Page 82 of The Bodyguard's Fall

“I’d rather do that than risk anybody getting hurt,” I protested.

When he looked like he wanted to argue, I threw my final log on the fire. “Besides, my job found out that I’m here with you and…I’ll be fired if I don’t go. They won’t take my manuscript unless I move.”

“What?”

I found the email on my phone and held it out to him. By this point, I was numb to its contents, but I could recite just about every word.

From: [email protected]

Liv, I understand your situation, and I’m terribly sorry for it. But I am also your boss at a company fresh off of a scandal that completely jeopardized everything. We cannot rock any boats. The fact that you are living with an unmarried man while hiding out from a stalker is concerning.

We have several morality clauses woven into your contracts. For reference, this is part of what you signed:

"Employees shall not engage in living arrangements that may reasonably create public confusion regarding marital status or family relationships."

It’s not the fact that I’m worried about you living there. It’s the fact that thanks to your announcements and pictures on social media, the whole company now knows you’re living there. One week. Two, for your safety…fine. Everyone understands. But I can’t sanction anymore without a possible employee revolt. Someone will use this as leverage to try to get away with something else. We’re too fresh off the previous scandals. I can’t give you any extra leeway. I want you safe. I need your screenplay. And while I deeply sympathize with your plight, if this isn’t cleared up soon, you will have to be put on an unpaid administrative leave until things are back to normal. That’s the best I can do. Daniel is breathing down my neck about this, and my hands are tied.

You have until Tuesday to find other arrangements, or else you’ll be placed on administrative leave, and your screenplay will be reassigned.

Tate leaned against my wall, reading with a growing look of disbelief.

He looked over at me. “You signed this?”

“I didn’t have much choice if I wanted to keep my job. But I never thought it would matter.” I blew out a frustrated breath.

The whole thing was convoluted. I couldn’t leave, and I couldn’t stay.

“They can’t fire you for this. We’re not even sleeping in the same room.”

I shrugged, my voice sounding dull and tired. “They’re a private company. I signed the contract. They can do whatever they want.”

Plot Twist:

Real life can be more seriously convoluted than fiction.

“You’re still not going.”

I leaned against the wall and folded my arms. “You can say things in your bossy voice all you want; I don’t have to listen. I can’t stay.”

“So you want to run again?” he clipped. “And always be scared.”

“Maybe that’s just my lot in life.” I tried to laugh, but it came out hollow and sad. I lifted my chin up, but there was a pit in my stomach, and my hands couldn’t stop twisting the bottom of my shirt.

Three soft knocks sounded at the door, and we both turned to watch the entire Walker clan step into the room.

“What’s going on?” Luke asked as he and Jaxon stepped into the room, followed by their parents, and noticed what no doubt looked like a showdown between their brother and me.

“You want to tell them?” Tate asked, his arms folded across his chest and looking for all the world like he was ready for a fight. “Or should I?”

With an irritated glance in his direction, I told them. Everything. It was best to get it over with. I started with my love and gratitude to their entire family. I thanked them for taking me in before adding my abhorrence at putting any of them at risk on my behalf. I ended on my boss’s email and told them I’d be gone by Wednesday.

Like a Band-aid.

The email was the angle none of them saw coming. The final piece of evidence that, once known, would render them incapable of changing my mind. It had been an impressive speech—at least I thought.

“Honey,” Ann began, her eyes softening as she took me in. I panicked and looked away immediately. Ann’s sweet nature and her constant temptation to stuff me full of pot roast and pumpkin spice cookies would be too good to pass up. If she pulled me in for a hug, I’d never leave.

“I’m so sorry, but you just can’t go,” she went on, motioning around the room to her boys, her eyes lingering a little longer at Tate. “I’m horrified that you’ve been dealing with this on your own. Please don’t worry about us. We all want you here, and I have complete faith in Tate and the boys to keep you safe.”