As he’s pressing a kiss to my head, Sutton’s phone rings.
He stiffens.
“Fuck. It’s Bobby.” His gaze flicks to me, then to Sawyer, before he answers it on speakerphone.
“Bobby.” His greeting is blank.
“So… how’s Whispers, Sutton?”
I inhale sharply, and Sutton’s jaw tics.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Grabbing his own phone from his pocket, Sawyer starts texting madly. Panic coils in my chest, twisting tighter and tighter.
“Paps got a tip-off that you’re playing happy family in Whispers.” Bobby’s tone is smug. “You and a woman. And a young boy. Rumors are swirling that you have a secret kid.”
My chest locks up as my eyes fly to Preston. This is too much for him, too adult, too unfair. But I don’t hide it from him. I reach for his hand, holding it gently. None of this would’ve happened if I hadn’t fallen for a man I never should’ve known.
“Fuck.” Sutton scrubs his hand over his face.
“Media are already on the way. I’m jumping in a jet now. I should be there in three or four hours. About time you come out of hiding anyway. Although if the kid is fucking yours, we have a problem.” Bobby laughs, like this is some game he’s about to win.
“What kind of problem?” Sutton glances at Preston, nothing but love and protectiveness in his gaze.
“You’re the king of women in LA. They love you because they think you’re available. A secret wife and kid tucked away in some backwards town? It’s bad for business.”
Sutton’s nostrils flare, his voice taking on a dark edge. “Is my life a fucking joke to you, Bobby?”
“Shit. He’s your love child, isn’t he?” He snickers, amusement dripping from every syllable. "The media are going to have a field day.”
The way he says it, like Sutton’s life is nothing but a brand to be managed, I hate him for it.
And before Sutton can reply, he’s saying, “My wheels are up. See you soon.”
The line cuts dead. Sutton slams his phone down, running his hands through his hair, muttering curses. I move my gaze to Preston, who’s looking solemn.
“We’ll be alright,” I try to reassure him, and he nods, but I can see that he’s scared.
“If we get found, Maribel will…” he trails off.
“I know.” I know what’s on the line here. Sutton’s appearance might make headline news, but our lives will be ruined forever.
“I need you to trust me, little man.” Sutton walks over and puts his hand on Preston’s shoulder, pulling him tight. When Preston crashes into his chest and holds him like he’s his lifeline, I almost sob. My emotions are a wreck today.
Sawyer steps in, always solutions-first, steady as hell. “Tanner’s jet is fueling. The pilot is waiting for you. Where do you need to go?”
Sutton exhales, his fingers flexing. "France."
I blink, my eyes snapping to his. “France?”
“I have friends.” He watches me, seeing my panic. “They’ll keep us safe.”
“But I—” My heart pounds faster. “I don’t have our passports.”
“It’ll be fine.”
I frown. Fine?
