by Amore
She smiled up at him. “Are you jealous, Alexander?”
Jeez, he hated when she called his name like that. It sent heat flooding to his groin. She was definitely making it hard for him not to drag her out of that ballroom and to the nearest hotel. Finding his voice and clearing his head from her web of seduction, he answered, “Not jealous, Jada. Every man in here can’t keep their eyes off of you. That doesn’t bother me at all as long as they just look and don’t touch. That particular gentleman, though, is different. I don’t like the look in his eyes. So, just a fair warning, if he touches you again like he did earlier, I’ll break his fingers.”
His voice was so calm and light that Jada actually chuckled at the statement. That was until she looked up again into his clear exotic eyes and all the former amusement was gone. He was serious. “I’m going to tell you like I told Ami. James is harmless.”
“Mmmm, hmmm,” He responded. Then, he smiled. “Enough about him. I need to focus on the most beautiful woman in the room.” His smile melted any uneasy feelings she had concerning him and James.
“Well, it seems my big brother wasted no time in his search and destroy mission,” Maddy said to Ami.
Ami turned toward the direction Maddy was looking. “Good. I was wondering how long it would take for him to find her. He was starting to get on my nerves.”
The fellas had scattered about the party and commenced to having a good time. Ami and Maddy were sitting at a small table talking with a few executives and actors. The party was in full swing.
Ty and Chris were at one of the many bars talking to two women. One was an architect and the other was police S.W.A.T. Ty was totally captivated by the semi-local architect. She and her friend were attending the party as guests of her friend’s brother whom was a film writer. The foursome had been briefly talking and laughing over drinks when Ty glanced around the room. He did a double take when he saw a woman standing near a bar, talking to a well built man. His grey eyes seemed to sparkle as he spoke to her and her smile was wicked.
Rhonda.
Ty’s demeanor suddenly changed as an uneasy feeling settled over him. Her being there could only mean one thing and that was big trouble. Chris immediately caught the change. “Ty, what is it?” Chris asked. “Ladies, it was very nice meeting and talking with you, but we need to step away for a moment,” Ty addressed the two young ladies. “Chris, we need to talk.”
As they moved away, Ty discreetly pointed out Rhonda and her gentleman friend talking across the room. “Damn,” Chris said through gritted teeth. “This is not going to be pretty.”
“I know,” Ty agreed. “We have got to find Alex.”
Rhonda and Hawk had finally met face to face at a remotely located bar in the corner of the grand ballroom. Her smile was mirthless as she extended her manicured hand and said, “It’s nice to finally meet you, Hawk. You are a cutie.”
“You as well, beautiful lady,” Hawk replied, taking Rhonda’s offered hand and kissing the back. “You certainly are a vision.”
“Well, a girl has got to use what she has to get what she wants.” “Is that so?” “In my world? Absolutely.” Hawk grabbed two champagne flutes from a waiter passing by.
“So, is your man here tonight?” “He most certainly is. We are meeting here. He came with his
family. He is definitely leaving with me, though. How about you? Are you here with someone?”
“No, but like you, I intend to leave with a very beautiful woman, but she doesn’t know it yet.”
Rhonda smiled again. “Looks like we have something in common. My man doesn’t know it yet, either.” Rhonda raised her glass and touched it to Hawk’s. “To new acquisitions before dawn.”
Hawk’s eyes glistened. “New acquisitions. I like that.”
Alex and Jada had made their way over to Ami and Maddy after dancing intimately for nearly thirty minutes. They were talking and laughing. He possessively held her hand, simply enjoying the warmth the simple gesture sent up his arm.
“Listen, guys. I need to go do what I do. This may be a party for you all, but I’m working,” Jada announced at the table. Alex moved to go with her, but caught the sight of Ty and Chris headed toward the table. Neither looked happy.
Jada was picking up her purse when the brothers arrived at the table. “Hey, guys,” Chris spoke first.
“Hey. What’s wrong?” Ami asked. Everyone looked at Ty and Chris.
