Page 14 of Guarding the Singer

He'd have to call Mary later and tell her how the whole event had gone. He knew that she would have a million questions, and he hoped that he could answer some of them.

He'd been prepared for the schedule of events. He'd had plenty of time to memorize the schedule and it was simple in the extreme. Take the stunningsinger from point A to point B. Standing there and listened to her heartbreakingly beautiful version of the song. Check. Fight off unexpected tears at the powerful effect of her voice.

That had been difficult.

He'd meant what he told Selene. He'd never had such a reaction to the national anthem before.

There was just something so... uplifting about her voice and he could see it in the faces of the others on the dais, they were as amazed as he had been. Her talent wasn't to be questioned. She'd filled stadiums over and over.

But there was a singular power in her voice that had rolled over him and left him shaken and stunned.

Then there was her smile.

She'd been so elegant and composed, but he could only watch from the back, his eyes continuing to scan the crowd as she performed. When she was done and the crowd burst into thunderous applause, he wanted to join them and applaud, but he had to keep himself composed.

The smile she turned on him when she walked in his direction would have brought him to his knees, but he'd kept himself upright by willpower.

The last thing he wanted to do was to embarrass the service, his uniform, and yes, the woman who dazzled him with her smile.

His phone rang and he withdrew it from hispocket. He'd set the ringer code for Claudia Schiffrin's phone.

"William Winchester."

"Hey, how is everything going?"

He smiled. Claudia sounded like she was finally able to breathe a little. "Selene is changing for the ball. I'm guarding the door."

"I would love to tell you more, but you looked fabulous on camera. I wouldn't be surprised if you find your picture on a few social media posts later."

"I doubt anyone is going to pay me attention. Selene was incredible."

"That she is." William could hear Claudia's admiration for Selene in her voice. "And now, I have to ask you a question."

William lifted a brow and held in a breath. "Yes?"

"Can I ask you to stay for the ball? The guard we'd assigned for Selene hasn't checked in yet and isn't answering any of my calls. I-"

"I can stay. Happy to."

"Thank you," she sighed. "Thank you. You already have a pass. If there are any issues, and there shouldn't be, just let me know."

"I've got this, Claudia. You've done an amazing job. I hope you'll get a chance to enjoy it, too."

"I'll enjoy the sleep I get after I get home. Have a good night, William."

"Same, Claudia. Enjoy your sleep."

She hung up but he could hear her laughing.

She deserved it.

The door behind him cracked open and he turned his head.

"Hey, Hotstuff?"

"Cali?"

"She's almost ready. Do you know when her guard-"

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