“Who the hell cares what everyone thinks? I don’t give a shit about what the tabloids print. Disappear and what they say doesn’t matter.” She shot him a smirk. “It’s true. I haven’t even looked at the news, or the gossip magazines, nothing. Mila happened to mention I was spotted abroad. Otherwise, I haven’t heard anything about Raven Star, and I want to keep it that way.”
“And you didn’t know your brother disappeared,” he pointed out.
“What do you want me to say?” She sighed. “He told me I was making a mistake when I left LA. He hasn’t even emailed me. No messages on that disposable cell. I didn’t want to fight, and I didn’t want to risk anyone finding me.” Rubbing her arm, she met his gaze. “When did he disappear?”
“Three days ago.”
“Damn him. Why hasn’t he emailed since I left? What happened to him?”
“He was coming around. Last week, he asked if I knew how to find you. I told him to email you. He said that was ridiculous, but he’d think about it. At least, he finally started to realize you needed more than a short break.”
Fear edged in. “What if the stalker got to him?”
“I don’t think it’s that simple. The police found receipts for tickets to several countries, all around the same time. Like he was trying to leave a trail—a false one.”
She looked over. “So you don’t think he was taken?”
“The police are pretty sure he had left before someone got into his house. The alarm went off. It was set as if he was leaving, not staying.”
She pulled off the side of the road and turned to Ryan. “Why didn’t you open with that?”
“Was hoping you knew what happened to Sam.”
She shook her head. “Nope. He hasn’t emailed, and I didn’t give him another way to contact me.”
“Maybe he didn’t want you to worry.”
“Yeah. Instead, he vanishes without a word.”
“You practically did.”
“I told everyone I was done with Hollywood. I had a long talk with him. He knew I planned to disappear. And I’ve sent emails to him. I don’t know what to do at this point. Do I leave it alone? Do I nag at him? What do I do?”
“He’ll answer eventually.”
She sighed and changed the subject. “How are you and Shannon?”
“Good. Sooner or later I may take your advice. We want to make it official.”
“That’s amazing. It’s about time.”
“Yeah. What about you? You find someone?”
“Maybe.” Guilt flared once again. “In fact, I should get back before he gets off work.”
Light danced in his eyes. “What does he do?”
A smile pulled at her lips. “He’s a fireman. But I haven’t told him who I am yet. I plan to tonight, but I’m terrified how he’ll react.”
“If it’s real, you being Raven Star won’t make a difference. Good luck, angel.”
“I may need it. There’s a spark between us. I don’t want it to fade.”
“That’s all you’re going to tell me?”
She nodded. “For now. Maybe once everything settles down, I’ll invite you and Shannon over. If Trent makes it through the truth, I want him to meet some of my closest friends.”
He snorted. “Why can’t you believe a man will love you for you? I see the fear in your eyes.”
“Yeah, well Jackson didn’t help with my trust issues. He did a number on my heart. He only saw me as a publicity opportunity, nothing more.” She had made the mistake of dating her first co-star, but learned her lesson quickly.
“They aren’t all like that. Look at Shannon. My job was never an issue.”
“That’s different. You two were meant for one another.”
“Don’t be so pessimistic. You should get back to your fireman. See what he says. Keep me posted. And I’ll keep you informed about Sam.”
“Thanks. I hope he’s all right.”
“Don’t worry about that right now. Take care of yourself.”
“I will.”
She drove back to the diner in silence and pulled in next to Shannon’s truck. A chill ran down her spine as Ryan climbed out.
“Thanks for filling me in. Take care of Shannon.”
“Will do. You stay safe.”
Something inside Ella, a niggling feeling, told her she was being followed. Not by Ryan, but a black SUV. She couldn’t shake it, though whoever it was stayed a safe distance behind her. She took another freeway and the SUV followed, so she headed into the next town. Then the black vehicle closed the distances, staying on her bumper.
Thankfully, it was a small enough area that finding the town hall and the police station wasn’t difficult. She drove around a few blocks after spotting her destination, then stepped on the gas and flew past where she’d spotted a cop car a few minutes earlier.
The black SUV stayed on her ass and she motioned to the vehicle behind her as she passed. The cop turned his lights on and headed onto the street. She pulled over, and the SUV kept going. So did the cop.
With a breath of relief, Ella got back on the freeway and went to the nearest car rental location to trade hers in on another make, model, and color. Then she grabbed a map and plotted a way to get back home… avoiding all freeways and interstates.
Chapter 15
“Ella’s not home,” Trent growled when Kyle answered his door. “Where the hell is she? Her phone’s still off. No text. Nothing.”
“You going to calm down?” Kyle asked in a demanding voice.
Trent shook his head. If that bastard had her, he needed to find her. And if she left… Trent didn’t know what to think. Either way, he needed to find her. “If Mila has any clue where Ella is, please tell me so I can go look for her.”
Mila stepped outside with her arms wrapped around herself. “I don’t know where she went. Even if I did, it’s not my place to tell you.”
He didn’t miss the stressed lines on her face or the tension in her shoulders. “But you’re worried too.”
