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“Talk to your boss. Maybe you can condense your sessions into three days a week or something. It won’t be forever. You said Xander lives in Denver, so you can be together once the tour is done. And you have your counseling degree to fall back on. There are lots of different ways to help kids—online workshops, mentoring, counseling sessions.”
Dani’s suggestions are sound. But we’re jumping way ahead. I’ve only known Xander for three days. Three glorious, magical days. Feels like so much longer.
“I’ll think about it,” I finally concede.
“You do that,” Dani says softly. “I’ve never heard you talk about anyone like this before. He must be special.”
I sigh. “He is. He’s…” I shake my head, searching for the right word, but I can’t find one that fits.
“Can’t find the right word, huh?” Dani says, reading my mind. “There would need to be compromises on both sides, but you’ll kick yourself if you don’t at least try.”
I rub my forehead to ease the headache threatening. “You’re right. I’ll talk to him.”
Dani and I chat for a few more minutes before hanging up.
I pause in the middle of the living area, staring at the blank screen on my phone. Can Xander and I make a go of it? I want to. More than anything. He’s everything I’ve always wanted.
Needing to give my brain a break from hard questions and decisions, I grab the book I packed in my bag and stretch out on the bed. I need the distraction of a good murder mystery.
I must have fallen asleep because I’m woken when my phone pings with a text message. Blinking, I grab it from the bedside table, frowning when I see it’s an unknown number. My eyes widen as I open it and my breath stalls in my throat.
Public sex, you little whore? I didn’t know you were such a filthy slut. I’ll be the one making you scream when I see you next.
My heart thrums in my ears. Oh, God. He’s here. Did he watch us at the pool? Listen to us having sex in the changing room? The violation makes cheeks burn with anger and mortification.
I bite my lip, weighing my options. How the hell did he get my number? The notes and flowers were one thing, but this… this is not okay. It’s sick. Threatening. The danger now feels imminent.
I need to tell Xander. Maybe he can do something or stop him. Whoever he is.
I check the time—almost midday. I pull up Xander’s number to text him when there’s a knock on my door. I jump, dropping my phone, which tumbles to the floor. Shit. If my stalker is in the hotel, he could know my room number.
Standing on shaky legs, I scoop up my phone and cross to the door. I sigh in relief when I check the peephole to see Xander on the other side.
His smile dies as I open the door, and his eyes narrow on my face. “What is it?”
I shake my head, fighting tears, as I step back to let him in. “Can I stay with you tonight?”
Closing the door, he pulls me into his arms. I go willingly, snuggling into him. He’s become my safe place.
Tipping my chin up to look at him, he frowns. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
I pull up the text on my phone and hold it up in front of him.
His eyes narrow as he reads it. “What the fuck is this? Who sent it?”
“I don’t know,” I whisper.
His jaw twitches. “Grab your stuff. You’re coming with me.”
I nod, relieved he’s taking this seriously, even though he doesn’t know the full story yet. His unquestioning support means everything.
Xander is silent as he helps me quickly gather my things and stuff them into my bag. He picks it up and wraps an arm around my shoulder as he guides me from my hotel room.
The ride up in the elevator to his room is quiet, but his arm remains protectively around me, bringing a lump to my throat.
Once in his suite, he sets my bag down and leads me to the small living area. I sink into one of the chairs, and Xander sits opposite. He leans forward, elbows braced on his knees, his dark eyes intense on mine. This is Xander the ex-cop. The bodyguard. All steely focus and determination.
“What’s going on?”
