Page 21

Chapter 21

Sione

I glance from my phone to Hunter and back again several times, typing, deleting, then retyping the message I intend to send to the others. They did not ask that I send status updates, but I have a hunch they’ll appreciate the effort. Finally, I settle on a short, direct note.

Sione: There is nothing of significance to report. All is well.

My phone immediately buzzes.

Spence: Hunter has eaten? The girls are with you now?

He’s a bit of a mother hen, as Hunter would say. While I appreciate his concern, it’s not a great use of energy to provide solace for his overbearing nature.

Sione: Everyone has eaten. The girls are together, and the athletes are taking the field.

Greedy: They’re together? Where the hell are you?

Sighing, I quickly snap a picture and send it to the group.

Sione : I’m sitting a few rows back. Giving them space. They have not left my sight, I assure you.

Levi: LMAO. What the hell is she doing?

Squinting, I study the photo I just sent. In my haste to satisfy their inquiries, I wasn’t focused on what was happening. In the image on my screen, Hunter is standing above Josephine, hands to hips, like she’s giving her a lecture.

She’s still standing when I look at her now. Every other word or so carries up to my row. She’s talking animatedly about a prize, attempting to comfort Josephine, I think. Although her methods are unorthodox, it seems.

Spence: From what I can make out, Hunter is trying to cheer up Josephine.

How the hell does he know that?

A sense of foreboding washes over me. Straightening, I scan our surroundings. Spence is here. Or at the very least, he has access to this space.

Sione: Where are you?

Do they not trust me? Is my attendance at this event a deceptive ruse? Just for show? I thought my purpose here was to be the eyes, ears, and general protection our cohort deemed necessary.

Spence: Sitting in Decker’s office. Why?

With a frown, I study his response. It’s an honest reply. Despite the communication method being digital, his answer harbors no deception. But what is he playing at?

Sione: Because, clearly, you can see and hear their conversation. How?

Greedy: Yeah. What the hell?

Spence: Settle. I simply turned up the volume on the feed Kylian provided. Decker hired protection detail. A man named Corbin. He must be wearing a camera. He appears to be to the left of where the girls are sitting.

Relief surges, but then ebbs just as quickly.

Greedy: Why is protection detail necessary, and why didn’t Si know about him?

Garrett’s subtle vote of confidence warms me through.

Levi: Shady AF. Si had us covered.

Levi’s declaration causes my heart to float in my chest.

Spence: I concur. I didn’t know about Corbin until this morning. Kylian informed me when he sent me the streaming link. I believe it was at Decker’s insistence.

Sighing, I accept the situation for what it is. Decker Crusade has his own concerns about this event. I won’t sit in judgment of what he deemed necessary for his woman and his sanity.

The knowledge that amongst our cohort I was enough is like a warm, loving embrace.

During my interaction with the other men, the girls skipped down to the railing to speak to Kendrick. Now, as they flounce back up, I lock eyes with Hunter.

Love flows through her from her heart to my soul.

All is well, and all will remain well under my watch.