Page 50 of Battered Moves

“I distinctly remember a time when you told me to just go for it,” Liv says with a chuckle.

“I was young and foolish back then,” Chris admits.

Her teasing brings a smile to my face, and I glance over at her. It’s clear she’s just playing around, but when I shift my gaze to Gunner, I notice his furrowed brows and thoughtful expression.What’s his problem?

* * *

Liv

During halftime, I need to go to the bathroom. As I survey the crowd of people making their way towards food stalls or toilets, nervousness sets in.

“I have to pee,” I confess, glancing at Chris.

“You should’ve gone before,” she says with a chuckle. “Can you wait a little longer?”

The thought of holding it makes me wince, but so do the many people squeezing down the stairs. Just as I start to worry, Gunner stands up.

“I’ll take you,” he offers.

“I can take her,” Jaxon says, also standing up.

“It’s no problem. Escorting important people to the restroom in crowded places is part of my job,” Gunner states.

“I am important,” I quip, smiling at Jaxon.

“Never said you weren’t,” Jaxon says with a huff and sits back down.

Gunner steps into the aisle, waiting for me to join him before he nudges me to lead the way. I glance back and notice how he keeps a vigilant eye on our surroundings, ensuring my safety, and I smile to myself.I have my own private bodyguard.

After using the restroom and finally feeling relieved, I find Gunner waiting for me outside.

“Want to grab something to eat for your ‘boyfriends’?” he asks, giving me a wry smile. He emphasizes the word ‘boyfriends’ in a peculiar way, and I notice that his mood seems off.

“What’s wrong? Are you mad at me?” I ask, concerned.

“I’m never mad at you,” he says, letting out a huff.

“Then what’s the problem, Gun?” I press further. “I don’t understand why you’re being so grumpy.”

“I’m not grumpy,” he denies, crossing his arms over his chest.As people squeeze through the crowded space, pushing me closer to him, he instinctively turns us so that I’m standing near the wall while he shields me with his body.

“Then why are you acting like a grump?” I ask, frustrated with him. He lets his arms fall to his side, his expression filled with concern.

“I don’t like how they’re treating you,” he admits, and I’m taken aback by his statement.

“Treating me?” I ask. “Gunner, were you even paying attention for the past two hours? They treat me like I’m precious, like they love me.”

“That’s not love,” he says, furrowing his brows, his tone resolute. “They may say it, but that’s not how you treat someone you love.”

“Trust me, I know what it feels like when the person who claims to love you treats you like garbage,” I say, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. He gazes at me intently, tilting his head. “They’ve been nothing but good to me. What are you talking about?”

“You really don’t see it, do you?” he asks, huffing once more. “The way they pass you around from one to another in public, they make you look like a prostitute.”

His words hit me like a slap in the face, and I feel a mix of anger and hurt welling up inside me.

“Are you telling me you think I’m a whore for being with them?” I ask, but Gunner shakes his head.

“No, Livy, that’s not what I meant,” he replies, his voice earnest.

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