Page 76 of Battered Moves

I give him a sullen look, but finally, I nod.

“I hear you,” I say. Jaxon sighs in relief before dropping a kiss on my head and whispering a “good girl” in my hair before he lets go of my chin.Gunner steps closer, his expression serious.

“I’ll make sure the house is as secure as possible, Livy. You’ll be safe here,” he says.

Ryder, River, and Chase also voice their agreement, their faces grim with the weight of the situation. Their concern for my safety is touching, but it’s also a stark reminder of the danger that looms over us.

“I appreciate your protection,” I say quietly, looking at each of them. “But remember, you guys need to be careful too.” Jaxon gives me a small smile, his eyes warm.

“Don’t worry about us, sunshine. We can handle ourselves,” he says.

As they head out, I’m left alone with Gunner. He immediately begins assessing the security measures already in place, promising to make the house a fortress. Despite the tension, I can’t help but feel a little safer with him around. His professionalism, his dedication, it gives me a glimmer of hope that everything will be all right. For now, all I can do is trust them and wait.

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

Liv

It’s early Saturday afternoon, and Gunner and I are sprawled out on the couch in the guys’ living room, once again in the midst of a movie marathon.

Ever since Frank’s call Thursday morning, we’ve been holed up here, and I’m starting to get cabin fever. I haven’t heard from Frank since, even though I messaged him for an update yesterday evening. I guess he’ll get in touch as soon as there’s something to report.

I’m frustrated about being stuck here, twiddling my thumbs, while the guys are just carrying on with their lives, albeit with more caution, despite the fact that they were threatened by Liam too.

I’m lying on the couch, on my side, my head resting on Gunner’s thigh. Despite us not doing much else other than hanging out all day, he’s remained in his suit. I let out a sigh, causing Gunner to gently stroke my hair.

“What’s the matter, Livy?” he asks.

“If I have to endure one more love triangle, I’m going to lose it,” I reply, voicing my frustration.

“Not everyone gets to have their own personal harem, you know,” Gunner says with a chuckle. I lift my gaze to meet his, frowning.

“Very funny,” I say. “I’m going stir-crazy, Gunner. Can’t we go out for a bit? Maybe a short walk? What could possibly go wrong with you by my side?”

“I promised Jaxon I’d keep you inside,” he says, glancing at his watch.

“Hold on, you’re my best friend and bodyguard, not his,” I object, sitting up, then I give him a sly grin. “I bet you’re confident you can protect me during a walk, right?” He releases a heavy sigh.

“I am, and to be honest, I think you’re right—he’s not out to hurt you,” he says.

At that moment, my phone buzzes with a text from Chris.

Hey, finished for today. Fancy an iced latte? I can bring it over if you can’t come out.

I show the message to Gunner and give him my best puppy dog eyes. He rolls his eyes but gives in with a nod.

“All right, tell her we’ll be over in ten,” he says, and I jump off the couch.

“Make it twenty. Look at me!” I say excitedly, pointing to my sweats.

“Now who’s the one with the wrong clothing choice?” he teases with a smile. I flip him off over my shoulder as I rush off to get changed.

* * *

Our simple latte run turns into a full-blown shopping spree. Chris and I, arms hooked and lattes in hand, walk around, while Gunner trails behind us. He’s turned into our personal pack mule, arms laden with shopping bags. Every so often, he complains that he’s a bodyguard, not a fucking butler, but he continues to follow us around, accepting each new shopping bag with an eye roll and a smile.

As we round a corner, I get an unsettling feeling of being watched. I pull Chris to a halt, scanning our surroundings.

“What’s wrong?” Gunner asks, suddenly on high alert, his gaze sweeping the area. Across the street, I see a figure disappear behind a building.

---