Page 27 of Burning for the Bodyguard

“Did you hear back from your contact?” I ask Xander as we prepare to leave his suite for the concert.

I run my eyes over him in his suit. God, he’s gorgeous with his broad shoulders and muscular thighs, his hair neatly styled after his shower.

He shakes his head. “Not yet. I sent him everything on your phone. He’ll call me if anything comes up.”

Anticipation and unease for the final concert in Denver flows through my veins. I’m looking forward to seeing Soul Obsession for the last time, but my gut churns with anxiety at the knowledge that my stalker is out there somewhere. Even Xander’s presence can't ease the knot in my stomach as we drive to the venue. Despite the measures he’s put into place tonight, I can't shake off the fear that this person will somehow find a way to harm me.

I’ve been in the VIP front row the last three nights, but tonight, I’m backstage, courtesy of Xander. I have no idea if he’s told the members of Soul Obsession about my little problem, but I’m grateful to be away from the usual crush of fans.

As we make our way backstage, the atmosphere is electric with anticipation. The stage is set up with the mics and instruments for the band, and I can’t help but be caught up in the energy.

Xander drops a quick kiss on my lips. “I’ll see you later. Be a good girl.”

I flutter my lashes. “Aren’t I always?”

His deep chuckle oozes down my spine as he dips his head to my ear. “Not when my cock is inside you. Just one of the things I love about you.”

I pull back to stare at him, mouth agape. “Um…”

He straightens and clears his throat as if he suddenly realizes what he said. “We’ll talk later. Stay with Bryce”—he nods toward the security guy—“and call me if you need me.”

“I’ll be calling you every minute, then,” I say with a saucy grin.

His eyes kindle with passion. “Don’t tempt me, Firecracker.”

He gives me a quick, hard kiss and leaves me with Bryce to go and check in with his team and the band members in the green room before the concert.

I smile and hug myself, happier than I can ever remember. Seems like Xander and I are on the same page about where this relationship is headed. Dani was right—it will involve compromise from us both, but Xander is more than worth it.

The next few hours are amazing. Mason, Jameson, River, Jax, and Asher all hug me before they take their places on stage. Until very recently, I would’ve been near-hysterical over a hug from just one of them, but the only guy who floats my boat now is Xander. Still, the guys are nice to look at, and their music is great.

This is my fourth consecutive concert, but Soul Obsession’s songs never get old. Being backstage has a whole different vibe. I feel like part of the action as I dance and sing along to their classics like “Girlfriend,” “Sex Appeal,” and “Ride,” along with their new songs “Tastes Like Sugar” and “So Yours.”

I glance over my shoulder occasionally to ensure Bryce is still there, lurking in the shadows. I don’t know how Xander wrangled the extra security guy, but it’s just another example of how he’s taken care of me.

As the band sings their encore, “Heartstrings,” I finally give in to the demands of my bladder. I knew I shouldn’t have glugged that bottle of water before we left the hotel. If I don’t go soon, I’ll be standing in a puddle of my own pee.

I quickly tell Bryce I need a bathroom break. He offers to come with me, but the bathroom is only a few hundred yards away down a corridor, so I tell him to stay put. Besides, the concert is almost over, and Xander will be on his way back any time now.

I quickly take care of business and wash my hands. My hand is on the bathroom door handle to head back out when it’s shoved forcefully from the other side. Pain explodes in my forehead from the impact of the door, and I’m sent sprawling backward onto the floor.

Groaning, I gingerly touch my head, blanching as my fingers come away covered in blood.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” an oddly familiar voice says.

Why do I know that voice? I look up, blinking through blurry eyes. His back is to me as he locks the door.

Pieces of the puzzle slowly come together in my mind as he turns to face me. The realization hits me like a tidal wave, causing bile to rise in my throat. This is the man who’s been lurking in the shadows and invading my life.

I’m off to Denver to see Soul Obsession.

My words from a few weeks ago come back to me. I told him exactly where I would be. I had no idea who he was. How could I?

I look up at the face of my stalker.

He smiles. “Hello, Chastity. I missed you.”

Chapter 11

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