Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
Nova knew she should let Xavier do his job.
She’d called the Daddy Guard to investigate and get to the bottom of who was stalking her. They weren’t her private security detail. Her team and the hotel had provided enough people for that job.
Xavier and the others no doubt wanted to get to doing what they’d agreed to do so they could get this wrapped up and be free of her. There were other Littles who might need their services soon. Desperate Littles who couldn’t afford the best security and private investigators in the world.
Yet she still couldn’t ask Xavier to leave.
She craved his presence. It wasn’t about the major feelings she had for him—though she was certain that played some small subconscious role.
But for some reason, she felt safe in his presence. And only in his presence. It was like she knew that with him around, no one could get to her.
She didn’t understand why.
So, she felt much better as he stayed on the peripherals of the stage while she had an hour meeting with her dance team.
“I think this is going to go even better tonight,” her head dancer and choreographer, Jacob, told her.
She laughed. “To be honest, I thought last night was perfect. I didn’t notice the flaws you did.”
“It’s my job to notice,” he said. “But I don’t like the word flaws. Let’s say things that could use improvement.”
“Fair enough,” she said. Hugging the man, he kissed both her cheeks and then she pulled away. “Good job, everyone! We’ll meet here tonight an hour and a half before curtain call.”
She walked to the show’s director, spoke to her for a few minutes, and then went to Xavier.
“Sorry you had to just stand there this whole time. I really shouldn’t keep you tied up like this. The security team here would’ve been fine once you handed me off to them.”
She saw some of those team members standing nearby, keeping an eye on exits and just sort of patrolling.
“I don’t mind one bit. Gave me a chance to peek behind the curtain and see how one of these big Vegas concerts happen,” Xavier told her.
“Hey, you should all come to the show tonight! If you want to, that is. No pressure.”
She was happy to see the handsome man grin. “I’d like that. And, while I can’t speak for Trixie, Steph, and Kelsey, I think it’s safe to say they’d like that too.”
Nova laughed. “Something gives me the impression you’re right.”
Before she could suggest they leave, one of the stage assistants—with a head-worn mic on—walked by and said, “Wardrobe getting dropped off now.”
“Thanks!” Nova said. Grabbing Xavier’s arm, she said, “Mind if we drop by the dressing room really fast? I want to see the new outfits for tonight!”
“Don’t mind one bit. This is your show—figuratively and literally. We go where you want.”
She let go of his arm. “Thank you. But I want to be mindful of your time. You’re the one doing me a big favor.”
They left the stage, went down a long, busy corridor that was buzzing with activity as stagehands and coordinators shuffled props and lights to various destinations, and then finally turned a corner and entered a hallway that was carpeted and decorated with a bit more pizzaz.
One of the doors had a gold nameplate that read MS. MONROE.
Opening the door, she was about to lead the way, but Xavier put a gentle hand on her arm to stop her.
Just that slight touch felt amazing.
What he said scared her, though.
“I need to go in first and check this out.”
“But there are security guys at the doors leading backstage. No one could get in here without them noticing.”
“I know,” he said. “But… well…”
It seemed as if there was something else he wanted to say but he was apprehensive about it.
“You don’t have to pull any punches with me,” she reassured him. “I’m a big girl. I can handle whatever.” A smirk creased her lips. In a lower voice, she added, “Well, I’m a big girl sometimes.” She couldn’t help but giggle after that.
His face lit up, and she knew he thought she was cute, even though he didn’t voice it.
Instead, he said, “Fair enough. My gut is telling me to be on guard here. I’m not sure why. But I learned a long time ago to listen to it. Doing so has kept me alive more times than I can count. Right now, Nova, I’m going to keep you alive.”
She wondered if all the color had drained from her face, because she suddenly felt queasy.
“Of course. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to second-guess what you’re doing.”
“No need to apologize.” He took her hand in his and once again she felt as if all was right with the world. Just like that, he’d made every care and worry disappear. “You’ve never been through anything like this before. It’s a lot. But we’ll get through it together. Soon, it’ll just be a memory.”
Before she could respond, a muffled rumble interrupted them, and she looked to see two stagehands pushing a rolling wardrobe down the hall, its wheels negotiating the thick carpet beneath them.
“Here they are,” one said. “All the outfits for tonight’s show direct from Lacey Dalimonte in Los Angeles.”
“Thank you!” She tugged on Xavier’s arm. “Oh my gosh! Have you seen her stuff? She just designed for Chappell Roan!”
“I’m not familiar with her work,” he said. “But I need to check some things out and then you can try on all the outfits you want.”
The stagehands finished rolling the wardrobe into the room and Nova thanked them again as they left. The whole time, though, she was wondering if Xavier would stay in the room while she tried on these outfits.
Probably not.
He was a gentleman and would never be that forward.
Too bad. Perhaps she should be that forward and let him know where she stood.
“All right. Let me check this out,” Xavier said, walking into the dressing room. “If you’ll just?—”
Before he could finish that thought, the wardrobe’s thin metal doors burst open with a clattering snap, ricocheting on their hinges so hard they started to close again.
That didn’t stop the hooded figure who launched from among the hanging clothes, all rage and momentum, their feet hitting the floor with urgency as if the wardrobe itself had spit them out.
Nova screamed as they bolted for her.
All hell broke loose in the dressing room.