Heading down to the lobby, he is all set to meet a business colleague.
“Mr. Halliwell, good to see you. You’re looking good these days. Is the fresh, tropical air helping you out?” asks Marcus.
“You could say that. A whole lot of freshness does wonders for a man’s life. You know what I mean?” he responds.
They find a spot to sit and start their meeting. He looks over toward the lobby and sees Jane walking with a handsome man beside her. She’s laughing, and it looks like they have become quite acquainted.
Brad is crushed.
How could she do this to me? I never would have seen that in her.
For the rest of the business meeting, Brad is distracted and can’t keep his head on straight. He just nods, smiles, and continues on. By the end of it, he feels quite depressed.
He wants to go up to Jane and demand to know what the hell is going on. Then he wavers and tries to find the reason why she’s finding this man attractive instead of him. His mind is racing with panicked thoughts and he is terrified to discover the truth.
When they finish, Brad goes up to his room, taking a bottle of wine with him. He spends the evening in, watching crappy, black and white movies.
He goes over his lifetime of feeling cheated on, disappointed, hurt, and betrayed by women. He beats himself up, thinking he should have known better.
It seems that Jane will go after anyone who shows her attention, but really, doesn’t she get that I don’t want to share her?
His mind can’t stop the feelings of anger, sadness, and rage. How will he even address this with her? Is he even allowed to be jealous at this point? They aren’t a couple or anything.
He torments himself all night long, having dreadful nightmares. He can’t sleep or settle down. When he gets up in the morning after only four hours of sleep, he gulps down an energy drink and drags himself out of bed.
Down at the restaurant for breakfast, he mopes over his eggs and toast.
“Good morning, Mr. Halliwell,” says the waiter.
He doesn’t respond, which is unusual for him.
“Freshly squeezed orange juice, sir?” he asks.
“Nah,” he responds. “Can you get the hotel manager for me?”
“Is there something you’re unhappy with, sir?”
“Yes, but it’s not you. It’s something else.”
“Okay, sir, just a moment,” he says politely.
The office manager comes over.
“Please, have a seat. I have something to ask you and it’s rather private in nature,” says Brad.
The hotel manager feels concerned, wondering if there is something the staff has done wrong.
“Yes, sir, what is it? You know we always want you to be happy,” he asks.
“Well, honestly, I know this sounds ridiculous, and I know you are sworn to confidentiality, but I need this one favor,” Brad pleads.
The hotel manager has never seen Brad like this before. Usually, he is way more in charge of things.
“Sir, what is it? Of course, you know we greatly respect you,” the manager reassures.
“Well, yesterday afternoon, there was a gentleman that Jane was walking into the lobby with. A handsome man,” Brad explains.
“Oh yes, John Millbrook, our hotel’s accountant,” the manager explains matter-of-factly.
Brad feels embarrassed to even ask more questions. Normally, he doesn’t show he cares this much for a woman.
“John Millbrook. What do you know about him?” Brad asks vaguely.
“Well, I’m not sure what you want to know. Business-wise, he is reliable, dependable, very good at what he does,” the manager outlines.
“No, I mean about his personal life. Is he single? Married?” Brad presses.
“Oh, I see. Well, he’s quite a private man, but I do know he’s interested in men,” the manager tries to explain discreetly.
“Oh, he’s gay?” Brad suddenly feels happier.
“Yes, I believe so, sir,” the manager replies, wondering if perhaps Brad is now interested in men.
“That’s all I need to know,” says Brad, chuckling a bit. “You know, I thought he was hitting on Jane. Wow, am I ever relieved,” Brad says with a smile.
The manager now realizes what Brad was fishing for.
“Jane is a gem,” he says. “Is that everything, sir?”
“Yes, that’s everything. Thank you.”
“Good day.”
“And to you,” says Brad, getting started on his eggs.