Her head dropped, then she looked up at him with big, sad eyes. “Yeah, but she may be protecting us.”
He stepped closer, “What do you mean?”
“If she hasn’t told you, I’m not.” She spun and slipped back inside.
Before he could follow, Kyle blocked the door and shoved Trent back. “I get that you’re worried, but you will not intimidate my wife.”
Pacing away, Trent scrubbed a hand over his face. “Sorry.” He leaned around Kyle, raising his voice so she could hear. “Mila, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be an ass. I’m worried about Ella. I know you are too.”
She peeked over Kyle’s shoulder. “I don’t have answers, though. Make you a deal. If I hear from her first, I’ll call. As long as you do the same.”
“You got it.”
“Now Kyle should take you to play pool. Get distracted. I’m staying here.”
Kyle turned to her, capturing her face in his hands. “Hey, you should come too. Your aunt is coming over. Worrying isn’t going to do either of you any good.” He shot a look to Trent.
Trent nodded. “Yeah, come kick my ass at pool.”
Mila smiled slightly. “Sort of want to be here when she gets home.”
Trent sighed. “Let’s both leave her a message to come to the bar, how about that?” he offered, a sliver of hope in his words. Though he was worried if Ella got home and was upset, she’d drown her sorrows in a bottle instead of turning to him. Only one way to find out. And maybe if she did, she’d loosen the hold on his heart.
* * * *
Ella finally pulled into her driveway and glanced across the street. No lights were on at Trent’s. She sucked in a breath and went inside.
Worry, guilt, and fear cycloned through her. A few hours, that’s all she had planned to be gone. Instead, it was all day and well into the evening.
Mila would be worried. Trent was probably pissed. She’d told him they’d talk, and she dropped off the face of the planet.
&nb
sp; And Sam—Ella had no clue what to think about her brother’s disappearance. What if he got himself into trouble trying to help her?
Once she locked up and set the house alarm, she hurried upstairs, stripping as she went.
With a heavy sigh, she changed into jeans and a tank top and stashed the prepaid phone. Flopping on the bed, she pressed power on her main cell phone and waited.
Missed calls from both Trent and Mila. Dozens of texts from both. And she had to wonder if Mila told her secret. On one hand, it may be easier to find out how he would react. But on the other, he might lash out worse.
Now that Sam was missing, she didn’t know what to do. Tell him? Or keep the secret and hold him at arm’s length? She wasn’t sure that was even an option at this point unless he was an asshole about why she left. Maybe he would push her away himself. Only, she really didn’t want that either.
Both sets of messages started out calm, just inquiring where she’d gone. Then they took on an urgent tone. Both of them.
The most recent text from Trent and Mila asked her to meet them at the bar. The last place she wanted to go after Ryan’s news and being followed. Staying home, and hidden, seemed like a better idea.
She dialed Mila and waited. A ring later, she heard music and her overexcited best friend. “Ella, please tell me you’re all right.”
“I’m okay. I’m not sure about Sam, though. A friend of mine had news.” Ella didn’t want to give more details over the phone. Her spy movies may have contributed to her paranoia.
“Nothing happened?” Mila pleaded.
Ella sighed. “I took a long way home to make sure no one followed me.”
“Was someone?” Mila’s voice rose an octave.
Then Trent came on. “Are you home?” The growled demand unsettled her and turned her on. She clung to the anger.
“Because you’re worried, I’m going to cut you a little slack, but if you think you have some sort of say in my comings and goings, you better think again.”
His tone was hard. “Mila was worried. So I worried. No one knew where you were. And after what you told me, I had a good reason to be concerned. You don’t need my approval, but you can’t expect me not to care when you disappear without a word.”
She deflated. “I’m home. I’m fine.”
“But you aren’t up to coming to us?” The edge in his voice set her off.
A bitter laugh escaped. “No. But I’m fine. Have a good night.”
“I can’t until I see you. I need to know you’re really all right, ’cause you sure as hell don’t sound it. I’ll be there in a few.” His tone was heated.
Anger overwhelmed her. He didn’t have a damned clue who she was, and she didn’t owe him an explanation. She was sick and tired of people telling her who she was, what she wanted, and what she needed to do.
Lifting her hand in front of her face, she winced. Trembling again. She knew Mila would feel better if she met them at the bar, and maybe Trent seeing her would settle his ass down. She couldn’t handle his overbearing attitude.
“No. You won’t. I’ll be there in ten minutes.” She hung up before he could argue.
Chapter 16
“Fucking hell,” Trent snarled, handing the phone back to Mila.
She stared at him in disbelief as she put the phone away. “I know you’re worried, but demanding answers from Ella is only going to push her away.” She grabbed her keys and turned for the door.
Kyle stepped in front of her. “What’s going on?”
Trent touched Mila’s arm, his shoulders slumping. “She’s coming here.”
“Why didn’t you talk her out of it?” Mila demanded.
His brow pinched. “She hung up on me.”
“Word of advice, if you really care, calm down,” Mila urged. “Try to get her to talk without pushing.”
“Didn’t think I had. I told her I was worried. I admitted I care about her. Yeah, I screwed up, but not as bad as you think. I’ll fix it.”
