Sweet Surrender

by Jill Sanders

  “I’m planning on sleeping until noon,” she said as Calvin helped cart their luggage out of the back of the taxi and tipped the driver.

  One of the security members of her building rushed to help them carry in the bags.

  “Good to have you back, Miss Rothschild,” the man said as he shifted her bags under his arm.

  “Thanks, Kenny.” She smiled at the older man. “Kenny, this is Calvin. He’ll be staying with me for a while.” The man nodded his welcome. “Is everything okay? Did the police finish up their… with everything?”

  “Yes, ma’am. They’ve come and gone. They left last week sometime. The place has been quiet since then,” Kenny responded.

  “Thank you,” she said as the elevator doors slid open.

  Stepping into her apartment for the first time in over a month, she felt oddly empty as she looked around. It no longer felt like her home. Even her furniture, although nice, just wasn’t to her tastes anymore. Instead of the shiny new expensive items, she longed for worn and comfortable things surrounding her.

  “Nice place,” Calvin said beside her.

  “It was home.” She turned to him and wrapped her arms around him. “Now you are,” she said before kissing him.

  They ordered Chinese delivery since her fridge and cupboards were bare. By the time their food arrived, Maggie had called her back.

  “So?” she asked as Calvin set the food out on the kitchen table. “Is it true?”

  “Apparently, he didn’t like some of the things you said during your interview.” Maggie chuckled. “He’s threatened to sue, but so far, he hasn’t. I don’t think he has a leg to stand on, since he did his interview first and slandered you first. I think they’re just empty threats.”

  Bella relaxed. “What’s his deal?” she asked as she dished up some chow mein. “Why is he so obsessed with me? I thought he’d moved on. Wasn’t he seen with a few other actresses while I was away?”

  “Several,” Maggie answered. “But I think you are the only one who has turned him down.”

  “Great, just my luck.” Bella rolled her eyes and smiled at Calvin. “My taste in men does not include sniveling directors who throw fits when they don’t get what they want, then set out to ruin people who don’t like him.”

  Maggie chuckled. “Is your man with you?”

  “Calvin,” she supplied with a smile. “Yes, we’re having Chinese.”

  “I won’t keep you. Tell me the man has a tux and that you’ll be at your hair and makeup appointment on time tomorrow.”

  “He does and I will.”

  “Good, now get some rest. You can’t have dark circles under your eyes for the award ceremony. I mean sleep, sleep and not sexy playtime with Mr. Tall and Hunky.” Maggie chuckled.

  “Yes, Mom,” Bella said before hanging up.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Calvin stood in complete shock as Bella walked out of the bedroom. He’d pulled on his tuxedo and had been waiting for the limo that Maggie had sent for them to arrive. But when he turned to see Bella walking towards him in a sexy silver number, he was pretty sure every part of his body hardened.

  “Well?” she asked as she did a little turn. The back of the silver dress exposed her entire back with only a few thin strips of material that crossed her shoulders.

  The silver shimmered in the light, highlighting her soft curves. Long dangly earrings swayed as she turned. They matched a long silver chain filled with diamonds wrapped around her neck and several bracelets that traveled up her arm like a choker.

  She’d gone to a hair appointment earlier and had come back with her long hair twisted up in an elaborate knot.

  Walking over, he reached out to touch her, then pulled his hands back. He didn’t want to mess her up. Not when she was looking so perfect.

  “You look… amazing,” he said, a little breathless.

  “Thank you.” She ran her eyes up and down him. “Wow, you look even sexier in a tux.”

  He chuckled and then held out his hand. “The car is here.” He motioned towards the door. “Shall we?”

  She nodded and they walked out.

  When they slid into the car, he turned to her.

  “I guess I don’t even know what kind of event this is tonight,” he said as the car started moving.

  “It’s an award ceremony.” She smiled at him. “I’m up for best new artist.”

