Page 78 of Battered Moves

“Liv! Sorry, I thought… Wait, why are you calling from Chris’ phone? What happened to yours?” River asks, catching on immediately.

“It looks like I lost it,” I admit.

“In the house? Maybe I can locate it,” he says.

“Uh, no, outside. Do you think you could track it?” I ask hopefully.

“I can certainly try…” He trails off, and I can almost hear the gears in his mind whirring. “Last known location was sent thirty minutes ago, but it’s turned off now.” River’s voice grows serious. “Don’t worry, I’ll wipe all data from your phone to prevent any misuse.”

“Thanks, River. I appreciate it,” I say, sighing in relief. “Will you be back home soon?”

“I should be there in about an hour or so. I can’t wait to see you.”

“Can’t wait to see you too,” I say before hanging up. I return Chris’ phone back to her.

“Now what?” she asks, a hint of concern in her voice. My eyes shift towards Gunner.

“I need to get a replacement phone. Frank might need to get in touch with me,” I say, but Gunner is quick to veto my suggestion, crossing his arms over his chest.

“No, we’re not going out again. I already texted Jaxon about what happened, and he nearly cut off my balls over text. We’re staying put.”

“But—” I start to argue, he cuts me off with a stern look.

“No arguments, Livy. I’m sure one of the guys will get a new phone for you.”

While we wait for River to return home, Chris and I decide to head to the living room. Gunner follows closely, keeping a watchful eye on us. Just as we were getting comfortable, Chris’ phone chimes with a text from River for me.

Jaxon and I are stopping by a store to get you a new phone. Anything specific you want?

I quickly type back.

Nothing fancy, just something that works.

In response, I receive a thumbs-up emoji from River, and I can’t help but smile.

After a while, the guys return home, bringing a new phone and a bag full of takeout. After Jaxon lectured me, with the promise of spanking my butt raw, the rest of the day passes by smoothly, with us indulging in sushi and starting a new series, just as we planned.

The feeling of being watched lingers in the back of my mind. As much as I hate to admit it, I realize that until Liam is back behind locked doors, I won’t feel entirely at ease.

CHAPTERTHIRTY

Liv

Sunday rolled by with a cheerful atmosphere at the guys’ house. Jaxon’s culinary skills shined as he made us some truly mouthwatering burgers on the porch. Chris and I lazily soaked up the sun next to him, enjoying the warmth and good company. The confinement didn’t feel so bad when I was surrounded by my people. Listening to Jaxon and Ryder bickering was the new highlight of my day, their banter always managing to make me laugh. Meanwhile, Chase worked his magic as his hands kneaded away the tension from my shoulders. River, ever the tech guru, set up my new phone, mirroring the setup of my old one so it feels like the same device.

However, Monday is getting on my nerves again. It’s a gloomy, rainy day. With Chris and the guys off to class or gym, it’s just Gunner and me again, locked up in the house, filling the hours with our now habitual movie marathons. As the afternoon fades, we’re watching the last of the Hunger Games movies. My feet rest comfortably in Gunner’s lap, his fingers absently playing with my toes, when my phone chimes with a text from Frank.

Coast is clear.

I bounce up from the couch, holding my phone out for Gunner to see. His forehead creases as he scrutinizes the message, but the sight of my grin is enough to draw a matching one to his face.

I immediately dial Frank’s number, hoping for more detailed information, but my call gets forwarded to voicemail. Not willing to wait, I send a text to the guys’ group chat.

Frank says the coast is clear.

Ryder: Thank fuck.

So am I clear to return to classes tomorrow?

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