Page 2 of Finding Shelter
At security’s warning, he turned his head to tell Kash the plan. He found Kash’s intense stare locked on him. While Kash was unreadable, Ledger’s heart skipped a beat. He wasn’t sure if it was fear or something else. Before he had time to decipher his feelings, Kash stood and immediately positioned himself where he could keep Ledger safe. It seemed Kash considered this a genuine job. One he took seriously and was obviously good at. As they headed to the green room, he swore he felt Kash on his heels. It felt strange, but at least he knew the person who would always be in his personalspace now.
In an unlucky turn of events, he didn’t even get a moment to speak with Kash before Valon came crashing through a different door. He looked high on adrenaline.
Valon was all smiles and childlike energy. “How was the show?”
Ledger didn’t even sit. That was how on edge he was. “It was great. You always put on an amazing show. I’m proud of you.”
Valon’s gaze didn’t look Kash’s way for even a second. “I’m so glad you came tonight. It feels like forever since we’ve seen each other.”
A nervous chuckle slipped from Ledger. “That’s because it has been. You’re too busy for me now.”
Valon made a dismissive gesture and grabbed a bottle of water from an ice bucket on the table. “I bought you a friend. Bonus points, it’s someone you know. You’ll be good.”
So he had known. His chest hurt so much, he wondered if he was having a heart attack. His son had bought him a friend. The entire situation was worse than he thought. “Ah. This entire thing has been about getting me off your back. I see.”
Valon looked his way after chugging half the bottle. He rolled his eyes. “You act like I’m treating you like a kid or something. You went and made yourself internet famous. I have guards.” He made a hand gesture in the complete opposite direction of where his guards stood. “It’s partof the life.”
Ledger wanted to scream and throw shit. He didn’t even know this person standing in front of him. He had to change the subject. “Are you still good to spend the day with me tomorrow before you leave town?”
Valon eyed the drink selection after tossing his bottle in the direction of the trash. A guard grabbed it and tossed it in. “We’ll see. Bond says at least three local news outlets have reached out for interviews. You know, the whole local-boy angle. I need to look that over.”
Ledger pinched the spot between his eyes. It wasn’t as if Valon looked at him anyway. There was no need for him to hide his aggravation.
The same door Valon had appeared through was thrown open. An obnoxiousscreamed growl cut through the air. Ledger’s ears still rang from the concert, and that didn’t stop him from cringing at the sound. Valon’s drummer held up two bottles of expensive liquor.
Valon headed that way without looking back. “Yes! Thank fuck.” He was gone before Ledger could ask a single question.
“Your car is here.”
Ledger was closer to tears than he wanted to admit.
Strong hands squeezed his shoulders. “I’m sorry.” The softly spoken words nearly pushed him over the edge. He didn’t know whether he felt better or worse having Kash witness him losing his son. At least he wasn’t going home alone. Maybe he needed a drink too.
Chapter Two
Thetripfromtheconcert venue to Ledger’s home was one of the most heartbreaking rides Kash had ever taken. The silence tried to crush his ears. Ledger stared out the window. Occasionally, he would swipe his eyes, but he never once looked Kash’s way. Kash shouldn’t be here. While he would never hate himself for setting in motion pushing Valon to the top, he hadn’t considered how much Ledger had lost in his absence.To be fair, no way in hell had Kash predicted Valon would turn into that asshole he had just seen.
They pulled into the driveway of a house Kash would never have pictured Ledger living. It was massive for one person. He was willing to bet the place was a good eight thousand square feet. Fuck. He couldn’t see Ledger milling around a house this big alone. That sounded miserable. Ledger was too down to earth for this. The space probably made his life feel empty as hell. At least, Kash hoped that was the case. Maybe Ledger had remarried or had a boyfriend living with him. For all he knew, Ledger might have step kids. All the confusion he had experienced before leaving town wasrushing back.
Ledger straightened from his slouch and cleared his throat. “I guess this is where you’re living now. When we get inside, I’ll show you around. Just pick a room. It’s just me. Besides my bedroom, no one else uses any of the other rooms. Plus, Valon had every inch of the place furnished like I would be hosting overnight galas or something. Are you hungry?”
He really was alone in the world. Kash had to lock down his mind. “I was starving when I got off the plane. Now I’ve kind of lost my appetite.”
Ledger sniffed and met Kash’s stare. He looked… empty. Kash didn’t know how to explain that. “Sorry. I didn’t think of asking any questions. Where are you coming from? I thought Steel Security was based here in California.” He made agesture as if wiping away the words. “Close by is what I should’ve said.”
He didn’t know how much he should say. Kash didn’t want to have to keep up with lies. “They actually have offices all over the country, but taking this job was a favor to my cousin. I’ve been living in Atlantic City for about a year, working odd jobs.”
“Your cousin?”
Kash nodded. “Steel.”
“Well.” Ledger climbed from the car and tipped the driver. He didn’t speak again until they headed inside. “That clears up one thing. Valon would know that.”
“Yeah.” Kash dragged out the word. “His claim of buying me for you is total BS, by the way. Not only do I notwork for Steel full time, but he had someone else lined up to take this job and it fell through. I volunteered to come since he was a man short on live-in bodyguards.”
Ledger missed a step and spun. “You volunteered?”
A bright smile exploded across his face at Ledger’s open shock. “To be fair, I didn’t know it was you until I agreed to help.”