Chapter 37
Just before two p.m., Jane heads down to the ballroom, her ballerina outfit covered by a long, cotton overcoat. She stands out from the crowd of people wearing shorts and tank tops, like a princess with an elaborate gown walking through the crowd. People look at her with a feeling of awe, thinking she somehow looks regal.
She opens the doors and a waft of cool air comes out. The floor is made of a fine bamboo, and one of the walls is made of glass, looking out onto the beach. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
She takes off her overcoat and hangs it on the hook. She does a toe-heel step around the room, as well as a few twirls. It feels like she hasn’t danced in ages. She usually dances every day, sometimes twice a day. Her body feels stiff from traveling and all the stress of the past few days.
Jane doesn’t hear the ballroom door open behind her. Brad stands by the wall and watches while she moves and twirls, getting lost in her own world. He moves his head to the side and takes in her delicate nature, so gentle, soft, kind, and graceful, yet bold. Exactly what he saw that night at the theatre.
Jane spins, and spins, and spins, then notices Brad there. She stops, feeling shocked and a bit embarrassed.
“Oh, how long have you been here?” she asks meekly.
“Long enough to see how beautiful and talented you are,” he says.
He knows all the right words to make Jane feel at ease. She gently walks over to him and gives him a peck on the cheek.
“Is that all?” Brad asks, grabbing her by the waist, pulling her into him, and kissing her on the lips. Jane surrenders and feels so safe. She loves being held by him. When they stop, he looks at her and moves her hair aside.
“Jane Bryden, you keep getting more and more beautiful the longer I know you,” he says.
“Well, how can that happen?” she says, with a smile on her face.
“Because you are beautiful inside and out,” he says, grabbing her hand and spinning her out, then back to him.
“Will you dance for me, Jane? My own private dance?” he asks.
“It would be my pleasure,” she says.
Jane starts spinning and twirling, lifting her leg and taking leaps into the air. It’s as if she has wings. She floats and falls so easily, runs and contracts with passion. Jane twirls around Brad and wraps her leg around his, pressing her body against his.
She can feel his cock getting hard against her belly, and she is so pleased that she is able to arouse him this way.
“You really are the sexiest woman alive, Jane. You take my breath away,” whispers Brad in her ear.
His breath sends tingles through her, lifting the hairs on the back of her neck. She pulls away, trying to play a bit hard to get.
Brad smiles, appreciating her willingness to not be too easy.
Brad pulls two invitations out of his pocket.
“Ms. Jane Bryden, I am wondering if you will accompany me tonight for a special, black tie affair,” he asks, waving the cards in the air.
“Whatever will I wear?” she asks.
“Don’t you worry about that, my girl. What you’re wearing right now is perfect,” Brad comments.
“Oh, don’t be silly, Brad. I can’t wear this to a black tie event. Everyone will think I’m a floozy,” she says.
“Well, not at all, because you will be a special feature there,” Brad assures.
“Whatever do you mean?” Jane asks, confused.
Brad shows her the invitation. On the invi
tation it says, ‘Special Guest Dancer—Jane Bryden,’
Jane feels a bit horrified and confused.
“Do you mean I’ll be dancing in front of your friends?” she asks, feeling a bit icky.
“Well, they aren’t really friends. They are very notable people in the business world, and they are supporters of the arts,” he explains. “I want them to see your talent, Jane. That is why I organized this event.”
Jane feels flattered that he would go to this length for her.
“For real? I thought you were just wanting me for my body,” she says, half-jokingly. “You actually care about my career, too?”
“Of course! Though your body is driving me wild, I see your heart that dreams and aspires. You’ve worked hard to get to where you are, and you deserve the support,” he says, tenderly.
Jane is touched and feels so cared for. Life has been so hard and lonely since she moved to New York. All worries of drugs and sex trafficking have faded away.
“But this isn’t my usual style, Brad, you know that,” Jane says, pointing down to her outfit.
“Well, I think there’s a little wild in you, Jane, and the world is ready to see this in you,” he reassures.
