Jane slowly walks over to the door and unlatches the lock.
“Oh, Jane! Dear, you look... oh gosh…” Martha is shocked at how disheveled Jane looks. “Come here, sweetie,” she says, reaching out to hug her.
Jane falls into Martha’s arms and starts sobbing.
“He lied to me, Martha, he lied to me. I hate myself. I should have known better.”
Jane sobs and sobs.
“There, there, sweetie. Let it all out. It’s okay. Just keep it coming,” Martha assures her.
“I hate men, Martha. They are all liars, and they just use you for one thing,” Jane says, jumping to a ton of conclusions from her pain.
“Now, Jane, there, there,” she holds her. When Jane stops sobbing so much, Martha grabs her face and looks her straight in the eyes.
“Okay, Jane, I have to tell you something. You have to listen to me, okay. You may not believe what I have to say, but I have to tell you this.”
Jane nods.
“Dear, I’ve had my heart broken three times in my life. I vowed I’d never let it happen again. I hated men, and saw them as nothing but dirty, cheating bastards. I wanted nothing to do with them, and you know what? I stopped talking to them.
“Until I found out I was wrong about one of them. I turned my back and wouldn’t even listen to anyone who told me differently about him. I was stubborn and set in my ways, and it turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life, you hear me?” Martha explains.
Jane nods.
“Well, I’m going to tell you, Brad is not an asshole. I don’t know what he did to you. I don’t know what happened. All I know is, you are here. He is still there. There is a newspaper headline saying they want to arrest him, and he’s stuck on the island.
“He’s called me five times in the last two days, desperate to get through to you. He wants me to assure you that he is innocent. He is absolutely frantic and wants you to believe him. He also said, and I don’t know what this means, but he had beautiful plans for the two of you that morning. He only thought he was going to be out of the room for 10 minutes. He is so sorry, and he never wanted it to be this way.”
“Oh Martha, I desperately want to believe you. I keep getting mixed messages from people. This is terrible on my nerves. I fall in love with him, but then I hear awful things about him.
“What if he isn’t innocent? What if he really does treat women this way? I’d be a fool to get involved with this man at this point.”
“Jane, I’ve met a ton of people in my life. I can smell a jackass from a mile away. I’m sure Brad isn’t innocent in some things. He’s a very powerful man, after all, but when it comes to you, I’d put my money on the fact he is as sincere as a newly born lamb.”
Jane sniffles, lifts her head, and dries her tears.
“I’m just so naïve, Martha. I really am. I have to tell you a secret, and you need to promise me you won’t tell anyone.”
“Yes, of course, dear, what is it?”
“I lost my virginity with him,” Jane says, terrified that Martha will judge her.
“Oh, Jane, that’s wonderful. Was it enjoyable for you? I hope he treated you like a lady.”
“Oh, he did, Martha. He was so respectful and patient with me, and it was the most memorable experience of my life. He has no idea how it made me feel, but then to have this taint it all, is so… painful.”
Jane starts tearing up again.
Martha puts her arm around Jane and rubs her back.
“Oh, Jane, don’t let this misunderstanding harden your heart. Please,” she reassures. “I know he cares about you. I just know it.”
“But he’s hired escorts before, Martha. People have told me this, and he even admits to it. Can I really trust him?”
“Dear, a lot of men have hired escorts. My sense is that he has been waiting for that special someone in his life. His heart is tender, and he won’t let just anyone in.”
Jane feels relieved that she can talk to Martha this way. She was holding it all in and had no one to talk to about all of this.
“Oh, Martha, you’re making me feel better. Thank you. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you didn’t come over.
Can I make you some tea?” Martha offers.
“Yes, that would be lovely,” replies Jane.
“Let’s get you back on your feet, dear. Here, I’ll help you clean up.”
In a matter of half an hour, Martha makes her way around the apartment and tidies everything up.
“Come back to class, Jane, okay? We all miss you there.”
“Well, I’m not sure everyone misses me there, Martha, but I know it would be good for me to go back. Thanks again.”
Martha eventually leaves the apartment, and Jane goes to freshen up. She takes a walk outside, and life feels sunnier again.
Chapter 49
The next day, Jane arrives at the dance class. She looks refreshed, put together, and she is on time. She likes the feeling of things being back to normal. It’s as if she hadn’t left.
“It’s good to see you back, Jane,” proclaims Martha. “Let’s get you in line.”
“Yes, ma’am, it’s good to be back,” says Jane.
Jane isn’t sure how much the other girls know. Do they know she went away with Brad Halliwell? That she performed for an elite crowd? That Brad is wanted for a crime? That Jane is heartbroken? She feels like everyone can see through her, and it all seems very humiliating. Did Martha keep her word?
“Now, Jane, since you’ve been away, we learned this new step. Watch the other girls as they do it.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Jane obeys.
When they finish their class, Martha brings the class together. This is unusual for her, as they usually just keep to themselves.
“I have an announcement to make. Jane, can you come to the front, please?” Martha commands.
Jane feels embarrassed and nervous. She knew she shouldn’t have told Martha anything. Oh God, what is she going to say or do? Jane looks at Martha with wide eyes, as if to say, Whatever are you doing?
