Though I meant it as a joke, hisexpression saddens.
“Tad, the good thing is that thisguy isn’t being depicted as a saint in the news. He’s being shown as a bigotand an asshole. And when I think of kids out there who are trying to figurethings out, it just reminds me that they’re growing up in a world that at leastdoesn’t condone this sort of behavior—that doesn’t make us feel like we’re thebad guys.”
“That sounds awfully hopeful forsomeone with a death wish.”
“Interesting thing is, when itcame down to the moment I knew I had to put my own life on the line again, Ididn’t feel like it was better that way. I was terrified. I didn’t think it wasfair…” I swallow to relieve a lump in my throat. “…because I’ve finally foundsomething worth living for.”
I fear how he’ll react to myconfession. So I just kiss him, hoping I at least won’t have to catch hisexpression, but his kiss—tender, loving—lets me know that my reason for wantingto still be here wasn’t unwarranted. That I haven’t been making up our growingconnection in my head.
That’s a relief.
Sixty-Six
Bryce
The white sling I wear makes me look pretty badass, even ifI am dressed like a penguin for this absurdly formal charity event.
It’s our first major appearancesince the Fraziers attempted to murder Tad. When we arrived on the red carpet,the cameras were flashing all around us, and even my new sunglasses weren’tenough to shield me from the blinding light.
The paps are going crazy over thislatest appearance, surely because we all look like heroes now that we’ve takenout those religious nut-jobs. But also because our big secret has finally beenrevealed. That it was all just a cover. My job. Our relationship. Everything.
Tad is quickly pulled away withDebra to answer a few questions, and per the agreement we made before thisevent, I remain off to the side with Darren, though that doesn’t keep anyonefrom avoiding me. Soon, Darren is acting like my own personal Debra,negotiating who gets to speak with me, which I can tell by his expression heenjoys each time he turns to me and asks, “You wanna talk to this one?”
I feel like I need to. It’s ataste of Tad’s life, and if I want to be in it, which I do, it’s something I’llhave to get used to.
Tad gazes at me from the media possehe’s surrounded by and smirks. I can tell by his expression that he’sdisappointed.
When Tad manages to break awayfrom his obligation as a public figure, Debra guides him toward me.
He glances around uneasily, likehe’s just waiting for someone to come out of nowhere and attack him again.
I understand the feeling. Youcan’t shake the sort of paranoia that something like that stirs within you. Somethingthat keeps you always watchful. Always afraid. He shouldn’t have to feel likethat.
In a navy blue suit that bringsout the vibrant color of the contacts he’s worn to accentuate what are alreadygorgeous irises, he gazes at me fondly. And despite the busyness that continuesaround us, there’s a calm to the moment as he interlocks his fingers with mine.A warmth rushes through me.
He leans toward me to offer a kiss,and a few more flashes go off.
His expression shifts from thatserene look to something concerned, watchful. Like he’s looking to see if themoment has been ruined. It was, but not because of the cameras. Just because ofhis awareness of them.
I could stay lost in his eyes allnight long without paying any attention to these vultures.
“So the couple that stoleeveryone’s hearts is finally back together again. Safe and sound,” Tad says ina bittersweet tone.
“Shouldn’t you be busy schmoozing?”I ask, hoping to lighten his serious mood.
“Only one person I plan onschmoozing tonight.”
I smile as I see the light in hiseyes return.
“Well, well, well,” a voice comesfrom nearby. Jordan Spears saunters toward us.
My muscles tense.
He wears a cocky grin as he wrapshis arms around Tad. After he releases Tad, he turns and offers me a hug, whichI don’t reciprocate. That doesn’t discourage him from squeezing hard. I wonderif he’s just assessing my strength and build.
“You’re a real hero,” he says ashe pulls away and gazes into my eyes, clearly trying to see if I’ll maintain eyecontact with him, which I do because I’m not losing this little game.
“It was a team effort,” I say.
