Chapter Three
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Jada had no idea how she made it through that runway show but she was grateful it was over. Normally when she told one of her father’s bodyguards what to do they did it. David seemed to like to ruffle her feathers. If she said go left he went right. She wasn’t sure if it was intentional, but he seemed to be enjoying making her life difficult. What she didn’t understand was why. He was being paid to do a job, but he was acting as though he was a jealous, protective boyfriend. David kept her at arm’s length, but he never let his guard down when someone else needed to get near her. Even her hairstylist had his bags searched before entering her dressing room.
She didn’t know what else to do. She’d already fired him once. She had called her father while he wasn’t hovering over her, and her father knew nothing about David’s dismissal. Once again something didn’t make sense. Did David think she wasn’t going to tell her father she had fired him? Was he staying so he could continue to collect a wage? If that was the case, he was really messed up. Yet when she told her father what she had done, she was shocked to learn that Turchetta’s Promise had refused payment until they apprehended the person behind the threat and ensured her safety. Maybe that’s why he’s such a nuisance. He’s not going to get paid unless he finds something. That sucked for David, because there was nothing to find. I would know if there is.
The only thing accomplished by having David around was making her jittery. As she left her dressing room she fully expected to see David standing outside her door. Thankfully he wasn’t, which meant she had time to exhale, but that wouldn’t last long. David was somewhere nearby.
As Jada made her way down the hallway she passed the open dressing room where most of the models dressed. She stopped for a moment and peeked inside. It was noisy with hustling and bustling all around. There were racks of runway clothes and miscellaneous things scattered on the floor. The other models were dressed in their own garments, toasting another successful show. She missed that camaraderie. She attended formal celebrations that included a toast with the designer and a bottle of expensive champagne. She was living the glamorous life, but somewhere along the way it had become uninspiring. Empty. Sometimes I feel so alone in the midst of so many.
Jada wanted to walk into that room, but things had changed. Stepping into that room would ruin the atmosphere. Each of these young girls was elated to be here, to be part of this experience. They were where Jada was ten years ago. They strove to be where Jada was now. None of them had any idea how lonely it was at the top.
Heavy-hearted, she continued her way down the hall. From behind her, a high-pitched voice called out, “Miss Hope. Wait up.”
Jada spun around to see a girl, maybe eighteen years old, rushing toward her. She wasn’t one of the models. She knew David would have stood between her and that girl, but Jada didn’t feel threatened. Seeing the pen and paper in her hand, Jada forced a smile and waited for the girl to ask for her autograph. It was something Jada never got used to: young people saying she was their hero, their idol. Jada was only doing her job. When did being beautiful equate to being a hero?
“I can’t believe I’m actually meeting you,” the girl said quickly, excitement exploding from her. She could barely stand still while she handed Jada the pen and paper.
“And what’s your name?” Jada asked.
“Anna.”
Jada quickly scribbled out kind words and signed her name, then handed Anna’s paper back to her. “Did you see the show?” She wasn’t quite sure how Anna made it backstage because security stopped most people.
Anna shook her head as she said, “No, I didn’t. I’ve been waiting here to meet you. To talk to you.”
Jada wasn’t in the mood for talking. It was bad enough she was going to have to face the reporters outside. Once those double doors opened, the cameras were going to flash, and she’d have to answer questions. She’d been mentally preparing herself for the encounter ever since that bellhop showed her the newspaper.
“Anna, I’m sorry, but I don’t have much time to talk. It was very nice meeting you.”
Jada hoped that was enough, because she had no time for anything else. David had made it clear the chopper would be ready to take off as soon as the show was over. Of course, he isn’t here to tell me the game plan for getting past the paparazzi.
“I just have a few questions,” Anna said.
Doesn’t everyone? Jada reached into her purse and pulled out a business card that contained an email address. Normally she would’ve stayed and talked to the young girl, giving what encouragement she could, but not today. All she wanted to do right now was get to a hotel—any hotel—take off her makeup, climb into bed, and shut down her brain. Stress is going to give me wrinkles.
“I honestly wish I could stay, but I can’t. There’s an email address on the back. Just send me any questions you have, and I’ll be happy to answer them for you.” Jada handed her card to Anna and didn’t wait for a response. Turning and heading toward the exit, she made her way out of the building. Thankfully, it didn’t appear as though Anna was following her.