“Uh, nothing much,” Ty said, trying to sound casual. “Alex, can we speak to you for a minute? Over here.”
Alex looked at his brothers and knew immediately they were very serious. He turned to Jada. “Don’t go far.”
Jada smiled sexily. “Don’t worry, Alex. It’s just work.”
Alex had planned to tell Jada he loved her that night. He couldn’t fight it any longer, nor did he want to. He needed her in every way. He turned and stepped away with Ty and Chris.
“Where are Sean and Dave?” Ty asked.
“I don’t know, around here somewhere. What’s going on?” Alex asked, becoming tense.
“Rhonda is here,” Chris cut to the chase.
“Stop playing.” Alex smiled and made a move to go back to the table.
“We are not playing!” Ty said, catching Alex’s arm. His tone was dead serious.
“She’s at the far end of the room. Last bar. Talking to some guy,” Chris said.
Alex turned in that direction. He didn’t see her, so he scanned the room in search of her. There! She was walking toward the table were Ami and Maddy were sitting. He caught Reed’s eye and gave him a something-is-going-down look. Reed got the message and took an inconspicuous step toward the table to be closer to Ami and Maddy. The three men headed back toward the table, reaching it the same time as Rhonda.
Rhonda slid into a seat next to Ami. Reed made a move to remove her, but Ami stopped him by placing a hand on his forearm.
“Oh, Ami. He’s sexy. Can I have him?” Rhonda purred, looking up at Reed.
“I’m sorry, Rhonda. Reed and I plan to be together a long time,” Ami retorted.
“Pity.” She turned her attention to Alex. “Alex, how are you?” “What do you want, Rhonda?” Alex asked, his eyes frigid. “I’m here to have a good time, like everyone else. Anyway,
Alex, don’t be so cold.” Rhonda stood and made her way over to him. “I’m sure you and I could find a way to make things hot again.” She snaked her arm around Alex’s.
“I don’t think so, Rhonda,” Alex responded as he felt the anger rising at her nerve. “I’ve told you before, we are done.”
“Alex, please. What we had was amazing. I’m sure we can rekindle love,” She purred.
Alex cringed at her words. He removed his arm from her clutches. “Rhonda, get a life and leave mine alone.”
At that point, Maddy was on her feet. “Rhonda, my brothers won’t touch you, but don’t think for one minute I won’t enjoy rearranging your face,” She said through gritted teeth. “Alex said you guys were through, don’t make him repeat himself.”
“Oh, Madison! You are a tough girl now with all these people around, huh?” Rhonda retorted, although her voice shook a little.
“You really don’t want a repeat of what happened years ago, do you, Rhonda?” Maddy asked, removing her suit jacket to reveal wonderfully toned shoulders and arms.
Rhonda turned her attention back to Alex, hoping Maddy would not cause a scene. “I won’t just be tossed aside, Alex. You and I were meant to be. Your little Ms. Perfect over there means nothing to me. As a matter of fact, she may be more valuable to some other people. She should watch her step.”
Alex took a step toward Rhonda and Ty quickly stepped in front of him. “If you even think about doing anything to Jada, Rhonda, I will personally make sure your life is a living hell!” Alex growled.
Rhonda was unfazed. “I’m sure you’ll see reason soon enough, Alex. She’s in love with someone else and is just using you for a good time...see?” Rhonda pointed toward th
e dance floor. Jada was dancing with James. He must have said something amusing because she was laughing.
Alex felt his temper reach the boiling point. Something about James just did not sit right with him. He definitely did not like the way he was holding her on the dance floor. Alex could feel his judgment clouding over and his hands slightly tremored.
“Rhonda, it was nice seeing you, but I think it’s time you leave,” Chris cut in.
“Ah, yes. I see some other people I must go speak with. Later, Love family. I’ll see you at the next family function.” Rhonda waved and slithered off.
Ty and Chris looked at each other, recognizing the gentleman Rhonda had been talking to. They decided to keep quiet for the time being. Alex had already been pushed to his limit, and it did not look like he was calming down any time soon. Jada and James left the dance floor and headed toward another group of people.
