Page 78 of Hollywood Comes Home

Ian shook his head, exchanging a glance with Luke, who averted his gaze to Chance.

“What aren’t you guys saying?” I rumbled.

Chance, who’d remained silent, staring at Luke, finally spoke up. “I’m not comfortable with him being God knows where. I know we all have security, but we’re sitting ducks.”

Tyler shrugged. “I want to lure him out of hiding, but—”

Ian flashed his palm. “I saidno.”

Chance crossed his arms. “Why can’t we lure him out?”

Ian, Tyler, and Luke’s gaze all shifted to me. Swallowing hard, I lowered my eyes to the table, staring. Jenna sighed audibly.

“What?” Chance muttered.

Silence fell on everyone.

“What?!” Chance repeated himself.

“Me.” I murmured, resting my hand on Chance’s tense arm. “They need me.”

Chance pivoted toward me. Shaking his head, he huffed. “Absolutely not.” He gritted his teeth, directing his attention to Ian. “You’renotto involve her again. I’ll do it. He clearly hates me because I fuck her, and he doesn’t.”

“Shhh.”

Tyler lowered his gaze, smirking.

“We’ve been avoiding it because we don’t want her involved.” Ian tugged at the short hairs on his chin.

Standing, I slid my chair back with my legs. “I’m doing it!” I glowered down at Chance. “You’re not the boss of me.”

“ButIam!” Ian interjected.

Pivoting to him, I balled my fists, resting them on my hips, mouth agape.

He leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table.

“He’s not wrong.” Chance retorted. “You could’ve gotten killed last time, Amber.”

Ian placed his hand on Jenna’s. “Baby—”

Jenna nodded. “Go.”

Standing, Ian summoned me with his finger. “Follow me.”

Chance shot to his feet.

Pivoting around, Ian shook his head. “Only Amber.”

Huffing and irritated, Chance sat back down. Ian strode to the back door, holding it open for me. Stepping in, I waited for further instruction.

“Office,” he ordered, lifting his chin toward the hallway.

I sashayed toward the room. He closed the door behind us, ambling to his desk. Pulling the drawer open, he yanked out a pack of cigarettes and lit one. Exhaling a large cloud of smoke, his eyes rolled back.

“You okay?”

“Needed this.” He gestured to the chair across from his desk. “Do you want to sit?”

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