Such an asshole. God, she hated him. She took in one short breath then another.
She’d fire him, but despite his failure as a decent human being he was a good agent. And if she fired him, her family would get upset with her, they’d come to visit. She needed to do everything she could to avoid that. She just couldn’t cope with that much confrontation right now.
Or ever.
Larry wasn’t going to give up. And this charity event coming up had been booked a year in advance. She’d be letting people down if she didn’t attend.
She rubbed her hand over her face then opened up her laptop. She’d sent copies of the notes to the only person she thought might actually listen to her. Caleb was her favorite person in the entire world. Sometimes it felt like he was the only person who actually saw her. Arianna the person. Not Arianna, the world-famous singer. Not Arianna, the cash cow. Not Arianna, the snob.
She grimaced at that last thought. She knew that’s what many people thought of her.
If only they knew. Truth was, she didn’t always know how to relate to people. She’d spent her childhood with tutors and therapists.
The only time she felt normal was when she lost herself in the music.
It had been her saving grace, but it was also her nightmare. Because with her music came fame and money. Which all sounded good. But when you just wanted to live a quiet life, when your family used you to fund their lifestyle, when you were constantly guilted into doing things you didn’t want to do.
It also became her hell.
She opened up her email, relief filling her as she saw he’d replied. Caleb and his two closest friends, Wolfe and Aleki, were working overseas as bodyguards for some rich, foreign princes
She opened the email.
Squirt,
You were totally right to send these to me. I’ve contacted a friend who runs a security company in Montana. He’s going to send some bodyguards. Now, before you argue that it’s just a couple of notes, you and I both know that you don’t overreact. Which means you think it’s something more. So either you take the bodyguards or Aleki, Wolfe and I are coming home to take care of you ourselves? Got me?
You need a permanent bodyguard anyway. I can’t believe fucking Larry hasn’t taken care of that already. As famous and beautiful as you are, you’re bound to attract weirdos. Just look at the way you have the three of us twisted around your little finger. I’ll get onto finding someone permanent.
Until his guys get there, you stay inside and safe. I’m not kidding, Arianna. You disobey me in this, and I will put you over my knee like I did when you were eight and you climbed that tree when I told you not to. Don’t think I won’t.
Love you, Squirt. Stay safe. Do what these guys say. They’re the best of the best. Unlike that dick, Larry.
Caleb
PS my friend Kent is a Daddy Dom and so are most of the guys working for him. Just thought I’d give you a heads up. Hint. Hint.
She rolled her eyes at that last bit. She knew Caleb, Aleki and Wolfe were all Daddy Doms. They’d all been in the SEALs together and had formed a tight bond. Caleb often told her she was a Little. She knew why he’d think that. But there was no way she could ever indulge that side of herself.
If she only had herself to worry about, then she’d leave all this. Take off, find somewhere peaceful where she could live without other people’s expectations.
But she had to think of her family. As her mother liked to tell her, she owed them after years of being a constant disappointment.
She reread the email, grinning at his reminder of the time he’d spanked her. She hadn’t talked to him for a month afterwards. It wasn’t like she’d been in danger or anything. She was the best damn tree climber around.
Caleb had lived next-door to her growing up. He was seven years older, so mostly she’d just been a pain in his ass.
But she knew he loved her. He’d never cared that she was weird or different.
Still, there was no way she was going to enter into any kind of relationship with these bodyguards. But maybe hiring someone permanently wasn’t the worst idea. It could help keep the panic at bay.
She took a deep breath, let it out slowly then typed back a simple message.
Thank you. Hi to Wolfe and Aleki. Love you all.
Ari xx
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