Page 36 of Desperate People (Mergers & Acquisitions #5)

I take a look at the scene in front of me.

The pitiful yellow tape fluttering like a joke in the breeze.

The crowd pressed up against it, cell phones raised, shouts echoing like a chorus of chaos.

Too many people.

Too much noise.

And not nearly enough muscle between them and what’s mine.

This? This isn’t safe.

It isn’t even safe adjacent.

It’s a fucking disaster waiting to happen.

And I let her walk into it.

I clench my jaw so hard I feel the pressure in my molars. My hand tightens around the tablet I’m holding, but the numbers on the screen blur because all I can think about is her.

Lucy.

My Diamond Girl.

This setup? It’s a fucking nightmare.

I’ve been in war zones with less chaos.

Lights flashing.

Cables everywhere.

People shouting.

Techs adjusting reflectors.

Reporters trying to sneak photos from behind barricades.

I fire off a text to Connor:

Need backup. Call Josef’s people. Two full Sigma teams minimum. I want boots here in twenty.

-B

Washington Square might look artsy and relaxed on the surface, but there’s no mistaking the rising buzz just beyond the crew lines.

Word's out that Diablita —my wife—is on set.

Fucking fantastic.

My jaw ticks.

She’s in the hair and makeup tent right now, laughing softly with the stylist, oblivious to the dozen different ways this could go wrong.

I’ve already vetted everyone working today.

Hell, I even pulled background checks on the interns.

But still— I don’t like it.

Not one bit.

I roll my shoulders, the weight of last night’s conversation with Destiny Volkov pressing against me like a stone.

“I bet you think I’m just some shallow mom living through her daughter’s spotlight,” she said, glass of wine in hand, her sharp gaze pinning me to my seat.

I didn’t answer with anything but the truth.

“No, ma’am. I think you’re a good mother. Lucy wouldn’t be who she is if you weren’t.”

She sniffed like I’d amused her.

“You’re diplomatic. I’ll give you that. But you don’t know what it’s like, watching someone that beautiful walk through a world that’s constantly trying to claim her.”

“She’s more than just a face, Mrs. Volkov.”

“Of course she is. But people don’t see that.

They see Marat’s genes. They see a goddess and think they’re entitled to her.

But beauty like that? It’s not just attention—it’s obsession, it’s danger, it’s heavy—so damn heavy.

It was mine to protect for a long time,” she said, then touched my hand.

“But it’s your job now, Balor. You married her.

You get the honor of protecting her. And not just her body.

Protect her heart. Make her believe that face of hers is a gift, not a curse. ”

“I just want to keep her safe.”

“And you want to keep her yours.”

She smiled wisely, not unkindly.

“Listen to me, son. She is yours. She chose you. So when it gets heavy, and it will, trust me, it will. And when standing in her light feels like standing too close to the sun—just remember, you asked for this. She needs you to be strong. Don’t walk away.

The burn’s worth it. Just don’t give up on her. ”

“Never,” I told her. “I will never walk away from Lucy. I love her.”

“I know you do, and that’s why it’s me telling you this and not my husband standing here, looking for a good place to stick a knife.”

My mother-in-law smiled at me, but I had the distinct feeling it wasn’t a joke.

“You’re a good man, Balor. Now go to your wife.”

And I did. I practically tripped over myself getting to her after that little speech last night.

Destiny Volkov was one smart woman. And she was right.

Touching Lucy? Being near her? Loving her?

It was like religion.

Like worshipping the sun.

And standing here now, watching the way people crane for a glimpse of her, the way strangers buzz around like flies just waiting to be near what’s mine, I understand what Destiny meant.

This woman— my woman —draws the world to her like gravity.

And I’d rather drown the world than let it take her from me.

“Security’s tight, but in position. I have confirmation from Sigma International, the rest are on their way,” Onyx says, appearing at my side like a shadow.

I nod, eyes locked on the white tent.

“I want eyes on her at all times.”

“She’s safe,” he assures me.

I don’t answer.

Because I won’t feel safe until she’s back in my arms. Away from this spotlight.

Away from all the fucking parasites.

But for now, I’ll stand in the fire with her.

And make sure no one forgets who she belongs to.