Page 61 of Wicked Truths

“There’s a car waiting to take us back to the hotel,” I grunt, my eyes flying to the other three members of A Team. They’re guys I trust, but it’s a madhouse, and the venue security is practically useless at this point. There’s no other reason Angel Rae and Johnny made it inside to ambush Marcus.

Jamen is pissed.

Rightfully so, someone was obviously bought off.

On one hand, I’m sure it’ll boost ticket sales and catapult Wicked Truths to a more recognizable name. On the other, it makes protecting them considerably more difficult.

“I want you to stay between two of us at all times.” I pat Oakley’s hip so she understands I’m talking to her. Her big blue eyes blink owlishly. Her cheeks are stained red, either from the exertion of what they put her through, or possibly she’s embarrassed that Sullivan and I couldn’t seem to tear our eyes away.

“Yeah. We take no chances with you,” Marcus says to Oakley. “The big guy is acting more like he’s got a stick up his ass than normal. It’s not a good sign.”

“Maybe Oakley should stay between me and Hawk?” Sullivan suggests. “Marcus is their target.”

Marcus frowns, but eventually nods. “That’s true.” I’m not the only one surprised by the admission. I turn to the side, watching as he brushes his fingers over her cheek before giving her a soft kiss. “Go on. Stay between the broody fuckers.”

“It’s easier for our skinny asses to duck and weave.” Liam laughs, tossing an arm around Marcus’s shoulder. “I’ve got your back, mate.”

I scoff.

I’ll just bet he does after what I witnessed. It’s difficult not to be bitter, especially when I’m forced to accept that she’s growing closer to both of them.

“All right, are we ready?” I shake myself out of my thoughts and prepare to do my damn job.

“Yeah,” Oakley agrees.

The others offer some form of agreement, and I nod at the guys on the team.

Two of them funnel out first to secure a path, and the noise that slams into us is unreal.

Oakley jumps at my side, and I wrap my arm around her shoulder to pull her into me.

Sullivan steps up on the other side, catching my eye. He’s a big guy for a beta, and he’s got a stockier build than either Liam or Marcus.

“Let’s go,” I growl, catching the signal for us to move forward.

It’s pure chaos.

Both sides of the small path to the limo are lined with ropes to deter anyone from getting too close, but they’re ineffective as fans and paparazzi alike push against the barrier.

The press shouts questions as fans scream, begging for autographs. Oakley’s fear floods my nostrils, and it makes me practically rabid. I growl, shoving a photographer back across the line with my forearm.

Oakley wraps her arm around my lower back while mine is still over her shoulders. I use my free forearm as a battering ram, continuing to shove back anyone who gets too close.

The car’s back door swings open as two guys from our team frame either side to keep everyone back.

“Get her in first,” Marcus says from behind us.

I was already planning on it.

We make it to the door, and Oakley moves to climb in. The back of her skirt flies up around her thighs, so I frame her back, literally climbing in right on top of her. She takes the seat on the far wall and scoots to the end. Despite the fact I should be helping my team secure the guys, I ignore my responsibilities. Scooping her off the seat, I bring her to sit in my lap as Liam waves, calling out to the fans before ducking inside the limo.

“That was fucking insane.” Liam laughs, tossing himself back into one of the seats as the car slowly moves forward.

“Yeah.” Marcus nods, looking pensive. “And something tells me it’s only going to get worse from here.” His eyes fly to mine, but he doesn’t say a word about me snuggling the fuck out of his girlfriend.

Oakley doesn’t fight my hold either, so whatever. I’ll consider that a momentary win.

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