Mila shook her head. “She’s not okay.” She dialed a number and put the phone to her ear.
Kyle rolled his eyes. “If she’s on her way, she’s probably not going to answer.”
A moment later, Mila hung up and slumped into the chair.
Trent calmed his tone. “What do you mean, she’s not okay?”
She shook her head. “Something scared her. That’s all I’m going to say.”
He wanted to demand answers but bit his tongue.
The waitress came around with his iced tea, Mila’s Diet Coke, and Kyle’s beer. He almost asked Sena to bring another tea for Ella, but he didn’t want to further overstep his bounds. Better to wait until she arrived and let her order for herself.
“Sure you don’t want something stronger?” Sena asked Trent, leaning against the table next to him.
“You know, I don’t,” he answered, followed with a shooing motion of one hand.
“How about a taste test?” She inched closer, pushing her chest up and out.
He regretted their brief fling years ago. She liked to party too hard for his taste. “Sena, we’d never work out. And it looks like Bill needs another round.”
Her lip curled in a sneer as she stormed away. Perfect timing, since Ella entered the bar, without her glasses. She shot him a glare as she walked their direction.
Mila whispered, “Don’t push her.”
Trent sighed, and tried to catch Ella’s hand, but she swung it away as she passed. Ella sat next to her friend, wrapping her in a hug. She whispered something in Mila’s ear.
Yup, he’d fucked up, but he had every intention of fixing it. He stepped closer, but not in their space and waited in silence while they carried on a whispered conversation too softly to hear.
Kyle’s brow arched.
Trent flipped him off.
A minute later, Ella sat back and turned to him. “I’m fine.” Her tone was cold and empty. He didn’t want her to shut down and push him away.
He shook his head. “You’re trembling. Can I do anything to help?”
She sucked in a breath and dropped her gaze.
“Something to drink?” He managed not to wince as he said the words though he fully expected her to ask for a shot. He didn’t understand it because he’d never seen her drink, and this wasn’t the first time they’d been to the bar. But, like his dad, who hardly drank until being laid off, then fell into alcoholism, she could do the same of things got that bad.
Ella shook her head. “Nope. I’m not staying. Only stopped by to set your mind at ease. Both of you.” She hugged Mila again and started for the door without a backward glance.
Kyle nodded Ella’s direction. “Go after her, but do us all a favor and don’t be an ass.”
Trent nodded. “I’ll fix this.”
Mila sucked in a breath. “If she opens up, hear her out. If she doesn’t—”
“I won’t push,” Trent promised. “I need to talk to her though—make her understand how worried I was.”
He hurried to catch up with Ella and lifted his hand to grab her arm, but quickly dropped it. “Hey, Ella. Talk to me, please.”
She stopped but didn’t turn. “You know, I thought you were different. Maybe you aren’t.”
He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “You told me you were taken against your will before you came here. Then you disguise yourself and disappear for an entire day without calling anyone. My mind went into overdrive, coming up with the worst possible scenarios.”
“Yeah, it was stupid, but I didn’t know what to tell anyone. Moving here was my dumb idea. Maybe I should relocate somewhere else where no one knows me.”
“No. You’re safe here. I’ll protect you.”
She spun around, glaring daggers. “You don’t know a damned thing about me, Trent. You may change your mind.”
“That mean you’re finally ready to talk to me?” He fucking hoped so. Guessing wasn’t doing either of them a damned bit of good.
“I don’t know
. I thought I was, but then you act like I owe you an explanation. If I tell you anything, that’s my choice.”
He moved closer, his hands out at his side when all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and kiss her until she forgot why she was so pissed. Only, she was right. She didn’t owe him a damned thing, no matter how much he wanted her to trust him.
“Please, Ella. Let me prove I want to help, not make you nervous. I thought you said I made you feel safe.”
She dropped her gaze, her anger cooling. “Fine, follow me.”
He shrugged. “I didn’t drive.”
She let out a huff. “Then get in.”
Tempting as it was to ask for the keys, he knew, at that point, she’d slap him. Last thing he wanted to do was piss her off, even more, so he kept his mouth shut.
* * * *
Ella glanced over as she put the keys in the ignition. Tension rolled off Trent. She almost wished she’d sent a message telling him she was leaving for a few hours, but she didn’t know how long she’d be gone and didn’t want him to worry if she ran late. That simple gesture would have been the smart thing to do. But she still would have been late, and he still would have worried.
“Look, before you start in on me, I didn’t disappear to freak anyone out. I didn’t know how to explain why I had to go before explaining the rest.”
“Yeah, but Mila saw you leave like you were trying to disguise yourself. Our minds raced about possible scenarios. What if he had contacted you and you were going back to meet him in order to protect someone else? What if—”
He broke down every barrier by admitting he worried about her. She leaned over the console and pressed her lips against his, effectively stopping his excuses. It was exactly what she needed to hear.
When she broke away, she whispered. “Sorry. I didn’t think, but if you promise not to share this with anyone, I’ll tell you everything.”
He stared at her, opened his mouth, then closed it. A second later he shook his head. “Ella, I’m not asking you to tell me everything.”
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