Page 161 of Headstrong Like Us

The stone iswet in the courtyard, sprinklers watering beds of violets and oleanders. Security and the famous families have congregated around tables, most dressed in pajamas or like they just jumped in sweats. Urgency hangs in the air.

A decision is made to split into multiple search parties.

Boot on a chair, forearm on my thigh, I lean over a table where Akara spreads out a map of Capri. SFO listens as Akara says, “Half of Epsilon is searching the town, the other half is staying behind at the villas. Alpha will be with the parents, and Omega is taking the coastline. Guys, remember—we might be looking for the youngest girls, but your first job is to protect your client.”

Thatcher tells us, “Extra security is being spread out in a wide net, so they’ll cover the most ground.”

Akara folds up the map. “Banks, you’ll stay with Farrow in case he’s called for a med-run.”

“Right on,” Banks nods.

“Farrow,” Akara tells me. “Your uncle is staying at the villas, so you’re the only doctor on-site. Stay in touch.”

I nod, confident. My med bag is on my shoulder, and I sincerely hope no one needs me tonight.

Quinn asks, “Which clients are joining the search parties?”

There was no scenario where they’d stay put and just let security search alone. These families are too protective of each other. And it was almost understood that Maximoff would be leading the older crew.

Our heads turn to the nearby table where that discussion is currently happening. We go join our clients.

Maximoff looks around at his siblings and cousins. “I’ll take whoever wants to come with me.”

“I’m in.” Tom raises a hand.

His dad hears from across the courtyard. “No.” Connor shakes his head. “You’re not going anywhere. Neither is Ben or Eliot.”

“What?” Eliot gapes, his eyes glazed in a wine stupor. “Our little sister is missing, of course I’m going.”

“Dad,” Ben says. “Nona is out there too.”

“Security will find them,” Connor says smoothly. “We’re not debating this tonight.”

Lily comes closer, panting like she’s been running around. “Luna and Xander, you’re also staying. We need people here in case the girls come back.”

Quinn and Donnelly glance at the Omega boss for answers on where they should go. Stay with their client or join the search.

“Stay back at the villas,” Akara tells them quietly. “If anything is out of the ordinary, alert the team.”

Donnelly nods. “Sure thing, boss.”

Luna shrugs, fine with her mom’s declaration. “I can babysit Ripley.” She weaves around the table and raises her arms towards him.

Ripley blubbers in Maximoff’s hold.

“I promise, Moffy,” she whispers to her brother, then looks up at me. “I’ll just read him a story until he falls asleep. Just find Kinney.”

Kinney is missing.Her Rainbow Brigade incessant pride, blasé attitude, and death-glares are now a staple to my life. She’s become a little sister to me, and fuck, I’m pushing back the pressure on my chest. That uptight feeling is going to help no one.

I’m the most at ease bodyguard in high-stress situations, and that shit can’t change.

“We’ll find her, Luna,” I assure.

Maximoff nods, and it takes him a good minute before he hands Ripley to his sister. I don’t want to leave our son either, but it’s safer if he stays with Luna. Still a different kind of pain tries to throttle me. Separating from him is never easy. I kiss Ripley’s head, and then I wrap a casual arm around Maximoff’s strict shoulders. His arms crossed.

“The rest of us are in,” Jane declares, dressed in grannie jammies.

I take note of which famous ones are left for the search party.