Once outside, Jada heard her name called out over and over. She knew making it through this crowd of reporters was not going to be easy. They wanted a story and wouldn’t leave her alone until they had one. She’d like to tell them where they could all go and what they could do with those microphones they were sticking in her face. That was a quote she wasn’t willing to have plastered all over the media. Doesn’t mean I can’t think it.
All the questions were running together, but the one that was loud and clear echoed over and over again. They all wanted to know about David. She raised her hand so she could have a moment to speak. The crowd quieted down for a brief second as Jada opened her mouth to speak.
“I know you would like to ask me a million questions about last night. Somehow I don’t think you’re asking me who designed my gown.” Jada chuckled to keep everything friendly and warm. “That’s a shame because I thought I looked fabulous.” Jada never felt anything more than ordinary. It was the media’s terminology that labeled her.
“There you are, sweetheart,” David said, leaning over and giving her a light kiss on the lips.
Jada was shocked. The man who’d been all business was playing with the tabloids as though he enjoyed the spotlight. She pegged David as a man who hated having his picture taken, yet here he was, cameras flashing everywhere, showing a public display of affection. There was one huge problem. It wasn’t true. David was intentionally fueling the rumors. Why? All he’s doing is making it more difficult when the truth comes out. And it had to come out. She didn’t like living a lie. And the world thinking they were anything more than . . .
What exactly were they? Jada had no idea how to begin to explain it. Bodyguard? No. Security? No. Boyfriend or lover? Definitely not. But Jada knew one thing: their audience had made their own definition of the relationship. She was positive it would be on the evening news. She’d had to face other media attacks on things that were not true. Jada would chalk this up to another one. Right now, all she wanted was get out of there.
Jada smiled at David and decided to play along. “You know me. I took a left when I should’ve taken a right, and out the wrong door I went.” Jada never let anyone know she had a brain in her head. It was her secret weapon. She liked them thinking she was easily manipulated. She used that to her benefit during every meeting with every client. Her father had insisted on education first. Jada was glad he had. Paul had raised a strong, intelligent, independent woman. I just don’t let anybody know it. I need to keep a part of me as my own and nobody else’s.
David placed a hand at the small of her back and somehow took the lead in the interview. “I know you all have a lot of questions. But tonight I have a surprise for my sweet little Jada, and if we stay any longer, you’re going to ruin it.”
With that, David made a path and ushered them right through the crowd. Jada was very impressed. Even with several security men she would’ve had to stay and answer questions before the reporters would have let her leave. But there was something about David that said get the hell out of my way, or I’ll go through you. Although she wasn’t too thrilled with the words he had chosen, they were effective. It wasn’t long before they were sitting in a limo, pulling away from the event center.
Once safely inside, Jada turned to him and asked, “What was that all about?” She knew her tone was a little snippy for someone who should be thanking him, but she wouldn’t be in this mess if it weren’t for him in the first place.
David appeared to be texting or emailing someone. She wanted to reach over and snatch his phone out of his hand. Although he appeared not to be paying attention to her, his body language said he was very aware of every movement.
She leaned back against the cool leather of the limo seat. It was hot in New York City, and she was grateful not to be stuck standing out in the sun answering questions. But she had plenty of questions of her own. And David seemed just as reluctant to address them. She wasn’t going to give up, though; if he didn’t like it he could leave.
Crossing her arms, she said more firmly, “David, I appreciate you trying to help. However, you do not understand the repercussions of your actions.”
David arched a brow, looked up from his phone briefly, and replied, “Trust me. It wasn’t what I wanted to do.” Ouch. Their brief connection was lost as David’s attention returned to his phone.
Jada didn’t buy that for a moment. Although the kiss was brief, he didn’t seem to hate it. Maybe David was not all business after all. He wouldn’t be the first person who used a celebrity to get noticed. In her line of business most people had to use someone to get ahead, and there was always someone ready to take advantage of another. She wasn’t one of those. Jada refused to sleep her way to the top, and if there was someone who needed a helping hand, a word of encouragement, she tried to be there for them. Jada wished she could figure David out, what his agenda was. Maybe he thinks this will earn him a spot on a reality TV show. Jada looked him over and thought about that. He wasn’t meant for TV any more than he was for the runway. He was tall, dark, and handsome, but she was sure he couldn’t really smile. And when she caught him trying, it wasn’t warm and fuzzy. It was a victory grin more for himself than anyone else.
