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Color me confused. Weren’t cops supposed to defuse a chaotic situation instead of adding to it?

“Don’t talk to her that way.” Forrest leveled a stare at him that would make most people scuttle away. “She’s a victim. Her cabin just turned to cinders, and you’re mocking her?” His jaw tightened. “You’re not competent to be a police officer.”

Bruce clamped his mouth shut and walked away, ignoring Detective Donnelly’s disapproval. “Sorry about that. Bruce has been under a lot of stress lately. Personal issues can affect our work.”

I wanted to say that I was under a lot of stress too, but decided against it. The only thing I needed was a hot shower, food to eat, and a soft bed for me to mope in and figure out what to do next. I had one more photo shoot left. A few swimsuits for Olivia wouldn’t take me long.

After signing some papers at the cabin, we headed to Forrest’s hotel. He was in a contemplative mood, probably worried about the bomb incident at his farm—and now this fiasco.

“I’m sorry to be another burden.” I interlaced my fingers on my lap, thinking about all the ways I’d been someone’s burden. My father hadn’t wanted me. My previous boyfriends never cared enough to stick around.

Maybe I was born with bad luck. I’d been there the day Forrest and his family were hit by a truck. Had that been my fault too? Did I bring unfortunate incidents to those around me?

Hot tears flowed down my face before I could stop them. Why couldn’t I hold them in until I got into my hotel room? I needed a good cry.

Forrest pulled over on the side of the road. “Are you okay?” He reached for a tissue box inside his glove compartment and offered it to me.

“Yeah. Just a lot to take in. I can’t help but think I’m bad luck.” I dabbed my eyes and squeezed the tissue as though everything were its fault. “You should stay away from me. I don’t want to get you injured.”

“Why would you think that? You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Kiera.”

Honesty gleamed in his eyes, and I looked away because if I stared at them too long, I’d want something I could never have. I was slowly falling for him, making this relationship more complicated than he wanted.

I was a mess.

He gripped my chin, turning me to face him. “You saved my life with Chococat, remember?”

I had helped. But now so many horrible incidents made me doubtful.

Stop the negative thoughts.

Releasing a sigh, I nodded. “I’m just stressed about a lot of things. My mom, and now this strange fire at the cabin. I need to get a new computer, clothes, toiletries, and makeup.” I didn’t want to look like a zombie for the new contract job.

“You need a good night’s sleep.” He brushed my tears away with his fingers. “Then you’re going to let everything out. If you keep your worries inside, you’ll weaken your immune system and be prone to illnesses.”

A small smile formed on my lips. “But I’m already sick with your syndrome.”

“That’s the only one you’re allowed to have. You don’t need a new computer. I have two spare ones in my office. Take your pick. You can shop online for clothes and have them shipped to the hotel. Or you can browse the boutique attached to the hotel. Maybe you should try out the spa in the salon next to the boutique. That might help the stress. As for toiletries and makeup, there’s a drugstore around the corner from the hotel.”

I gaped at his clear mindset to plan out everything so efficiently. I supposed that was how billionaires made their money. They had well-executed strategies instilled in their heads at the ready. My brain wasn’t wired like that. I could plan and considered myself organized, but sometimes I just wanted to leave my brain blank so I could breathe.

“Thanks for the computer. Let me know how much, and I’ll pay you back.”

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll discuss that later. Feeling better?”

The computer would be another chunk from my savings, which were reserved for my mom, but I didn’t want him to know.

“How can I not when you’ve just helped me with your meticulous plan?”

“Having a plan helps in times of need. Besides, I’m used to it. Let’s get you settled so you can rest. Everything else can wait.”

Was I being hopeful, or did Forrest just put me on the top of his list? For the first time, I was a man’s priority.

You’re a sad and wounded woman, Kiera.

Was it wrong to wonder if I mattered that much? I knew I had abandonment issues, but so did many people in this world.

They grew out of theirs.