Chapter Five #2
“This career has been a huge blessing to me in a lot of ways. I mean, I fucking love to sing and play guitar. How many people really make it the way I have? But there’re two sides to every coin.
” Valon couldn’t look away from holding Marc’s gaze.
Even in the low lighting, his eyes were arresting.
“This gig has also been a nightmare I can’t escape at times.
When I first fully realized I’d never have a normal life, it was a bit of a knife to my heart.
I’ll never go to the store alone or do anything in peace, really.
For the rest of my life, I’ll be on display.
That’s a crazy thing, man. It never stops being surreal.
But back to the topic, and like I’ve told everyone before, one night, everything just hit me.
Dad deserved better than me. I’d shut him out and couldn’t find my way back.
Then I thought about the way I caught Dad and Kash looking at each other sometimes.
They had something I never had with Kash, and they fought it because they love me.
I just want them to be happy. Even if that dreamy life doesn’t include me.
” A wry smile crossed his lips. “Especially without me.”
Marc set his hands on Valon’s knees and lightly squeezed. He didn’t move away. It was as if he tried to physically keep Valon from running away. His voice turned serious in a way Valon rarely heard. “Did you plan to kill yourself once you had them settled?”
Valon nearly cringed at the question, but it was Marc.
He didn’t know how to lie to Marc. “Not directly, no. But I knew it wouldn’t be long before the drugs I use to escape would end me.
I knew the day would come when someone would find me in an unfortunate position where I went to sleep and never woke up.
While I didn’t plan to rush that along, I saw the end in sight.
” Valon licked his bottom lip nervously.
“Except, you showed up and pulled me from the edge—mostly. That outcome doesn’t feel as inevitable any longer. ”
Marc’s expression never changed. Nothing about him screamed judgmental. Instead, he just looked like he cared. They stared at each other in silence. Something grew inside Valon’s chest.
“Why are you named Valon?”
A laugh burst from Valon at the unexpected question. “It’s short for Avalon.”
A huge grin split Marc’s face. “So every time I call you Val, I’m shortening a name that’s already been shortened. Why haven’t you stopped me? I love that you’re named after a magical island. So fitting.”
Valon shrugged. “Why would I stop you? Any time you call me Val, I know you’re seeing me as more than a client.”
If it were possible for Marc to look more intense, he might have scared Valon. As it was, Valon was on the edge of his seat, waiting for Marc’s next move. He became hyperaware of Marc’s hands on his knees. Valon swore he felt them move an inch higher.
“A new property guard has arrived.”
Valon wanted to scream at another interruption.
Marc looked in the butler’s direction. “I’ll be there in a second.”
Maybe it was for the best. It was possible these constant interferences were a sign they weren’t meant to be. Maybe this was another huge mistake. He didn’t want to lose his friend.
“I have to take care of this.”
Valon nodded. The motion felt strange. He imagined it looked even odder.
Marc moved to stand, except he shot forward. Their mouths clashed. Valon automatically opened to accept a deeper kiss. He lost all sense. His hands moved to cup Marc's face, hoping he wouldn’t slip away. He was dazed as fuck when Marc’s mouth disappeared.
“If you want to act like this never happened, then I’d much rather you do that than ever stop being my friend. You mean too much to me to lose you. That would kill me, but I had to know.”
“Know what?” Valon sounded every bit as disoriented as he felt.
“If you’d shove me away.”
Marc fully straightened and walked away.
Valon stared at nothing while lost in everything. Their kiss had been everything he needed and more. Now, he didn’t know what to do.
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 they heard 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.