“Alex, calm down. You are shaking.” Ami cut into his thoughts, which at the moment included choking Rhonda.
“Who is that guy?” Alex asked, still visibly angry. The combination of Rhonda’s appearance and that idiot dancing with his woman turned up the heat on his usually calm temper.
“That’s James Post. He works in films. He’s a director,” Ami replied.
“I know his name, Ami. I want to know who he is to Jada. He is too familiar with her,” Alex stated, still not liking the man at all.
“He and Jada have worked together on a few projects. He’s always looking for something new for her to get involved in. He used to be interested in her, but they are just friends, Alex,” Ami said, trying to reassure him as well as herself. Alex was not feeling that at all.
Alex tore his gaze from Jada and James to focus on Ami. “Enlighten me, cousin. What does, ‘used to be interested in her’ really mean?”
Ami knew that whatever she said, Alex wouldn’t like. She grabbed his hand and gently coerced him into the seat next to her. She steadied her voice as she spoke to him.
“This is how I understand it, and I have no reason to think differently. Quite some time ago, Jada was producing an independent film and needed a director. James was recommended and hired for the position. They did the film and as soon as it wrapped, he asked her out. Besides business dinners with a bunch of other people, Jada never went out with him. He asked a few more times and each time she declined. Finally, she explained to him she was not interested in him romantically, but loved his work and hoped they could be friends. He seemed alright with that. She has never mentioned anything out of the ordinary with him, Alex. Nothing.”
Alex focused his attention to where Jada had moved to speak with another group of people. James lingered at a nearby bar, talking to a small group of young females. They seemed to hang on his every word. Jada seemed to be in her element. Her charm and wit were winning over the group of people she spoke with. She turned toward him and sent him a saucy wink from across the room. He smiled back at her, but his anger lurked under the surface.
“I don’t like him, Ami. I hope, for his sake, he doesn’t step even a fraction out of line tonight or I will wrap my hands around his throat,” Alex spoke evenly.
“I understand,” Ami smiled, trying to lighten his mood. She sat back and thought about how bad her cousin was in love. It was great, although she knew if James continued to flirt with Jada the way he’d done in the past, his great eye for film would be black.
About forty five minutes had passed and Jada had not returned to the table. Alex had calmed down and had accepted the fact that Jadahadto work the crowd that night. He wished he could be alone with her that very moment. Every so often, he would look up and scan the crowd for her, catching her eye. Her sexy smile was reassuring. He was feeling her heat and desperately wanted to be inside of her. Some time later, he picked his head up to scan the room for her yet again. He did not see her. He looked around more closely that time. He was 100% sure she was not in the room.
“Ami, where’s Jada?” Alex asked.
“Oh, I’m sure she is here somewhere,” Ami answered dismissively as she spoke with her agent.
An uneasy feeling blanketed Alex. “Ty. Chris. Find Jada for me,” He said quietly. They nodded without question.
Twenty minutes later, Ty and Chris came back to the table with Sean and David. Jada was not in the building. Alex scanned the room for James and Rhonda. Neither of them were in the building, either. Anger and panic swept through Alex. In an extremely calm voice, He leaned in to Ami and Maddy and said, “Excuse me, ladies, I need to borrow Reed for a second.”
“Sure, I’m not going anywhere.” Ami smiled and continued her conversation with her agent.
“I might!” Maddy replied, eyeing a very tall gentleman at the bar.
“Maddy, stay put! Don’t leave the party,” Alex demanded.
“Jeez, Alex, fine,” She said, taking note that his tone was very serious.
Alex gathered the gentlemen around and relayed the info that Jada, James, and Rhonda were all missing from the party. Reed was immediately on his cell phone’s walkie talkie, communicating with some of the other body and security guards in attendance. Most of them knew Jada and James from working in the business. Moments later, he came back.
“One of the guys saw Rhonda leave about thirty minutes ago. Some one else saw Jada get into a car with James about twenty minutes ago,” Reed reported in a deep, baritone voice.
