Bound by Ivy by S. Quinn Page A

and bring you lots of toys.’
    I see a flash of someone moving outside the cottage and leap back from the window.
    ‘What the–’ I grip Sammy tighter, my heart beating like a drum. When I look closer, I see that the black figure is one of Marc’s security team. ‘Whoa. Okay, okay. Just security.’ But they’re pretty active for first thing in the morning. I hope everything’s okay .
    I walk Sammy to the guest bedroom, grab my phone from the bedside table and call Marc.
    ‘Sophia.’ Marc’s voice sounds crisp and wide awake, as if he’s been sitting by the phone, waiting for my call. ‘You’re up early. Is everything okay?’
    ‘Sammy woke me. It’s fine , but I just had the fright of my life seeing one of your security guards prowling around the cottage. Are you going to tell me what’s going on?’
    ‘I told yo u. It’s nothing—’
    ‘Marc.’ My voice is stern. ‘Just … tell me, please. I’ll worry more if you don’t. Is it something to do with Getty?’
    ‘In a roundabout way.’
    My heart beats faster. ‘Did they let him out?’
    ‘No . He’s still in custody.’
    ‘He is?’ I’m confused now. ‘Then what’s going on? And how can it have anything to do with him?’
    ‘It’s to do with … people he knows. Look. I want this to be a good Christmas for you. I don’t want you dwelling on something that’s probably not important. Just trust that I’m handling everything and keeping you safe. After Christmas, if security is still an issue, I’ll tell you everything. Okay?’
    ‘After Christmas?’
    ‘After Christmas. But until then, I want you to forget that there’s security around.’
    ‘T hat’s going to be pretty tough.’
    ‘I kno w.’ A pause. ‘How’s your father?’
    ‘ I don’t know yet. I sent him back to bed so I could take care of Sammy and do the housework.’
    At the mention of his name, Sammy wriggles a little in my arms, and I rebalance everything so I don’t drop the phone.
    ‘Let me send you some assistance,’ says Marc.
    I sigh. ‘It’s fine. Really. Like I said, Dad’s not in a great place for having strangers around. He needs his family here. It might be best if I stay a while.’
    ‘ Can I at least send Rodney over to help you with the housework?’
    ‘ It won’t take me long. Just a few hours.’
    ‘ I don’t want you tiring yourself out. You have your show this evening. Unless you’d like me to contact Davina. Tell her you’re taking a break for personal reasons.’
    ‘I can’t do that . People have bought tickets. I can’t let them down.’
    Marc gives a little laugh. ‘ If it were my show, that’s what I’d say too. But when I hear you say it, it’s different. The show can wait. Your well-being is more important.’
    ‘But I’m fine,’ I insist. ‘I can manage . And I can’t wait to perform again tonight. Leo and I are working really well together.’
    ‘I’m delighted to hear it ,’ says Marc, and I hear that edge to his voice again.
    ‘Marc, ther e’s no need to be jealous.’
    ‘N ot jealous. Protective.’
    ‘Whatever you want to call it, you don’t need to be concerned about Leo.’
    ‘I think you and I are going to have to disagree on that one.’
    ‘I wish you could forgive him for that paparazzi thing. He really didn’t mean any harm.’
    ‘I’m tr ying, Sophia. Believe me. The way I feel about you – it’s all pretty new to me. Sometimes, I have a hard time dealing with how strong these emotions are.’
    ‘ New to you?’
    ‘ Love is a first for me. You know that.’
    I glance at Sammy, who has dozed a little over my shoul der. ‘Same here,’ I reply.
    There’s a moment’s silence.
    ‘I love you Sophia,’ says Marc. ‘Always.’
    ‘Always?’
    ‘Always,’ comes Marc’s soft reply. ‘And your needs will always come first. If you need to be with your father, I’ll go shopping alone.’
    Oh, the thought of not seeing him today … but if Dad needs me, then that’s just the way things will