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Do we have any of this on file?
Yes. Ms. Edwards publicist as well as my boss, Vlad Maksimovitch, have helped to keep law
enforcement up to date on the various incidents.
Thank you, Mr. Galiano.
Ms. Edwards, I still need to ask you some questions. Are you feeling up to it?
Yes, go ahead.
The officer asked if she had ever met the man who had attacked her. She had avoided looking at him,
but realized that she had to do so now. She glanced over to where he sat handcuffed at a table with
another police officer. He wasn t very tall, wirier, than muscular. His hair hung down in greasy strands
around his neck. His face looked worn. He had black smudges and bags under his bloodshot eyes. As if
he hadn t slept for a long time. He was awake. His eyes caught and held her attention. He glared at
Alyssa. The hatred in his eyes burned bright. As she met his eyes, Alyssa felt it like a physical attack.
She looked away. Turned back to the policeman speaking with her.
I ve never seen him before.
Do you know why someone might be stalking you?
No. As a therapist, I work with couples and families. Help them resolve issues. I ve never had a
problem with any of my patients.
Alyssa saw movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned in time to see the other police officer
stand up with her attacker. As the man stood up, he kept his angry eyes burning into hers. Then he
started yelling.
You bitch! You and that stupid book you wrote ruined my marriage. Made my wife leave me. You
wrecked my life. I d kill you right now if I could. Just like I tried to kill her for daring to walk out. If this
cop wasn t holding me back, I d wrap my hands around your neck and squeeze
Before he could finish ranting, the other police officer jerked him around and pulled him towards the
door. The man didn t resist. But he kept glaring back over his shoulder at Alyssa.
Alyssa sat in shock. Each hateful word the man had spoken was like a physical blow. The next thing she
saw was Christian s back. He stepped in front of her, blocking her view. Then she heard him growl.
Christian wasn t a happy camper. His fists were clenched tightly at his side and his body was stiff and
tense.
She knew he was preparing to launch himself across the room at the man. Could see it in his body
posture. Feel it in his mind. This would not be good. He could get into trouble with the police. Unable to
think of anything else to divert his attention, she reached out and gave his behind a light squeeze, more
like a caress.
It worked. Christian swung around and looked down at her with an incredulous look on his face.She
smiled sheepishly and shrugged. The transformation on his face would have been humorous, if it hadn t
singed every relevant body part she owned. His eyes turned hot and smoky, his lips parted into the
sexiest smile she had ever seen.
Alyssa s mouth went dry. She imagined him as a tall, cool drink, the only thing able to quench her thirst.
Then the image of him caressing her bottom shot into her mind. Except in this case her bottom was bare.
And his hands were everywhere.
She knew Christian had to be projecting this picture to her. She bit down on her bottom lip to keep from
moaning with pleasure.
With one last heated look, he turned back to the police officer.
Is there anything else you need to know? Christian asked as he moved aside once more.
Immediately, Alyssa noticed that her stalker was gone.
No. That s it for now, the officer responded, handing him back his belt. But Ms. Edwards, I will need
you to come down to the station tomorrow and fill out some additional paperwork.
I ll do that, Alyssa agreed.
After the officer left, Aunt Joyce joined them again.
Are you all right, Alyssa?
Yes, just a little tired. I think I m ready to go home.
I understand, sweetie. There s just one problem. The press seems to have gotten wind of this incident.
They re waiting for you outside.
The press? How did they hear about this so quickly?
I don t know, but somehow they did.
I ll get Alyssa home safely. Without encountering the media, Christian said.
Alyssa knew without a doubt that he would do just that. She wasn t sure about her emotions, but when
it came to her physical well-being, she trusted him completely.
I ll go with Christian, but what about you, Aunt Joyce? Are you going to be okay?
Me? Of course I have a perfectly capable companion who ll get me home in a flash, Joyce said,
looking behind her at a handsome elderly man standing nearby. You just worry about you and let Mr.
Galiano keep you safe. I know you re in good hands.
She gave Alyssa a hug and Christian a meaningful look over her shoulder.
I ll plan on seeing you bright and early tomorrow morning, Alyssa. But if you need anything before then,
please call me.
I will. Thanks.
Christian took Alyssa s hand and led her to the double doors leading out of the reception room. Then,
instead of taking the elevator down to the parking garage, he led her back to her backstage room.
Why are we here?
I m taking you home.
Christian slid a chair across the room and opened the second story window. He took a quick look
outside.
Good. This window faces the back of the building. No one will see us.
See us do what? Alyssa asked, totally confused.
Christian climbed onto the chair and held out his hand to her.
Come up here. We don t have much time. I hear voices in the hallway getting closer.
The light bulb suddenly went on in Alyssa s head. She slowly shook her head and started backing away
from the window.
I don t think so.
Christian frowned down at her.
You trust me with your life, remember? Don t make me come down there and get you.
Her eyes widened at his threat. Then she folded her arms across her chest and lifted her chin stubbornly.
There is no way I m going out that window, Christian.
His eyes narrowed dangerously. He stepped off of the chair. But didn t come close to her.
Are you sure?
Yes, I m sure. She met his gaze squarely.
In the blink of an eye, Christian stood inches from her. Her head snapped up to look at him. He gave her
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