Thread: Safe & Sound [Merc & zPrimal]

Talia changed as well, and the three of them went to dinner. Koa had attempted to order herself a margarita, which was promptly squashed by her security team. She was still a few years until legal drinking age by American standards, and although Talia herself was from a country where a small amount of alcohol consumed daily even by children was a regular cultural occurrence, she was well aware of the pristine image this young girl was supposed to represent. Having a drink before she was twenty-one would lead to a very painful headache for both Koa and them. There was no telling when someone would capture a well-timed photograph as well, or a waitress or waiter eagerly waiting for their fifteen minutes of fame sold her out to the tabloids. So they ate their tacos, drank sodas and waters, and talked about whatever it is Koa wanted to talk about. After a little while, when they were full and satisfied, they headed back to the hotel suite. Koa retired to her room after about forty minutes of chatting with Talia, learning more about the woman and where she came from. It would seem the women were forming a fast friendship. That was good, and it made the job easier for Eliot and his team, because it made Koa trust them. And of course they spoke about relationships, too. Licking her lips to help hide the smirk, Talia shook her head as she reached a single slender finger up to trace her temple, elbow resting on the arm of the chair as she faced Koa across the dining room table. Theyd stopped for ice cream, their pints sitting in front of them with spoons in each, Talias hardly touched while Koas was nearly halfway gone. No. I dont, she responded, her accent falling off her lips in a melodic way as she resolutely didnt flick her eyes up to where Elliot stood in the background. Oh, but theres someone! How can you be so sure? Koa laughed, and shook her head, pointing an accusing finger at Talia across the table. It was clear to both of them that the girl was overjoyed to have someone to simply talk to. Someone less intimidating than Elliot. No one looks that guilty when theyre single. A well manicured eyebrow rose, and those full red lips of Talias twisted up in a laugh as her head fell back. She was amazed at the girls perceptiveness, and made a mental note to be extra precautious around her. Alright, alright. Theres someone, but its casual. Do you want it to be? Dark eyes regarded Koa softly, her lips still pulled up in that small smile before she leaned forward and placed the lid of her pint back on and then walked over to the small freezer. We have an early day tomorrow, we should get to bed. Koa blinked, and then pursed her lips and nodded. Right. Crossed the line. At least she knew where it was now. She placed the lid back on her own pint and then handed it out to Talia when she reached for it. Tossing the plastic spoons in the recycling, Koa moved into her room but not before saying goodnight to Elliot. Licking her lips, Talia glanced over to Elliot. Her face was carefully neutral, though her eyes searched his. And then, after a soft sigh and smile, she moved over to where her station was set up, and settled herself in, and began to run through the itinerary once again, this time outloud with Elliot. 1 month later. Theyd been on tour now for several weeks. Swann had already hit sold-out arenas in Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and now was Las Vegas. Elliot was out shadowing Koa with a handful of other men, including the one that Koa had started to become close friends with over the last month. Shed reminded him cordially of the rule against fraternizing with the client, and hed claimed they were just friends. Still, shed seen how they looked at each other. Talia was ahead at the hotel where a party was being held, and Koa was expected to show up. It was a black tie affair, fancy dresses and diamond jewelry from wall to wall, and men in black ties and flashy shoes clinking glasses and chuckling in small groupings. She was dressed to fit in, with a maroon-red dress and her hair slicked back, her make-up perfect as she held her black clutch under her arm and standing in line at the bar. Shed already made her rounds twice with the security personnel here, and the extra security Elliots team had put in place. Last week theyd come across something on a Reddit forum that had gave Talia enough cause of alarm that theyd doubled Koas personal security squad. Theyd taken extra measures with her safety, which had in turn made Koa alarmed. She was jumpy, and had requested not going to the party at all, but the label had reminded her she was under contract for at least a two hour appearance. So she was on her way to the hotel lobby, riding the elevator down from her penthouse suite, with Elliot, and three of his men. She wore a floor-length, black lace gown with a deep neckline, full-length sleeves and a slit ending just above her knee. Her black pumps, gold rings and tear drop earrings completed the outfit. Kekoa looked stunning, and far older than her years. Her eyes lifted and looked up over at her shoulder, searching Elliots face with a soft frown. Just two hours, and then back home okay? The elevator doors opened, and as Koas soft eyes searched Elliots, behind her, a vision in a red dress turned to look over her shoulder at the new arrivals.