Page 151 of Burning Bridges Duet

“Ask him,” he practically spits out, nodding towards Chase, who avoids eye contact, nervously tugging at his curls. I approach Chase and place a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“What happened, bro?” I ask, my voice filled with concern. Chase takes a deep breath, his eyes flicking around nervously.

“We were ambushed by the press,” he admits, his voice strained. “Liv and I were leaving the building, and they were so aggressive, we got separated. It happened so fast.” River’s jaw tightens.

“Those vultures have no boundaries,” he mutters, his voice tinged with anger.

“What happened next?” Jaxon asks, his tone filled with concern, but before Chase can respond, Gunner explodes.

“Let me tell you what happened! Livy would have been trampled if I hadn’t arrived in time!” he yells. “This shit ends right now. Either you guys invest in a real security guard, or I am going to take her home with me. I refuse to let them turn her into a casualty just because you idiots are incompetent!”

Gunner’s frustrated words hang in the air, leaving a tense silence in their wake. Jaxon takes a deep breath.

“I hear your concern loud and clear,” he says, his voice calm but resolute. “We cannot underestimate the seriousness of this situation again. We’ll make sure to secure proper security measures for her safety.”

Gunner’s stern expression softens slightly, sensing the sincerity in his words. Reluctantly, he relaxes his stance.

“You better follow through on your promises,” he grumbles, his arms still crossed. “Livy is like family to me, my whole fucking world, and I won’t tolerate any compromises when it comes to her safety.”

Liv breaks free from Jaxon’s embrace and turns to face him, frustration evident on her face.

“I’m right here, and I’m tired of people talking about me instead of talking with me,” she says, glaring at all of us. “What are you even discussing? We don’t need to hire a stranger to be my bodyguard. I already have one!” She points at Gunner.

“Livy, you know there’s nothing I’d rather do, but I can’t just abandon my responsibilities to guard you. I have commitments to my father,” Gunner says, remorse filling his eyes, but Liv remains resolute.

“You won’t abandon your job because I’ll hire you officially as my security. He can’t object to that,” she says with a shrug.

“Providing twenty-four-seven protection can be quite expensive. We usually handle assignments for ambassadors or celebrities,” Gunner says.

“Well, it’s probably the only time you’ll hear me say this, but I am a fucking celebrity if you haven’t noticed,” she says with a sarcastic laugh. Gunner glares at her, clearly not appreciating the reminder.

“Oh, I noticed. Thanks for the heads-up,” he retorts, his tone laced with sarcasm too.

“I really wanted to tell you,” she says with a wince. Gunner lets out a huff of frustration.

“Sure, whatever. I’ll need a day to set everything up, so make sure to stay home tomorrow. By Wednesday, you should be able to resume your regular routine and go back to class,” he says, and Liv nods gratefully.

“That would be perfect. Thank you, Gun,” she says, hugging him tightly.

He holds her head against his chest, then glances at Jaxon.

“Do you guys have a good security system at your house?” he asks.

“We do,” Jaxon replies with a nod.

Gunner grunts in approval before finally releasing Liv from his embrace.

Chris comes out of Jaxon’s office, holding a magazine in her hand. I hadn’t even realized she was here.

“So it’s finally official, and I can brag to everyone that my BFF is Olivia Baker?” she asks excitedly. She’s practically bouncing with joy as she rushes over to Liv and pulls her into a tight hug. Liv bursts into laughter.

“I knew you freaking knew!” she says amidst giggles.

“Girl, my hobby is literally reading tabloid magazines. Did you think I wouldn’t recognize the stunning Olivia Baker who graced the covers for weeks last year when she’s standing right in front of me? I prefer you as a brunette though. It makes your eyes pop. I’ve been wanting to tell you that for ages.”

A mixture of laughter and tears escapes Liv as she hugs Chris tightly. As they part from their embrace, I pull Liv back into my chest.

“My baby is a fucking celebrity,” I say softly. Chris chuckles mischievously.