  “You are?” He felt guilty that he hadn’t asked before. “Wow, I should’ve known.”

  She chuckled. “I’m glad you didn’t. I feel less nervous because of the lack of pressure.” She took several deep breaths.

  “Okay, then I’ll just pretend this is a standard date.” He smiled as he picked up her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Are these real?” He frowned at the chain of diamonds.

  “They’re on loan,” she said with a chuckle. “Don’t worry, they go back to the jeweler’s tomorrow morning.”

  “Great.” He swallowed and tried to imagine how much the jewelry she was currently wearing was worth.

  “I’d warn you about this,” she said as the limo slowed down, “but there really isn’t anything I could tell you that would prepare you for what’s about to happen.” She smiled. “Just smile and nod. By the way…” Her eyes ran up and down him. “You look damn sexy in a tux.”

  He hadn’t expected the onslaught of flashes the moment he helped Bella out of the limo. Nor had he expected questions to be shouted at them as they called their names over and over again.

  He did what she’d suggested as Bella hung on his arm while they followed the carpet towards the front doors of the theater. She stopped a few times and took questions from some of the media. He was even asked a few questions and responded with short answers.

  “You did well,” she said when they stepped inside.

  “Is it always like that?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder as the door closed.

  She chuckled and held onto him even more. “Sometimes it’s worse. We rushed through there pretty quickly.”

  “Sorry.” He realized he’d been leading her across the space quickly.

  “No, it was perfect.” She smiled. “I didn’t want to answer too many questions.”

  Her smile fell away as she glanced over his shoulder. He felt her tense and instantly shifted around to see what had caused her eyes to go dark.

  He’d seen the man on the interview he’d given before Bella’s and knew Michael Himes instantly as he walked across the room towards him. Stepping in front of Bella, he stopped the man from approaching her.

  “I’m sorry,” he said easily, “Bella doesn’t wish to speak to you.”

  The man’s eyes ran up and down him like he was nothing more than an annoyance.

  “She’ll make time for me if she knows what’s good for her career,” the man said, trying to shove past him.

  Calvin held firm. Even though the man had more bulk than he did, Calvin bet he had more muscle.

  “That’s fine, I’m sure there are some police around here.” He looked around. “To see to hauling you in for breaking the restraining order she has out against you.” He leaned closer to the man and lowered his tone. “Not to mention all the reporters out there that would love to hear how you just threatened her career while they snapped pictures of you being hauled away in handcuffs.”

  “No one would dare.” The man’s chest puffed out. “I’m a legend in this town.”

  Calvin chuckled. “Call yourself whatever you want. Bella wants nothing to do with you. Ever again. If you keep insisting, you’ll have to go through me first.” He took Bella’s hand in his and walked with her down the hallway.

  “That was… amazing,” she said as they entered the main theater. She tugged him to a stop then wrapped her arms around him and leaned up to kiss him. “Thank you.”

  He relaxed a little as his hands moved to her hips. He’d wanted to say more to the man, to do more, but he’d heard a few camera shutters around them and knew that if he crossed the line, h
e’d be the one being hauled away.

  “By tomorrow, that will be all over the news,” she said, taking his hand and making their way towards their seats.

  “I couldn’t let him get close to you. The man’s an ass,” he said under his breath.

  “Tell me about it.” She chuckled as they were shown their seats.

  “What happens now?” he asked after sitting down. The seats around them were still empty but the room was filling up quickly.

  “Now, we sit back and enjoy the show.” She shrugged as she straightened her dress.

  “When will you know if you won?” he asked, glancing around and spotting some of his favorite artists. He’d never been one to get weird when seeing or meeting famous people. After all, the resort had its fair share of them coming in as guests.

  “When they get to the best new artist part. If they call my name.” She smiled. She leaned closer to him and whispered. “Which I’m seriously hoping they will.”

  “Who are you up against?”

  She handed him a program and pointed to the short list. He whistled lightly. “Heavy hitters.” He glanced at her sideways. “You have this in the bag.”