“You think so? I don’t know if I can do it. What if I mess up?” Jane says nervously.
“I know you’ll do just fine. Here, let me give you a little warm up,” Brad says.
He pulls her toward him, her back facing him.
“Do you like this?” he says. He starts kissing the back of her neck and rubbing her breasts from behind.
Jane moans quietly, closing her eyes and taking in the pleasure. She nods as if to say more.
He drops his right hand down and rubs her belly, pressing her closer into him where she can feel his hard cock pressing against her ass.
“And what about this? Do you like this?” he says.
“Oh, God, yeah,” she says, unable to control herself.
He lifts up her tutu and rubs her leggings on top of her pubic bone, his fingers reaching further down, rubbing in circles to get her hips moving. Jane gets all wet and turned on, wanting desperately to put his hands down into her panties and have him rub her clit.
He whispers into her ear, “I’d love to lick your pussy, Jane. I can’t wait to taste you and stroke you until you are trembling with pleasure,” he says.
Jane wants him so badly, but she still feels nervous that she’s going to disappoint him.
“I want nothing more than for you to do that, Brad. Truly. I’m just…” she moans again.
Brad licks her ear and nibbles on it.
“What were you saying?”
“I’m just not… sure… if… I’m…” she says.
He holds her closer. “…ready?” he says, trying to finish her sentence.
“No… not… good… enough,” she says, tears coming to her eyes.
Brad turns her around quickly and looks her straight in the eye.
“Jane Bryden, you turn me on just by being there. You don’t have to do or be more than you are. Trust me, I will take care of you when you are ready.”
Jane lets out a breath of relief and tears start rolling down her cheeks.
“Really?” she says. “I feel like such a fool.”
“You are my dream come true, Jane. I want you to know that,” he says. “You just let me know when you feel comfortable, okay?”
She presses her head against his chest and nods. He holds her head closer so she can feel his heartbeat.
Chapter 38
Brad walks Jane back up to her hotel room, partly hoping she will invite him in.
“We have to leave at five p.m., okay?” he says. “I will be at the front lobby waiting for you.”
Jane was hoping he would have time to go into the hotel room with her.
“Ah, okay. Sounds good.”
He lifts her chin and kisses her.
“I have to admit something to you. Yesterday, I saw you walking with a handsome young man who I found out is named John,” he starts explaining.
“Oh yeah, I can explain,” she says.
“It’s okay, really, I know, he’s…”
“Gay,” they both say at once.
“Yes,” says Jane. “That’s why I felt okay about walking with him. He’s lovely, and I felt safe with him. It’s nice to have someone to talk to here when you are busy.”
“I’m not usually this busy, Jane. I promise you. It’s just that there’s been some crazy news lately, and I’ve had to take care of some things. Do you miss me?”
“Well yes, I do, but I understand. You’re a busy man, and it comes with the territory of being a billionaire.”
“You’re such a sweetheart, Jane. Thank you for understanding. I promise we’ll have more time together in the future.”
“Oh, you don’t have to make me any promises Brad, especially those you will find difficult to keep. Really,” Jane says.
He kisses her goodbye and she steps into her room. Closing the door behind her, she takes a deep breath in and out. She can’t calm herself down, she feels so excited about sleeping with Brad, the first man she will ever be with.
She flops herself down on the bed and looks up at the ceiling, imagining what it will be like to be with him. Will he be on top of her, or will she be on top of him? Will he want her to suck him off? Will she know what she’s doing? What if she is boring? She does know, deep down, that he will make her feel special and loved. The insecurities from the phone call with her mother are gradually fading away, dripping off of her one by one.
Jane reaches over to her suitcase and pulls out the vibrator that the ballet girls gave her.
If only they knew where I was now, she laughed, feeling a little smug. She pulls down her leggings, leaving on her tutu.
