The crowd was heavy and the room was stuffed with equipment. A few reporters came at me, but I blew them off. The only person I wanted to see was Isa.

Watching her dance, in her element, made me truly appreciate her beauty. But more than that, I was overwhelmed that she had dedicated a dance to me. I now believed what she’d told me all along—she wasn’t repulsed by me; she was in awe of me. Though Pasha’s slimy hands on my woman repulsed me, I knew in my heart that I was the only man on her mind.

I’d be reunited with my woman in minutes. The anticipation of wrapping my arms around her, this time vowing to never let her go, invigorated me. I walked out of the set toward the dressing trailers, when I heard a scream.

It was Isa.

Fuck.

I bolted toward the dressing trailers. Which one was hers? The others were labeled but there were some that were unmarked. I didn’t have time to waste. I kicked down the door of the first one—no sign of Isa. I sprinted to the next one, busting in, but again, my girl wasn’t there.

“Isa!” I called out, hoping she would respond.

But I heard nothing but the silence of the night. Which meant only one thing.

She couldn’t speak.

Three more trailers broken into and I still hadn’t found her. I finally came to one at the corner of the lot. One swift kick and I’d hit the jackpot.

I’d found my girl.

Pasha was on top of Isa, his dick pressed against her thigh, one hand rubbing her breast, one hand holding a gun. Her body was stark naked, stripped for this pervert.

Hell no!

Bile rose in my throat. I was going to kill this guy.

“Grady, be careful! He has a gun!”

My own gun was in the glove compartment of my truck. But I didn’t need a gun. I wasn’t afraid of this motherfucker. I’d seen combat. I’d fought with the real enemies. And I’d won.

“Get the fuck off her; this is your only warning.”

The asshole laughed, fucking laughed, at me. He stood up—his pencil thin dick waving at me.

“What are you going to do, freak? Fight me?” His eyes seemed to be a darker shade of blue and his pupils were dilated.

“Yup. What does shooting me accomplish? You go to jail and never see Isa again. Put down the gun and let’s have a fair fight. The better man wins.”

I glared at Isa, praying she could read my mind. I needed her to remain calm until I could unarm this psycho.

His gun was now pointed toward my chest.

“I am not going to fight together with you, you monster. Turn around and walk out of here so I can have my way with my girl. Or you can stay and watch, if that is your thing.” He turned to Isa. “It didn’t have to be like this. All I ever want is to be pleasing to you.”

I mouthed, “Go with it,” to Isa.

She touched his waist. “You are. Let me show you how much I want you, how much I always wanted you.”

“You mean it?”

“Yes, Pashka. It’s always been you. Since we were kids, I dreamed of this day. You know how much I wanted you.” She caressed his hand and kissed him on the lips, and his grip on the gun looked shaky.

This had gone on long enough. I ran toward him and lunged at his neck, pulling him off of Isa.

Isa grabbed the gun and pointed it at Pasha.

Cocking my arm back, I punched him square in the face, knocking him out cold.

As Pasha slumped to the floor, I secured the weapon from Isa.

“Did he hurt you?” I wrapped my arms around her, her body shivering.

“No, he just touched me. Scared me. You got here in time.” Her voice cracked. “This is all my fault. Pasha, going on the show. How did I not see this coming? I just want to go away with you. You’re all I have.”

In this fucked-up moment, her words provided me comfort. She was still my girl. “Hey, listen to me. This is not your fault. That guy was clearly a psycho. I’m never going to leave you again, baby. I’ve got you. I love you.”

Isa was shaking, her body cold to my touch. I helped Isa dress, called 911, and within minutes, police cars had surrounded the trailer, with studio security finally deciding to show up. Useless fuckers.

We were hauled down to the station to give our statements, and after what seemed like hours of questioning, Isa and I were finally free to go. Together.

“I don’t want to be alone tonight. Or ever. Can I stay with you?”

I kissed her on the forehead, and gently stroked her hair. “Of course, baby. I’m never letting you out of my sight.”