Page 30 of Breaking Point

Olivia

“Ms. Livia? That you?” Ricky’s voice sounds from inside the tent, and I freeze knowing I’ve been caught.

Dammit.

“No!” I answer, knowing he can recognize my voice.

Crew’s eyes burn into the back of my neck, baring into me at the lie, and I wince, realizing I’ve been caught.

Twice.

Ricky pops out with a wide grin.

“Okay, maybe,” I amend, and he stands, narrowing his dark eyes at the box I planned on leaving for him.

“What’ve I told you about waking me up?”

He told me I should. But I wasn’t exactly wanting Crew looking over my shoulder while I did this.

“I know, I know.”

He laughs, the sound hearty and loud as he looks down. He recognizes the box immediately, but when he spots Crew standing close by, he scowls. “Who’s the guy?”

I plaster on my best smile, motion over my shoulder. “Ricky, meet Crew. One of my new…” I scratch my temple, realizing I have to say it out loud. “Bodyguards. Crew, meet myfriend, Ricky Abbot.” Crew tips his head in greeting, obviously assessing the situation.

Ricky’s mouth narrows. “Well?” He motions. “Is he mute?”

I nearly choke on a laugh at the question, but when Crew glances at me, I stifle it, clearing my throat. “No, he’s just… not friendly. I should get him one of those dog vests. You know the one I’m talking about?”

The joke doesn’t land. Ricky doesn’t seem convinced, but I’m surprised when I see the small smile on Crew’s lips. Ricky stands to full height, squaring up with an intimidating puff of his chest. Crew doesn’t budge an inch.

“You’d never put my girl in danger now, would you?” Ricky raises a brow.

“Never, Sir.”

“Never hurt her?”

“Not a chance.”

“Protect her with your life?”

“Without hesitation.”

The look on Crew’s face tells me he isn’t just saying the words. He means them. Hearing them out loud makes a shiver run down my spine.

“Chesna likes him!” I add though the thought of her warming up to him so quickly feels sour.

Ricky considers the information before seemingly making up his mind. He nods, standing down. “She doesn’t like anybody.”

“I know!” I sigh. “I’m taking it as a good sign.”

He huffs but then he suddenly remembers it’s dark out and he has a box in his hands. “This isn’t our usual dinner date, Ms. Livia.”

I laugh, but the sound choked. I don’t know why the idea of Crew being here to witness him open it irks me so much. But it does.

“Well, it isn’t. You were sleeping.” He lifts the lid. “Don’t!” I blurt too loudly, and when he raises his brow, I feel the need to explain myself. “It’s a surprise.”

He frowns. “That’s how surprises work. I open it and I don’t know what’s in-“

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