Doyle spent two days pampering herself with spa appointments and shopping. Although she loved Boston, New York and LA had the best stores. She entered her hotel carrying a few small bags. The stores would deliver the rest later. Getting away from the confines of her mother's domain had given her a bounce in her step. She felt freer than she had in months. The big old house stifled her. Smiling, she was ready to take back her career.

Doyle stopped at the front desk to let the clerk know she was expecting purchases. She wasn't paying attention on the way to the elevator. A sixth sense had triggered a familiar feeling. Bumping into a body, she gasped. Before she could apologize, she froze. Mick. Had he caused her odd sensation? He looked good except for his surprised look that quickly turned menacing. His scent triggered memories which had turned unpleasant over time. Doyle had trouble forgiving herself for how stupid the drugs had made her act. Never had she expected to see him in the lobby of her hotel.

He seethed. "Why are you here?"

She forced a smile. "No, nice to see you or sorry for almost cracking your head open."

He grabbed her arm and squeezed hard. Doyle refused to wince or cause a scene. Her heart raced like a horse heading to the finish line. "You caused so much drama, bitch. You ruined Gio's life."

She struggled to pull away, but he only tightened his grip.

"I hope your psycho manager gets what he deserves in prison."

From behind her, she heard a familiar voice. "Let go of Ms. Kane now or you'll be looking at an assault charge."

"What the... Who are you?"

"I'm her bodyguard and this..." He opened his phone and put it to Mick's face. "This isn't just drama. It was almost murder."

She didn't have to look to know it was pictures of her beaten face. Mick didn't let go. "This bitch ruined everything. Briggs left us because of your fucking shit."

She winced. "Or he didn't like women beaters."

Gray's eyes were full of rage. "I have thought about rearranging your face every day since you and that scum hurt her. Don't give me a reason. Release her now." He never raised his voice, but his tone was frightening.

Mick stepped back with his hands up. "Stay away from me."

Doyle mumbled, "Gladly." But she was too shocked to care. Even the aching in her arm didn't phase her. She turned around and feasted on Gray's face like she had been starving and he was a loaf of bread. For three months, she had longed to see him. "Why are you here?"

"To rescue you again."

She frowned. "I could have dealt with him." His cocky smile made her more determined. "It's a public place. I chose not to gain attention, but I could have." Many hotel guests had walked by their exchange without a glance.

He shook his head. "Let's not argue in a public space."

They stepped over to an area in the posh lobby with seating. She plopped into a chair. "Seriously, why are you here?"

He sat down across from her. "Because you need someone to watch over you."

She sighed aggravatedly. "I'm going to my room." She stood and walked towards the elevator bank.

It was impossible to pinpoint what upset her the most: seeing him or him not telling her why he was at her hotel. Was it a coincidence? Did he want to see her?

Just as the elevator doors were about to close his big hand reached in, and forced the door open. He stepped onto the elevator filling it with his presence. The other occupants had stepped aside to make room for him. She watched his reflection in the silver door as he watched her. His suit gave him a mysterious look. His haircut looked nice, but she bit her lip when she noticed some gel. It was nothing like Jimmy's perfect style. Her heart started racing as she took in every detail on his unreadable face.

The elevator stopped on various floors, and when it reached the seventeenth, she stepped out. As she walked down the hall, she refused to turn around. If he didn't follow her, she would let the tears building up fall. As if she had control over them, she scoffed to herself.

When she turned to unlock her door, he was six feet from her. She sighed. "You can come in if you're willing to talk."

She held the door open with her back, and he stepped through brushing against her with his arm. Her body responded with hardened nipples. His aftershave triggered only the best memories of his arms around her.

She followed him into the hotel room. It was a typical room with a kingsize bed and a small table with two chairs. He walked all the way to the window, as she put her shopping bags down.

Then she straightened her back and turned to him. "So why are you here?"

He sighed. "Sinclair. He was worried about you."

"Are you honestly telling me Jimmy sent you?"

"Jimmy said he was concerned about you."

"So that doesn't answer why you're here. You told me you didn't care about me."

He shook his head. "No, I didn't."

"You said I wasn't worth fighting for." She turned her face to hide her tears. "I would have."

"I knew coming would be a mistake."

"Then why did you bother? I can handle my own life."

"I didn't want to read your interview."

"So. It's just an article." She was tired and wanted to move past her trauma. Her assignment would be a giant step in the right direction.

He shook his head. "It's more. You were so brave to share your story."

Her head spun. He didn't want to read it but he did. Maybe it was him so close and not his words that left her off balance. "Gray, why are you here? I can't believe Jimmy encouraged you."

Gray's hazel eyes held her own. "He flew me in his plane."

Swirling emotions combusted. "I just don't understand! Is he in LA too?"

Gray nodded. "He has business, but said something about dinner."

"It's Friday. He should be home with my sister."

Gray shrugged. "It was his idea."

"So you came and saved me from Mick." She made quotes with two fingers when she said saved. "How would I know he was at this hotel? Honestly, I don't know why he is."

"Because the band is performing on one of those singing contest shows."

"How do you know?"

"I can use social media."

Doyle sat on her bed in an exhausted huff. All she could think was the man she loved was across the room, but he didn't want her. He only wanted to protect her. "Fine. But. We took care of him. Your job is done."

"We." Gray smiled for the first time and her heart ached. "I think I did. You need ice for the bruises on your arm."

She looked at her arm. It was still red where Mick's fingers dug into her. "I've had worse."

His face fell. "Don't say that. Please. I came to protect you."

"I don't..."

He put his hand up. "I know. I know you." Stab to her heart. "While I support women and think they are strong in ways that would make most men crumble, you are not physically strong enough when you put yourself in dangerous situations."

"What's so dangerous? I'm taking photos backstage at concerts. I will not drink or do drugs. You know I don't get high anymore." He smiled ever so slightly. "This is my job."

"And I'll be your assistant. I'll carry your equipment." He pointed to her camera bag. "Make whatever calls necessary to get me credentialed for backstage access."

"In that suit, they'll think you're a narc."

"I'll wear jeans and a tee shirt."

Doyle winced. She loved his black fitted shirts. "Fine. I'll let you come with me under one condition."

"What kind of condition?"

"You tell me why I wasn't worth fighting for." She watched his face fall as his shoulders slumped.

"It was never your worth. It's mine. You wanted to sacrifice your family for an alcoholic who doesn't have a real resume. You deserve better like whoever the guy was you danced with at the Harbor Hotel."

"How do you know I danced?"

"Monty. I saw you get in your car."

"He's just a guy my mother won't shut up about. That's why I came out here early to get away."

He stood taller. "Call to get me what I need."

She pouted. "No one cares about what I need." But inside she felt like she final took a hit of her favorite drug. Gray was breathing the same air as her. If only she could reach out and touch him.

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