Page 67 of Lovers Like Us

He grasps the hat rack. “True. I’ve fucked moms before.” His blue eyes drift to Akara. “Boss didn’t likethat.”

I notice Akara sendingmea disapprovinglook.

Why he’s upset: we’re in public and made off-handed comments about Maximoff and me being together. “That was nothing,” I assure him. “Don’t be Thatcher and overreacthere.”

“Farrow.” Akara adjusts the wire to his radio, abs showing in a red muscle shirt. “Not all of us chill in hurricanes.” He’s saying I never “overreact” when I should. “And keeping your relationship secret isserious.”

I rest against the table again, arms loosely crossed. “Then trust me that I’ll keep it secret. Because I’d rather all of Omega be more concerned about the Instagram threat than this shit.” I continue, “I was the one who had to suggest and coordinate metal detectors and extra security at the entrances. If that were Sulli in a pic being butchered on a Cleveland sign, it would’ve been apriority.”

Akara inhales a short breath and tries to temper his reaction. “Look…” He returns the bouncy ball to an aquarium bowl full of rubber balls. “I can’t imagine what it’s like seeing those pictures, but we don’t have enough intel yet.” He looks away,thinking.

“And if that were Sulli,” I tell him, “the whole tour would be shut down bynow.”

Since it’s Maximoff Hale—the one in charge, the leader of three families, a guy who can convince the Tri-Force that he’s capable of anything—we’re letting him put himself in more harm’s way than we wouldanyoneelse.

Akara nods. “I’ll ramp up the extra security when he exits the venue.” He takes outs hisphone.

“Thanks,” I say but we all eagle-eye an incoming hoard of preteen girls. Giggling and shrieking at the celebritysighting.

Donnelly flings his headband off. “See ya.” He lowers his middle and ring finger into a hand-gesture that meanslove.And he beelines for Beckett at the cash register with Sulli andMaximoff.

Akara and I reach them before the girls are halfway into the gift shop. Sulli collects her receipt and bag, hesitant. “Are we leaving?” She glances atAkara.

See, Beckett and Sulli only greet fans in controlled, pre-secured environments. Not every daylife.

“It’s up to you,” Akarasays.

Beckett shoves a fry in his mouth. “I’m not staying, Sul.” He waits for his cousin to make adecision.

Maximoff is definitely staying. It’s what he always chooses, and it’s more dangerous with the Instagram threat. But that’s why I’mhere.

He already waves to the twelve girls, and they scream in unison. Snapping selfies with Maximoff towering in the background. “DO YOU SEEHIM!?!?”

Ismile.

I seehim.

Maximoff gives me a look likewould you scream like that forme?

I shake my head.No.At the very least, he’d have to work forit.

Sulli turns to Maximoff and whispers, “How pissed will they be if Ileave?”

“It’s not a reason to stay,” he says quietly. “Some people will hate you no matter what. It’s just what happens when you’re morepublic.”

She nods. “Right. Fuck, okay. I’m going. Beckett?” He clasps her hand, and they move out of the store. Akara and Donnelly create a barrier between their clients and the fans. No one able to approachthem.

I stand right next toMaximoff.

He gestures the girls forward. “Want aphoto?”

More screaming. “THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MYLIFE!”

I increase my radio volume to drown them out, and I eye their pockets and purses and hands. Staying alert. Eh, I don’t typically do this forpreteens.

The chance islow.

The risk islow.