Page 73 of The Star in Room 7

“Why would anyone do this?”

“I don’t know, sweet boy.”

“I was happy here. And now… Now…”

“I know. But you’ll find somewhere else, and you’ll be even happier, I promise.”

“What if it happens again? What if some other crazed fan finds out where I live? What if they…?” I can’t bring myself to voice any of my fears.

“I won’t let them,” Nate says fiercely.

“You can’t be with me all the time, Daddy. You have a life, family, and a business to run.”

“A Close Protection business,” he reminds me. “I will keep you safe.”

“Da—”

He pushes me away far enough to put his finger over my lips. “I will keep you safe.”

I dip my chin. “Yes, Daddy.”

“The cops got everything they needed?”

I press my hand to my forehead. “Yeah. I think they took pictures and things. I don’t really know. I was a mess. They didn’t say I couldn’t touch or move things. They didn’t put tape up or anything. Honestly, I don’t think they thought it was that big of a deal.”

“Aaron thought it was enough of a deal to take you to Halo House.”

“Aaron? Oh, right. Officer Vale.”

Nate nods. He grabs a towel, wets it, and wipes the lipstick away. “Has anything else been disturbed in here?”

I glance around. “No, I don’t think so.”

He holds my hand. “Are you ready to look in your bedroom?”

My chin trembles. “No.”

“I’ll be with you, sweet boy. Daddy’s here.”

I throw myself into his arms, needing to be held. His firm, caring grip gives me courage.

Eventually, I push away and nod. “I’m ready now.”

He takes my hand again, letting me lead the way to my bedroom. Not that it’s hard to find. I put my hand on the doorknob, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. Nate rubs my lower back.

“I’m here,” he reminds me. “You’re safe.”

I’m safe.

I open my eyes, turn the knob, and open the door. The blinds are down, the curtains closed. I flick the light on, blinking at the sudden burst of bright light. Decaying rose petals are scattered all over the floor and bed. My underwear drawer is open and has obviously been rooted through. My dildos have been unceremoniously dumped out of it. Women’s underwear I’ve never seen before is laid out on the bed, alongside a pair of my underpants. The photo of my family in the frame on my bedside table has been replaced by one of her. And me. It’s a selfie. We’re both smiling.

“Oh, God.” I stifle a sob. Before I can run, Nate’s arms are around me. I turn into him, pressing my face to his shoulder. “I met her.” I probably signed an autograph for her, like I did for those girls earlier. I let her take a selfie of us. I’m likely to have chatted to her for a few minutes. I feel sick.

“I’ve got you,” Nate promises. “You’re safe.”

I nod, even as I sob. It’s hard to breathe. I gulp for air. I tighten my grip on Nate’s shirt. My knees buckle. He doesn’t let me fall. He lowers me gently to the floor, holding me all the way.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper over and over. “I’m so sorry.”