  She chuckled. “I’d be happy to win, but I’m just honored to be nominated.”

  He laughed. “Isn’t that what you told the press?” She nudged his shoulder playfully. “Do you have your acceptance speech?”

  She nodded and pulled out a small card from her purse.

  “Can I see…” He reached for it, but she yanked it away and stuffed it back in her purse.

  “No.” She shook her head. “It’s bad luck.”

  He chuckled and took her hand in his. “For good luck.” Then he raised her fingers to his lips.

  Just then, a photographer stopped in front of them and snapped the picture. “Wonderful shot.” The woman smiled down at them. “Want me to send you this?” she asked Bella.

  Bella chuckled and nodded. “That would be great.” Bella gave her the contact information for her agent.

  “Smart,” he said when they were alone again.

  “Hm?”

  “Not giving out your personal information.”

  “Never.” She frowned slightly. “I learned that lesson. “Maggie has agreed to vet all future contacts I have.”

  “Good.” He nodded.

  “It’s what I pay her for.” She smiled. Just then, the seats next to theirs were filled and their chance to have a private conversation was taken away from them as the rows started to fill more quickly.

  When the lights dimmed, Calvin sat back and enjoyed the show.

  The closer they got to her category, the more nervous he could tell she was feeling. She reached over and took his hand and, when her name was finally called, along with the rest in her category, she squeezed his hand as the camera focused on her face.

  He was there to hold her hand when someone else’s name was called. Leaning closer to her, he whispered he was sorry she didn’t win.

  She smiled over at him and nodded. “I was prepared for it.” She sighed.

  He could tell she was sad, but then he leaned over and kissed her, and he felt her melt next to him.

  “When can we leave?” he asked.

  She chuckled. “During the next break.”

  They made their way out of the theater when the cameras went dark and guests stood up to use the bathroom or chat.

  He made a point to stay focused on the door and not let any reporters or guests distract them as they headed outside.

  When the fresh air hit them, more cameras were shoved in their face.

  He tried to block them, but she touched his arm lightly and he stepped aside while she gave a short little speech about being thankful that she’d been nominated, and that the other artist deserved to win.

  When they finally made it into the back of the limo, he pulled her into his arms and held her, thinking that she would cry. Instead, her hands started running under his jacket.

  “Bella?” He closed his eyes and enjoyed the smell of her skin.

  “I don’t want to think about losing. Help me forget it. Let me just…” She ran her mouth over his jawline.

  He didn’t need any more encouragement. His hands started roaming over the silver dress. When his fingers touched bare skin, he groaned. “Nothing matters as much as this. As much as you,” he said as he trailed his mouth down her neck. When he reached the chain of diamonds, he stilled and realized the car had slowed.

  Glancing around, he noticed they were less than a block from her place. Taking a few deep breaths, he held onto her until it stopped in front of her building.

  Taking her hand, he helped her out of the car and started towards the front doors. Kenny opened the glass door and stood back to let them pass by. Just as they did, the door shattered in the man’s hands. Bella screamed and he pulled her forward as he covered her body with his.

  He lay on top of her on the cement out front of her building as he heard more shots bounce off the cement tiles inches from them. He pulled her through the glass shards while Kenny lay on the sidewalk bleeding and staring up into the sky.

  Once he was sure they were safely shielded, he pulled out his phone and dialed 911 as his eyes ran over Bella.

  She had a few cuts on her hands and knees from the glass or the pavement, but otherwise she appeared to be unharmed as she held onto him.

  “Kenny,” she said, starting to move towards the doorway.

  “No.” He held her still and then gave the dispatcher the information she needed.

  “Calvin, let me go. Kenny’s hurt.” She tried again to pull away.

  “Sweetie, there’s nothing we can do for him now.” He held onto her when she buried her face into his chest. He’d seen the man’s eyes staring blankly as he’d shielded Bella from the bullets.

