I don't hesitate to respond. "Yes."
I'll find a way to explain myself later. Most likely while they're firing me for misconduct.
"Back alley. Ten minutes. Address will be in the car." It's the only confirmation before the line goes dark, but it's all I need.
"This is going viral," Alice says, suddenly beside me, her eyes glued to her phone as she types like a maniac.
"Alice." I keep my voice low, but the urgency is clear.
Alice snaps her eyes to me instantly and puts down her phone.
"There's been a breach. Get Silver's things and meet us in the back alley."
Alice's eyes go round, but she turns on her heel and takes off like a bolt of lightning.
That woman would make a killer security analyst.
My body is tense, eyes sweeping the stage and surrounding area as the women finish their song. When they hit the last note in perfect harmony, the crowd goes wild, and Silver's smile could light up a cave. But the exuberant cheering is like nails on a chalkboard, wearing on my nerves as I keep my gaze focused on my client.
Gia gives her a big hug, and Silver waves to the crowd as she heads off the stage with her guitar. Her grin falters slightly when she locks eyes with me, but she gives the crowd a final wave before clearing the curtain.
"What's wrong?" Silver asks, concern in her voice, as she keeps her eyes on me.
"We need to clear the premises. Immediately." My voice leaves no room for argument, and for once, Silver doesn't push back.
I loop one arm around her waist, the other held out as I clear a path to the back door. When we get there, Silver's manager is nowhere to be seen.
"I'm here, sorry." Alice rushes over, breathless, holding Silver's bag. She brushes her hands over Silver's hair and gives her a thumbs-up. "Okay, go." She shoves the bag at Silver, who grabs her hand.
"Come with us." Silver's voice is urgent, and I know I've scared her.
"Nobody is after me, doll. I'll handle things here." Alice turns to me, narrowing her eyes. "You better know what you're doing, Hulk."
Why does she keep calling me that?
I nod as I guide Silver out the security door and into the waiting SUV. She climbs into the passenger side as I hold the door open for her, and I lean forward, grabbing her seatbelt and clicking it into place. My heart is pounding with the fear of losing this woman. I freeze for a moment, trying to calm down, and her face is inches from mine. She leans forward, and I eye her lips, but the flash of cameras behind us jars me out of the moment.
"Silver, over here!"
"Who's that, Silver?"
"What was it like singing with Gia, Silver?"
"Are you two dating? Where are you headed?"
I stand, my eyes narrowing at the mob of photographers crowding the car. The questions are endless.
Shoving my way through the crowd, I rush around to the driver's side. I doubt any of them know that a much bigger story is happening inside the concert arena.
How the hell did they know we'd be here?
Chapter five
Silver
"You'll be safe here," Dane says, unlocking the front door to the little one-room cabin and gesturing for me to go in first.
He flicks on a lamp by the armchair—the only light in the place, as far as I can tell—and the room fills with a soft glow. The cabin consists of a tiny kitchenette, a cushy armchair, and one bed.
