by Ivy Harper
I looked over to the other end of the couch where she’d originally been seated. I wasn’t quite sure how she’d gone from more than an arm’s length distance to attach to my side. Every time I attempted to move, she followed me like a koala clinging to a tree.
Seeing she wasn’t planning on waking up anytime soon, I picked up the remote and turned off the TV, immediately cutting off the noise. Thinking over what I would do next, I stood up and bent down to pick her up easily. She didn’t even flinch, I couldn’t help but release a laugh.
This was the woman Kole had hired to watch me and it took less than a half a beer and good food to knock her out. Shaking my head with amusement, I carried her to her room and laid her down atop her bed. Leaving the room, I shut the door and headed back to the studio to do some work.
Chapter 14
Chilling
Jazz
* * *
Waking up in my room had confused me when the last thing I remembered was watching a movie with Tak. I rolled over and looked at the alarm clock that sat on the nightstand. I was relieved when I saw it was only five in the morning.
Getting up, I frowned as I stretched and felt a twinge in my lower back. I rubbed my eyes and cringed when my contacts moved. Luckily, they slipped right back into place. I’d traded out for these day-and-night-wear colored contacts so that I could keep my identity hidden.
I walked into the bathroom and started getting myself ready for the day. Twenty minutes later, I headed out with a small book bag on my back. I stopped at the door to make sure I had everything. Just as I placed my hand on the door, Tak came up behind me.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
I turned around to find him holding a cup of what smelled like coffee. I looked up and saw there were dark circles under his brown eyes. I bit my lip to keep from laughing at his appearance.
He wore a dark red Snuggie and he looked like he hadn’t seen sleep in years. His shoulder-length black hair was all over his head.
“It’s my day off, I’ve got some errands to run. Chelsea’s sending over my replacement in about an hour,” I explained.
Those sleepy looking eyes turned clear as his lips twisted with displeasure. “Who approved this? I didn’t say you could abandon me today.”
I pursed my lips together to keep the first thing that came to mind from coming out.
He shuffled toward me, staring down at me. “Jazzy, don’t leave me. Let’s have another movie night.”
I took a step away. “I’ll be back tonight, Mr. Jensei.”
I turned, opened the door, and ran out to catch the Uber I’d ordered.
“I told you not to call me Mr. anything,” he shouted after me.
I ignored him and ran down his driveway and spotted my ride at the end of it. I waved to the driver before I opened the door and got in.
I only dared to look back once we were on our way. Tak was no longer in the doorway. I hoped he’d stay out of trouble while I was away.
* * *
***
* * *
A few minutes later, I was dropped off at my favorite café.
“Ms. Roarke.” I turned my head to find my assistant, in a neat and clean suit, standing next to my limo.
I smiled as I walked toward him. “On time as usual, Leonard, and here I was looking forward to getting some breakfast before you arrived.”
“I already bought your favorite. Salmon on a rye bagel and a chai latte made with skim milk and two shots of espresso. It’s in the car. And we’ll be stopping by the boutique so you can change your clothes before we arrive at the office,” Leonard said as he opened the car door for me.
Leonard was the best thing I’d inherited from my mother. He was almost forty years old, with a resume that put the mayor’s right-hand man to shame. I’d offered him early retirement several times, but he’d refused each time. Aside from my cousins, he was the person I trusted the most.
I took off my backpack and held it out to him. “I heard that my father has been approaching some of the stockholders with interest in purchasing their shares.”
Taking the backpack, he said, “Yes, I’ve been keeping my eye on it. I’ll explain the situation on our way.”
Getting in, I waited for him to shut the door. Seeing a stack of folders, I murmured a curse so that Leonard couldn’t hear it. Another reason I’d tried to make Leonard retire early was because he loved working me to near death. Well, once he got his hands on me that is.
I picked up the contact case that set next to the folders and quickly took out my contacts. Once done, I turned my attention to the files.
Picking up the first one, I opened it and read through the information there. This kept me busy until we stopped at the boutique. Placing the paperwork aside, I got out and was escorted into the boutique by Leonard.
Inside, James greeted us enthusiastically. He was a young man who looked about thirty. He wore a double-breasted suit jacket that was open over his mickey mouse T-shirt and well-made slacks and loafers.
“Alicia, what were you thinking, not telling me you were back in town?”
I laughed at his words. “James, you know I barely have time to breathe when I come to Vander City.”
“Hmph, don’t complain when I give away our shop’s best newest styles to Emily Rotherson. You know she’s always stalking me online to dress her.”
“No, you wouldn’t.”
James averted his gaze from mine. “I don’t know, I just might.”
“Come on, you know I love you. Leonard, give James our gift.”
“Ms. Roarke ordered this especially for you,” Leonard said as he stepped forward with a brown box that read Bvlgari and handed it over to James.
“Oh my god, what is this?” he asked, wiggling his eyebrows at me. “You didn’t have to.”
“It’s the least I could do since you’re letting me use your boutique like a changing room.”
