.