Free Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne Page B

give a shit about the woman’s weight. In fact, he preferred his women with a little more meat.
    The security guards established a perimeter around him, with everyone but Summer and a disconcerted looking Kaden on the other side. “Are you hurt, sir?”
    Nic shook his head, feeling pretty disconcerted himself. “Just winded.” When he moved to stand up, Kaden rushed forward. Exasperated and embarrassed, Nic waved him off. “I’m fine.”
    Instantly, he regretted his harsh tone. The man was only doing his job, after all. He forced himself to sound calm. “Have the guards identified the woman?”
    One of the security guards said, “Her driver’s license says she’s Abby Clanwell from Hartsville, South Carolina.” He peered at Nic, one eyebrow raised in speculation. “I take it you don’t know her? She says she’s your girlfriend.”
    Another girlfriend? He sure was fucking popular tonight. “Never saw her before.”
    “We didn’t find any weapons on her. She’s probably just an over-excited fan. We aren’t sure how she got through the perimeter, but we’ll be reviewing the security tapes to find out.”
    The guard left and Kaden turned to him, chagrin on his face. “Sir, this shouldn’t have happened on my watch. If you want to get a new bodyguard, I’ll understand.”
    Nic gripped his shoulder. “Relax, man. Even you can’t be in two places at once. Besides, this area was supposed to be secure.”
    Kaden exhaled sharply. “Christ. She could be NicsBitch.”
    “Believe me, it’s crossed my mind. But you know, if this had happened at any other time, we’d both be laughing.”
    “Maybe so. But from now on, I’m sticking to you like glue.”
    When the security guards gave up the perimeter, people flocked to his side. Turning to the fans across the street, Nic waved to reassure them. Then, he addressed the reporters gathered around him. “Thank you all for your concern but, really, I’m okay. I have truly wonderful fans, even the ones that get a little over-excited, and I’m honored by their love and devotion.”
    “Now, if they could only stay behind the barriers,” Kaden muttered.
    Everyone laughed, and just like that, the tension evaporated.
     

     
    Lauren couldn’t believe her eyes. The woman had appeared out of nowhere and thrown herself at Nic. Where were the security guards? And for that matter, where was his blond bodyguard? Even Vivian was nowhere to be seen.
    Lauren couldn’t help but smile when the bodyguard leaned down to help Nic stand up and Nic shoved his hand away. People often acted like she was fragile, weak, and she hated it. She could well imagine how Nic would feel about being treated like he was made of glass.
    When the paparazzi had busted in on the photo shoot, he’d been so warrior-like. She got chills remembering how he’d jumped off the bed, landing between her and the door of the hotel room. A man like Nic would resent the need to have someone guard him.
    His life had to be difficult. He had no privacy, no time to himself, and no freedom to be himself. Nic always had to be on his game, always had to be over the top. Always had to be Nic The Lover.
    Lauren looked down at Jason, asleep in her arms. She didn’t need glitz and glamour to be happy. Nic may have discarded her like yesterday’s pizza box, but he didn’t have what she did. His life was empty. Hers was full.
    And someday, she’d meet a stable family man and fall in love. Until then, she had her friends, her family. And her fantasies.
     

     
    Nic stepped out of the limo in front of Summer’s apartment building, then turned to assist her. Kaden stood stone-faced, holding the passenger door open. “Can I have a private word, sir?”
    Nic pulled Summer to his side. “Wait for me in the lobby.”
    She rubbed against him and giggled. “Hurry, okay?”
    After she entered the building, Nic caught Kaden rolling his eyes. He grinned. “She’s not so bad.” Besides, all he wanted right now was to get his