Page 27 of The Star in Room 7

“Then she’ll get arrested again for being in violation of the restraining order and her bail conditions.”

He hugs his knees tighter. “I hate being scared, Nate.”

I put my arm around his shoulders and draw him close, so his head is resting on my shoulder. “I’m here. No one knows where you’re staying. You’re safe at Halo House.”

“I can’t stay there forever. I know there was one guy, Tony, who stayed for a few years, but even he’s gone now. From what I gather, most people are helped to get on their feet within a year. I’m pretty sure I’d outstay my welcome if I stayed even a twelfth of that time.”

“You wouldn’t,” I assure him.

“I don’t know what to do.”

I stroke his hair.

“I watched my first pantomime when I was five, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be an actor. I wanted to be a star. And now… If being a star means I have to live in fear, it’s just not worth it.”

“You don’t,” I promise. “You’ve had a rough introduction to stardom, but what that woman did—the obsession she developed—it’s the exception, not the norm, Zach.”

“And the paparazzi?”

“They like to overstep. But a good CPO can keep them off your back.”

“I can’t afford that.”

“It’s a good thing you know a guy who runs a CPO agency, then, isn’t it?”

“Nate—”

“I insist.”

He lifts his head and stares at me intently. “Surely this… relationship… will end the moment I decide to leave Halo House?”

“It can, but it doesn’t have to. I can take care of you for as long as you need me to.” Or as long as he wants me to.

“Why?”

Because he’s beautiful. Because every time he smiles, it makes me happy. “I want to help. It’s what caregivers do.”

“It’s what Daddies do?” He lifts his brows slightly as he speaks.

I smile. “Yes.” Am I overstepping? I should dial it down. I want to make him feel safe, not freak him out further.

He finishes his croissant and reaches for a fruit skewer, picking each juicy piece off with his fingers. “You must be sick of hearing me talk about this.”

“No.”

“Well, I’m sick of talking about it. My head’s messed up. I need distracting. Tell me more about you?”

“What do you want to know?”

“Anything. Everything. You’ve got a niece, but no kids of your own. Surely you must be seeing someone?”

“No.”

He gives me an incredulous look. “But you’re—” He swallows, his cheeks pinking as he looks away and stuffs half a strawberry into his mouth.

What was he going to say?

“Very single,” I assure him. “Sometimes I find a partner in a kink club for a night, to play, more than anything. But I haven’t met anyone I want a serious relationship with.”