Page 32 of Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You
Now, it’s the linebacker’s turn to laugh. “Yeah, I get mine.”
“I bet you do.”
Max taps his fingers on his phone case, glad she’s having fun after the shitty week she’s endured. But how fucking hard can it be to stage a photo? Nick’s going to go ballistic if he doesn’t get her back soon.
After twenty minutes, they finally get their shot, and Marcus lowers her down and sets her on her feet. She sways against him, her eyes sinking shut before he wraps his arm around her waist, holding her up. “Shit, Shae. Are you okay?”
Heat pulses in Max’s taut muscles as he flies over to her, pulling her to him. “Are you all right?”
Her hands press against her temples, her body limp against his chest. “Just light headed from being upside down too long, I guess.”
Damn it.He’s got to get her the fuck out of here. “They’ve got what they need. Let me take you home.”
Marcus’ worried gaze meets his. “Maybe you need to take her to the hospital or something.”
“I can call an ambulance.” Sierra yanks out her phone and glances from him to Carrie, who’s whispering in Shae’s ear, rubbing up and down her friend’s arm. Whispers drift around them. Another fucking opportunity to amp up the gossip swirling around her.
“No, I’m fine.” Shae nods and smiles, stepping back from him, seemingly to convince them, as well as herself, of her stability. “Let’s keep going.”
Never willing to let anyone down, too worried about what people think. Even if she jeopardizes her own health. His grip around her waist tightens, unable to release her just yet.
Sierra shakes her head. “No need. You’re finished. The proofs look great.”
“Thanks for everything, Sierra. Nice meeting you, Marcus.”
In true LA style, she doles out hugs and good-byes for a bunch of people she’ll probably never see again. Yet, she plays the part and stays professional, her smile never wavering. Yet, tension stirs in his chest at her pale skin, the normal sparkle missing from her eyes.
Marcus nods to him as Shae works through the crowd, a smirk playing on his lips now that the crisis has passed. “I bet that one keeps you on your toes.”
More than he’ll ever understand. “You have no idea.”
After a final wave, she walks arm in arm with Carrie to the car. “Call me later, okay? I miss you.”
Carrie hugs her back. “Yeah, me too.”
Once inside the car, he turns toward her, clenching the steering wheel at her body slouching in her seat. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes. Just tired.” She lifts her head from the backrest, eyes squinting as she studies him. “But I should be asking you that. You seemed upset when you were on the phone. Is something going on?”
“Nah, we’re as good as always.”
A frown seers him before she lies back again. She’s not buying it.
Inside the house, Shae heads upstairs to change clothes and pauses mid-step. Her phone is in the car, and the charger is in the bedroom. She sighs before turning around and jogging into the kitchen.
A voice rumbles from the garage, “He just left the airport, and we’ll be tracking him the entire route to Mr. DeMarco’s meeting. It’s unlikely he’ll make any attempts on the house, but we’re in lock-down mode until I tell you otherwise. Until then, your only job is to keep Miss Armstrong safe. Nothing else matters except protecting her.”
Fear floods her body. Confirmation of the suspicions Max tried to deny. If they are this concerned with guarding her in the well-protected house, the danger for Nick must be even greater.
Murmurs of agreement and a small army of footsteps click on the concrete before fading away. Oscar’s eyes widen as he walks through the door before returning to a casual expression. “Hi, Shae.”
Normally protected by Max, her interaction with Oscar has been limited. Yet, he now holds the information she needs. She takes a deep breath and pushes forward. “I heard your conversation. Please tell me what you’re talking about. Who are you tracking?”
His body stiffens as a single bead of sweat trickles down his temple in conflict with the relaxed smile he tries to convey. “Just some things the guys are taking care of. Nothing to worry about.”
Too fearful of Nick’s wrath, he can’t be honest with her. She must confront the other person who knows the truth. “Where’s Max?”
“In the office.”
