For Hope

by Jeannette Winters

  David headed back to the cabin, and he hoped Jada had found something to preoccupy herself. When he entered, he found her lying on the cot reading an adult male magazine. It wasn’t his, and he assumed it wasn’t hers either.

  “Well I guess you’re not bored,” David said teasingly.

  She didn’t lower the magazine. Instead, she replied, “I’m not looking at the pictures. I’m just reading the articles.”

  David almost burst a gut. She was so quick-witted. I wouldn’t want you to be my adversary. The problem was she wasn’t his anything. She looked at him as nothing more than unwanted help. That was okay because anything beyond that might cloud his judgment.

  “Maybe I should knock next time.”

  Jada rolled up the magazine and threw it at him. He caught it before it made contact. David looked down as he held it up in the air. The centerfold unraveled and he looked it up and down before turning to Jada, saying, “She’s got nothing compared to you.”

  Jada’s mouth gaped open, and her cheeks turned beet red. He hadn’t said it to embarrass her; it was meant as a compliment. But David wasn’t a smooth charmer. It hadn’t occurred to him that a woman wouldn’t want to be compared to a centerfold. But Jada was a supermodel; she was used to being compared to everybody. Or maybe she is just used to women comparing themselves to her.

  “I’m sorry if I embarrassed—”

  Jada shook her head. “Surprised me would be more accurate.”

  “Fair enough. I’ll try not to do it again, but no promises. Being an ass comes naturally to me.”

  Jada’s expression softened slightly. “Obviously, you don’t get out much, do you?”

  David wasn’t sure what she meant. So far he’d attended two of her very public events where the media had snapped his picture with her. How much more out was he supposed to get? He had just spent the last hour listening to Gabe run his mouth about David enjoying the job all too much. David had been pissed off because Gabe wasn’t totally wrong.

  “Normally my role is more behind the scenes,” David replied as he tossed the magazine into the hot embers in the fireplace. Whoever it belonged to would have to bring a replacement. This wasn’t a hunting lodge or a vacation spot. It served one purpose only. To give us time alone so we can flush the emotional shit out of our systems. The last thing David wanted to do here was think about a woman. He was struggling with that at the moment because Jada was a woman no man would be able to ignore, never mind forget. No photo in any of those magazines would ever compare to her. She was totally enchanting. She’d be even more beautiful stripped of her makeup. Good. Hide that from the world. From me too. David hated to admit it, but his blood ran hot a few times as he caught sight of her when she wasn’t in model mode. That is a woman I could . . . like.

  “And what does that mean exactly?”

  He’d almost forgotten what they were talking about. Jada obviously hadn’t been distracted by him. David crossed his arms. “Are we going to start this again?”

  Jada sat up and said, “I can always look for another magazine.”

  You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? “It means that my brothers and our team members are usually more visible than I am.”

  Jada arched a brow and looked him over before asking, “You mean they don’t normally let you out in the field? Are you not qualified? Because that doesn’t make me feel very . . . safe.”

  Not qualified? She had no idea what his normal job was, so he could forgive her for being naive. But she was foolish if she didn’t understand how safe she actually was. It wasn’t only here on the mountain either. David would never let anyone hurt her, no matter where they were. Hell the President would want me protecting his ass. He’d never been doubted before this assignment. His normal role was behind-the-scenes where only his team was aware of his presence. He had eyes of a hawk and didn’t miss anything, which allowed his team to do their jobs effectively. Even though he wanted to ignore her remark, it ticked him off. Like a direct hit to the nuts. He looked her over from head to toe before saying coldly, “Trust me, sweetheart, you’re safe.”

  He knew he made her uncomfortable, but that wasn’t his intention. He wished he could say he didn’t give a fuck what she thought, but that was a lie. He wasn’t out to impress her or anyone else, but that didn’t mean he’d let her question his qualifications.

  “I’m serious, David. If there really was someone out to hurt me, how do I know you could protect me?”

