Chapter Three
Gemma
I’ve never been very good at obeying rules. Why the fuck should I start caring about it now? -Gemma
“Oh, princess, I’m about to be in your way all the time. You won’t take a step without me.” His green eyes twinkle with mirth, and he tilts his head in a cocky manner as he looks me over.
I put my hand on my hip. I’m not accustomed to being disobeyed so openly.
There’s a small knot of anger within me, but mostly there’s heat.
A heat that spreads throughout my body and makes my lady parts tingle.
Shit, that is damn inconvenient. Of course, my lady parts have never had very good judgment.
Gabe Todd’s smirk grows as I study him. Damn, he’s a fine male specimen.
Too bad he’s going to be a cocky jackass to deal with.
His chest is broad, and his muscles seem barely confined in the expensive suit he’s wearing.
I’m guessing Armani. The man has good taste in suits and apparently knows how to fill one out.
My eyes casually drop to his crotch. Fuck. My mouth waters.
I hear a throat clear and am suddenly hyper aware that my father is in the same room. Shit.
I do something I haven’t done in a very long time. I blush.
“Watch yourself, Mr. Todd. You work for me. And I happen to like my freedom. You won’t be following me to the damn bathroom every time I need to pee, so don’t get too excited.
There will be boundaries.” I struggle to take back control of this meeting.
I push back my shoulders and stand up to my full height, which unfortunately is only 5’6”. He looks like he’s over 6’5” at least.
Gabe casually raises an eyebrow, looking amused. “I’ll let you pee in peace, princess, but I will be going to check the bathroom or any other room before you go in. That’s the procedure. You’ll get used to it.”
I turn to my father. “You promised this wouldn’t interfere with my daily life,” I grind out.
Fuck this. I’m not going to be surrounded by all this…
I peek over at Gabe again, hotness, twenty-four hours a day.
I’ll go crazy. Fuck, I’ll probably jump him and then he’ll tell my father I’m some crazy, horny mess.
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, my Gemstones are 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.