He opened the box and released a tiny gasp at the Bvlgari Serpenti Viper bracelet inside, before he closed it and gave a look around. He closed the space between us and whispered, “Are you serious?”
I patted his shoulder. “Which changing room is mine?”
Recovering from his shock, James led me to the back while Leonard remained in the front.
“Everything is prepared and don’t worry.” He made a zipping motion to his lips. “I won’t tell anyone what I’ve seen today. And thanks for the gift.” He waved the box before he quickly left me to change.
I entered the changing room. I found it a bit surreal when I stared at my chin-length wavy bob and cheap athletic wear. The only thing missing was the brown contacts I wore. I looked completely different from the heiress known as Alicia Roarke.
Turning around so my back faced the mirror, I started the process of turning back into the heiress of the Roarke family. A few minutes later, I stepped out. The long wig I wore brushed the center of my back. It felt like I regained a limb I lost as the familiar weight was back.
James exclaimed in approval. “You look delicious, my dear. What do you think of my choice?”
I glanced at the mirror that sat against the opposite wall of his checkout counter. I took in how my body looked in the Saint Laurent, deep V jumpsuit and six-inch red bottoms. A long necklace of black metal hung down my chest, contrasting with my skin tone.
“It’s passable,” I said as I looked away from my reflection and walked toward the exit. “I’ll be back next Monday. I’ll see you then.”
“P… passable?” James sputtered as I walked past him. Leonard followed me out.
After getting in the car, I checked my watch and was relieved I wasn’t late for my meeting with Julius.
* * *
***
* * *
When I entered my office, I greeted Julius who sat waiting for me. “I’m sorry, the minute I walked in a few of the managers wanted to speak with me.” I walked over to the seating area that was set up in the center of my large office.
I set my wallet down on the coffee table and sat down on the leather couch across from his love seat. My other assistant, Gail, entered carrying a tray with two cups of tea.
Julius’ lips quirked up in the corner. “No matter how many times I see you like this, I can’t help but feel impressed by the contrast to you at the brownstone.”
Gail set the two cups down and left once finished. I leaned forward and picked one up, removing the top. “I’m never against impressing people. So, tell me about Harrison and what my father wants from him.”
Looking amused, Julius continued. “Well, there wasn’t much I could find. Which means whatever Harrison can give your father is something he’s hiding very well. I’ve asked Dutch to put some feelers out on Clark in regard to his financials, and since he’s been looking at buying shares of your company, Uncle Carter told me to have Dutch look into buying shares in his company.”
I blew gently on my tea. “Uncle Carter is a firm believer in tit for tat. I wish he’d stop trying to keep me from getting involved.”
“You know why he’s adamant that you stay out, Jazz. He doesn’t want to see his niece get hurt, none of us do,” Julius said, his expression stern. “And no matter how many times you ask to get involved, the answer will be the same.”
“As I’ve told you before I’m old enough to take care of myself.”
“Old enough, yes, but there isn’t any reason for you to when you have us here to take care of him for you. Liberiu protect their own,” he said.
We shared a long look before I finally looked down into my teacup. “Fine, I guess I’ll leave it to you guys to deal with.”
“And here I thought you’d put up more of a fight.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re all too stubborn. I know when to give up. Besides, you’re right. I trust you all to handle it.”
Standing, he gave me a mischievous look. “As you should.”
I would leave it to him, Zeno, and Uncle for now, since I was focused on dealing with Tak and his would-be killers. However, once that was solved, I’d turned my full attention to my father and what his relationship was with Harrison.
Julius walked around the coffee table over to my side and leaned down to give me a small kiss on the cheek.
“That’s my favorite cousin,” Julius said. “See you later, and don’t forget to let the others know I won’t be home for a while.”
I waved him off. “Yeah, yeah, go away you traitor.”
He laughed as he pulled back and swiftly left my office. I had just finished my tea when my office door opened and the sound of what seemed like a struggle going on reached me.
“Mr. Bennington, I’ve already told you Ms. Roarke said to make an appointment if you wish to see her.”
I looked up to see my father forcing his way into my office past Leonard. “Let him in,” I said, replacing the top on my teacup and setting it down on the coffee table.
My father shot Leonard a scornful look. “Alicia, it seems like your staff is under the impression they should block me from coming into your office.” He moved his gaze to me, his look becoming one of arrogance. “Surely they’re mistaken. You wouldn’t let that Liberiu scum have entry over your own father, would you? I just past one of them in the hallway and he had the audacity to act like he didn’t hear me when I asked him why he was here?”
I stood up and walked over to him, stopping him from fully entering my office. “Julius is a man of few words. He doesn’t like wasting his time when he doesn’t need to. What brings you here uninvited?”
I waved for Leonard to leave.
“I heard that you’ve been spending less and less time here at the main company and since you got back from Vegas, it’s gotten harder to see you,” my father said.
Keeping my expression carefully blank, I silently wondered who’d sent him this information. It looked like I would have to have Leonard comb my employee roster.