  He wasn’t sure if that was a serious question, but he would provide the best answer he could. In doing so, he’d be explaining what this cabin was used for.

  “You asked me why I come here?” Jada nodded. David continued, “My job is to protect my team from a distance. I am not going to elaborate on what that means. But what I will tell you is that anyone who fucks with people I care about, or that I’m responsible for, is in for one hell of a shock. When it comes down to them or me, I’m not the one who’s going home in a pine box.”

  David didn’t need to go into details about how many men had been in one of those boxes or why. She was an intelligent woman, and he knew she could read between the lines. Because the truth was, he’d lost count. He knew he could pull records and compile information for the best guess on how many kills there’d been. Some people kept track of them. David didn’t. All it would do was validate a reason for him to stay at the cabin and never return to civilization. Lock my ass up and throw away the key. ’Cause, damn, deep inside, I’m fucked up. Just being here reminded him why he’d built this place. For David to choose to deal with his own shit now, Jada would have to get the fuck off that mountain. Once he started to replay all the things he had done in the line of duty, his emotions would run wild. He’d never hurt a woman before and he sure as hell didn’t want Jada to be the first. It’s why he chose to keep it all buried. He’d said enough to her already. She wouldn’t hear anything more about his past. That’s a Pandora’s box I’m not going to open . . . not for her, not for anyone.

  Chapter Five

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  Jada had an odd feeling she couldn’t describe. She had asked David to leave and give her some space. The she’d tried firing him but none of that worked. She’d finally come to terms with the fact he wasn’t going anywhere. Now he needed to step away for a few hours? What the heck was up with that? Couldn’t he have stepped away before they were out in the boonies? She loved rustic living and could fend for herself. She even knew the difference between poison ivy and poison oak. But she didn’t want to be left alone in the wilderness to fight off a black bear or any other critters.

  There was nothing to do there. She’d tried using her cell phone, but there was no signal. Sitting outside the cabin enjoying the sounds of nature was wonderful, but after about an hour, Jada got antsy. Models spent many hours waiting around—makeup, lighting, fittings—but she was normally prepared for those times. Had she known what David meant by secluded location, she’d have asked to stop somewhere to grab a book or something to do before they boarded the helicopter. She used to love reading a good mystery. Growing up, characters in books were like her best friends. It wasn’t because she didn’t have any real friends, but at night when she couldn’t sleep, books were always there to keep her company.

  Jada wasn’t sure if she was missing David or yearning for companionship. Even if he isn’t thrilled being with me. Then she remembered a makeshift shower inside the cabin. It wasn’t ideal, but taking a shower while David wasn’t around made the most sense. Since David made it clear he’d be gone for a few hours, she could take her time and actually enjoy a shower.

  Once inside, Jada went to her suitcase and dug out a pair of jeans, a turtleneck, and clean underwear. Her suitcase was missing a few important things, like soap, lotion, shampoo, and deodorant. She didn’t bother checking what David might have in the cabin; she’d searched every nook and cranny earlier. Clean mountain living.

  She wasn’t planning to be there more than another day, but there was no way she
’d show up at her next location without making a pit stop somewhere first. David’s helicopter was top of the line, but there were certain amenities that even the best one’s didn’t have.

  She remembered David telling her there was a very limited amount of hot water, so it would be a quick wash no matter what. Once in the shower, she found that hot had been an exaggeration. Lukewarm was generous as well. It was the shortest shower she’d ever taken, but Jada found the water refreshing anyway.

  Jada slipped on her panties and bra. She knew the turtleneck would cover most of her discoloration from the burn, but there would still be a small area on the highest part of her neck and the base of her jaw. There had been no avoiding washing away her makeup. This might be out in the middle of nowhere, but she wasn’t ready for anyone, even David, seeing her without the scars covered. David didn’t strike her as someone who’d go to the media with the information, but she wasn’t taking any chances. There has to be something I can do.