  “Kenny?” She cried into his chest. “Why?”

  Another man dressed in the building security uniform rushed out of the elevator and headed towards them.

  “Are you hurt?” The man knelt beside them. From this angle, they could only see the broken glass covering the lobby floor.

  “Steve,” Bella cried. “Kenny.” She pointed towards the door. “He’s been shot.”

  The man pulled out a walkie talkie and rushed through the opening where the glass door used to be.

  Calvin was about to warn him that there might still be an active shooter, but less than a minute later, he came back inside, blood covering his hands and a look on his face that assured them that it was too late for Kenny.

  Bella turned and cried into Calvin’s chest again.

  “Bella, my god.” He closed his eyes as thoughts of what might have happened if Kenny hadn’t rushed to open the door and stepped in front of Bella. “Are you hurt?” he asked when he felt her shaking.

  “No, just some cuts,” she said between sobs. “What happened?” She blinked up at him a few times.

  Even though there hadn’t been any real loud sounds, he’d known instantly that they were shots. The streets had just been too loud to hear the faint popping sounds. He’d been to the shooting range enough to know the damage a bullet could do.

  “Someone shot at us.” He pulled her up to her feet and ran his eyes and his hands over her, making sure she wasn’t injured past a few cuts and scrapes.

  “Are you hurt?” she asked him, doing the same.

  When her hands came away bloody, he cursed as the sting in his arm finally registered.

  “Calvin, you’ve been shot!” she cried out, and rushed to remove his jacket.

  He looked down at his ruined coat and sighed as she tossed it aside. “Now I’ll need a new tux,” he said as she pushed him to sit on a bench.

  Seeing the bloody shirt sleeve as she pushed it off him, he winced at the sting of his skin sticking to the wet material.

  He intuitively knew it was nothing more than a scrape, but still she worried over him until the paramedics arrived and took over. She’d held his ruined shirt against the cut and cried.<
br />
  “Bella, it’s just a nick,” he assured her. “I could’ve cut it on the glass.” He motioned to the door. “Or the metal rim of the door.” He noticed a jagged piece of metal still holding a shard of glass where he’d dragged her through moments ago.

  The police were buzzing around as the paramedics bandaged up his arm.

  He didn’t want Bella to see Kenny, so he kept them inside the building. When he could, he asked about the man and was told Kenny had taken two bullets, one to the chest and the other through the neck. He’d most likely died instantly.

  When Calvin’s phone rang, he pulled it out of his ruined jacket and, upon seeing Ben’s face, groaned and answered the call.

  “What the hell. Did you just get shot?” Ben barked at him.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Bella couldn’t get warm. Even though she sat in her apartment, covered in a thick blanket, wearing her thickest sweats and heaviest socks, she was still shivering.

  Calvin was back on the phone after having changed from his ruined tux, pacing the floor of her apartment.

  “I don’t give a damn,” he said, and then turned his eyes towards her. “It’s obvious who it was aimed at…” He waited and listened again as she laid her head back against the sofa.

  Images of the last moments of Kenny’s life flashed behind her eyelids each time she closed them. So, she opened them again and looked at her ceiling.

  “Yeah.” Calvin groaned and hung up. “The police are sending…” He sighed when his phone rang again. “It’s your brother again.” He rolled his eyes and answered the call. “She’s resting,” he answered. “She’s showered, changed, and sitting on the sofa safe and sound.” Calvin listened for a moment, then held out his phone for her to take.

  “Hi,” she said, her voice sounding as if it was miles away, like she was stuck in a tunnel.

  “Are you okay?” Her brother’s voice was soothing, and she closed her eyes again.

  “I am,” she said, her voice shaking. “Calvin is the one who got shot,” she reminded him.

  “He says it was a scrape he got from the glass.”

  Her eyes opened and landed on Calvin, who was still standing over her. “He’s lying,” she said with a slight smile, which Calvin returned.