“Yeah, well maybe I am too,” I spat. Matt rolled his eyes at me. Of course he knew I wasn’t serious, but fuck if this life isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.
“Well,” Kip continued. “She’ll be here in an hour so I suggest you go take a breather before she gets here.”
“Yeah,” Matt joined in. “Smoke a joint, take a shower and rub one off…”
“What’s she coming for?” I asked Kip, once again continuing as if Matt didn’t exist. Matt’s a nice enough guy don’t get me wrong, he’s just a huge fucking idiot with one of those faces it takes all your inner strength not to punch. “There’s nothing scheduled for today.”
“She’s bringing the new head of security to meet us all. He’s from Australia apparently.”
“I don’t give a fuck who he is as long as he can do his job properly.”
Billy had been our head of security for the past two years. He and I never saw eye to eye. He was lazy and incompetent and my point was proven when Gavin found a random groupie hiding in his bunk on the tour bus last month. It was Billy’s job to make sure that kinda shit didn’t happen, and so just ten minutes later he was given his marching orders.
Without saying another word I stomped off into the bedroom. I went straight to the mini bar and took out two miniature bottles of whiskey before downing them straight in quick succession. Once the burn in my throat had eased, the warmth of the alcohol travelled through my veins, settling me instantly. Next I practically threw myself onto the four-poster bed, rolled onto my back and silently cursed my life before drifting off to sleep.
“Saw!” I thought I heard the faint sound of my name but it wasn’t strong enough to make me open my eyes. “Yo, Sawyer!”
“Ugh,” I grumbled into my pillow. It was Matt calling me, and when that didn’t get a response he started knocking too.
“Sawyer, dude. Claire’s here.” And I should move, why? “Right, Saw I’m giving you five seconds before I’m coming in, so if you’re jerkin’ your junk you better put that shit away.”
“Fuck you, arsehole! Gimme two minutes.” And why the fuck are you all still in my suite?
“You got one!”
Seriously, was one fucking day off too much to ask for? Just one? Apparently so. Sighing, I dragged my weary ass out of bed and rubbed my eyes. Then I headed out to meet the guys and our new head of security. I walked into the room with a disinterested look on my face, purposely refusing eye-contact with Claire because I’m an immature twat like that.
“Sawyer,” Claire began. “I’ve already introduced the other guys, well except Isaac because he’s, um, entertaining in his room, and now I’d like you to meet our new head of security.” Out of courtesy, and because it wasn’t the new guy’s fault I was pissed off with Claire, I raised my head and looked over to where he sat. My eyes began at his feet, and then travelled up his body…
And then they met his face.
My chest tightened and all traces of moisture evaporated from my mouth– in surprise, panic or regret I’ll probably never know.
“Long time no see, Sawyer.”
Jake.
Jake Reed.
Jake Reed, my ex-best friend. A friend I’d shared everything with growing up and a friend I’d pushed away saying I never wanted to see again. Now he was here, right in front of me, dressed impeccably in a sharp black suit with enough buttons undone on his white shirt to show the world he was ripped, and the only thing I could remember about him was the way his lips felt on mine.
I’m fucking screwed.
Chapter Two
Sawyer Antony Knight. It’d been ten years since I last saw him, in the flesh at least, and yet he still managed to take my breath away.
“What are you doing here?” he asked me, sounding almost pissed off.
“I’m your new head of security.”
“I know that. But why are you here? You moved away.”
“I came back,” I stated simply, shrugging nonchalantly. He was unsettled and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t turn me the hell on knowing I had that affect on him. My dick swelled, straining against the restrictive fabric of my pants, the second my eyes landed on Sawyer’s body. It was unexpected, but not necessarily a surprise. I didn’t come here to win him as my lover, but the man sitting in front of me had plagued my every conscious thought since the day he left me outside the bus station ten years ago, so the physical response I was experiencing was only natural.
I accepted this job because it’s an amazing opportunity. After spending my entire adulthood working for my father’s security firm, this is the kind of end-goal some people can only dream of. I get to travel the world, front what - on paper - sounds like an impressive team, and of course the money is off the fucking charts. But most of all, I’m good at what I do. I’m the best. Sawyer Knight has always deserved the best, and if he won’t let me take care of his heart, I will at least make sure I protect his life.
My father’s company expanded into personal security and bodyguard services about five years ago. I quickly worked my way up the top – not because I’m his son, but like I said, because I’m the best. For the past two years I have been in charge of protecting one of Australia’s top soap opera stars, Chad Willis. I was all set for accompanying him to LA after he landed himself the leading role in Quentin Tarantino’s latest movie… but then I heard about this job and neither my mind or my heart could turn it down.
I found out during my first meeting with the band’s manager, Philip Sinclair, that they have been receiving death threats, aimed mainly at Sawyer. As far as I’m aware the band haven’t been informed about this issue yet, and for now at least, I agree there is no point. They are no doubt from some deranged fan with too much time on their hands. This series of threats is likely not the first the band has received and I’m certain it won’t be the last. It’s part of the package when you’re in the public eye – people hate you as much as others adore you.