Page 10 of Call Sign: King
“Fine. There is a topic that came up last week I already squashed but wanted to get on your radar. The director is trying to get the final weeks of filming next month moved to London instead of Vancouver. I’m already on record with him and the producers that under no circumstances does Khloe film outside of North America, but they’re pushing back hard. I may need to get you involved.”
At least those assholes had signed an NDA in order to work with Khloe. Ryder wouldn’t have to be quite as worried about hiding his connection to her. “Just point them in my direction. I’ll hand the fuckers their balls on a platter.”
Trevor chuckled. “Which is why I’m doing my best to handle this without getting you involved if possible. The last time you went head-to-head with one of her directors for getting too handsy, the director canceled filming for three days in a row. When are you going to tell me what you said to him?”
Ryder glanced at his friend before answering proudly. “I didn’t say a damn thing to him.” He paused before grinning broadly. “I merely had my team do a deep dive on his personal life. I then sent the compiled dossier, with pictures, over to him via messenger service with a note that explained I had copies and I’d begin sending them out to all his loved ones if he so much as touched a hair on Khloe’s head ever again.”
Trevor’s laughter was loud enough to draw attention to the men from those standing nearby.
“Fuck, yeah. That asshole deserved it. And it was a great way to get your point across without having to disclose your relationship.”
“I’m sure it drove him crazy wondering who the hell had sent it, considering Khloe is very publicly single.” Ryder nudged Trevor. “He probably thought you sent it.”
“Fine by me. I’m happy taking credit for your work.” Trevor paused before adding. “It looks like they’re moving the party into the ballroom down the hall. I usually jump up there to do close body coverage during all transfers. You want to take point tonight?”
“Hell yeah. I’ll take any chance I can get to fend off the sharks circling her.”
Chapter Four
KHLOE
“Princess, we’re home. You want me to carry you inside?”
Ryder’s voice broke through Khloe’s slumber. She’d been so tired after the premier post-party she’d collapsed into the limo, sprawling out with her head using her husband’s muscular thigh as her pillow.
“I can walk,” she said, reluctantly pushing to a sitting position and stretching. They’d sent the rest of her entourage home directly from the theater and she was grateful to be alone with just Ryder and Trevor. “I can’t wait to take this strapless bra off. Remind me to throw it away. The underwire was poking the side of my boob all night.”
“We can’t have that,” Ryder teased, grabbing her slingback shoes that she’d kicked off the second they got back to the limo from the floor. “I’m the only one who gets to poke those pretty boobs.”
Trevor opened the door, retorting as he got out. “You guys mind holding off on the sex talk until you’re alone? Madison is out in D.C. this weekend covering for Maxine who’s on vacation.”
“Riding solo, eh? Sounds like a cold shower is in your future,” Ryder teased as he stepped out of the car next into their brick portico.
“Actually, she texted a half hour ago. Looks like I have a shot at phone sex in my future if I catch her before she falls asleep,” Trevor grinned, waving for his boss to get out.
A surge of gratitude washed over Khloe as she recognized how happy her dear friend was with his new marriage. He and Madison were a perfect match and knowing he’d found love after spending years alone, watching Khloe and Ryder’s relationship blossoming, brought her joy.
After they were all standing next to the departing limo she threw her arms around Trevor, squeezing him in a tight hug.
“I’m so thrilled for you and Madison. Tell her I say hi,” Khloe offered, leaning up to her tippy toes and pulling Trevor down until she could plop a kiss on his cheek. “And thanks again for tonight. Not only did you keep me safe, as always, but I noticed you holding my husband back from some of the male well-wishers who dared to touch me.”
Trevor laughed as he squeezed her back. “Unfortunately, babysitting your husband in public is all part of the job.”
“Asshole,” Ryder groused from behind her. “You can stop pawing my wife any time.”
“You really are easy to get riled up, you know,” Trevor teased, glancing in Ryder’s direction before looking down at Khloe. “Take your husband inside and remind him how much you love him. He’s acting a bit insecure.”
“Insecure my ass. I just don’t like people touching what’s mine is all.”
“You don’t say,” her bodyguard teased. “Have a good night. We need to leave for the studio by eight in the morning. I’ll come over to pick you up. Don’t let this guy keep you up all night,” he said thumbing in Ryder’s direction just before heading toward the carriage house.
Ryder had come up with the idea of building another home on her Malibu property, where Madison and Trevor could live nearby, yet both couples could have some privacy as well. Not for the first time did she know how lucky she was to have such great friends living so close, especially when her husband was out of town on one of his many work trips.
“Tell Madison we say goodnight,” Ryder called out to Trevor’s back, earning him a small wave of the hand in response before he turned his attention to Khloe.
Before she could say a word, Ryder leaned down to throw his shoulder against her tummy, whisking her easily over his shoulder.
“Ryder, put me down! I can walk,” she called against his back.
