“I’m sorry. You don’t deserve this.”
“It’ll be fine.”
It has to be.
After a long, warm hug, she rises.
“Rest here for a while. I’ll be back with the love of your fans.”
I nod, managing a smile.
Ten minutes later, the door to my suite opens, and Eda’s commanding voice arrives with the click of her heels.
“Put those on the table. And these—on the carpet.”
She’s ordering my bodyguards around.
“Anything else, ma’am?” Travis asks.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to come near me?” she says, frowning.
Travis smirks, taking a step closer. Eda leans back.
I raise a brow. My six-foot-six bodyguard is flirting with my five-foot-four manager—all while intimidating her with his massive frame.
“You haven’t said it enough times. At your height, it takes time for the message to reach my head.”
He moves away, smirking, leaving Eda fuming. I smile at their banter.
I glance at the table—overflowing with flowers.
My smile vanishes. My heart forgets to beat, then thumps in slow, heavy strokes.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
I reach out with a trembling hand and touch the single rose resting there—alone. I pick it up. The petals are dry, their edges devoid of color; they look as if they’re dying. My tears fall onto it.
It’s him.
I’m not hallucinating. I’m not lying to myself. Every beat of my heart knows that it’s him.
He was here.
I’m on my feet instantly, wiping my face.
“Eda.” I call for her.
She frowns when she sees my face, then hurries over. Travis also comes with her. I quickly tuck the rose into my skirt pocket.
“What’s the matter, miss?” He asks.
I force a smile. “Nothing. Just a small headache.”
I turn to Eda. “Will you make me some chamomile tea?”
She nods. I drop back onto the couch, pressing my head.
If any of my bodyguards get even the slightest idea that the man who took me might be here, they’ll raise hell to catch him.
