Marc’s thoughts flew in every direction as he stepped inside. He hadn’t planned that. Marc couldn’t say what happened. Valon had just stared at him in a way that stole Marc’s breath and good sense. He looked at Marc like Marc imagined he would while they made love. Marc couldn’t shake the image in his head.
As Marc made his way to the foyer, a smile exploded across his face. When Steel had suggested sending a property guard, Marc hadn’t known it would be German.
His light blue eyes focused on Marc. A smile stretched across his face. His brown hair was a mess, meaning he likely had brought his motorcycle. He held his hand out to Marc. “Hey.” The moment Marc shook his hand, German pulled him into a hug and landed a solid tap on Marc’s back.
Marc pulled away, smiling. “When Steel said he was sending someone, I hadn’t thought it’d be you. I thought you were guarding some huge basketball star.” German had been the person who trained Marc when he first started. They had worked side by side for two years. Since they were too much alike, their friendship had been inevitable.
German shrugged. “Yeah. Jathan decided to retire. He’s living way out in the country on a ranch now. I was pretty useless there at the end. We decided together he likely doesn’t need me anymore. Plus, he married an ex-employee of Steel’s, so he’s in good hands.”
Marc nodded along. “Makes sense to me.” He took a quick glance around to make sure no staff members were nearby. “Did Steel explain everything that’s going on here?”
German nodded, turning deadly-looking, exactly how Marc needed him. “This is some bullshit, man. I tell you, the moment people get an ounce of fame or money, out comes every shitty family member they’ve ever had. But I’ve got your back now. We’ll make sure Mr. Stark is safe.”
Marc automatically smiled at hearing Valon’s name. “Thank you. Valon is tired. This entire thing has broken him down. He’s getting ready to record a new album, and the strain has kept him so on edge, his music is suffering.”
German nodded along. “We’ve got this. I’d like to walk the property so I can check for weaknesses and start on a game plan.”
Marc motioned toward the door. “After you.”
German headed out with Marc. Side by side, they walked the perimeter.
Marc showed him the guard shack. He motioned toward Hank, one of the night guards who ran the front gate. “This is Hank. I’m sure you two met on your way in. He’s part of the crew that vets visitors and runs the gate. Hank, this is German. He’ll be patrolling the property and manning the security monitors inside.”
They shook hands and exchanged nice to meet yous. From there, Marc took German along the path that led to a secret driveway where they left the property when they wanted to be unnoticed.
“There’s a hidden driveway back here. It’s obscured from every angle by trees and methodical design. This is typically how we leave and enter the property. Valon wants a peaceful life. He’s not really one to seek attention.” Marc motioned toward the pool house that—along with landscaping—did a good job of concealing the pool from sight. “That’s the pool house. We spend a lot of time sitting by the water. There’s a rock formation waterfall that recycles the water. The sounds relax him. For the most part, when he’s not on tour, he leads a quiet life. So, honestly, he’s a pretty easy client.”
German chuckled. “That’s the complete opposite of every description I’ve ever heard about being anywhere near Valon. He’s run through a lot of guards who never want to see his face again. I can’t tell you how many of the guys called when theyheard this was my new assignment. They had a lot of horror stories.”
Marc scoffed. “Not a damn one of them tried modifying their approach. They all treated Valon like he was a naughty child or something. He’s a person. Valon wants the same things out of life anyone does at his age. Everyone before me tried controlling him rather than finding a way to keep him safe while he still gets to live. He’s actually pretty great. No one wanted to see beyond the rock star. I didn’t make that mistake.”
German’s head moved in every direction, obviously making a mental map. “You sound fiercely protective of more than his physical safety. Honestly, it sounds like you care a lot about him.”
Marc wouldn’t pussyfoot around and try to make German think things were strictly business. “I do. We spend a lot of time alone together. Things would be awkward if we didn’t talk. Once you get to know him, you’ll be proud to keep him safe. He’s a good person.”
German blew out a sigh. “Well, that’s a bit of relief to know. I’ll try to follow your advice. Where will I be bunking?”
Marc changed direction and headed for the house. “I’m putting you on the opposite end of the house from Valon and me. That way, security is spread out a little. I let Valon’s butler, Nathaniel, know you were coming. He made sure your room was fully stocked with everything you need. You probably met him when you got here. He’s the person who really runs the house,so if you need anything, he’s the one to ask.” Marc would have thought giving instructions to the person who trained him would feel awkward. But it was his job to protect Valon, and it was a position he took seriously.
“Does Nathaniel go by Nathan?”
A bark of laughter burst from Marc. “I wouldn’t recommend calling him that. He takes pride in his job and in being proper. Apparently, he’s living his dream position. I didn’t realize before meeting him that there’s an entire sector of people whose life goal is to be butlers. It takes all kinds, I suppose.”
German smiled. “I’ll remember that.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Yeah, I guess I can see his point. He’s running the household of an extremely famous celebrity. In his field, that’s probably the ultimate dream come true.”
Marc nodded along. “Makes sense. I mean, this is my fantasy life.”
As Marc made the claim, he realized that wasn’t the full truth. Owning Valon’s heart was the crowning pie in the sky dream. That utopia actually had started to feel like it could come true. Now that Marc finally saw a sliver of hope, he would risk it all. The worst thing that could happen was him losing access to Valon. If that ever happened, he would make Ry’s stalking look like kid’s stuff. Valon wouldn’t get away from him.
Chapter Six
WaterdrippedfromValon’shair before rolling down his body for the towel around his waist to absorb. His silver curls were a mixture of sticking to his shoulders and already curling wildly. Valon always tried to avoid his reflection. He didn’t need to see the dark circles beneath his eyes or how overly cut his face had become from never eating.
Without permission from his brain, Valon’s chin lifted. His reflection caught and held his attention. For once, Valon didn’t look sleep-deprived. His silver hair needed a touch-up. Dark roots were showing. He still had the abs he had fought hard to keep. Looks mattered in this business. No matter what anyone said, a good body sold concert tickets. But he didn’t look quite as skinny as he had a month ago. He hadn’t realized how often he ate now just because Marc was there eating next to him. One thing Marc had was a huge appetite. Valon smiled just thinking about it. He didn’t know when the clouds had parted, letting alittle sunshine back into his life. Valon liked the feeling, though. He missed having the excitement of not being able to wait to see what happened next. He wanted to look forward to tomorrow again.
A soft knock landed on his bedroom door. People didn’t just randomly disturb him at home. He didn’t hesitate to respond.
“Come.”
