Page 16 of The Road Less Traveled By

“Everything’s fine. Emerson pulled the car around, so all you have to do is say goodbye, and I’ll escort you tothe car.”

“Perfect. I’m ready.”

I head toward the exit as the cameras start to flash again. I don't know how anyone deals with this—the constant flashes and invasion of privacy. It’s annoying the shit out of me, and I’ve only dealt with it today for around forty-five minutes. This is what it’s constantly like for Bree wherever she goes now that she’s more than just a YouTuber. She’s expanded into other things and is one of the most recognizable influencers.

I’m proud of her and what she’s done, but I know that she’s still trying to make it seem like nobody needs to worry about her.

It’s too bad I’ll always worry about her, even when the job is up. Rule number six is that when the job is done, you walk away, but I don't see myself ever forgetting my time with Bree, and I don't know why. Part of me feels like there’s been this line that pulls me to her, like I was always meant to meet her in some fucked up way.

I wish it wasn't under these circumstances, but no amount of wishing can change that. Plus, she’s my responsibility—my client. I could never be with someone like her—good in every sense of the word, caring, thoughtful,extraordinary.

I doubt she would want to be with someone like me—cold, quiet, and someone who was literally hired to protect her.

Alex meets us at the door and takes one of Bree’s hands in hers. Before he speaks, I beat him to it. “Ask permission next time. You know that.”

“My apologies. Is everything alright?” he asks her, sounding like he doesn’t really care.

“Everything’s fine. Something came up. I’ll call you to schedule another date,” Bree replies in her sweet tone that really means she wants to get out of the conversation.

“Can I kiss you on the cheek? I think it’ll seal the deal for the press outside.”

I feel Bree tense even though she’s not even touching me, but she agrees. The cameras go crazy as his lips touch her cheek before he pulls back and smiles. Just this kid’s mere presence is starting to piss me off, so I head to the door, feeling Bree behind me as I search the area. Emerson has the car door open already, so Bree should be able to slide right in.

Thank fuck.The sooner I can get us out of here, the better. I know Bree is still a little shaken from her panic attack, and I want to get her out of her head as soon as possible. As we step outside, more questions are thrown at her.

“Bree, any comment on that kiss?”Really?

“How did you and Hollywood’s hottest heartthrob meet?”Hottest? Yeah, right. The kid’s practically a twig.

“Care to comment on how Lily might feel about this?”Seriously?

“How do you think your stalker will react?”What kind of stupid fucking question is that?

I slam the door of the Tahoe behind us and hear Bree let out a huge breath as she throws her sunglasses in her purse and stares out the window.

“Home?” Emerson asks me from the front seat, and all I can do is nod as I try not to reach out and comfort Bree, knowing that she needs it and not being able to give it to her.

Chapter eight

— FAKE SMILE BY ARIANA GRANDE

As I knock onthe door of my sister's house, I suddenly feel nervous.

I’ve been over here hundreds of times, but for some reason, this time feels different. Liv invited me over for dinner tonight because she missed me, and Teags is coming, too. Since the news about Ralph broke, I’ve been trying to keep my distance. I’m afraid they could become targets too, and that’s the last thing I want.

Ralph wants me, but he would do anything to get to me—including hurt or scare those closest to me.

“Bree!” is all I hear before my sister engulfs me in a hug. I feel Vince step behind me as Liv pulls back and cups my face. “How are you holding up?”

What a loaded question, but I know if I’m honest, Liv will worry, so I lie a little. “I’m hanging in there. One day at a time, right?”

She smiles, understanding full well that sometimes, it’s all one is capable of. “Exactly. Come in, you two.”

Vince and I step into her house, and instantly, I feel calm. I never felt that way when I would walk into my childhood home—before and after what happened—but something about the atmosphere Liv and Tristan have created just feels like home.

Their three-bedroom home has a beautiful open floor plan that makes the entire place seem bigger than it is. The kitchen opens right into the living room, and the small dining room off the kitchen fits our small family perfectly. Liv’s office is right off the living room, and all three bedrooms are upstairs. These two have created the perfect family house, and I’m so excited that they finally get to experience life beside one another.

“There’s my favorite influencer,” Tristan says as he sets down the knife he was using. He pulls me into a hug, too. “How are you?”

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