Page 31 of Rush

I nod, trying to muster a smile. “Thanks for coming.”

“Anytime.”

I hesitate again, then glance over at him. “You should get back to work. I didn’t mean to pull you away...”

He sighs, leaning slightly toward me. “If you call me, I’ll come. Plus I’m my own boss so I won’t write myself up for it.”

“You’re a good man, Brody.”

“Don’t let that get out,” he says, flashing me a grin as he reaches across to open my door. “Ruins my reputation.”

I laugh softly, sliding out of the car, the scent of him still lingering around me.

“Text me later?” he asks.

“I will.”

And with that, he watches until I’m safely inside before pulling away.

I let out a long breath once I’m alone, kicking off my shoes and slumping onto the couch. My head is still spinning when my phone buzzes in my hand.

Mark.

Great.

I hesitate but swipe to answer, pressing the phone to my ear.

“Hey.”

“Elena.” Mark’s voice is gentler than usual. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m home now.”

I hear him sigh with relief.

“Building security informed us what happened. I’m really sorry. The paps were tipped off—You should haveneverbeen put in that position.”

I close my eyes, leaning back into the couch cushions. “Wasn’t exactly the highlight of my day.”

“I know,” he says. “Listen, this is on me. We should’ve anticipated the media frenzy. From now on, I’ll be setting you up with a permanent driver—and security. So nothing like that happens again.”

“Security?”

“Yes,” he says firmly. “You’re not going anywhere alone, Elena. Not with the attention you’re getting. It’s my job to protect you—no matter the cost.”

There’s a weird comfort in that, even if it feels...intense.

“Okay.”

“And...” His tone shifts, turning back into the sharp, businesslike Mark I know. “You might want to start packing a bag.”

I sit up straighter, heart skipping. “Why?”

“Because you’re going on tour.”

My stomach flips. “Tour?”

“That’s right, you’re about to be the opening act for Ava Edwards.”