I made it to the side of the stage next to Gray to watch. “Did you tell her where I was?” I whispered to him.
He nodded. “I don’t think she believed me. If you want that woman, you’re going to have to shape up or ship out.”
I turned my attention back to the stage. I didn’t want to distract her when she was busy, but it was clear that distracted was exactly what she was.
The audience may not have noticed the crack in her veneer, but I did. Her smile was just a little too wide, her fingers intertwined so hard that the tips had turned white.
I clenched my jaw, guilt burning low in my stomach. I’d never meant to leave her wondering.
And then the moderator asked about me.
Luna answered with a great line, and the crowd chuckled, but I saw it. The moment her smile faltered. The way she swallowed hard and blinked too fast, trying to stay composed.
I’d guarded her for a week without having to save her from anything more dangerous than caffeine withdrawal. Despite the lack of danger, I’d pushed her away. Now, seeing her up there doing her thing, the only thing tripping her up was my absence.
I wanted her.
I couldn’t have her think for another second that I didn’thave her back.
I started to move forward, but Gray stopped me with a hand to my chest. I looked at him. “She’s off,” I said through clenched teeth. “It’s my fault.”
He just shook his head.
“She needs—”
“She needs you to let go of being in control. She needs you to be able to support her, not charge in guns blazing just because she looks a little uncomfortable.”
I clenched my jaw, looking back at Luna.
Gray softened his tone. “You have the right instincts for this job, you just have to know when to shut them off. Part of protecting is knowing when to stand down. You can’t shield her from life. She’s a strong woman. She built this whole career without you, so she doesn’t always need saving.”
Onstage, the interview with Luna was wrapping up, and I knew Gray was right.
She stood and waved to the crowd before crossing the stage in my direction. Her footsteps faltered for a second when her eyes landed on me, but she didn’t stop until we were face-to-face. “You’re here.”
I reached my arms around her and pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry I’m late,” I murmured against her ear, breathing in the familiar smell of her skin.
She was stiff for a moment before melting into my touch. “I should kick your ass for disappearing on me,” she murmured back, but there was no bite to her words.
“I deserve it,” I said, letting my lips brush hers in a slow, teasing kiss. I pulled back just enough to see her eyes. They were shining.
“You broke the rules. You were supposed to be my shadow, and I woke up alone.” She squeezed me a little tighter.
My heart gave a painful kick in my chest. “You can write us new rules, and I promise I won’t break them.”
I realized some members of the audience could see us. A few were clapping, catcalling, and taking pictures.
She looked out at the crowd and laughed, then turned back to face me.
“I failed a client once. I don’t forget things like that. So I kept my walls up. Did the job. Nothing else. Then you made that impossible. You asked me if I wanted you too much or not at all. The answer is simple. I want you. If you’ll forgive me.”
She nodded. “You can make it up to me later.”
I brushed a strand of hair from her face. The crowd was still there. Gray was smiling from the side, but all I saw was her.
“Come on,” she said. I think I’m done for the day. Let’s get out of here.”
Together, we walked away from the stage, the noise of the world chasing us.
