He just grinned at me, then kissed the side of my face. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
And I honestly believed that he did.
22
Jace
She barely said two words as we drove to the mansion. Instead, she stared out the window, looking forlorn and kind of desolate. My mind was still tripping over the whole thing. I was desperate to know her real name, but didn’t want to push for it either. She was letting me drive her to my place. That was huge.
I had her life in a pack on the back seat. She could stay indefinitely. Yeah, that was a big step to take so soon, but if it meant keeping her safe and with me, then I’d take it. I was in love with her.
Glancing at my woman, I tried to smile but she wasn’t looking at me. Did I break her silent spell before we pulled into the mansion? Everyone was probably still there, wondering what the hell was going on. I could just imagine the chatter that circulated after I yelled at Flick and then stormed out the door.
I scrubbed a hand over my mouth to hide my sigh.
This was heavy.
I could do heavy, I just didn’t love it.
Clearing my throat, I turned onto our street. Gavin was waiting outside the house when I pulled up. He gave me a stern glare as he opened my door for me.
“Please don’t,” I whispered.
He looked confused for a second, then bent down and glanced over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of Jenna. She was pale, her eyes still puffy from crying.
“I’ll tell you later,” I murmured under my breath and slipped out of the car.
Gavin nodded and gave us some space, his thick boots crunching on the gravel as he walked back to his security buddies in the office near the garage.
“Are you sure it’s okay that I’m here?” Jenna’s nose wrinkled as she walked around the front of my car.
I pulled her pack out of the back seat and nodded. “Of course it is.”
Giving her my best smile, I held out my hand and wrapped my fingers around hers.
“Come on.” I nudged her with my hip. “You can have a nice hot shower while I get something organized for dinner.”
She sniffed and gave me a watery smile. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Don’t talk crap.” I winked. “I feel like the luckiest guy alive.”
“How? Your girlfriend’s a—”
“Gorgeous, intelligent, talented woman who I managed to catch just before she split.” I stopped by the front door, cupping her face and caressing her cheekbones. “That makes me lucky, Jen—whatever your name is.”
“Jenna,” she whispered and bobbed her head. “The person I was died in that car.” Her lips bunched and then she choked out, “And I want to keep her name, because it’s like a part of her still lives in me, you know?”
My insides cracked as I watched her struggle. Pressing my lips against her forehead, I fought the storm within and softly whispered, “I don’t care what your name is. I love who you are and that’s not going to change.”
She whimpered and I wrapped her in another hug, holding her close outside the front door until her next round of tears had subsided.
Tucking the hair behind my ear, I rubbed my tired eyes and wondered how it could only be seven thirty at night. I was shattered.
Jenna was still upstairs. I told her she could unpack after her shower if she wanted, and then I emptied a couple of drawers for her to fit some things in.
“I thought she was breaking up with you, not moving in.”
I rolled my eyes as Flick sauntered into the kitchen. I was slicing fresh vegetables for the Greek salad I was preparing. I already had some chicken breasts baking in the oven, plus some grainy bread rolls heating in the lower drawer.
Giving Flick a look of warning, I muttered, “Not now, man.”
Crossing his arms, he planted his feet and stared me down. I kept slicing and dicing, refusing to give in to the apology resting inside my mouth. I was still pissed at him for telling me to let Jenna go. He had no freaking clue.
I probably shouldn’t have yelled at him, though. I hated conflict.
Gritting my teeth, I slid the tomato into the bowl and glanced at him.
“Okay, so you’re giving me the silent treatment now?” Flick snorted. “Come on, man. You proved me wrong. She’s here, so tell me why the fuck you’re so agitated.”
“Why should I?” I clipped. “You’ll just use it as more ammo against her.”
With a heavy sigh, he leaned his hands on the counter and told it to me straight. “Look, you know I’m an asshole. I say shitty things sometimes, and I don’t trust easily. But I care about you, man. And something’s eating you up right now. Is Jenna okay?”
He sounded like he genuinely meant it, so I mumbled, “That photo really rocked her. She’s worried that an ex she’s hiding from might find her.”
I slammed the board back onto the counter. Saying it out loud just made it so much more real.
“This is kind of private, but…” Gripping the knife handle, I stared down at the blade, clenching my jaw and gritting out, “He used to beat her. He threatened her life and she managed to escape, but not without some devastating consequences. I don’t want to go into it now. It’s up to her if she wants to tell you, but I brought her here because she’s scared and she needs protecting.”
“Holy shit,” Flick breathed, his eyebrows rising high on his forehead.
“A part of her wants to leave. Being with me is kind of dangerous in some ways.” I let out a heavy sigh and dropped the knife into the sink. It landed with a loud clatter. “Being famous fucking sucks.”
“I know, man.”
“Maybe I should—” I sighed. “Maybe I should quit the band.” Flicking on the faucet, I rinsed the dirty dishes I’d made, frantically scrubbing until a solid hand landed on my shoulder.
“You don’t want to quit the band.”
“But if she needs me to—”
He squeezed my shoulder. “Never make life-changing decisions when you’re highly emotional.” He sighed and let me go. “And besides, quitting the band suddenly will only create a media frenzy.”
