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“Can this not wait, Christian? It’s been a mad couple of days for her. She must be exhausted and scared. I can feel her shaking,” Maximus says as he runs a hand over my head again before planting a kiss on it. Christian shakes his head.
“When I threatened your landlord yesterday, I announced you as ours and the word will be out already that could make you a target.”
“So, what do I need to do?” I ask not sure if I’m processing everything as my mind is in overdrive. Christian gives me a reassuring smile before starting.
“Until we get you your own car, one of us will drive you around. If none of us is available you will have a member of our security team drive you and wait for you,” Christian says before taking a sip of his drink.
“That doesn’t seem too bad,” I admit.
“You will also always have someone close by. Terry, our head of security has already designated someone to you.”
“I can’t have a babysitter!” I protest as I sit up from Maximus’s chest.
“You will and watch your tone,” Christian warns.
“I’ll be the laughingstock of the school!”
“They will be discreet, no one will know they are there or why,” Jason says from his seat.
“But I will!” I argue. I look back at Christian. “Please, I will do anything you say, but I already stand out at school, don’t make it worse for me. Please, Daddy.” I throw in a little extra pleading with the ‘daddy’ in the hope it works. I watch as Christian looks from me to Jason who shrugs.
“Speak to Terry and see what he suggests, I trust his judgement.”
“Wasn’t he meant to have eyes on her, and they failed to notice she was living rough!” Maximus says as he looks at Jason. Jason shakes his head.
“Tommy had cancelled her security and given them other assignments. He told them to tell Terry they were still checking on her.”
"What? I had personal security?” I ask, and all four guys nod.
“See you didn't know then so now won't be any different,” Sean says offering me a small smile. I climb off Maximus’s lap and start pacing around the room. I can’t sit still whilst my mind is in overdrive like this. I wrap my arms around myself, needing some kind of comfort.
“You okay, Jazzy?”
I shake my head and quickly mumble a “no,” before Christian can give me hell.
"What are you thinking, Sweetheart?” I hear Christian ask. I hold up a finger as I need a moment to process.
“Let me get this straight, you guys have been paying for the dance school for the last three years. You’ve had security follow me until four months ago and you own the house I thought I was renting from your dad? You are also some kind of what? Mafia Dons who have hurt and killed people? What else don’t I know?” I ask as I turn and look around and look at the guys who are watching me.
“That’s everything I promise,” Christian whispers as he stands up and looks at me with those warm eyes which usually calm me. But not right now. So much has happened and changed in such a short space of time, it’s all becoming too much.
“This is a lot. I need some air,” I whisper as I go to walk past Christian, who steps in my way.
“I know it is, but I know you can handle it. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for, sweetheart,” Christian says as he cups my face. I look into his eyes as I feel mine starting to fill.
“I just need a minute,” I whisper before heading out of the room.
22
Jasmine
I walk out of the room and realise I have no idea where to go. I need to be out in the open to clear my confused and overwhelmed mind. Bonus points if there’s room for me to move.
Ever since I put on my first leotard all I’ve ever wanted to do is dance. It helps me clear my mind and to focus. My grandmother was the first person to take me to a dance class and my grandparents have funded my ballet for as long as I remember. It’s one of the reasons my mother has resented me so much. She always said her parents loved me more than they ever loved her as they never gave her anything. In truth, she took and took, until they had no choice but to stop as it was funding her substance and shopping addiction.
It heightened my mother’s hatred for me when my grandparents died in a freak accident and left everything to me. They wanted to ensure I could fund my ballet until I was able to do it myself. My mother made my life hell, and I ended up giving her a lot of the money. Which in turn meant I’ve struggled to pay for the dance school and lessons. I was so happy when Tommy said he would happily fund it, as long as I paid for my accommodation. He said he had the perfect property for me and would rent it to me for a reasonable price. I thought he was trying to help me to stand on my own two feet, but I guess I was wrong.
I enter the kitchen and stop when I see a lady with short black hair standing at the breakfast counter chopping vegetables. She looks up and gives me a warm smile.
