Page 29 of Protector

“Well, we are with the same agency.” She shrugs. “I think the producers just want to see if they can stir up some drama to get viewers. Anyway, we’ll do a few shots there, then next week, we’ll be shooting at my place.”

Shay moved back to her house a few days ago. Some nights I stay in her guest room; others, I leave. Nothing has come to that address, it’s a gated community, and we’ve discussed that we’re going to take it day by day.

Shay’s phone buzzes in her bag on a counter beside me. She leans over to grab it, her full breasts mere inches from my face, as I’m still sitting. I practically hold my breath as I tear my gaze away and wait for her to clear my space.

“Goddamn him!” Her brows meet in the middle as she stares at her phone, then turns it to me. “He texted.”

Unknown: You’re too good to flaunt your body like that, princess. Don’t do this show!

Instinctively, I take her wrist, stand next to her. “Don’t let this get to you.”

She nods. “He knows I’m here?”

“Not necessarily. It could be a coincidence. He could know you’re doing the show but might have gotten lucky on the timing. Didn’t you say all these models post selfies on social media?”

She winces. “I did too.”

Unable to stop myself, I gently cup her elbow. “Stay calm. Take a few breaths…”

She’s breathing through my words, her eyes locked on mine. “Okay, whatever, so he knew about the fittings, but is this a warning?” Shaking her head, she leans into me.

“It might be. I hate to say this, but maybe you’ll need to answer to find out.”

“Give me a few minutes to change.” She hurries off, and I can’t help but wonder if she needed more time to collect herself. The last thing I need is her panicking. I hate her going through this so much I want to smash that phone, but that will only erase the one way we have to find out who this is. Unfortunately, the most qualified person I have to trace that first call Stalker Sam made wasn’t able to get anything, so it will be up to us to draw him out.

When Shay returns, we head to the car and sit in the lot to discuss the text. After some debate, we decide on a reply.

Shay: This is my job. Tell me why I should listen to you?

As we wait, Shay calls her mom, and they discuss the possibility of skipping the show. The call is on speaker, so I can hear everything, but I won’t jump in unless they ask me. I can’t make this decision for Shay.

“You know this is one of my favorite shows,” Shay says, looking out the windshield of the car.

“It is a bit last minute since you already had your fitting, but there are dozens of girls dying to take your place,” her mom says.

“Which is why I should do it, right?” Her gaze moves over to me, but I remain impassive, and she rolls her eyes.

“Shay, honey, don’t forget what happened last year.”

Scrunching her face, Shay pauses. “What are you talking about?”

“Remember that guy grabbed you?”

Her mouth falls open. “I forgot about that. It was nothing. Security got him out.”

Unable to stay silent, I jump in. “Did you get a look at him? Maybe he’s our guy?”

“No,” Shay says, shaking her head. “I remember now, he was drunk, older.” She gives me a half-grin. “Like older than you. That voice on the phone, he seemed young.”

“You’re right.”

“It was just a harmless old pervert. In fact, security didn’t even step in until after the fact. I remember some guy was walking by, grabbed the man by the back of the neck. I kind of felt bad for him, actually.”

“Nice… My daughter, advocate for the lecherous.”

“Anyway, Mom, I’ve decided. I’m doing the show. At least for now.” She looks at me. “Okay?”

“Okay,” Adele answers, even though I have a feeling Shay’s question was directed at me.

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