“No Ellis, I should have stepped in. Or called security, but I was so blown away watching you tear him apart.” He slides over on his chair, his knees push against my thigh. There are bags under his eyes and his hair is messier than usual. “I’m supposed to protect you and I didn’t do a damn thing to help.”

“You can only protect me if I let you.” I take his hands in mine, I need him to hear me. He did what he thought was best. “You got Jack out of there, that is more important to me. I’m sorry. This is going to mess with your job – for Christ’s sake I should know better.”

“You didn’t know he would be there.” He tries to ease my raging emotions, but it doesn’t work. Even as he rubs circles on the back of my hand to calm me.

“Still, I knew showing up there would draw attention to us and I didn’t think it through enough, now we are both suffering for it.” I wanted to support him. I knew he wanted us there even if I hesitated. He didn’t want to push, but I could see how much it would mean to him to have me and Jack there. Making him smile was all I was thinking about.

“I don’t think Cassie cares about blowback on my career, I think she’s mad she wasn’t told you were going to be there. Like she couldn’t protect you from the public the way she wanted. She knows you’re important to me.” Liam gives me a reassuring smile but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

He hasn’t let me look online, won’t let me see what people are saying. Maybe it’s for the best. I’m sure people told their versions of the event, captured some pictures or footage from afar. I’m already beating myself up enough for this without every Spears fan giving me hate for things that they don’t understand.

I believe in Cassie. She has the guys’ respect for a reason, she is dependable and a dog with a bone when someone comes for her team. To her, the Spears are her responsibility and now apparently that includes my family.

With perfect timing, a tired-looking Cassie steps into the open doorway.

“Hey guys, come on in.” She smiles, it’s a stiff professional one. My nerves skyrocket again as we walk in.

“Sit El, do you want something to eat?” She guides me further into the room over to a very comfortable-looking office chair, helping me sit even though it isn’t necessary. “I bought some English Breakfast teabags if you want a cup?”

“That’s sweet but I’m good thank you, I just want to get this over with.” My muscles relax in the comfy chair.