My dad just rolls his eyes. “You’ll be fine, Gemma. It’s time you got used to this. This is your life, honey. You’re officially nuclear famous, especially after Judd’s tour.”
Judd Frost, one of the hottest singers in the industry, asked me to open for him last year. I spent six months on the road, singing in front of tens of thousands. The tour was a success, but ever since, my fandom has gotten a little out of control. Now, myGemstonesare more obsessive than ever. They spent hours watching the tour on grainy livestreams and supporting me so I can’t blame them. Hell, I love them. They’re the reason I can make a living doing what I love. But sometimes…well, sometimes it’s a bit much.
I sigh and hang my head.It’s all too much. Is this real life now? Stalked by crazy men, twenty-four-hour security, no privacy? Who am I?Panic builds up in my chest.I’m not strong enough for this. I’m not strong enough…
A touch on my cheek makes me snap my head up. Gabe Todd is looking at me with compassion in his emerald eyes.
“I’ll take care of you, Gemma. Very good care of you.”
For some reason, those words settle the anxiety swirling in my chest. I just barely resist leaning into his touch.
Fuck, I’m in trouble.
Chapter Four
Gemma
If he thinks I’m just going to obey him blindly, he’s got another thing coming. I’m not an emotionless doll. Sigh. -Gemma
“Ms. Gemma, you know he’s not going to like this,” Frank says in a low voice.
“I don’t really care, Frank,” I reply in a bored voice. The truth is my heart is beating a fast rhythm and my hands are shaking. He’s going to be absolutely furious.
We both know who “he” is of course. Over the last two weeks, Gabe Todd has effectively invaded every part of my life. But I won’t let him take this away from me. It’s what makes me human, what makes me whole.
“We should have told him where we were going. You know he would have wanted to arrange more security.”
“Security that would have scared these kids to death? No, thank you.” A nurse stands in front of the elevator doors as they open for us. She gasps in surprise and the chart she’s holding close to her chest clatters to the floor.
“Which way to the nurses’ station?” I ask quietly with a small smile.
“That…that way, Ms. Sparks,” she stutters and points to her left.
“Thank you.” I can hear her squeal as I walk away.
I’m in the pediatric unit of St. Mary’s in Atlanta. I always try to visit the kids near my home when I have time. It gives me a sense of peace that nothing else does.
The nurses are all fabulous as usual and I meet with several of the kids. I take a deep breath as I step over the threshold of the burn unit. I hate the pain that these kids have endured and will continue to endure as they heal.
I’m almost down to the last room when I feel the small hairs on my neck stand up.Fuck, Gabe is here.
I feel his hard grip encircle my lower arm. “Gemma, you aren’t where you’re supposed to be.”
I let out a long breath and turn, pasting a smile on my face. “I’m exactly where I should be, Gabe. Just didn’t want to come with a whole assault unit to be here.”
The look in his emerald eyes is hard as he studies me. “I would have brought you here. We could have avoided all the subterfuge. I want to keep you,” he glances around, “and the staff and kids safe.”
My shoulders droop. “I would never put them in any danger. Frank was here. Frank knew where I was.”
“Frank also sent me a text letting me know, so obviously he knew you needed more security.”
At this statement, I send Frank a hard glare. He winces in response.
I finally decide to act like a good girl so that I can continue my visit. “I’m sorry,” I grind out through my teeth.It kills me to say that.
“One last room,” he says in a gentle voice, “and then we go. I’m not a monster, Gemma, even though you like to think so.”
I give him one last look as I enter a little boy’s room. He’s standing by the door watching me intensely.
