The days leading up to the award show passed in a whirlwind of preparations. Arthur, ever the protective mafia boss, insisted on assigning a new security detail to Liam despite his protests.
"I don't need babysitters," Liam grumbled during the morning briefing in the main house.
Arthur crossed his arms. "You're stepping into the spotlight with Jeff. You'll have one. End of discussion."
Liam rejected the first four candidates outright—too experienced, too obvious, too stiff. Then the fifth walked in.
His name was Rylan Vale. Twenty-four years old, lean but wiry with quiet strength, sharp hazel eyes, and a professional demeanor that belied his age. He was young for this line of work, but his file spoke volumes: elite hand-to-hand combat training, impeccable discretion, and a strong will that matched Liam's own stubbornness. Most importantly, Rylan didn't treat Liam like fragile glass.
"Accepted," Liam said after a brief stare-down. Rylan simply nodded once, professional to the core.
Jeff grinned beside him. "He'll do."
Two days before the event, Jeff dragged Liam and Abbey out shopping for the perfect outfit. Abbey, still recovering but full of energy, appointed herself fashion director.
The boutique was high-end and private, cleared out for them thanks to Jeff's connections. Abbey flitted between racks like a whirlwind, holding up suits and shirts while commenting loudly.
"This one would make your ass look criminal, Liam," she declared, earning a choked laugh from Jeff.
Liam rolled his eyes but played along, stepping into the spacious changing room. He had barely pulled on a sleek black tailored suit when the curtain shifted and Jeff slipped inside.
"Looking good," Jeff murmured, crowding him against the mirror. He stole a deep, lingering kiss, hands sliding down Liam's sides. "Though I prefer you with nothing on."
Liam laughed softly into the kiss, pushing at Jeff's chest half-heartedly. "We're in public, idiot."
Jeff only grinned and kissed him again, slower this time, until Liam's fingers curled into his shirt. They were lost in it when the curtain suddenly flew open.
Abbey stood there, eyes wide. "Oh my God—really? In the changing room?"
Liam turned bright red, shoving Jeff away. "Abbey!"
She burst out laughing, covering her mouth. "You two are disgusting. Hurry up before I tell Smart!"
Liam spent the rest of the shopping trip blushing every time Abbey smirked at him. Jeff, unrepentant, kept stealing quick kisses whenever Abbey's back was turned. They left with three perfect outfits, including a deep navy suit for Liam that made Jeff's eyes darken with promise.
That evening, the whole family gathered for dinner in the main dining hall. Lin cooed happily in her high chair while Ben fed her small bites of mashed fruit. Arthur sat at the head of the table like a king, though his usual sharpness had softened around the edges.
Jeff cleared his throat. "Two nights from now is the award show. Liam's coming with me. You're all invited, of course."
Arthur exchanged a glance with Ben. "We'll pass on attending in person. Too many eyes. But we'll watch the broadcast live from here."
Ben smiled, wiping Lin's chin. "We'll cheer the loudest from the couch. Promise."
Abbey bounced in her seat. "I'm coming! I want to see Liam on the red carpet looking all mysterious and hot."
Liam groaned. "Please don't."
Smart smirked. "I'll stay back with the dads. Someone has to keep an eye on the estate."
The dinner flowed easily after that—laughter, teasing, and the warm feeling of family. For a few hours, the shadows of their world felt distant.
The day before the event, Liam was a bundle of tension.
He paced the living room of their wing, jaw tight. Stepping publicly with Jeff meant cameras, questions, and the very real risk of his past resurfacing. Rylan stood discreetly by the door, silent and watchful.
Jeff noticed immediately. He walked up behind Liam, wrapping strong arms around his waist and pulling him back against his chest.
"Stop thinking so hard," Jeff murmured, pressing a kiss to the side of his neck. "You're safe. I've got you."
Liam exhaled shakily. "It's not that simple."
Jeff turned him around and kissed him deeply, hands cupping his face. The kiss started tender but quickly grew heated. Jeff backed him toward the bedroom, never breaking contact. They made out lazily for nearly an hour—slow, deep kisses that left Liam dizzy and breathless, Jeff's hands roaming under his shirt, thumbs brushing sensitive skin.
When Liam was sufficiently distracted, Jeff pulled back with a wicked grin. "Swim with me."
They changed into swim trunks and headed to the private pool behind their wing. The water was warm under the afternoon sun. Jeff wasted no time pulling Liam close in the deep end, legs wrapping around each other as they floated and kissed.
The water made everything slick and sensual. Jeff's hands explored freely, sliding under the waistband of Liam's trunks. Liam gasped as Jeff stroked him slowly beneath the surface.
"Jeff… someone might see," Liam breathed, even as he rocked into the touch.
"Rylan knows how to look away," Jeff replied huskily, nipping at his jaw. "And I need you relaxed."
They made love right there in the pool—passionate and unhurried. Jeff held Liam against the tiled edge, thrusting deep and steady while water splashed around them. Liam clung to his shoulders, moaning softly into Jeff's mouth with every roll of his hips. When they came, it was together, trembling and gasping in the bright sunlight.
Afterward, they floated lazily, limbs tangled. Jeff kissed Liam's damp temple. "No more worrying. Tomorrow you'll be the hottest guy on that carpet, and everyone will know you're mine."
Liam smiled despite himself, resting his head on Jeff's shoulder. "You're ridiculous."
"But effective," Jeff teased, stealing one last kiss.
By evening, the tension had melted away. Liam felt steady again—grounded by Jeff's unwavering love and the safety of their new life.
As night fell over the estate, the family prepared for what promised to be a memorable event. Cameras would flash, questions would come, and secrets might hover close to the surface.
But for now, in the arms of the man he loved, Liam allowed himself to believe they could face it all together.