AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She twisted her head to look at him. The upward quirk of his lips were for her benefit alone—the worried creases around his eyes told another story.
“She gave the statement on TV,” Avalynn said.
“Yes. Her name is Lark.”
“She told me. But how doyouknow her?”
Something shifted in the set of his shoulders. All of a sudden, she sensed he was keeping things from her.
“I’ve worked with this particular task force.”
“I see.” When the FBI sent her a bodyguard, she didn’t question who signed his paychecks. Did it matter that he worked with Lark and the others she’d seen lurking offstage? To her, Julius was a friend and sometimes even a confidante.
He searched her eyes for a moment and then let out a slow sigh. “Avalynn, I can’t lie to you. I’m part of the FBI task force known as Sentry.”
Her spine stiffened. She stared at him, reeling from his admission.
“You already knew that the FBI placed me here to watch over you. But remember that not even your manager or PR team know.”
Her mouth opened. “You’re not just a bodyguard?”
“I work for Sentry. Lark is part of my team. As soon as we open that door, you’ll meet the others. Avalynn, Ipromiseyou there’s nothing to be afraid of. They’re the good guys. And most importantly, they’re here to help us.”
Understanding slipped into place like tumblers on a lock. “Of course. This is such a big deal, I don’t know why I didn’t realize that you’d require backup.”
Again those firm lips, set in the five-o’clock shadow around his mouth and covering his cheeks and jaw, quirked at the corners. “It’s not your job to think of that—it’s mine. Now, are you ready to speak with them?”
She steeled her spine even more and nodded.
When he swung the door open, she saw so many people clustered there. He twitched his head for them to enter, and one by one, they filed onto the bus. So many people made it feel so cramped.
Besides her own team and the pretty redhead named Lark there were three other big, intimidating men wearing the same black Stetson that Julius wore.
Her gaze cut over each member of what must be this task force he spoke of. Later when they were alone, she’d ask him what a task force did and how he became part of one. She had so many questions for her bodyguard, who wasn’t really a simple personal safety officer after all.
Freddy, Damon and Lana crowded in one corner, and Heidi came to stand next to Avalynn.
She reached a hand toward her manager, and Heidi squeezed her fingers.
Julius caught Avalynn’s stare. “Find a spot to sit, stand or lean.”
Avalynn curled up in her usual spot in the corner of a bench seat. Everyone else took up the built-in sofa or found a spot to stand. Not surprisingly, Julius stood with his back to the wall, bulging arms folded across his chest.
“Miss Ray, my name is Clay Lexis. I’m with a task force that operates under the FBI. My team and I are here to address the situation with you and help form a plan of action that works for you.”
“You’re with the FBI,” Heidi repeated in a slow manner. She turned her head to look at Julius. “Areyouwiththem?”
He only cocked a brow at the woman who had gotten on his nerves since day one.
Avalynn flashed a look at her PR team and saw them all sizing up Julius and making the easy connection between his black hat and the Sentry team’s.
Scooting to the edge of the seat, Avalynn addressed Clay. “Julius filled me in. What do you suggest? How do we go forward with all this?”
Lana jumped in. “The media is going nuts. Fans are acting out with very negative accusations about Avalynn.”
Clay spread his hands, palms up. “That’s what we’re here to discuss. Our first priority is ensuring Miss Ray is safe with the hope of luring out the person responsible.”
His words hung in the air, and all she could hear was what hedidn’tsay—the person on that sex tape.
