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“I don’t know anymore. It’s all so confusing. I didn’t consent. I have no memory of the tape being made. I don’t want to be another one of those poor women in the industry who don’t come forward and tell their story. But on the flip side, I love my privacy. I’ve always wanted to stay out of the drama of being famous.” She gnawed her lip. “What do you think I should do?”
“I think we need to discuss this all more. And speak to both our teams about how that would change your public image as well as the way we provide security. Right now, there’s no time.”
He was right. She steeled her spine. The show must go on.Shewould go on, stand tall and proud. She had nothing to be ashamed of.
Despite what happened to her, she was not, and never would be, that person. She was still Avalynn Ray. And yes, that was her real name. She was no fake.
“Julius?” She didn’t know what she wanted him to do, but he seemed to understand.
For the first time ever, her bodyguard wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him. The chiseled lines of his body molded to hers. His big hand moved up her spine to cup the back of her head.
She slipped hers around his waist and leaned into him, drawing from his strength.
And he smelled good.
Early on she noticed the citrus and fresh grass notes of his cologne. But being this close to the scent, enveloped by it… Well, it comforted her more than anything else could at that moment. Not even the arms of her biggest supporter—her momma—would do what Julius’s did.
His fingertips moved over her nape. She shivered again, but for a new reason.
Her nipples were starting to tingle where they were pressed so tight against his hard chest. And her breaths were coming faster.
He bowed his head over hers. “We won’t let anyone get to you. I promise.”
“That guy tried to unzip his pants.”
He brushed the hair off her cheekbone the same way he had the other day when she lay in bed. The memory of that touch had lingered with her for a solid day, and now it sent a spike into her lower belly.
“That dude had nothing to brag about.”
Shock hit. Then a giggle broke from her. Even though it came with a little sniffle of the tears she locked up in an unreachable place, the sound surprised her enough to laugh again.
Julius’s eyes crinkled at the corners with amusement.
“It was terrible,” she said.
“I know, honey.”
“When will this all end?”
“I can’t say, but I promise you that I will do my best to see that itdoesend.”
She let her head drop to his shoulder. Neither of them moved or spoke. She absorbed more of his strength and determination, two things which she had never lacked before this all happened.
A rap on the door made his fingers tighten on her as if he weren’t ready to let her go. “Yes?” he called out.
Heidi’s voice came muffled and slightly shrill—probably with fury. “Avalynn’s got three minutes.”
She pulled free of Julius’s hold. He stopped her with a hand on her arm. When she tilted her head to meet his gaze, he shocked her more than those guys rushing the stage…and hooked a callused finger under her chin.
“Okay?” His rumbled question was a vibration she felt in parts of her body she had no business feeling for her bodyguard.
He’d soon be her fiancé too—notjustin the public eye. He was right. They did need to make this official for the sake of her career. Which meant he’d be tucking her against him more and more often in the weeks to come.
She nodded, resisting the urge to lean into his hand and let her eyes slip closed on the sensation of him touching her.
He dropped his hand. “Good girl. Let’s show them what Avalynn Ray is made of.”
He started to turn, and she caught his sleeve. When he swung back, their gazes collided.
