Page 34 of Not Another Rockstar
Phoebe pulled at the corner of his jacket, not wanting his tone to get him in trouble.
“I understand you’re upset, but you need to keep a level head,” the officer said, closing his pad. “We’ll find who did this.” He looked between them. “What is your relationship?”
Phoebe didn’t like the implication in his tone, the way his gaze shifted between them as though they were guilty of something.
“She’s my best friend’s sister,” Axel said gruffly. “Why does it matter?”
“Sir, I’m only trying to get a better understanding of the situation. These are routine questions,” the officer said curtly. “Ms Fletcher, do you live with anyone?”
“No—I live alone, in the apartment building across the road.” Phoebe wondered if ‘escalating’ meant they’d come to her home next.
The officers glanced at one another solemnly.
“Given that you live across the street, I’d suggest you stay with someone for the time being,” the man said. “Better to err on the side of caution, given your notoriety and connections.”
“Is that necessary? I doubt whoever did this even knows where I live. My studio is publicly listed for clients,” she argued, feeling Axel’s heavy gaze on her.This is exactly what he wanted. Ammunition to get me to move in.
“We can’t force you to follow our suggestions, but it wouldn’t be hard for people to find out where you live. If you decide to remain at home, here is my number. If you hear or see anything or anyone strange, please don’t hesitate to call,” the officer said.
“Thank you, I will.” Phoebe doubted if there was anything to be done. At least no one was hurt and everything in the studio was insured.
“And I’d suggest you install some cameras. We’ll request the street cams, but their view won’t be perfect.” The female officer smiled tightly.
“I’ll get on it,” Phoebe said. “I have to change the locks and have the door fixed anyway.”
“Right, well, we’ll leave you now and contact you again if we have any updates or questions,” the officer finished, having taken photos and prints from the door.
Phoebe was amazed they left without asking for Axel’s autograph, though the bearded officer had looked like he was on the verge of asking before his partner called him away. Once the officers were gone, Axel helped her collect all she needed totake home from the studio without complaint. She accepted his help gratefully as she wanted to get out as quickly as possible. He carried the boxes outside and waited for her while she pulled down the rarely used shutter. She had never thought she would need to use it. She bolted it with a padlock, hoping that would prevent anyone getting in again.
“Ican help you pack up what you want to bring back to mine. I brought my car with me, so pack as much as you like,” Axel said, helping Phoebe with her boxes up the stairs to her apartment.
“I’m not going back to your place. I’ve got the officer’s number, and I’m not going to be run out of my own home.” She paused on a step to take her prints from him and tuck them under her arm. Though she was relieved he’d insisted on seeing her to her door, she didn’t want to let on that she was afraid that the person who’d broken in might be waiting for her.
“Fine, then I’ll stay with you,” Axel said, like him staying in her apartment was no big deal.
“Sorry, I only have one bedroom, and the couch isn’t long enough for a man of your size.” She stared up at him defiantly as he blocked her path.
His eyes darkened, and she tried not to let her gaze settle on his lips as he leaned in closer. “I don’t mind sharing a bedroom, if you don’t.”
“If you think seducing me is going to make me give in, you’re sorely mistaken.”
“I was talking about taking the floor, but I can work on the seduction if you prefer,” he teased.
“You’re infuriating,” she said, ducking under his arm.
“Now you know how I feel. I’m supposed to be at the recording studio right now, but I can’t leave because you refuse to see reason.”
Phoebe rolled her eyes and continued up the stairs.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me! I’m only trying to help, and more importantly, keep you safe.”
Turning to face him, Phoebe slipped on the step. He dropped the boxes of paints and prints to catch her. Face to face, she noticed the flecks of green in his eyes, and his sweet, smoky cologne tempted her to forget what they were arguing about.
“Why are you so insistent on helping me? Is it guilt for letting me go that day? Because you don’t have to feel guilty—I made my own decisions, so please free yourself.” She tried to shove him, but she’d have had more luck shoving a brick wall.
“Don’t push me away,” he grumbled. “This has nothing to do with guilt. I need you to be safe, and the longer you ignore me, the more insane I get. I haven’t stopped obsessing over that kiss. I came to find you today not because you were ignoring us, but because I needed to see you.” He held her close, and the desperation in his words tightened her chest. She didn’t know what to say; her lips parted but no words came out.
“You’re looking at me like you did that day.” He caressed her cheek, running his thumb along her jaw. She blushed, nervous under his intense gaze.