“But after it dies down…”
“Dude, you’re always going to be famous. No matter what you choose to do with your future, this past will linger forever.”
I closed my eyes, nausea swirling through me as I shut off the water and wondered what the hell I was supposed to do.
“Look, I understand your fear, and we’ll figure it out. We’ll find a way to keep her safe, keep her here and keep you drumming.”
I silently wiped down the counter, then looked over my shoulder at him.
His lips twitched. “You really love her, don’t you?”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “I’d do anything for her.”
“She knows it, man. She wouldn’t be here if she didn’t.” With a soft slap on the back, he eased my restless spirit with a soft promise. “We’ll keep her safe. She’s one of us now.”
A noise to the left made us both glance at the stairwell. Jenna stood near the bottom, staring at us, obviously having heard our conversation.
Flick lifted his chin at her before walking out of the room.
She watched him leave, wrapping her arms around herself as she shuffled into the kitchen.
“You hungry?” My voice was too high and hopeful.
She gave me a little smile but shook her head.
“Well, I’m going to make you eat anyway.” I winked at her. “Can’t have you starving.”
“It smells good,” she whispered with a tired smile.
The poor woman was exhausted. Crying had knocked the stuffing out of her, and I could tell all she needed was some major TLC and a good night’s rest…if she could get it.
The timer on the oven beeped and she flinched, gasping at the sound before patting her chest and taking a cautious seat on the bar stool. She gazed at the oven while I pulled out the chicken breasts and checked they were cooked through before laying them on the pl
ates. I added a side of salad and then one bread roll each.
Taking a seat beside her, I grabbed the remote and got some music playing before passing her some cutlery.
“Thank you,” she murmured while “Never Gonna Be Alone” pumped from the speakers on the wall. I grinned. It was the perfect song.
She caught my smile and her lips curled at the edges. We gazed at each other, locked in a moment that promised so much.
I silently told her she’d never be alone again, while she silently promised to stay.
At least I hoped that was what her beautiful brown eyes were saying.
With a thick swallow, she glanced down at her plate and picked up the bread roll. She tore it in half and gave a portion to me before nibbling on the edge of hers.
I took a big mouthful, hoping to encourage her to eat. I didn’t really feel like food either, but hunger only made tiredness worse and tiredness only amplified heightened emotions. It was a vicious cycle I wanted to break as quickly as I could.
We didn’t say much as we sat there nibbling. The song swirled around us, turning into a few more tunes before popping back up again.
I gazed at the speakers, kind of confused by the replay, but then Jenna softly giggled.
“I guess it just wants to play.”
“Yeah.” I snickered. “Lucky it’s a good one, right?”
“Yeah,” she rasped. “I love this song.”
“I mean it.”
“Huh?” She glanced at me.
“This song. When you hear it, imagine I’m singing it to you.” I brushed my hand lightly over her curls. “Because I mean these words. I’ll hold you whenever you need me to. And I’ll catch you when you fall.”
Her eyes glassed with tears that didn’t spill. Instead they smiled at me while she softly gave me a gift that I knew I couldn’t share with anyone.
“My name was Aleesha.”
At first I just blinked, surprised by the unexpected confession, but then I leaned in close and whispered in her ear. “What do you want me to call you?”
“Stick with Jenna.” She pressed her head against mine. “I just wanted you to know how much I trust you.”
Cupping the back of her head, I brushed my lips across her cheek and let the song do the talking for me.
23
Jenna
I spent the weekend at the Chaos mansion, taking Monday off work as well just to really clear my head. Jace called in sick on my behalf, but I couldn’t let him keep doing that. My life was in LA, where I wanted it to be, so I had to live it.
I’d toyed with the idea of quitting my job at the diner, as that’s where the photo had been taken, but Flick convinced me not to give in to that.
“Don’t let that jackass dictate your life. If you like that job, then stick with it.”
Fliss nodded. “I agree. As long as you like the job.”
“Well…” I bit my lip and looked around the table. “I mean, yeah, the people are really nice. I like it for now. I don’t want to stay there forever, but I don’t want to feel forced out either.”
“Then it’s settled.” Flick slapped the table. “You’re staying…for now.”
His wink made me snicker and I looked to Jace, who grinned at me. He’d clued his bandmates in on a little of my news. I wasn’t sure I wanted him to at first, but having them know was actually a good thing, because they all closed ranks around me and were determined to keep me as safe as possible.
Even their manager, Marcus Chapman, knew, and he granted Jace permission to loan me Gavin for my first day back at work. Jace would be at the recording studio in a secure building and completely safe, so Gavin was with me.
I felt bad at first, but Gavin eased my mind the night before, telling me he was happy for a change of scenery and that it would be his pleasure to look after a pretty lady like me.
His compliment made me blush and only confirmed what an awesome guy he was. Solid gold in my book. He reminded me of my dad, the kind of man who would go the extra mile without even being asked to.
After Jace had told him what I’d been through, he got in touch with a friend of his in New York who was going to look into Seth and see if he could find out where he was.
