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His expression is a mix of sadness and resignation. I can tell he’s realizing just how messed up I am. I’ll never be a normal girl. “You should go,” I tell him. I nod toward the door. “I’m not fit company right now.”
He reaches for my hand. “That’s even more reason for me to stay.”
I try to tug my hand free, but he tightens his hold. “Who do you trust? Me or the voice?” he asks again. It’s our mantra.
“You.”
“All right, then. I’m right, and she’s wrong. It’s that simple.” He puts his arm around me. I lean my head against his shoulder and relax into him and we hold hands as we watch the rest of the movie.
Baby steps.
Chapter 32
Jason Miller
Thursday is a quiet day. Other than taking Layla to her weekly appointment with Dr. Hartigan in the morning, we stay home and hang out. She does homework at her computer desk in her bedroom while I lie on the sofa in her room and read. When she’s done with her schoolwork for the day, we spend some time in the workout room and then watch a movie.
Friday morning, I drive Layla to campus after breakfast. Gary the photographer is lying in wait for us just off the campus grounds, and he follows us in. Just like the last time, he shadows my car until I find a parking spot.
Before we exit the car, I lock my handgun in the safe. My ankle holster feels empty without it. I glance over at Layla, who looks a bit pale.
“It’ll be okay, I promise,” I say as I lay a reassuring hand on her leg. She’s anxious about seeing Reese. I have to admit, I’m not excited about the prospect either.
“I dread seeing him again.”
I reach for her hand and kiss the back of it. “If he says anything obnoxious, ignore him. Let me deal with him.”
Gary Fisher is lying in wait for Layla just outside the car, his camera poised and ready. It’s a shame I’m not permitted to carry on campus. I think if I waved a gun in his face, he’d have second thoughts about harassing Layla.
“I’ll get out first,” I tell her. “You stay in the car until I come around and open your door.”
The moment Layla steps out of the vehicle, Gary is snapping picture after picture. I’m tempted to grab his camera and smash it on the pavement, but then I’d end up in court.
“Don’t you have anything better to do?” I ask him as I position myself between his camera and Layla.
“Come on, man,” Gary says. “Just let me get a few good shots, and then I’ll leave her alone. Her pics are as hot as she is. I’m just tryin’ to make a living.”
Infuriated, I block him as he tries to step around me. “Maybe you could make a living some other way, one that doesn’t involve stalking innocent young women.”
“She’s not just any young woman. She’s a public figure.”
“She’s a college student, pal. That’s not newsworthy.”
“Yeah, but the bruises on her face are. They’re fading, but I can still see ’em. The public wants to see them, too. And they want details on the shooting of her previous bodyguard.” Gary tries to slip around me, but I drive him back with a shove. “Come on, Layla,” Gary says, taunting her. “Just answer a few questions. Is it true that you were involved with your previous bodyguard? Is that why he was killed? Was it a crime of passion? Or jealousy?”
Gasping, Layla fists the back of my shirt.
“Get the fuck back,” I growl as I threaten to take a step toward Gary.
“Ignore him, Jason,” Layla says. “He’s not worth it. Let’s go to class.”
I stand down, knowing she’s right. If I go off on him, he’s just going to be even more intent on getting a story out of her. I lock the car and take Layla’s hand. Keeping her by my side, I walk her across campus.
Gary follows, taking more pictures, but he stays a good twenty feet back. Smart guy.
When we reach the campus sidewalk, Layla tries to tug her hand free. “People will wonder if they see us holding hands.”
“Let them wonder.” I stop to face her, my tone softening. “Do you not want people to know we’re dating? Is that it? It’s okay if you don’t.”
