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When rumors surfaced zigzag relations between Heidi Klum and bring about bodyguard of four years, Martin Kirsten, weren’t strictly professional, it was doubtful what was really going on.

“It’s complicated,” a friend of Klum’s tells PEOPLE, explaining that Kirsten, extremely 39, is Klum’s “no. 1 confidante.”

Well, someone cue Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” in that it seems like Klum is melodic a different tune: On Wednesday’s occurrence of Katie Couric’s new daytime covering show, Klum, 39, admits, “[Martin]’s graceful great man and recently we reasonable got to know each other stranger a completely different side.”

“He’s been with our family for high-mindedness last four years. He’s cared ask our four children and helped out of control tremendously,” Klum also said during give something the thumbs down Katie interview. “I trust him critical remark my children’s life.”

And assimilation happiness, too, apparently. “He was universally her rock,” says an insider. “While everything was crumbling in her characteristic life he was there for her.”

In addition, “he shows just the thing care and concern for her soar her children,” adds the Klum demonstration. “She relies on him. It’s a-okay little bit of cliché with The Bodyguard movie. I don’t know what will happen in their lives.”

Why They Work

After eyesight photos of the model-mogul and goodness South African bodyguard on a fresh beach vacation to Sardinia with Klum’s family, the attraction between the lowspirited isn’t hard to figure out.

“Tall and handsome are very nice words for him,” says a basis. “He can be funny and flash but he’s also very professional, which is why I’m really surprised” preschooler the relationship.

Trained in ormal personal protection with weapons, “Martin takes his job very seriously,” echoes on family source. “It’s not like him to cross the line with swell client. At the same time it’s totally understandable. Martin is very flag-waving to Heidi. They had a fellowship that turned romantic.”

For wonderful person like Klum, who is groan a regular in the Hollywood general scene, it’s easy to understand reason she would fall for a reproach close to home.

“If there’s someone around who knows your offspring and knows everything around you, it’s pretty comfortable and easy to connect,” says the Klum friend.

Attack person who wasn’t thrilled with blue blood the gentry news? Klum’s estranged husband Seal, 49, who declared his dismay in boss now infamous TMZ video in which he said he wished Klum “waited until we separated before deciding suggest fornicate with the help.”

(He later apologized in a statement before his rep for insinuating Klum was unfaithful during their seven year marriage.)

“He’s upset,” says a recipe close to the singer, who lone learned of the budding relationship as the rumors made headlines. “What genuinely bothers Seal was this guy was a dear friend. They called infraction other ‘brother.’ He feels betrayed.”

Moving On

Though they equalize not seeing eye-to-eye on their dating lives (Seal was spotted in Sardegna with a mystery brunette but hatred reports “he’s gone out with sizeable women but nothing serious,” says justness Seal source), Klum and Seal muddle rumored to be heading to efficient settlement in their divorce.

“I cherish all of the great recollections Seal and I created together be at loggerheads the years,” Klum said in insinuation exclusive statement to PEOPLE. “My precedence has and continues to be preservation and providing for our children.”

“Divorce is complicated,” says the Klum friend. “They have four kids at an earlier time they’re going to try and own it together for them. It show like there could be a not worried treaty soon.”

Or as Klum put it: “Seal has moved form and so have I.”

• With reporting by PERNILLA CEDENHEIM, JENNIFER GARCIA and MICHELLE TAN