“You do understand dealing with the media is something I do every day, right? It is my choice, not yours, what I’m willing to share with them. I had already planned how I was going to describe who you are.”
David stopped what he was doing and slid the phone into the breast pocket of his suit. “And what exactly would have that been?”
She always felt as though David was interrogating her. Why couldn’t he simply accept what she said? She didn’t have much faith in what she was going to tell the media. She’d envisioned telling them David was merely an escort for that evening, nothing more. Telling them he was a bodyguard would have fed into the theory that her safety was in jeopardy. She wasn’t going to have that either.
Dammit! She didn’t want to admit it, but David may have just solved one of her problems. No one was going to be concentrating on some fictitious death threat to her now. Instead, they’d obsess over what David might have planned. Maybe you are better than I give you credit for. Not just some controlling ass.
Jada would wait it out and see what developed from his little display. There was one person she’d need to reach out to before he saw it. She reached into her purse, found her phone, and called her father.
“Hello, Dad.”
“Is everything okay, Jada?”
Although she spoke to her father often, they were talking more than normal right now, so she understood his concern. “Yes, Dad, everything is fine. I just want to let you know that . . . Well, the people you hired . . . he . . . well, he may have led the media to believe we are personally involved.”
Jada had never even taken a date home to meet her father. Not even when she was young and in school. So she wanted to make sure he knew this was not real. Don’t want you to get your hopes up. Paul often asked her when she was going to find someone to share her life with. He would tell her about her mother and how happy they were before she passed away. It wasn’t that Jada didn’t want that kind of love, it was that she didn’t want to feel the kind of pain her father had felt when he’d lost his one true love.
“Jada, you’re talking in riddles. What exactly are you trying to say?” her dad asked.
She was trying to break it to him gently, but Jada remembered he’d most likely seen the headlines from last night. She didn’t want to sound unappreciative for all her father was doing, so she closed her eyes for a moment and thought about her mom. When she opened them again she knew exactly what her words needed to be. “Dad, I’m just trying to say . . . thank you.”
“What for?”
That’s what she loved about her father. He never took credit for all the wonderful things he’d done for her, so it was her job to make sure she told him every once in a while. Not as often as I should. “For finding the right person for the job.”
“Damn. I thought for sure you were calling to chew my butt out,” Paul said, chuckling softly.
I’m tempted but it’s not deserved. “No, Dad. David . . . I mean Mr. Turchetta, is doing a good job. I just don’t want you to believe what you’re reading about me right now. Mr. Turchetta thought this was the best plan of action at the moment.”
“Sure. I’ll go along with that story. But no man will pretend to be your boyfriend when he doesn’t have to. It would have been just as easy for him to show a weapon and warn everybody off. Hell, it’s what I expected him to do. I hope this doesn’t mean I have to hire another bodyguard to watch you both.”
If her dad hadn’t burst out laughing, Jada would have been in panic mode. She wouldn’t put it past her father to actually do something like that. Having David around was bad enough. She wasn’t sure David was capable of working well with others. Jada could be wrong, but he seemed to have one hell of an ego. Arrogance was not very becoming. I prefer a confident man, not an arrogant ass.
“Very funny, Dad. Don’t even think about pulling that. I have my hands full at the moment. And when this is all done, I would still like to have a career left.” She wished she could convince her father all of this was a waste of time. Nothing was going to happen to her. It was all going to blow over and the media would move on to the next celebrity. But Jada was worried it was going to affect her negatively. It was just a matter of time before gossip of a lover was smeared all over the place. It’s a shame it’s all a lie.
Paul chuckled again. “I’m not getting any younger. And I’d like to see grandchildren before I die.”
“Then I guess you’ll have to live a very long time. Because I’m not planning to have children anytime soon.” It was the running joke between the two of them, but her father sounded serious this time. When David realized this was a misunderstanding and her life wasn’t in jeopardy, she was going to go home and check on her father. He never said he was feeling ill, but with age things changed. He’d had a rough life, and she needed to make sure she was taking better care of him. They only had each other to rely on. He’s all I ever needed. “Dad, I have to go for now, but I’ll be home soon. I promise I’ll see you within a week. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
Jada was in a different mindset when her father ended the call. She needed time away from it all. She turned her attention back to David and said, “I know where I’m supposed to be heading, but I really don’t need to be there for two days. I wonder if we could make a detour?”
“Where did you have in mind?” David asked.