Martha just nods back a reassuring glance, as if to say everything will be okay.
Jane gets up in front of everyone.
“Now, ladies, we do this for anyone who has news like this, so don’t think I’m giving Jane special treatment, okay? I want to announce that this morning I received an email saying Jane is invited to be the premiere ballerina at a notable gala event in Iceland,” Martha announces.
Everyone gasps, and a few of the girls roll their eyes in disgust.
“Let’s applaud Jane for all her hard work. She has impressed a few very important people.”
Everyone claps, and some of the girls go up to Jane to hug her. Jane is stunned herself and has no idea how to respond.
“Oh my gosh, Jane, we had no idea! Is that why you were away for a week?” some of the girls asked.
“Yeah, it’s all happened pretty fast,” says Jane, looking over at Martha. “I’m not sure what to think, really.”
“Have you ever been to Iceland?”
“How did you meet these people?”
“Can we come to see you dance?”
Questions were coming at her from left and right. Jane liked the attention, and it seemed to ease the sting of what had happened in the last few days. She is a bit concerned, though, that there is some kind of string attached.
“So, Jane will be leaving on Friday for Iceland,” Martha furthers.
Jane is stunned again. Her Mom is busy making arrangements as they speak to bring Jane back to Utah in less than two weeks.
“How long will I be there for, ma’am?” Jane asks, not wanting to reveal why she is concerned. She’s yet to tell Martha she was planning on giving up all together.
“They want you there for a week, Jane. I am sure you can arrange that!” she says.
Jane gets flustered and runs to the change room. Does she have to pay for her ticket? She can’t afford it. What if she wanted to say no?
/>
Valerie follows Jane in.
“So, whose cock did you have to suck to get this gig?”
Jane felt ashamed because Valerie was right this time. It’s quite possible Jane is being invited because Brad pulled a few strings and wants to see her.
Jane turned and walked away from her.
“I’m sorry, Jane. I shouldn’t have said that. Really, I’m proud of you. That’s pretty phenomenal, and you should be proud of yourself,” concedes Valerie.
Jane can’t believe what she’s hearing. Valerie has never apologized to her before. What has shifted?
“Martha spoke to me, Jane. She said I was being too hard on you, and I should ease up. I can see her point. I’m so sorry I hurt your feelings.”
“That’s okay, Valerie. I get that you have more life experience than I do. I’m a bit wet behind the ears.”
“Well, break a leg in Iceland, okay? Don’t forget about us when you hit the big time,” Valerie says, doing an air punch on Jane’s arm.
“Oh, I’ll never be able to forget about you guys! That’s for sure,” Jane says.
“By the way, where were you last week? You just seemed to up and vanish.”
“Oh yeah, it was a family emergency. I had to head home,” she said.
“Oh, okay. I hope everything’s okay.”
“Yeah, I think so,” Jane says. She is uneasy about all the lies she’s been having to tell lately, just to save face.
Valerie leaves the change room, and Martha walks in.
“Are you okay, Jane?” she asks.
“Yeah, I think so. I don’t know. What do you think? Should I go?” she asks.
“Well, Jane, as far as I’m concerned, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It could chart the rest of your career,” Martha encourages.
“I guess so.”
“I thought you’d be more excited about this. I’m so thrilled for you.”
“Well, it’s just, you know, I don’t know how much of this is my ability and how much is because Brad feels sorry for me and wants me back. It just seems a bit icky, if you know what I mean.”
“I can see your point, Jane, but if you need to know, it was the President of Iceland who personally contacted me to request your presence. I really think it’s about your talent,” Martha explains.
“Really? The President?” Jane is surprised.
“Yup, the President. Jane, I think you’re made for big things, and you’ve yet to catch up with yourself. If you don’t go, you’ll kick yourself.”
“You’re right, Martha. I have to go. Friday you said?”
“Yes, Friday.”
Chapter 50
The next day, Jane wakes up and showers. She feels excited about the change of events. The only challenge she has now is paying her rent. She is too ashamed to speak to anyone about it. She’s not sure what to do.
Her Mom calls.
“Hi, dear, how are you doing?”
“Not bad. Much better than on Sunday. I’ve been asked to go to Iceland to dance, Mom. Really! The President asked and everything!” Jane explains.
Jane’s mom asks her tons of questions, including how she ever got hooked up with such an elite crowd. Jane partly lies, saying someone noticed her at the last event and wanted to know more about her.
“Well, I bought your plane ticket, darling. I can’t wait to see you. You know, honestly, I’m glad you’re coming home. I get so worried about you being in the big city.”
“Well, is there any way to postpone the ticket, Mom? Now that this opportunity has come my way, I am not sure what’s going to happen. I suppose I shouldn’t give up quite yet, eh?”
“I guess not, dear. Okay, I’ll see if I can cancel it.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
They continue their conversation, but Jane doesn’t mention anything about the money. She figures she will have to sort something out in another way. She doesn’t want her mother to worry.
There is a knock at the door again.
“Mom, I have to go. Someone’s here. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Yes, of course, dear.”
