"You also need to remember not to go anywhere without a bodyguard," Jefferson said, "not even to the bathroom. If you have to go, let someone know and one our security guys will go with you."
My eyes widened even more.
"I need security?"
"For right now you do," Andrew said. "Until this thing with Brasov and the Stantons is over, you'll be assigned a bodyguard. Ivan will arrange for someone to be assigned to you tomorrow. You don't go anywhere without him."
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
"It's really not as bad as it seems," Jefferson said. "We all have bodyguards. It's the price we pay for the lives we live."
It sounded terrifying, and it was making me wonder just what I had gotten myself into.
"Try not to think about it too much, Dalton," Andrew said. "For right now, let's just go in and enjoy lunch with our friends. We'll let tomorrow take care of itself."
I wasn't sure I could. I was such a bundle of nerves I doubted I'd be able to eat a single bite. My stomach was one big knot.
"Knox said you used to be an exotic dancer," Newt said. "Like, pole dancer. Is that true?"
I shot Andrew a worried look. "Yes, that's true."
"Could you teach me?"
"Oh." Benji sat forward in his seat. "And me?"
My eyebrows lifted. "You want me to teach you how to dance on a pole?"
Newt nodded. "I think it would be fun."
"You know it takes a lot of hard work to dance on a pole, don't you? It's not just dancing. You'd have to build up your muscles before you even go near a pole or you could be seriously injured."
Newt's eyes narrowed. "How much muscle?"
I chuckled. "Not that much. Just enough so that you'd have the strength to hold yourself on a pole."
"Okay, I'm in."
"Me, too," Benji said.
We all turned to look at Jefferson, who quickly shook his head. "I'd end up killing myself."
"We're here," Knox said when the car stopped moving.
I swallowed tightly.
The backdoor opened, and everyone climbed out. Thankfully, Andrew took my hand as soon as I climbed out. I kept a tight hold of it as we walked into the restaurant, especially when I saw several people turn and watch us.
It was like being in a fancy fish bowl, just like Knox had said.
"Ah, Mr. Knox," the maître d’ said when we walked in. "I have your table waiting."
"Thank you," Knox replied. "Has Pierre created a feast for us?"
"Of course, sir. He assures me that he has created a feast fit for a king."
"Excellent."
"If you'll follow me?" The man started walking.