My heart still beat triple time at the thought of venturing out into the world again, but everyone trusted Gavin to keep me safe.
It would be okay.
Jace’s strong arms around me at night and his words of comfort each morning had given me the confidence to attempt work. Gavin would be there if I needed him, and Seth would never try to take me out in a public setting. The diner would be completely fine.
Seth probably hadn’t even seen the photo. That’s what Ronnie kept trying to tell me. Nessa would always back her up, assuring me that even if he had seen it, he thought I was dead, so his brain wouldn’t even register that it was me.
I so badly wanted to believe them.
Wringing my hands in my lap, I studied the traffic as Gavin drove me to work.
Generally speaking, he was a really quiet guy, but there was a strength to his silence that comforted me.
Sensing my perusal, he glanced my way and mumbled, “You don’t need to worry. I’m gonna have your back all day.”
“Thanks.” I tried to smile but my quivering lips were too nervous.
“Here.” Gavin grabbed his phone off the dash and pulled up some music while keeping an eye on the traffic.
I gave him a curious glance until “Don’t You Worry Child” started playing.
My grin came easy then.
He bobbed his head to the beat and my grin turned into a short laugh.
Gavin didn’t seem the dancing type, but there he was getting his groove on to no doubt make me laugh.
He kept it up until we pulled in behind the diner and he switched off the ignition. Turning off the music, he straightened his jacket and wiggled his eyebrows at me. “Time to get to work.”
I gave him a watery smile, stretching across the seat to peck his cheek. “Thanks, Big Gav.”
I’d called my boss the night before to give him a heads-up that Gavin would be hanging around and keeping an eye on things. The guy was slightly confused but grumbled his agreement before getting distracted by his wife and kids.
Biting my lips together, I entered the back of the diner with Gavin in tow. After introducing him to a few key people, he took up post at the back of the restaurant where he could get a decent view of the alley.
“I’ll circulate a little throughout your shift.”
“Thanks,” I murmured, trying not to look worried.
“Hey, let’s hope it’s the most boring shift I ever do, all right?” He winked and turned for the back while I finished tying my apron on.
“You all right, sugar?” Mallory gave me a motherly smile. “Who’s the hottie keeping an eye on you, huh?” She wiggled her eyebrows and I laughed at my coworker.
“His name’s Gavin. You want me to get his number for you?”
“Maybe,” she murmured under her breath, blushing a deep crimson.
From what she’d told me, Mallory hadn’t dated anyone since her husband left her for their neighbor three years earlier.
“I’ll see what I can do.” I winked and brushed past her, grabbing my pad and a pencil before heading out to the main floor.
Jitters still hung around, but as the day progressed without event, I started to relax. Jace had checked in twice, and the small snippets of communication were making my heart warm. I’d provided Gavin with a morning coffee and a freshly baked peach and cinnamon muffin, which he seemed pretty happy with. I’d seen him move around to the front of the diner a few times and even pass through, but so far it was looking like his most boring shift ever. Hopefully it’d stay that way.
Glancing at my watch, I figured I should probably get on with getting him some lunch. My break was due in ten minutes, so I scanned the diner for anyone waiting and when I saw I was free, I moved out back to the kitchen.
“Julio, you think
you can throw a turkey salad on rye together for me?”
“Sure can, Miss Jenna.” He turned to get busy making Gavin’s lunch while I checked my phone again.
No reply from Jace.
And there wouldn’t be one until he’d finished his recording session.
Still, I slipped the phone into my back pocket. “Just in cases,” I murmured my favorite line from Love Actually as I loitered near the kitchen.
“Order up!” Julio called just as my phone rang.
Both things made me jump. I let out a nervous, self-deprecating snicker while grabbing a cold orange juice from the fridge and answering the phone.
“Hey, Dorothy.” My voice was the brightest it had been since that photo was unleashed, and my friend noticed.
“You sound good. Are you ready to talk yet?”
“No, but yes.” I mouthed thank you to Julio and slipped the juice bottle into my apron pocket so I could keep talking while I walked for the back door where Gavin was stationed. I’d offer to let him come in and eat, which he’d no doubt refuse, so I figured I’d lure him with the food and hopefully he’d follow me.
“Whatever you’re going through must be huge. Not to sound selfish, but I don’t know how much longer I can wait and worry about you.”
“I’m sorry.” I sighed. “You’re right, it’s huge and kind of scary…and I really need to tell you about it. Hey, why don’t I see if you can come to the Chaos mansion for dinner one night? You and I can sit on the terrace and have a long chat.”
“Oh my gosh, are you serious?” Dorothy’s voice pitched high.
I grinned. “Yes. It’ll be a chance for you to meet the band. Whoever’s there, anyway.”
“Oh my wow! That would be so amazing!” She was shifting into squeal mode. I needed to change the subject before I lost an eardrum.
“Hey, Dor—” My voice cut off as I pushed the back door open to find Gavin knocked out on the ground. His large body was slumped on the dirty concrete, his limbs limp, his head lolled to the side. Blood oozed from a gash on his forehead and my heart took off in an erratic race that stole my breath.
Fine By Me: Chaos Novella (A Songbird Novel) Page 11