Page 30 of Protector

It’s not until we hang up with Shay’s mom that Stalker Sam replies.

Unknown: You know you’re just asking for trouble dressing like that… And I’m the only one who loves you for you.

“Oh, my God. What a delusional creep.”

Our eyes meet, and I can see a mix of emotions: anger, fear, desperation. I hate this is happening to her and as angry as I am inside, I can’t show her that.

“I’m sorry. I know this is hard.” I hold my hand out. “We won’t answer. Just give me the phone, and I’ll monitor it while you’re at the agency.”

She nods and offers the phone to me, something I know isn’t easy for her. “I don’t know how much longer I can take this. Every time I think I can handle it, something else comes up, and that fear starts all over again.”

When the phone lands in my palm, she takes hold of my wrist. “Tell me again, you’re going to get him.”

With every fiber of my being, I know my words to be true when I peer into her eyes. “I promise, Shay, he won’t touch you.”

* * *

I make myself scarce at the agency, unable to watch her interact with that Rio guy. I don’t trust him or his lame attempt at pretending to care. Maybe it was invading her privacy, but given Sam is reaching out, when Shay’s phone vibrated, I looked and saw a text from Rio right after she stepped away from me.

Rio: You here yet?

What’s he so fucking anxious to see her for? My jaw clenches because I know the reason. But she’s too good for him and too nice to tell him off.

Another reason it’s hard to stay back, but I don’t have much choice. Besides the fact that I’m sure she’s safe in the building with the crew around her and cameras on, I don’t want to be in any of their shots. It’s already hard enough to explain my presence and why I’m still here.

With time alone to think, I start second-guessing myself, our plan, how I’m handling this assignment. With Stalker Sam’s outreach escalating, it might be time to make a statement about what’s happening—even go to the police—so when I see Billy, her agent, I rush to catch up to him. Hoping to get his feedback on the consequences of making this decision, I walk him out to his car, laying it all out. His annoyed expression when we reach his car has me switching gears. “I’m sure you see that Shay’s confidence isn’t where it should be. I don’t want her putting herself in danger because she’s hiding this, afraid of what everyone will think…or do.”

“So what do you want me to do about that?”

“Can’t you find a way to explain this situation to the powers that be in a way that won’t cost Shay her career? She needs to feel secure that her connections and clients won’t abandon her.”

“Are you saying Shay wants to make a statement? Go to the police? Why are you talking to me instead of her?” He lifts a brow and points a key fob at a white Mercedes.

“My job is to protect her, any way I can, and right now, she’s not sure what to do, and you know why. Maybe it was you who convinced her to keep quiet about this?”

“Hell no, mate. That was her and Adele. And it wasn’t just about the business. Adele’s ex fled the country. Rumors about his family’s business got him antsy, so don’t put this all on me. Besides, it’s not like no one knows…”

“Shay said only one of the producers knows, right?”

“They all know,” Billy says, leaning his arm on the top of his car.

“Did you tell Shay that?”

“No, and you shouldn’t either. She doesn’t need the stress. What she needs is to keep working.”

I run a hand over my jaw, not sure if I like this guy or not. “I don’t get it. Isn’t this a good thing that they know and are still moving ahead? Why shouldn’t we tell her?”

“Depends how you look at it, mate. They’re all about viewers. This kind of thing is great for drawing an audience. But Shay might not agree.”

I scoff. Of course she wouldn’t. She doesn’t want an audience that’s there hoping to see her suffer. “So that’s why they’re pressing on…” I was hoping it was loyalty to Shay, despite what’s happening, but they probably want her even more now because of Stalker Sam. “Billy, that’s fucked up, man. If Shay finds out, she’s going to be upset.”

“Right. So let’s just stay in our own lane, shall we? You keep her body safe, and I’ll keep her head on straight. Just keep your mouth shut about this, all right?”

I take a moment to decide if I should manhandle Billy, tell him to fuck right off, or walk away. I don’t want to see Shay hurt, but I suppose there’s no reason to put this stress on her, to cause her more hurt. She was already set to do the show; this shouldn’t change things. “Fine, I won’t say anything. For now.” It’s not my place anyway. Then I step into his personal space and look down on him with a hard stare. “But you better make damn sure they don’t ask about it. If it doesn’t come up in the course of the show, they don’t push the issue.”

His eyes widen at my tone, and he doesn’t answer.

“You got that, Billy?”

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