Chris moved toward Ami and Maddy. “We need to go. Now!”
Ami and Maddy did not hesitate. When Chris talked like that, it meant business. Ami said a few quick good nights and the entire family was gone.
Chapter 15
Everyone made their way back to Ami’s hotel. Reed, Alex, and Sean were each on the phone calling in favors with contacts. Both Alex and Ami dialed Jada’s cell phone several times. Each time it went to voice mail. Ami did not have James' cell number because she hated talking to him. Alex was sure James took Jada and Rhonda had something to do with it, and he was livid.
By the time they reached the hotel, several detectives were waiting for them courtesy of Sean.
Everyone made their way to the suite, not saying anything until they were in the room. Alex explained to Sean and the other detectives what happened during the course of the evening. They needed to find Jada before something happened to her.
Sean called in several favors, including tracking Jada’s cell phone. Ami had obtained James’ cell number from her agent, and they quickly added his number as one to be tracked also.
Jada opened her eyes and realized her head felt like it weighed a ton. She went to rub her eyes and further realized her hands wouldn’t move. She started to scream, “What the...” but her mouth was taped shut. She felt panic setting in as she tried to look around the darkened room. The last thing she remembered was talking to James and some other Hollywood big wigs and feeling a massive headache attack her. James had brought her a drink from the bar. She had started to walk toward the ladies room and...blank! That was it. That was all she could remember. It was like at that point some flipped the switch to off and she couldn’t remember a thing. She was sitting in a chair, hands and feet tied. She was still fully dressed, thank God! Her small clutch was lying on the floor several feet away.
Jada turned her head side to side in an attempt to take in her surroundings. She thought she was maybe in a basement, but quickly observed a window on the far side of the room. She was in a house. She struggled against her bindings, which only made them hurt even more and dig deeper into her skin. Who the heck would want to take her and why? She stopped when she heard voices coming from another room. They were arguing. The female voice was foreign to her, but she knew the male voice. James Post.
The door to the room flew open and it made her jump. She blinked to clear her vision from the sudden bright light that poured into the room. James came to a stop right in front of her and knelt before her.
“Baby, listen. I’m so sorry about all of this,” He started. “Will you promise not to scre
am if I take the tape off?” She nodded in agreement.
James carefully peeled the tape from her face and she winced. He came back around to her and held her face gently in his hands, almost like a lover’s caress. She wanted to gag at his nearness. When he began to speak, Jada thought she was in one of those bad movies that she often rejected as projects. A very bad movie.
“Jada, honey, I’ve loved you for so long, but you’ve never returned my interest. Sure, we have worked together a million times, but I have always wanted more.” He stood and began to pace a little in front of her. She could not believe this was happening and James was the one standing there talking and looking crazy. She knew someone else was in the room, but couldn’t quite see because whomever she was stood off to the side behind her. “You are so beautiful. Every now and again you would look at me with those eyes. Those beautiful, dark eyes.” He stopped in front of her again. “You were calling for me, and I know it.”
Jada thought to herself,You have got to be kidding me.She quickly assessed her situation. James had completely lost it and it shone clearly in his eyes. Someone else was there, where ever there was, and she had no idea how long she had been out. Alex and Ami would be looking for her soon so she hoped. Heck, she hoped they knew she was no longer at the party. She decided to use a little elementary psychology in an attempt to save her own life. “James, you are a wonderful person. Intelligent, talented, and handsome. You didn’t need to resort to this. Untie me so we can talk this over. We’ll go grab some dinner, just you and me, and work this out.”
“No!” James yelled, causing her to jump. “You will leave me and I can’t let that happen. We had a deal.” He gestured toward the mystery guest. “She gets what she wants. I get what I want. Everyone’s happy!” James gave a wicked laugh. “You and I are meant to be, Jada. We will be together forever.”
The mystery guest chose that moment to step into the light. Rhonda Jenkins. Jada thought to herself,You really have got to be kidding me.First she felt a little sorry for James, now she was pissed. “What the hell, Rhonda?” She finally said through clinched teeth.