“And?”
“I thought I could offer Aaron up to assist you,” he said giving my office a once-over. “As your father, I’m always concerned with your well-being. Of course, I don’t wish to hinder you, but at your age, running such a large business can be tiring. Especially since there’s no one for you to rely on.”
He offered me a fake worried expression and took a step forward. He placed his hands on my shoulders. It took all of me not to shudder in disgust when he touched me.
Clark Bennington was a two-faced rat. To imagine this was the same man who called me spoiled and a waste of space not even a few weeks ago. I also had suspicions he had something to do with my mother’s death and my comatose state after.
Unfortunately, there had never been enough evidence to prove it. I kept my voice cold as I offered him a sarcastic smile.
“I’m not so stressed here that I need the bastard child of my father’s mistress turned wife to come here. And I would suggest you stop wasting your time trying to pretend to be a loving father. It makes me sick.”
Stepping back so that his hands fell from my shoulders, I gave him my back and walked toward my desk. “I don’t know where you got your information, but I assure you I’ve not wavered once in dealing with the legacy my mother left me, nor will I.”
Reaching my desk, I pressed the intercom button on the phone.
“Yes, Ms. Roarke.” Leonard’s voice filled my office.
“Please send security to escort my father out.”
“Yes, Ms. Roarke, they’re on their way right now.”
I turned around, dropping my smile as I took in my father’s angry expression. “And please, don’t forget to make an appointment next time. Unlike the Liberiu scum, you’re not welcome here.”
Chapter 15
Jealousy
Tak
* * *
I sat in my living room watching the sun sink down in my back yard. My assigned bodyguard had yet to return. Her replacement had been some angry man on steroids.
He’d spent most of his time hanging out in my living room on his phone. The urge to do something to him had rode me, but I just wasn’t as inspired as I was when bothering Jazz.
“Hey, what time can I get rid of you?” I asked him from where I sat across from him on the couch.
He didn’t look up from his phone when he said, “Twelve midnight or when Ms. Ryland comes back.”
“It’s midnight, get the fuck out.”
“It’s not.”
I smiled. If Chelsea had been here, she would have told Mr. No Neck this was a bad sign.
“Sorry, let me repeat that. I must’ve not been clear. Kole pays your wages, I own Kole. You have two choices, you no-neck fucker. Either leave with the hope of a check or leave with the knowledge that not only did you fuck up and lose money, but you’ll never get a job protecting anyone in the music industry again.”
Finally, he lifted his pin-shaped head and stared me down with his beady eyes. “You’re pretty mouthy for a strung-out rock star.”
“And you’re pretty fucking dumb for a steroid-infested bull man.” I added a wink to make him feel special.
Just as he got to his feet, the door to my house opened. “Looks like you won’t have to worry about losing your job after all, Bull Man.”
Jazz came walking in and I immediately felt a small—exceedingly small amount of happiness at the sight of her. Of course, this was because I enjoyed fucking with her. She looked a bit frazzled and she wrinkled her nose as she saw me and Bull Man who was putting his cell phone in his back pocket.
“Are you Ms. Ryland?” he asked.
“Yeah, thanks for covering for me. Sorry, I couldn’t tell you when I’d be back when Chelsea asked,” Jazz said to him, not sparing me a single glance.
Irritated, I glared at her. “And what about me? Don’t you have an apology for me?”
She looked away from the big fucker to me. Neither of us bothering to offer to escort him out.
Goodbye, Mr. Mountain.
“Why would I apologize to you?” she asked as she
took off her backpack and set it on the couch where the bull man had been sitting. “Today’s my day off. I honestly didn’t need to come back until tomorrow.”
I stood up and walked over to her, stopping short when my nose caught a whiff of something familiar. Frowning, I closed the space between us, grabbed her shoulders, and buried my nose in her neck. Shit, it was what I thought it was. Men’s cologne.
“What… Tak?”
I ignored her cry of surprise and her immediate attempt to pull out of my hold. I couldn’t believe it, while I’d been stuck here with that blob of muscled flesh, she’d been out with some guy with shitty taste in cologne, having a great time.
She twisted out of my hold and shot me a fulminating glare. “What’s wrong with you?” she demanded. Her cheeks flushed with anger.
“Nothing,” I said, immediately cooling my expression. “I hope it was worth it.”
“What are you talking about?”
Not bothering to explain, I turned on my heels and headed back to my room. I’d promised Chelsea and everyone who could hear I was going to make my lovely new bodyguard miserable and now I had every intention of doing so.
I ignored the small trace of jealousy that popped up at the back of my mind. She’d gone out with some unknown fucker. I plotted on how I’d make her life hard.
Chapter 16
Let’s Run
Jazz
* * *
Over the next two weeks, it turned out there were thousands of things I could think of that were better than being in the same house as my favorite singer and old crush. Everyday he’d done something else to drive me up the wall. From honey in my body wash to being picky about what I cooked. Tak had become more annoying than a two-year-old.