Jada had no idea where she wanted to go. Home sounded good, but not as long as David was with her. Her father would enjoy that way too much. Besides she never took anyone there. It was her private getaway the media didn’t know about.
“I’m not sure. Just somewhere I can think.”
David sat across from her, staring at her for what seemed like an eternity. Her request wasn’t outrageous. If he was so good, he must have a secret location where they took people and hid them for their own protection. Jada didn’t need luxury. She needed quiet. She was tired of reading what the media chose to write about her.
When David finally spoke, she didn’t like his answer. “We can go to my place.”
That was not going to help the situation at all. It was jumping from the frying pan directly into the fire. “I was thinking someplace private.”
“You can’t get much quieter than my place.”
She was the one who had broached the subject. She didn’t have any suggestions of her own, so she shouldn’t argue with his. “Where exactly do you live?” Judging by his helicopter and his suit, it wasn’t under a bridge somewhere.
“Like yourself, I like my privacy. If that’s what you’re truly looking for, you will have it at my place.”
She wasn’t sure she trusted him, but she did trust her father. He would never have sent David if he couldn’t be trusted. What else could go wrong? If the media got hold of it, they would think she had run away with her lover. “Okay, I’ll go. If I’m not comfortable there, I want your word you’ll take me wherever I want to go.”
David nodded. “I didn’t say it was going to have all the comforts you’re accustomed to, but I can guarantee your privacy.”
Comforts I’m accustomed to? She wasn’t exactly sure what he meant, but she didn’t need comfort. What she needed most of all, he couldn’t give her. Someone who really cares about what I want. Someone who lets me rest my head on his shoulder, close my eyes, and forget all my responsibilities. Just for once, I don’t want to have to answer to anyone. But Jada would settle for what he had, and that sounded like a place in the middle of nowhere.
David wasn’t taking her to his physical residence, because that wasn’t far from his brother’s house. He lived in the city, but it wasn’t far enough off the grid. David had a second place, one he liked to visit often when he was searching for solitude. Years ago, he’d built a little cabin in Lincoln, New Hampshire, with his brothers-in-arms. It was his, but he had made it known that any of them could go there when they needed to. One thing they all had in common was something only other veterans could understand. Some demons you have to face alone.
That’s what this cabin represented. It was hidden away from it all. The only thing it had was an amazing view of the Indian Head Rock on Mount Pemigewasset. David kept it well stocked so whoever needed it could just show up. They all knew where the key was, and they were always welcome. David wasn’t sure if it was vacant at the moment. It would be a bit awkward showing up with a hot supermodel if someone was already there fighting his own battle. If that were the case, David would take Jada elsewhere. No matter how much he wanted to provide shelter for her, he’d never ask anyone to leave that cabin for any reason.
The chopper landed at a clearing about a half mile from the cabin. “You’re gonna want to change those shoes.”
He watched as Jada looked out the window. “I don’t see anything around. Where exactly are we?”
“You requested private. Just warning you to bring some clothes for a night.”
“Can’t we just take my luggage and I can figure out what I need when I get there?” Jada asked.
David laughed. “Feel free, if you think you can carry it all while hiking an hour up that mountain. Otherwise, I suggest quickly finding out which bag you want, because I’m only carrying one.”
He was enjoying the look on her face. It was a combination of appalled and panicked. What she didn’t do was hesitate, which meant Jada believed he wasn’t joking. But no matter how big of an arrogant ass he was, veterans were gentlemen and would never let a lady carry her bags uphill and simply watch. She’ll have to learn that on her own.
It only took Jada a few minutes to go through her bags and shove everything she wanted into one large one. David was puzzled. She said she only wanted to get away for two days, yet this looked like she was traveling for a month. She had even packed a hairdryer. She was going to be extremely disappointed when she realized the cabin didn’t have electricity. Two solar panels generated enough to run some lights when needed and make hot water for a warm shower. A very quick warm shower. But cooking was done in the fireplace in cast iron pans. They still considered those things comforts, because they beat the hell out of some of the places they’d been before. Jada, on the other hand, might not see it that way.
David had given the pilot instructions on where to be, so if they needed to make a quick exit, it would only be a matter of how long it took them to get from the cabin to the clearing. Thankfully, Jada had taken his advice and no longer wore her high heels. A pair of boots would’ve been more appropriate on the rocky terrain, but she’d have to make do with her sneakers.
