Drawn to You (Lover to Stepbrother)(49)

“I’m unsure, but from the writing on the front, he’s waiting. He wants her to know that he is close to her. He is obsessed with her, this has been going on for months, but he is upping his game. I’m afraid to think what will happen when he is ready to show himself.”

“What do you want me to do? Have you gone to the police?”

“Of course, I have, but there’s only so much they can do. We have hired extra security. Her home is getting searched, cameras being placed, the works, but if this guy is insane, he will find a way of getting to her.”

“I still don’t see where I come into all this.”

“I need you to become her bodyguard.” I look at him like he’s crazy.

“You want me to be her bodyguard?” I shake my head. I must still be drunk, this is just insane.

“I know you would watch her. Keep her safe. She needs you right now.” I chuckle to myself. The irony of all this. He wanted me to stay away from her and now he wants me to get close to her.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. Besides, she probably doesn’t want me to be around her.”

“You loved her once. She doesn’t want a stranger following her around.”

“You think she will want me to follow her around?” I watch him scratch his neck. “Does she know that you are here asking me?”

He stands up straighter. “No, she doesn’t.”

“Thought so.”

“If you don’t do this, she could get hurt. Could you live with yourself if something happened to her?” I look to the ground. It would kill me if anything happened to her, if she got hurt in any way. I want to protect her, but, how can I?

I’m damaged.

I’m not the guy I once was. I’m not the guy she knew.

All I do now is drink and fuck. Anything to help me forget about all my regrets. How can he ask me to be close to her and not touch her?

“I can’t,” I say quietly.

“Then I hope you can live with yourself if anything happens to that poor girl,” my dad says sternly and heads to the door, slamming it shut behind him. I sit back down on the couch and look through the pictures once again.

I look at the picture of the guy's hand and I close my eyes and images of Sasha scream out to me. Pleading to me to protect her. I see a shadow stand behind her, mocking me. I open my eyes, my breathing coming in fast.

What is wrong with me?

I jump off the couch, running out to catch up with my dad, and when I get to the ground floor, I see him on the sidewalk. I run faster until I’m standing in front of him.

“I’ll do it.”

“Good. You’re doing the right thing. Go get showered and grab some stuff. We’ll head back now.” I nod and turn to leave.

“Colin,” He yells after me. I turn and his face has gone serious.

“You are to protect her and that’s it. Nothing else.” I know what he means. Don’t fuck her. I nod and head back to my apartment, grabbing my things and taking a quick shower. With every movement I make, the worse the butterflies get in my stomach.

I’m going to see her.

I just hope she doesn’t mind seeing me.



*

We pull up to a recording studio and I climb out of the car, following behind my father. We had to make a quick stop to get me a new suit as appearances are everything, according to my father. If I’m going to be Sasha’s new bodyguard, I need to make sure I look the part.

Heading up the elevator is silent.

Neither of us says a word.

I follow him down a hall until he opens a door and I follow in behind. My heart feels like it just got a kick start. All I hear is her voice, her sweet beautiful voice. The voice that mesmerized me back in high school.

I have heard every song she has ever sung, but it never compares to hearing her live. I walk further into the room, seeing men playing with switches, adjusting sounds. I look at the glass and can see Sasha and her band playing. I feel like I’m eighteen again.

They all look different in certain ways but at the same time, the same.

My eyes are glued to Sasha when I feel arms getting wrapped around my neck and I turn to see Marie hugging me, I hug her back in a tight embrace.

“It’s so good to see you, sweetie, I’ve missed you.” She pulls back and I see tears in her eyes. She has learned to love me as her own. I know it has hurt her for me being away for so long.

“I’ve missed you too, Marie. I’m sorry I haven’t visited in a while.” She pulls me to her again.

“I understand. You needed your space. I’m just happy you’re back and thank you again for doing this. I just know I wouldn’t be able to sleep if someone wasn’t looking after her. Just knowing they have been doing God knows what while she’s been sleeping.” She shivers. “No mother should have to witness horrible things happen to their child. Even stepchild.” I look into her eyes and I know she is talking about me and my injury.

“I will keep her safe.” She smiles up at me and cups my cheek.

“I know you will. You’re a good man.” I turn to look back to Sasha and her eyes are on me. It’s like she is glued to the spot. Her mouth is open a little, the surprise all over her face. I give her a small smile and soon her face morphs into anger.

“What is he doing here?” she says angrily. Her hands are on her hips, glaring at me.