Page 46 of Lovers Like Us

“You have to ask yourself,” he whispers, “if dealing with these families on a personal level, not professional, is really worth it. Because I know you, you’ll get in the trenches and fight until you die. But now’s the time to step out while you stillcan.”

I chew my gum slowly and shake my head. “I’d never commit, fuck a guy, then break up. And I’m not about to crush him because I’m scared of his family when I’m not even a little bitafraid.”

“And your lack of fear makes me uneasy,” Oscar says outright, “but you do you, Redford. When this crashes and burns, it’ll be my turn to take you out fordrinks.”

I roll my eyes. He broke up with his long-term boyfriend in college, and I took him to a bar so he’d stop textingDarrien.

And I may’ve bought him oneCorona.

Without another word, I finally make my way to the second lounge. Only Akarahere.

He rests against the tabletop and snaps his fingers to his palm. “So first thing, did you read the SFOemail?”

“Yeah.”

Thatcher sent the email to all of us at the crack of dawn. I barely skimmed the words, but I can recite the entire “memorandum” byheart.

SFO Rules on Tour (not to be negotiated ordisputed):

1. SFO will take shifts driving the tour bus. Since Paul Donnelly & Quinn Oliveira failed the driver’s test to operate the bus, only Akara Kitsuwon, Farrow Keene, Oscar Oliveira, and Thatcher Moretti will drive.Thatcher has been behind the wheel for the pasthour.

2. The tour bus acts as a “home on wheels” and for this reason, you’re considered “off-duty” on the bus. You’re not required to wear radios on the bus, but you must immediately wear them once you step off. Keep your phones charged in case Alpha or Epsilon need to reachyou.

3. Bus doors must be locked at alltimes.

4. Alert the driver if your client leaves the bus. Always join your client. Don’t leave theirside.

5. Any guests must be vetted before allowed on the bus. NDAs arerequired.

6. We’ll drive through nights, so please be respectful of those sleeping. Don’t bangdoors.

7. Some conventions will include overnight stays at hotels. Bodyguards must stay in the hotel room with your client. It’s likely some clients will want to room together (i.e. Sulli & Jane) – make note ofthis.

8. There are nine men to two women. Please respect theirspace.

9. Recognize that the tour crew isn’t allowed on the bus. You are. Understand this honor, and ensure the protection of yourclient.

10. Lastly, remember the hierarchy. You have any concerns, bring them to Akara orThatcher.

“Good,” Akara says. “Thatcher wanted to make sure you didn’t just deleteit.”

“Of course he did.” I notice the severity in Akara’s face. “What’swrong?”

He checks over my shoulder, but no one is eavesdropping. Then he whispers, “Tech team traced the IP address of the Instagram account. The user is fromPhilly.”

I don’t blink.“The probability that they knowMaximoff—”

“Is a lot higher,” Akara finishes. “The user blocked the tech team, and now there’s a firewall stallingus.”

“Shit.”

“Possible motives for someone to make a personal ‘death threat’ account would be revenge.” Akara pauses as the bathroom door swings open, and we both shift. Our backs to the hall. “Omega is going to quietly work on unmasking the anonymous user, and while we gather intel, don’t obsess over theaccount.”

I frown. “How is the account still active? We flaggedit.”

“We need it to stay live now,” Akara explains. “If the user really is plotting to hurt Maximoff, that account is the only evidence we cantrack.”

I nod, my gaze searing. Everything inside of me craves and pleads to solve this now and free Maximoff from a threat. To keep him safe.Protecthim.