  Then Jada remembered a very small emergency cover-up stick she’d stashed inside one of her bags. Please be in this one. Jada dug down deep inside the only luggage David allowed her to bring. She was about to give up when she felt a small lipstick-sized item that had to be it. Pulling her hand from the bag she held it up in the air smiling. Finally something goes right. Without the aid of a mirror she did the best she could by memory. Since she’d applied cover-up every day since she was a small tot, she could do it from muscle memory. One I wish my muscles could forget.

  When she was finished, Jada tossed the cover stick back into her bag, knowing she might need it again. Now all she needed to do was finish dressing. She was grabbing her shirt when she heard the door open. David had seen her in less, but she hurried to finish dressing.

  “What the—?”

  Her heart almost stopped.

  That voice didn’t belong to David. Pulling her shirt against her chest, she spun around to find a strange man standing in the doorway, holding a duffle bag. She wished she had dressed prior to applying her makeup because she’d feel less vulnerable. So many different scenarios flashed through her mind. Was someone actually stalking her and followed her and David to the mountain? Had he been waiting until David left to make his move? If so, she was in serious trouble. But this guy seemed as surprised to see her as Jada was to have an unexpected visitor. There was no way she was going to let him know she was scared senseless. Mustering all the confidence she could, she used her acting skills and hoped there was no hint of fear on her face or in her eyes.

  “Who the heck are you?” Jada snapped, but internally she was shaking like a leaf and thought she would vomit.

  The burly man didn’t seem fazed at all by her tone as his eyes roamed over her before he said nonchalantly, “I live here.”

  Jada was taken aback by his statement. It was such an odd thing to say because it was so easy to refute. David had clearly stated this was his little getaway. It was clear this guy was a liar, but Jada had no idea what else he might be.

  She needed to put as much distance between herself and him as she could. However, this was a one-room cabin, and he was standing in the only exit. She could try climbing out one of the windows, but by the time she got it open, he would be on top of her. Turning her back on him would be a mistake. That much she knew. The only place that had any form of separation had been that makeshift shower curtain. Jada backed as far as she could from him, but that only provided another few feet.

  She was cursing herself for telling David she wanted to go someplace secluded, actually getting off the chopper in the first place, and walking up the mountain with him. She had made it this far in her career by using good judgment, yet in the last forty-eight hours she’s lost count of the things she would have done differently. Right now she wished she had asked David to leave her some form of protection. Jada had seen David carrying a weapon that had looked intimidating as hell. She wished she had it there right now. Not that I’d know how to use it.

  But she was resourceful and knew a gun was not the only thing she could use to protect herself. Jada quickly scanned the room for anything she could use as a deterrent. The only object of any use was the iron rod David had used to stoke the fire that morning. It was on her far left, and there was no way she’d make it there before he stopped her. If she was fortunate enough to reach it, he looked as though he’d come out on top in plenty of fights in the past. David, where the hell are you? I need you.

  Since Jada couldn’t win physically, she hoped to outwit him. “My . . . husband is going to be right back and . . . and if you’re here when he returns he’ll . . . he won’t be happy.” Jada couldn’t believe how shaky her voice was. And calling David her husband? That’s the last thing I need the media to spread. She didn’t think the guy had a clue who she was anyway. He didn’t look like someone who read fashion magazines. And I know what kind of magazines he reads.

  Jada was hoping he’d at least stop and think about what she was saying. Maybe consider the fact that her husband was going to return and be irate. Her words had little effect on him. If anything he looked more adamant about staying.

  With an arched brow, he said, “Lady, I don’t know who you are, but I sure as hell know you don’t belong here.”

  His tone wasn’t aggressive or sarcastic. It was as though he was simply stating a fact. Thankfully he didn’t step any farther into the cabin. He was huge and looked as though he could wrestle a grizzly bear and win. But there was something in his eyes, his demeanor, that suggested he wasn’t out to hurt or scare her. I can’t help but be scared. David’s got me thinking there could be someone after me. Thanks, David, for making me paranoid.

