Page 27 of Property of Fox

While Keira delves into our plans for snagging posters and securing early chapter signatures from Eden, my thoughts veer. Instead of focusing on our itinerary, I find myself constantly thinking about Fox. Images from last night flood my thoughts. Moments of shared laughter seamlessly blending with glimpses of his goofy smile. Those intricate tattoos adorning his arms calling to me. Each with stories yearning to be unveiled.

My heart clenches once more. This infatuation makes no sense. Yet here I am lost over a man I just met. I know I’ve been sheltered under Tank’s bullshit rules, but I’ve dated since he came barreling into my life. Undercover, of course, but it’s not like I am a pining virgin begging for Fox to fuck me.

A sudden burst of laughter jolts me from my thoughts. I glance toward the entrance, where a cluster of brightly dressed fans are giggling at something. The air buzzes with anticipation, and the excitement around me intensifies, yet my thoughts are still consumed by Fox.

“Hey, you with me?” Keira’s voice cuts through my haze, bringing my focus back to her as she pokes at my arm. “You’re looking a little dazed. Just thinking about all the things you want to get signed?”

“Right.” I force a smile, trying to mask the whirlwind inside. But deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that this event isn’t just about books. “I’m ready for Eden’s table.”

Keira rolls her eyes dramatically. “We’re going in hot! Brace yourself. We need to work our way up front and stay on track if we want those exclusive editions.”

Her words bring a surge of motivation, and as we inch closer to the entrance, I find myself suppressing a chuckle at howunhinged this whole thing feels. It’s like preparing for battle against a horde of enthusiastic readers all climbing over each other for mere minutes with their beloved authors.

The doors swing open and people surge forward. I clutch Keira's arm tightly, letting her lead as we weave through the pack ahead of us. Inside, the space is vibrant. Tables are set up in a sprawling labyrinth of literary wonders. Each table is adorned with books stacked high and colorful banners bearing authors' names splashed across them. Readers mill about excitedly as fans chat while clutching their beloved paperbacks.

“Wow,” I breathe out softly under my breath.

Laughter bounces off the walls while passionate readers voice their admiration for authors. These authors are their rock stars. A few tables down, someone bursts through a stack filled with books. Fans cheer over limited editions and exclusive merchandise that features beloved characters.

Keira catches sight of something glittery at a merch table not far away. Her face lights up. “Brea! Look!” She gestures frantically before pulling me toward it without another word.

“Go ahead! I’ll catch you there,” I call out weakly amidst all this colorful chaos. This is too much. Too many people. Too many bikers. Too fucking much. I need air.

I draw back towards the door. I push through the crowd coming in until I’m finally outside where clear air gradually fills my lungs. The space begins to spin around me.

“Can you move?” someone calls out. “You’re blocking the entrance.”

"I’m sorry." I shift backward only to collide with a solid figure, my heart skipping a beat as I pivot around to apologize to the person I just plowed into, but once I see who’s behind me, my mouth goes dry.

“Well, at least I didn’t have a drink this time,” he quips.

Forcing myself to breathe deeply feels impossible now. All too fast, everything starts to swirl again. The laughter fades into an echo, and it suddenly gets hard to hear my own thoughts. He notices far too quickly when my smile falters.

“Are you okay?” A hint of concern tinges his voice as he takes half-a-step closer but halts himself mid-movement, as if crossing some invisible line drawn by fate itself between us. “Where’s your friend? What’s their name?”

“I…just need…” My palms start sweating against one another.

He steps back instinctively, then watches our surroundings. “Stay right there.” Fox straightens up with surprising authority. It's unnerving how easily he's assuming control. “Watch her for a second, will you?” he asks someone by me before disappearing into the signing room.

I stand there, rooted to the spot, my heart thudding loudly in my chest as I watch him retreat into the crowd behind me.

The creak of the door startles me, pulling me from my thoughts. My focus snaps back to the present as Fox comes back with a woman following him.

“This is my friend, Hallie.”

But as I try to find my words, Fox strides forward, his eyes locking onto me. In that moment, it's as if hell itself is inching closer. His gaze flickers briefly to Hallie. “What’s wrong with her?”

Hallie notices my frozen stance and swiftly intervenes, "She’s having a panic attack," she announces, her voice cutting through the swirling colors and bright lights that threaten to overwhelm me. “It must be the crowd.”

Fox's brow knits together in concern, deep lines forming on his forehead like angry slashes. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a room key. “Take her up to my room.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Fox. People are watching us.” Hallie hesitates, glancing between us, uncertainty flashing in her eyes.

“Fuck them. Just do it, Hallie. It’ll be fine. You go on up. I’ll be there in a few minutes,” he insists.

“Okay.” Hallie's voice is barely above a whisper, but she moves to my side, gently nudging me forward. “Let’s go.”

I’m still reeling from the sudden turn of events, my feet feeling like they’re glued to the ground. With Hallie’s warm presence beside me, I find the strength to move. We push through the throng of readers still waiting outside to get into the signing until we reach the elevators. The steel doors sliding shut with a muffled thud that momentarily dull the din outside. My pulse begins to slow now that we are away from the signing room.

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