Page 61 of Hero Worship

I caught the way Xavier’s hands tightened on his coffee cup. He'd always hated seeing evidence of anyone marking me, claiming me. But something in his expression shifted as he watched how I leaned into Ash's touch instead of away.

"You actually feel safe with him," Xavier said, the words coming out like they surprised him. His eyes narrowed as he studied Ash with renewed intensity. "Despite everything he represents. Everything he could do to hurt you."

"Yes," I replied simply. No point in lying to someone who could read emotional undercurrents like text on a page.

Xavier sat back, something complicated flickering across his face. "Tell me about the security at this party. Not just the door. Everything."

Ash's hand stayed steady on my neck as he outlined what we knew. "Three layers of security. Outer perimeter is handled by local contractors. Standard event security, focused on keeping out paparazzi and uninvited guests. Inner ring is Roche's personal team. They handle guest screening, weapons checks, surveillance."

"And the third layer?" Xavier asked, though his expression suggested he already knew.

"Philippe Mercier." Ash's voice went flat. "Former GIGN. Runs Roche's closest protection detail. He'll have four to six operators with him at all times, moving between security zones. Mix of French special forces veterans and international contractors."

"Mercier has a reputation," Xavier said. "His team handled security for some of the most dangerous people in Europe."

"Which is exactly why Roche hired him," I added. "Someone who knows how to be discreet about their employer's... particular interests." His eyes fixed on Ash again. "What's your exit strategy if things go wrong?"

"We have three." Ash started outlining contingency plans, but Xavier cut him off with a sharp gesture.

"No. Not the official ones. The real ones. What happens if everything goes sideways and you have to get Xander out fast?"

Ash hesitated. These weren't the kind of details we shared with civilians, even family members. But Xavier's gaze never wavered, and there was something in his expression that reminded me of Papa during mission briefings.

"Primary route is through the staff entrance," Ash said finally. "Service corridor leads to a loading dock where we'll have a vehicle waiting. Two minute run, assuming clear halls."

"And when that gets compromised?" Xavier's voice was pure ice.

"Secondary exit through the gardens. West wall backs up to an empty property." Ash's fingers traced patterns on my neck as he spoke, a grounding touch that felt more instinctive than anything. "Third option is the wine cellar. Old tunnel system underneath pre-dates most of the city maps. Leads to three different points in the six arrondissement."

"And if all of those are blown?"

"Plan Zero." Ash's hand stilled on my skin. “I kill everyone between us and the exit. No questions asked.”

Something flickered across Xavier’s face. Not approval, but something like it.

"Good," he said simply. "What about weapons? They'll be checking at the door."

"Full pat-down," Ash confirmed. "Metal detectors, scanner wands. But they won't look too closely at accessories that match the outfits. Not if they're expensive enough."

"Jewelry is fashionable this season," I added meaningfully. "Particularly pieces with sharp edges."

Understanding flickered in Xavier's eyes. "And if you need backup? Besides me?"

"Anton's team has the perimeter," Ash said. "Four men outside, another two mixed with serving staff."

"Not enough." Xavier reached for his phone, fingers flying over the screen. "I've got contacts in Paris. People who owe me favors. Give me three hours and I can have additional surveillance on every entrance."

"Absolutely not," Ash said, but I caught the considering look in his eyes. "The more people involved..."

"The more chances something goes wrong," Xavier finished. "I know. But right now you're walking in blind except for whatever intel Lucky Losers provided. You need more eyes. More angles."

I watched them studying each other, two predators weighing the risks and advantages of hunting together. The silence stretched, broken only by the gentle clink of china as the waiter cleared neighboring tables.

"Three hours," Ash said finally. "But I vet everyone personally. No one gets involved without full background checks."

Xavier's smile was sharp. "Already running them. I'll have profiles for you within the hour."

I sat back, watching them outline communication protocols and contingency plans. They weren't friends, might never be. But they both loved me enough to put aside their distrust. Both understood exactly what it meant to be the kind of person who could kill without hesitation to protect what was theirs.

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