  She didn’t feel as though this man was the one David had been concerned about. That eased her mind slightly, but she didn’t want some strange man in the cabin with her, especially with her current lack of clothing. And he didn’t appear to be in any rush to leave. Without David there to intervene Jada only had one choice, to vacate the cabin herself. She wasn’t sure where she was going to go or if she could find her way back down the mountain to the clearing where the helicopter had dropped them off. And I sure as heck cannot lug that suitcase along with me. “I’ll . . . leave if you go outside and give me a few minutes to . . . gather my things.”

  The man shook his head and crossed his arms. “Ma’am, if you think I’m going to let you walk out of here all by yourself, you’re plum crazy.”

  This entire situation was abnormal, but when she leaned over to grab her jeans she found they were no longer alone. David’s voice boomed from behind the stranger. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

  Jada watched as the man turned around and confronted David. She braced herself for the confrontation because Jada had no doubt David would do whatever he had to in order to protect her. David might not be as big as you but he sure as hell is not someone to mess with.

  The man moved over slightly, and Jada could see the exchange between the two as he spoke to David. His entire demeanor had relaxed, which was opposite of what she had prepared herself for. “Son of a bitch. You’re her husband?” His tone was filled with disbelief. “When the hell were you going to tell us you got married?”

  Jada was shocked. Was it possible he knew David? And if so, how? Surely they were not brothers; not only didn’t they look anything alike, but everything else about them was as different as night and day. David was so clean-cut, and this guy probably hadn’t shaved in years.

  David, on the other hand, didn’t appear to be so welcoming. David glanced in her direction briefly, and Jada could see his eyes were dark and filled with anger. When he returned his attention to their visitor, David growled out, “What are you doing here, Bill, and why the hell doesn’t Jada have any clothes on?”

  Bill didn’t look back in her direction. Instead, he raised both hands in the air and said apologetically, “Purely innocent. Didn’t know anyone was here when I walked in.”

  “And yet you’re still standing here,” David said, glari
ng at him.

  In all the uproar, Jada almost forgot she was half naked. She spun around so her back was to Bill while she quickly slipped on her shirt and jeans. While doing so, she struggled to understand why David had sounded like a jealous boyfriend. Was it an act in order to keep Bill at a distance? Was David playing along with Jada’s story that they were married? Nothing surprised her any longer. At least, nothing regarding David.

  Bill heeded David’s warning and joined David on the other side of the threshold. He hadn’t closed the door, so she strained to hear everything they were saying.

  David said in a softer tone, “I wouldn’t have brought her here if I knew you were coming.”

  She heard Bill reply, “Don’t tell me this is where you took her for your honeymoon.”

  Jada could die laughing because Bill sounded so darned serious. But deep inside she knew none of this was a laughing matter. She wasn’t sure what the relationship was between Bill and David; it was one thing to lie to a stranger but another to drag David into the lies. She was tempted to go outside and set things straight. It was the right thing to do. But she would probably only to make things worse. Besides, David was very capable of setting things straight on his own. That didn’t mean she was going to stop eavesdropping on their conversation. They’re talking about me. I have the right to know what they say. Which really was a sad way to look at it, because she was the reason that conversation was even taking place.

  As quietly as she could, she walked a tad closer to the open door. Jada didn’t want to be obvious because it wasn’t the most mature thing to do. But drastic times called for drastic measures, and this was her life they were discussing. So she listened in on the conversation.

  “She’s not into all that fancy stuff,” David said.

  Jada almost choked on that because she was used to being pampered. She enjoyed nature and loved visiting with her father, but this place was just a step over staying in a tent. Literally, the place had an outhouse. She’d heard of them but never had she envisioned using one. Never peed so fast in my life.