“Adams has his reasons for avoiding the interview, and I’m being respectful. If I thought it was truly detrimental to the documentary, I would go to Christian. Like you said, I’ve experienced a lot on sets. I know what makes me uncomfortable and when my lines have been crossed, Xander. I understand you and Heath were trying to protect me, but I didn’t need it. Now…” I lift a hand only for it to drop. “Now,” I say, letting it encompass the mess in its entirety.

Xander blows out air. “I’m sorry if I overstepped, but I won’t apologize for worrying about you. I won’t stop either. Not only because I care about you, but because I promised to watch out for you.”

I manage a small smile at the welcome reminder. “You also promised to keep your hands off me. We both know that didn’t happen.”

“Nope. Not before and not after.”

“But none of that matters. Sex was always whatever with us. You need to talk to me the next time you’re worried—and I mean really talk to me—because we’re friends above all else, Xan. First and always, right?”

The question pulls double duty. No one’s motives are pure. Humans are too inherently selfish for entirely selfless acts. Xander’s concern I believe, but I also think he inserted himself to guarantee nothing sexual happens in regard to me. Consensual included.

“Right. First and always,” he says, a little too enthusiastic, but I’m confident we’re on the same page. “I really am here to help, Remi, not just play bodyguard. Your mentor’s mine too. Heath just likes you more. Unless it comes to torture, then I’m his favorite.”

I nod, emphasizing my agreement. “I’m sure wiggling out of Heath duty was devastating for you. Please tell me you found a fill for his assistant. He will be insufferable if not.”

“I found one, but we both know he’ll be insufferable regardless.”

I almost laugh. I would if the world didn’t feel so heavy. Xander gives an aww when I frown, and he wraps an arm around me, hugging me to his side. It only lasts a second before I step back and his arm falls, but in that two-blink period, Foster emerges from the dark shadows near the stage, homed in on us.

My heart plummets, more damage occurring between us in real time.

He shakes his head as he walks away, a smile spreading, but it’s cruel and pointed. He disappears down the hallway for the dressing room, and I toss a fake smile at Xander.

“I’ll see you after the show.” I take my bag so he can go to the front of house. “Let me know if you need anything.”