Page 23 of Big & Burly Rockstar

“It’s just—it’s scary to be in the public eye. Especially with—you know.”

Dev’s eyes darken in understanding and anger and he grips my hand almost painfully. “I won’t let anything happen to you. Not ever.” His eyes are bright with the intensity of his words. He means every single one of them. Some of the tightness in my chest eases.

“I talked to my tech guy. He said he’s close to figuring out who’s behind that e-mail address. It’ll be over soon.”

I open my mouth, just to close it again. It’ll be over soon. I’ve lived in fear for so long, I don’t even know what it’s like to live a normal life. I grin. I doubt a life with Dev will be normal in any way. But it’s what I want.

Dev’s shoulders relax, and he smiles back. “You’ll be safe soon, princess. I promise.”

I can’t help myself. I lean forward to kiss him and revel in the feel of his warm lips on mine, the feeling of his stubble scratching my skin.

“What was that for?” Dev asks when I pull back.

“For being so damn awesome.”

He smirks and runs a large hand through his hair. “Obviously. It’s always nice to have it confirmed, though.”

I snort and poke him in the side. “Don’t be cocky.”

“I know no other way.”

I bite back a laugh. “I fear you’re right.”

The car comes to a halt and someone opens the door on my side.

“Ready?” Dev asks.

I take in a deep breath. “Ready when you are.”

We hurry toward the door, shepherded along by two bodyguards, one of whom I recognize from that first night at the bar. Stan, I think his name is. At first I thought two bodyguards would be overkill, but as the throng of paparazzi pushes closer, I’m glad for the protection. I’m even gladder for Dev’s hand holding mine. He doesn’t let go, not even when we’re inside the large entrance hall and our bodyguards head back outside to the car. With him at my side, I’m safe. As long as he’s with me, nothing can happen to me.

“Devon! Eleanor! Right on time.” Pete walks toward us, his arms outstretched and that annoying smile on his face. “So sorry about the paparazzi. You know what they’re like.” He winks.

Next to me I can feel Dev stiffen and remember him saying Pete might be the one who called them. I wouldn’t be surprised. Pete is slippery. I don’t like him one bit. I wonder why Dev hasn’t gotten rid of him.

“Where are we doing the interview?” Dev asks, not bothering with a greeting.

“First floor. I’ll show you.” He starts to walk and we follow. “The party’s gonna be in there.” He points toward a door leading off the entrance hall into a large room. I can’t make out much other than busy looking people flitting around under sparkling chandeliers. “You have about an hour for the interview, then the party starts,” he continues. “Now, I take it you’ve come up with a delightful story of how you met?” he asks quietly.

I smile up at Dev. “We have.”

“Good. And remember, Devon, you’re a changed man, okay?”

“Yup.”

I give Dev’s hand a squeeze and the frown vanishes from his face. The ghost of a smile plays around his lips.

“At least I won’t have to fake being in love with you,” he murmurs, so only I can hear.

My heart skips a beat. I wish we were alone. Wish I could tell him how much it means to me to hear him say that. He’s in love with me. I knew there was something special between us, knew that we’re meant to be. But he hasn’t actually said it so directly until now. Hyperaware of Pete mere feet ahead of us, I brush a quick kiss to his bicep and whisper, “lucky, isn’t it?”

He grins. “Very.”

Pete pushes open a door and ushers us into a brightly lit room. Inside are three people, two men and a pretty woman a few years older than me. Her gaze scans over Dev, and the open desire on her face makes my hand tighten around Dev’s.

“Hi,” she says, drawing out the word. “I’m Miranda. It’s so good to meet you.” She doesn’t even look at me. Her eyes are fixed on Dev.

“You too,” he says, his tone on the colder side of polite. He gestures at me with his free hand. “This is my beautiful girlfriend, Elli.”

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