I know this isn’t something he has to do, and the fact he even offered speaks volumes about the man he is under that gruff exterior.
“Thank you, Chase.” Before pulling on my mask, I see a slow smile tug at the corner of his mouth. There’s warmth in it, a teasing almost, and I wonder if he might be more than a little sweet on me.
But for now, I wrap myself up in the blankets, feeling thankful he’s here to protect me.
Chapter 6
Chase
Istay and watch her for over an hour. Long past the point where her breathing is stable and her shoulders rise and fall in a slow, predictable rhythm.
Something she said is bothering me. The fact that this stalker’s been able to breach her security team doesn’t sit right with me. It sent a chill down my spine, because it sounds like an inside job.
Maybe it’s none of my business. Maybe I ought to stay in my lane—do what I’ve been asked to do and not go getting a bunch of wild ideas about what may or may not be going on with her protection detail.
But there’s something about her I’m drawn to. I can’t shake it. She’s got this bold energy, but she’s honest and kindhearted. Somehow, even though she was so tired today, I felt energized just being around her.
I’ve never met anyone like her. Especially not someone with her level of fame. She’s the opposite of everything I expected.
When she came downstairs in that skimpy nightgown earlier, it was all I could do to keep from staring straight at her beautiful breasts. I wanted to peel that thing right off her, and I had the distinct impression she would’ve let me.
But she’s a pop megastar, for Christ’s sake. I spent years clawing my way out of that hellhole she’s a part of: the money, the greed, the egos, the control. Even if she does have a good heart, she’s the last person I need to be getting involved with.
That’s why I’d better get my feelings reined in. Focus on the job I’ve been hired to do.
I can’t keep her safe if I let myself get distracted.
She wasn’t kiddingwhen she said she was exhausted. She slept all afternoon, straight through the night, and halfway through the next day.
I hear the water run when she hops in the shower.
I take the opportunity to give Lexie a call to check in, and she somehow cajoles me into revealing who I’m on assignment with. My sister knows I can’t say no to her, but I also trust her completely.
Of course, she’s over the moon about this whole arrangement, pointing out the myriad ways Harper and I would make a good couple. I assure her that’s never going to happen, then listen to some of the crazy things she’s got going on before we hang up.
It’s past noon when Harper’s door opens and her footsteps pad past my room and down the stairs.
“You get some sleep?” I call after her, only half joking.
“Yeah, thanks.” Her voice echoes through the wide stairwell. “I feel better.”
“Good.” I step to lean over the railing to catch a glimpse of her, but she’s already out of view. “I’m gonna hop in the shower.”
“All right,” she hollers up.
I wash in the lavish bathroom. But the moment I turn off the faucet, a shrill wailing sound fills the house.
The alarm system!
I leap from the shower and sling a towel around my hips, then reach for my firearm before I sprint downstairs. My wet feet slip on the hardwood treads, and I scramble to grab hold of the railing. “Harper!” I’m shouting for her, but there’s no response.
An acrid smell reaches my nose as I reach the bottom of the stairs, and I hold my weapon steady, clearing the house room by room.
Wisps of smoke curl along the ceiling. It’s coming from the kitchen.
“Harper!”
“I’m OK!” she calls out as I round the corner. She’s standing at the stove, all by herself, waving her hands in the air to dissipate the smoke. “I accidentally started a fire, but I put it out.”