Jane goes to answer the door. It’s someone with a large bouquet of red and white roses.
“Are you Ms. Jane Bryden?”
“Yes.”
“These are from Brad Halliwell. Can you sign here?” the delivery driver asks.
Jane brings the flowers in and smells them. They’re just like the ones from the night they were together.
There is an envelope with a note. She opens it.
‘Dearest Jane, Thank you for being such a wonderful woman. I miss you. If you don’t mind, I will be in Iceland, and as I promised, I have put $1 million in your account. Thank you for spending the week with me. Love, Brad.’
Jane nearly faints. She can’t believe Brad did this. She was not expecting it, especially because she cut the visit short. She cries with tears of joy and relief.
She lays on her bed in disbelief. She can stay in New York, as a ballerina.
And in love with Brad.
She can’t believe how everything has just turned around in such a short period of time. She now feels guilty for ever doubting Brad, and that she hadn’t trusted the feelings of love she had for him.
He’s been nothing but consistent with her, and all she’s done is keep running away from him. She wishes she could get in touch with him somehow.
She picks up the phone to call the hotel where they stayed.
“Is Brad Halliwell still there?” she asks the front desk.
“I’m sorry, ma’am, we can’t give out private information,” says the clerk.
“Of course. Can I speak with John… umm… oh I can’t remember his last name. The guy who does the books there.”
“Oh, yes. May I let him know who is calling?”
“Yes, it’s Jane, Brad’s guest.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She waits for a moment until John comes on the line.
“Jane? Oh my gosh? Are you okay?” asks John urgently.
“Yes, I’m fine, thank you! More than fine,” Jane replies.
Jane goes on to explain her side of things and everything that has happened.
“Oh, good, Jane. I’m relieved, but Brad isn’t here. He left yesterday, and no one knows where to. I think all the media buzz has been getting to him.”
“Okay, thanks, John. It’s been really great getting to know you.”
“Likewise, my dear. Take good care of yourself, okay? I hope I get to see you again soon.”
“Me too, John. Bye for now.”
Jane hangs up and feels disheartened. She sees no option but to be patient until Friday. She can hardly wait. She feels so grateful that Brad hasn’t given up on her. He must be suffering by himself. She wishes she could hold him, cuddle up to him, and make him feel loved right now. She can only imagine how it must feel going through all this, the whole world misjudging him and making him out to be a bad guy.
To preoccupy herself, she decides to go shopping. She wants to find a number that Brad will love, and with the money he gave her, that is more than possible. She walks down Fifth Avenue in jeans and a t-shirt, loving that no one knows she is a now millionaire.
She walks into a store with fancy dresses and realizes this is not her at all. She hates heels, and she knows she will stain the expensive fabric. She goes to another store, more casual, but with clothes made with natural silk. Too delicate for her.
The next store she goes into is one that specializes in funky nouveau clothes from Japan. They are perfect for her form—they each have a unique, handmade, quirky design of inked flowers on them. Plus, they are revealing enough to suit her purpose, too.
She picks out a dress with the back wide open, the hemline falling just above the line of her ass. It is form-fitting and outlines her breasts beautifully. It is made of a silver, satiny fabric.
She puts on long earrings made of diamonds and does her hair up so only a few tendrils are hanging down.
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br /> “Wow, you look so sexy and elegant, Ms. Bryden. What is the occasion if I may ask?” the clerk asks.
“Iceland with a very special gentleman,” says Jane, glowing with pride.
“Well, he is one lucky man.”
“I’m one lucky woman,” she says. “Please wrap these up for me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Chapter 51
Brad had to leave the island. There had been far too many phone calls and people traveling there just to harass him. Everyone seemed to have an opinion, and no one wanted to hear his side of things.
His lawyer suggested he go to Iceland to take a break and get away from everyone, so he left on the next plane out and without letting anyone know.
All Brad can think about is Jane. Is she mad at him? Will he ever see her again? Is she going to move on to someone else? Is she deeply hurt?
It pains him to think that she is suffering because of all of this, but she won’t answer his calls. He can’t risk her getting his number because then it could get leaked.
He arranges a ballet event in Iceland just to get her there, and he desperately wants to see her again.
When he arrives in Iceland, he goes to a private spa to re-group. He needs to rejuvenate and get his head on straight.
A personal assistant hand-delivers him a note. It’s a message from the dance instructor saying she had a chance to speak with Jane. She was in a lot of pain, but she is better now. She will be coming on Friday to the event.
Brad is thrilled and relieved at the same time. He really wants to make this visit special and hopes they can reconcile.
He goes up to his room and makes some calls. He’s going to plan a huge gala party in honor of Jane. He wants everyone to see how wonderful and beautiful she is, and that she is what matters in his life.
He books the best hotel where they host events with chocolate fountains, ice sculptures, and a live orchestra. He will have a special room just for her and a room to access for their private time together.
They will get a couple’s massage, and he will ask the masseuse to leave while Jane is there, naked on the table. He will take an ice cube in his mouth, stroke it down her back, stopping it at her ass, and letting it sit and drip down there.
Protecting Her Heart Page 80