Jada’s suitcase was large and bulky. It easily cleared seventy-five pounds, which was nothing for him to carry. But it didn’t have shoulder straps. It was meant to look good not to be practical. David could have had her toss half of the crap back on the floor of the chopper with everything else she’d left there. But he wanted to get into the cabin before dark. David had no issue with finding his way there; he’d trekked this path at least eight times since they left Moreira last year, but she would need to see where she was going. Oh well, we all have shit to deal with.
He grabbed the suitcase by the handle. “Stay close to me; we want to get to the cabin before it gets dark.” David didn’t wait for a response because there were no options. The chopper had already taken off, and he wasn’t going to call it back.
As he started up the path, he didn’t need to turn to watch her, all he had to do was listen to her footsteps as they made contact with the little broken branches across the path. It felt really good being back. It was different coming with someone else. Ever since the cabin had been completed, he’d always confirmed there wouldn’t be anyone else there. This was the first time he’d share it with another living soul. Hell, I never even told my brothers about this place.
David didn’t do a lot of talking, but Jada was usually chatting business with someone in person or on the phone. This time she didn’t seem to have anything to say and didn’t pull out her phone once. Good thing because it won’t work here. He looked over his shoulder and Jada shot him a menacing look. He was amused but wasn’t sure what her problem was. She was struggling to keep up with him, but he wasn’t going to slow his pace. He knew this path in the dark, but if Jada thought it was difficult now, she would really struggle once the sun went down. She’ll just have to get over it. I’m an insensitive ass.
When they finally saw the cabin, Jada spoke up, “Please tell me this is just a rest area and we’re only stopping briefly until we make it to our final destination.”
David continued to the front of the cabin then grabbed the key from the top of the left window. Once the door was open, he answered, “Hope for whatever you wish, but this is where we’re staying.” Leaving her outside, he entered and placed her suitcase by the only cot. David knew there was a second one packed away in the rafters, but he had no problem using a sleeping bag on the floor. They weren’t going to be there long enough to have to worry about comfort.
He took a moment and looked around; everything was the same as he had left it several weeks ago. The only difference was a few less canned goods, which meant one of his brothers-in-arms had paid a visit. As expected, the wood pile had been replenished. Only one thing was missing at the moment—Jada.
David shook his head. He delivered exactly what she wanted, a place totally secluded. She could have gone to Dubai if she really wanted luxury with her privacy. He hadn’t forced her here. This was her choice. He headed to the door to remind her of that. The sun was setting, and there was no way in hell he was taking her down that mountain tonight. Not unless her life is in danger.
He was surprised to find her outside, sitting on a tree stump, watching the sun set behind the mountain to the west. It was a spectacular view, one he didn’t want to miss either, and he was glad she appreciated it as well. He didn’t want to approach her and ruin the moment, so he continued to stand in the doorway of the cabin. Where he stood offered the best view, but that moment was for her.
When the sun had finally set completely, Jada got up from her spot and walked toward the cabin. David used his cell phone to light her way. When she finally made it to him, there was a different look in her eyes, something he hadn’t seen before. It was a distant, peaceful look. One he understood. And the reason why we all come here.
Softly Jada said to him, “Thank you.”
David nodded as she passed him to enter the cabin. It was apparent she was exhausted because she headed straight to the cot, lay down, and closed her eyes. He walked to the cupboard and pulled out a wool blanket. By the time he got back to her, she was sound asleep. He stood for a moment looking at her. She looked so vulnerable. All the control she tried to maintain had vanished, and there lay a woman who needed some tender loving care.
David unfolded the blanket and laid it on her, tucking it in gently. TLC wasn’t his strong point, but he knew what it meant. I’ll give you what I have, but I don’t have much.
She is so beautiful. He felt as though he could simply watch her all night, but that was a bit creepy. So he took his SAT phone and headed outside. Normally when he was there, he didn’t contact anyone. But this was not his R&R. David was working, and he couldn’t forget why he was with Jada. He needed to find out who the hell was behind the threat. He knew as long as they were at the cabin he didn’t have to worry about whoever was searching for her upping their game. That is if there really is a valid threat.
Today when David announced to the media that he had something special planned, it only validated his fear of how easy it was to manipulate the truth to appear to be something it wasn’t. I sure as hell hope you’re not playing that game with your life, sweetheart. If you’re just crying wolf, it will be a sad day for you when someone really does come after your sweet ass, and I’m not there to protect it.