Page 84 of On a Fault Line

I meander into the closet where my wardrobe is hanging. Because hair and makeup are done on-site, I don’t need to do much to prepare other than show up in some clothes of my choosing. The email with the details said that a dressing room will be set up in a portable tent and that the shoot will start in a studio and then move to the river.

I throw on a pair of cute shorts and a tank, pairing them with some bejeweled sandals. I then mosey into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth.

It feels like so long ago that I was here at Collins’s place just to sleep. Even then, he was protecting me and looking out for my best interests.

I find Collins sitting on the end of the couch when I make my way into his living room.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

“I’m going to need Chris to drop you off at your shoot. I have something that needs my attention that cannot wait.”

I rock on my heels. “Okay.”

“He might not be able to stay the whole time. But Plus None has their own security, as per Graham and Nic’s demands. So you should be safe.”

“Of course I’ll be safe. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t like being away from you,” Collins states simply, as if that’s enough explanation for his now hyperparanoia. “Keep your phone on, even if it’s in your bag. And keep your ankle bracelet on.”

I look down at the dainty platinum chain that I often forget I’m wearing because it’s that comfortable. “Got it. You seem really stressed.”

Collins fakes a smile. “I just want to make sure you are safe. You really have to go to this photoshoot?”

I nod, growing concerned that he’ll forbid me from going, knowing that there’s probably a clause I skimmed over that will make this even more challenging. “I need to go.”

“Okay. I’ll take you to the lobby. Chris should be here soon.”

Grabbing my stuff, I make my way to the front door.

As soon as my feet step out into the hallway, I remember to detach myself from Collins—just in case. It’s not that I expect my brothers to pop around the corner and surprise me, but the paranoia of getting caught is still very fresh in my mind.

When I’m in public, I have to constantly remember that we aren’t together. I can’t just put my arm around him or fix his tie or prank him.

“Did you tell Chris about us?” I ask, as we enter the elevator.

“No. But that’s only because he figured it all out on his own.”

“Oh… Is it that obvious?”

“Chris and I go way back. We used to train together and go on missions together.”

“I’m assuming not for a church youth group.”

He looks at me with mirth. “No, Penelope. Missions for the United States military—ones that were a bit more complex.”

“I’m sorry you had to leave on bad terms.”

“Me too.”

I silently hope Collins tells me more. He’s already opened up so much more than I ever expected during my first driving lesson, but I want to know about his youth.

“How do you cope without having a family network?”

He shrugs. “I just got very used to having no one to count on.”

“You are a self-made man, Collins Stone.”

He lets out a chuckle. “I guess I am.”

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