Free Rising Star by JS Taylor

conclusion.
    Despite the strange situation, I find myself thrilled by his words.
    “But how did you know about my ex?” I say, struggling to get a grasp of what’s happening.
    Adam’s expression darkens.
    “The boat,” he says. “I knew someone had sabotaged the boat.”
    “But you said…”
    “I didn’t want to scare you,” he said. “But. I knew something was wrong.”
    He rubs the stubble on his chin.
    “I asked around, and a few people had seen a shady looking guy hanging around the moorings,” he adds. “From the description he was too old to be some kid. And from what you told me about your ex. Well. Men like that. They tend to have a jealous streak. When you starting behaving strangely, I put two and two together.”
    He looks at me, searching my face.
    “Are you ok?” he asks. “Did he hurt you? Because if he laid a finger on you, I’ll…”
    “I’m ok,” I say quickly, opting not to tell him the full truth. “He’s just… Dez dabbled in drugs when we were together.”
    I look down, a little ashamed.
    “I was too naïve to realise it,” I add, “but I figured it out in the end.”
    My eyes find Adam’s.
    “I think Dez is into drugs bad now,” I say, unable to stop the fear creeping into my voice. “I mean. He looks awful. I think he’s honestly gone a little crazy.”
    Adam’s hands take mine.
    “I think he might do something… Really bad,” I continue, “if he thinks I’m not going along with him.”
    “Going along with him how?”
    I pause.
    “I’m under contract to him,” I say in a tiny voice.
    To my surprise, Adam looks as though he expected this.
    “And he wants you to go back with his management?”
    I nod, with a half smile.
    “Not that it was any kind of management,” I say bitterly. “Mostly he just used me to get into certain venues. So he could do deals.”
    Unexpectedly, Adam slides his arms under me, and moves me so I’m sitting across his lap. It feels so warm and safe. He kisses my hair.
    “All that’s over with now,” he whispers. “You don’t have to worry about that any more Summer. I’ll take care of it.”
    “But you don’t know…”
    “What he’s capable of?” rejoins Adam. “Believe me Summer. I know more about bad men than you would ever want to know. Or could ever imagine knowing.”
    I let this fact filter through my mind.
    “He said, if he saw you and me together…” I begin.
    Adam puts his fingers to my lips.
    “I can guess what he said,” says Adam. “But Summer. Haven’t you been listening to me?”
    He sighs.
    “You don’t need to be frightened of anyone or anything,” he says. “I’m here. I’m always here.”
    “But what about you?” I say. “What if you’re in danger?”
    He gives an amused snort.
    “I’ve a lot of practi ce at looking after myself,” he says. “You never have to worry about me.”
    Adam pauses.
    “Did Dez arrange to meet up with you?” he asks.
    “Yes,” I nod, feeling stupid and guilty.
    “Where?”
    I hesitate.
    “ Where Summer?” he sound angry.
    “In a club,” I whisper, “in East London. The Jugged Hare.”
    He nods. “I know it. And you were thinking of going to that dive? Alone?”
    I chew my lip guiltily.
    Adam frowns, without waiting for an answer.
    “When?” he asks.
    “Tomorrow. Nine o’clock.”
    Adam’s face is grim.
    “At least it will be over with early then,” he says. “I’m coming with you. We’ll sort all this out.”
    A surge of fear sweeps through me. Dez is dangerous. I don’t think Adam understands how dangerous.
    “I’m not sure…” I begin.
    But Adam shakes his head firmly.
    “You didn’t know me before,” he says, in a steely voice. “And I wouldn’t have wanted you to know me. But believe me, Summer. The only person who should be frightened right now, is Dez.”
    He kisses the top of my head.
    “We won’t go on a date tonight, if it makes you feel easier,” he says. “Have an early night here, get some sleep. I’ll come