She puts lube on the vibrator and rubs it around her vagina, moistening the lips and stimulating her clit, getting it harder. She pushes it down further so it goes up inside her, pulsating as she pushes it in and out.
She imagines what it would have been like in the ballroom if he had put his fingers inside her, and they made love in front of the beautiful sea with the open windows, not caring if anyone saw them.
The more she fantasizes about Brad, the more she gets turned on, and the faster she pushes the vibrating cock inside of her. She bites her lip as she comes and comes, her body losing control.
She moans loudly and screams, “Uhhhhhhh… fuck me, Brad. Just fuck me.”
In the hallway, Brad walks by her door on his way back down. He can hear her getting turned on and then exploding with pleasure.
He loves hearing women come, and the thought of Jane coming gets him especially excited. He wishes he could just open the door, drop his pants, and use his cock to take her to the next level. He wants to blow her mind with what he knows he can do to her. She has no idea what she’s been missing all her life, and he can’t wait to be the first man to show her.
He hears someone walking on the floor, so Brad steps away.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Halliwell,” says the woman, a member of the cleaning staff. “Are you enjoying your stay?”
“Why, yes, thank you,” he says, walking toward the stairs.
Jane overhears Brad’s voice in the hall. She wants to go out there and drag him by his tie into the room. She’d pull him onto the bed, have him feel her wet pussy with his fingers, and stick his cock inside of her.
She wants him so badly and wants him to do her bidding, telling him where to touch her, lick her, and fuck her. She shifts positions and lifts her ass in the air, putting a pillow under her and then watches herself in the mirror, playing with herself. She finally sees herself as a sexually attractive goddess.
Her sexual energy finally spent, she lays on the bed, exhausted. After a short nap, she wakes up half an hour later, has a shower, and gets ready. She still has an hour before she has to meet Brad, so she goes downstairs on her way to the ballroom.
She sees John there in the lobby. “Well, don’t you
look like a rock star princess?” he says, smiling. “You’d fit into my world looking like that,” he laughs.
She snickers, “Well, I’ve been asked to dance for Brad tonight.”
“Brad Halliwell? You know him?” he says.
“Oh yeah, that’s who I came with. I didn’t tell you?” she says, realizing she was too choked up yesterday to mention Brad’s name. “Do you know him?”
“My dear, around here, everyone knows him. He’s technically my boss,” he says. “How long have you known him?”
“Honestly? About a week.”
“And you came here with him? Don’t tell me. You’re one of those upper class escorts he brings here?” John says, not thinking it through.
Jane now feels humiliated and shocked. She thought Brad said he never did this before. Now she is crushed, and feels cheap. At that moment, she wants to rip off these clothes and go back to being Plain Jane from Utah.
Why does this keep happening? As soon as she gets close to him, she ends up learning more about Brad that is questionable. She’s not sure if she’s being played or if he’s really in love.
“No, not that I’m aware of,” she says, trying to hold her dignity. “I’m a ballerina from New York. Brad is helping me with my career.”
“I’m sure he is,” John winks.
Chapter 39
After Brad overhears Jane in her hotel room, he goes over to his room hoping to relieve himself of sexual tension before having to get back to business downstairs.
Before he has a chance to get started, the phone rings.
“Hello? Yes, this is Brad… Oh hey. Any news...? What? For real? You’re fucking kidding me. All over the news tomorrow? What kind of bitch would do this? Jesus. You’ve got to get me out of this one, and fast. Come on, man. It’s why I pay you the big bucks. How am I going to explain this one? What? Stay on the island? How long? A year? No fucking way. You know I can’t do that!”
Brad is shocked and feeling deeply disturbed. He’s pissed and wants to punch something.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck. Goddamn fucking bitch. Who the hell is she? If I could at least remember, then I could put the pieces together,” Brad yells into the phone. “Yeah, sorry, I know, I can’t take it out on you. Money grabbing jackasses.”
Protecting Her Heart Page 76
