Page 32 of Liam

“You might see it that way, but others don’t. To those that give a fuck about you, it matters—you matter.”

Liam went silent as he thought over his friend’s words which only led to more confusion, so he blocked it from his mind and gave some thought to the security breach back in Madrid.

Lopez was running in-depth background checks on the two they had identified as the most likely candidates. Until the investigation wrapped, they’d been stood down with full pay. As soon as he had those checks, he could figure out how to move forward with Taamira’s security. Although right now, the only people he trusted were Eidolon.

That was the reason he’d left her at home with Blake and Pax as house guests. Blake had in-depth experience with Royalty having been the Personal Protection Officer for the Queen at one time. Still, he wanted to get to the venue, check it over, and get home.

Once on the ground, he and Alex caught a cab to the venue, which was a large hotel with a massive conference room. Just the fact it was a hotel offered so many risks; his chest squeezed like he might have a heart attack from the very thought. Every instinct in his body told him to make her pull out from this speech. But then he remembered the look on her face and what it meant to her, and he couldn’t do it.

He and Alex spent hours with the hotel security team going over every possible eventuality. They had agreed to meet in the morning and go over the guestlist for the three days before the event and then walk the entire building and grounds again looking for possible problems for the security team.

Which was another headache Liam had because he now had fewer options since Derek’s team were off rotation.

“I don’t like how thin we’ll be on the ground,” Liam said to Alex as they ate a quick dinner of spaghetti and meatballs.

Alex chewed slowly as he thought. “What about Fortis? Zack might be able to help and send a few guys.”

“I’m gonna call him after dinner.”

They ate in companionable silence for a while before Liam chucked the company credit card down and paid the bill. That taken care of, he walked to the room he’d booked when it became clear he’d have to stay over. He’d sent texts to Taamira a few times today and had waited with bated breath like a lovesick teen watching the dots dance as she’d replied.

One thing he was learning about the woman who was working her way into his heart was that she had a wicked sense of humour. One of the many things he was learning since she’d opened up and shown him the real woman.

He dialled Zack’s number first wanting to have that settled and if not, have time to find another option.

“What did you do now?” Was Zack’s greeting.

Liam chuckled. “Nothing. I’m as pure as the driven snow.”

“Like fuck you are.” Zack laughed. “What can I do for you, Liam?”

“I have a situation and I could do with a few more bodies. Any chance we can borrow a few of your guys?”

“When and where?”

“Five days and in Geneva. Taamira is giving a speech.”

“Yeah, I heard you had trouble with her team. Bloody assholes, can’t trust anyone these days.”

“I know and I checked them meticulously.”

“Of course you did. You’re one of the most finicky bastards I ever worked with and if I thought I could poach you permanently, I would.”

Liam didn’t know what to say to that, but it meant a lot to him. He had done a lot of work with Fortis and Zack. He and his men were as close as the Eidolon team, and in fact, as agencies were on excellent terms and often socialised together.

“Can’t say it’s not a tempting offer but Eidolon is home, you know.” He realised as he said it that it was true. He’d never recognised that until now, or perhaps he’d never actively acknowledged it.

“I do know that and respect it. I can probably spare four of my guys. How does me, Zin, K, and Dane sound?”

“Sounds perfect, thank you. I really appreciate it.”

“I hear the Princess is making waves. Good for her. After what her family did, they should be fucking shot. I hope she makes enough fuss that the assholes drown in the media onslaught.”

“I’m sure she would appreciate your support.”

“Email me the details, and I’ll work out logistics with Jack.”

“I’ll do that, and thanks, Zack.”