Page 29 of Save Your Breath

“Yeah, Mia, who are you wearing?”

“Aleks! Aleks, can we get a kiss?!”

“Mia, what do you have to say about Garrett Orange’s review of your album?”

“Has Austin heard the album yet?”

“Does Austin know about you and Aleks?”

“When did it all start, Aleks?”

“How does it feel to be dating the biggest pop star in the world, Aleks?”

“Mia, what made you go for a bad boy this time?”

I couldn’t help but smirk at that one, eyeing the reporter who’d said it, and that made them smile and snap a picture before I could school my features.

Mia slowed our gait even as security struggled to keep the fans and paparazzi at bay, but her hand fisting my shirt at my hip told me she was more on edge than she let on. Her smile was wide and confident as she waved at the fans behind the line of cameras, and she even stopped to sign a few autographs and lean in for a selfie. She ignored every question being screamed at her, but she made sure to take her time with the fans.

“Mia, is it true you and Aleks have been dating for months?”

“Mia! I love you!”

“Whore!”

“Aleks! Can I join you two for a threesome?!”

“Mia, what do you have to say about the article from Garrett Orange?”

“Fuck you! Your music is trash!”

“Oh, my God, look at him! He’s so hot!”

“Mia, I hope you’re getting railed every night by this man!”

A round of laughs.

More lights flashing.

We were almost to the door, and I didn’t realize how tightly I was holding her and how protective I was being until Mia struggled against my grip a little to lean down and take a picture with two young girls wearing bright pink sequin skirts and shirts from her last tour.

As soon as she stood again, I pulled her into me. I wanted to throw her over my shoulder and barrel inside the building. I wanted to show anyone who tested me just what it felt like to get checked by a professional hockey player. But I knew Mia was okay, I knew she was used to this. Hell, she’d faced worse when I was nowhere near to help protect her. So, I stood by her side and kept my grip tight while also allowing her the space to move freely.

Finally, we made it to the doors, and with one last wave at the crowd, she let me surround her with my arms for the last ten steps into the building.

“I could fuck you better, Aleks!”

“Mia, your music changed my life!”

“I love you! Please take a picture with me!”

“Your music sucks and so do you, slut!”

I ground my teeth at that last one when I felt Mia stiffen in my arms a bit, and I was ready to turn and knock out whoever the fuck had said it. But Mia gripped me tighter to her as if she knew my intent, as if she wanted to remind me that she was fine, that this was normal, that she just wanted me to be with her.

I would never admit to myself how much I liked that thought — that she wanted me there not as a publicity stunt, but for real.

When we were finally inside, the doors shut behind us with the effort of four grown-ass men at least twice my size. Thecrowd continued screaming, the cameras continued flashing, but all of us let out a breath of relief.