Mr. Holt stared at Killian for a long time. Then he must have seen what he wanted to see because he nodded. “I’ll do the rounds every thirty minutes and make the hallway outside my door home base.” He looked over at me. “Ms. Michaels-Kerrigan, I’d like to get your cell phone number. I’ve got yours, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and will text if I feel the need to pop in so you can get a hold of your dog. However, if I feel anything or have a bad feeling, I’m sitting inside.” He pointed to the teal couch that was the farthest away from the photographing setup. “I’ll sit over there if I need to be out of the way.”
Killian nodded. “That works.”
“All right.” He came over to me, we exchanged numbers, and he gave me a few more tips about my safety.
For the first time since Wayne Gilbert Black died, I actually felt safe and comfortable.
“Thank you.” I reached out my hand and Mr. Holt took it.
“My pleasure. I’ll be right outside or very close at all times. You need me, call, text, or just scream and I’ll be there.” His eyes rose toward where Killian was standing. “Though I’m thinking Mr. Fitzpatrick has you covered. Still, I’m here.”
I nodded. “Got it.”
I hugged Blessing and the three of them exited the loft. Killian followed right behind and locked the door.
“I’m going to finish setting up in the bathroom. It’s huge. Totally big enough to do my magic on you. Not that you need it, you freak of nature.” Cameron huffed, then turned toward Killian. “Woman waltzes in with no makeup and poorly brushed hair with zero product and looks like a goddess.” He shook his head. “It isn’t fair. You ever see a more beautiful face than that?” Cameron hooked a thumb at me, and I could feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment.
Killian stared straight into my eyes when he spoke. “No, I haven’t. She’s a one-of-a-kind beauty.”
“Don’t I know it.” Cameron prattled on as he made his way toward the bathroom.
I stared at Killian, feeling a little out of sorts standing alone in a room with him for the first time. “Hey,” I said shyly.
Killian came over to me and stopped a couple feet away. “You doin’ okay?”
I nodded and pushed a lock of hair behind my ear suddenly feeling shy. “Everything is a little awkward but I’m rolling with it. Thank you for sharing your space and willingly shooting in your home. This can’t be fun for you.”
He smiled softly. “Why wouldn’t having something unearthly beautiful to photograph in my home not be fun for me?”
I bit down on my bottom lip and looked at the floor, trying to hide how much his compliment lifted my confidence.
“I’m still scared.”
“Of the guy who hurt that girl?” He clarified.
I shook my head. “No…actually, yeah, that too. It’s just… This is my first shoot back after the other thing and now it’s blowing up again. I just want to apologize in advance if I randomly I stare off into space or have one of my moments.”
He stepped so close I could almost feel the heat of his larger frame cocooning mine, reminding me that there was someone perfectly capable of protecting me. Him.
“Last time when you paused during the shoot, you went somewhere. What happened then?” he asked.
“I…uh, went back to that horrible place where I was kept. The guy, he took pictures and video of me. Sometimes the sound of the flash or a picture being taken can send me back there.”
He lifted up a finger. “I’ve got an idea. What if we drown out the sound?”
I tilted my head. “How so?”
“Music, of course. What do you like?”
I shrugged. “Most everything, but I’m really into Lana Del Rey right now.”
“She’s awesome. Why don’t you go get your hair and makeup done while I set up and get some music on? I need to choose the first outfit and props to see what we’re working with.”
Without any preamble, I closed the space between us and wrapped my arms around his neck. I lifted up onto my toes so I could whisper against his ear while hugging him. “Thank you. For making me feel safe. For giving me a private space. For understanding my issues…”
He wrapped his arms around my body, bringing me flush against his hard frame. I relaxed into his return hug.
“When I say it’s my pleasure, I really mean it, Addy. There’s something about you.