Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 125248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Malik shook his head. “No I don’t. It’s your soul, kid. That’s what makes you stunning. The tux is merely an accessory.”
Roxie pressed her nose against his hand. He scratched her head as he took a few steady breaths. By the time he walked out of the bedroom, his team had packed the emergency kit, the second outfit, and every product Malik insisted he’d need before the night ended. Roxie and Ranger followed him, down the hall until Cassidy appeared near the top of the stairs.
Xander stopped.
Cassidy stood at his full six-foot-three height in a tailored black jacket, black shirt open at the throat, black trousers, and polished black dress shoes. His hair was brushed back, beard trimmed close, his whiskey-brown eyes moving first over him like a security scan…then…like a man.
The second gaze was slower. Hotter.
Cassidy’s focus traveled from his shoes to the line of the tux, up over his chest, his throat, and across his face. Something warm and hungry shifted behind his eyes before the professional mask locked into place.
“Problem?” Xander asked.
Cassidy leaned into him and whispered, voice was rough. “Plenty.”
That tone did dangerous things to his willpower.
Downstairs, the house was full of activity.
God’s men had gathered in the front entry and outside near the vehicles, each of them also in black-on-black everything. Their badges and guns were hidden, but their authority was impossible to conceal.
God’s long, thick hair was loose and flowing over his shoulders, brushing Day’s cheek as he bent into their hushed conversation.
Steele’s back was against the wall in the hallway, looking like a man who guarded the passage to the underworld, his ever-present toothpick between his teeth. Tech stood by his side staring at the tablet in his hand, polished and preppy even in all black, except for the neatly tied white and silver silk bow tie.
Ruxs and Green waited outside under the front portico, scanning the street where the paparazzi had gathered in an attempt to be the first to broadcast details of his appearance for the night.
Free wasn’t visible, but Xander was sure he was hovering close in cyberspace.
The sight of all of them waiting for him hit harder than he’d expected.
Almost a month ago, he’d been terrified, trapped in a workout room, certain he was going to die alone in his own home. Now he stood in the same house, dressed for the biggest night of his career, surrounded by men who’d rearranged their lives to keep him safe.
“Before we go,” Xander started.
The conversations in the entryway died down.
God turned toward him, so did the others.
Xander clasped his hands in front of him because if he didn’t, he might start fussing with his cuffs.
“I know I’ve said it before, but I want to say it again. Thank you. All of you.” His gaze moved from God to Day, Steele, Tech, then through the open door to Ruxs and Green. “I know this hasn’t been easy. I know you have your own lives, your own work, your own problems back home. And I know I’m probably the most high-maintenance person to guard you’ve ever had.”
“Top three,” Ruxs called out.
Green elbowed him, then looked at the rest of his team. “As far as work assignments go, the Golden Crown Awards isn’t the shittiest one we could get tasked with.”
“I’m sure.” Xander laughed softly. “Still, I’m so grateful. I feel safe because of you. I’m able to work because of you. And tonight, win or lose, I get to go there because you made sure fear didn’t keep me hiding in my home.”
Day winked at him and Tech gave him a small nod.
Steele turned away, which Xander was learning meant he felt something and didn’t like it.
God came toward him and stopped a few feet away. His mouth didn’t soften much, but there was kindness in his eyes.
“You just enjoy your night,” God said. “We’ll handle the rest.”
Xander nodded.
Cassidy kept his hand on the small of his back as they walked outside.
The evening had turned gold, pink, and purple over Laurel Canyon, the solar lights coming on along the driveway as the motorcade waited.
Slade stood beside the black 2027 Hummer—his manager had rented for his safety—wearing a basic black suit, an earpiece, and an impassive expression.
God and Day took the lead SUV. Ruxs, Green, and Steele loaded into the rear vehicle and Tech took the front passenger seat in the Hummer, as Cassidy opened the back door for him.
He slid inside and Cassidy got in beside him.
The door shut with a solid, armored clunk.
The convoy rolled out through the gate, down the long drive, and onto the road in a formation so smooth Xander almost felt like a US ambassador.
He was sure he’d be the only actor arriving with a six-man security team and a military-trained driver, but after the past few weeks, he hoped everyone would understand.