AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I grinned. The small list of things I’d hope for didn’t matter, only being with him. “I just want to spend time with you.”
“You’re known, too, now, so we’ll have to anticipate the press. I’m hoping we’ll be able to return to Italy after your time in Paris. We could stay at Lake Como. However, during this trip, I’d like for you to introduce me to your parents. We can do a video call.”
I moved on his lap and kissed all over his face. Mom still hadn’t fully warmed up to Paul and Dad wasn’t his biggest fan. However, it was a huge step towards giving them a chance to see Paul as the good man I had come to know.
“Nadia, calm down,” he chuckled.
But we both knew he enjoyed it.
Paul led me to his office on the plane before take-off. Already seated at one of the built-in desks was an older woman with dark hair and, to my dismay, Gunnar. She stood and shook my hand. “I’m Nicole. We’ve communicated by email and text, but finally, I get to meet you in person.”
I shook her hand and smiled. “Nice to meet you.”
Gunnar held out his hand, and I ignored it but took the seat with Paul across from them.
A ghost of a smile appeared on Gunnar’s lips. “Let me start by saying I’m sorry, Nadia. You have every right never to forgive me. However, I’m the best at my job, and I’m here to earn your confidence.”
Paul squeezed my knee. I sighed and placed my hand over his. My head turned, and our gazes lingered. He whispered, “Thank you.”
“Good. Nicole, would you like to start the meeting?” Gunnar said to her.
“I’m here to go over your itinerary for your trip, but first—” Nicole accepted the cup of tea and biscuits the hostess placed before her. “—thank you. Paul has completed the press for his upcoming concert in Rome. During the interview, he identified you as his girlfriend. The American press has rerun the story, and we can expect it to go viral.”
My heartbeat rose, and I could feel it pound in my ears. I wanted to look at Paul but feared I wouldn’t find him as happy as I was.
“That was my decision, Nadia. We’re a public couple now.” Paul lifted my hand and placed a kiss on my wrist. The tension in my chest was replaced with excitement. I grinned at him. He’d done it for me, which was the change that mattered.Paul’s giving us a real chance.
Gunnar cleared his throat. “There is more news. Thunder Media has released their story on Justus Black and finding his lost daughter.”
I tensed. “What’s in the article?”
“Justus mostly talked about his drug use and life changes. He mentioned seeing you in Paris and after his show. We’ve used your adoption contract to stop Justus from including the agency’s name, all mentions of your mother’s name, birth location, and any other identifiable information about you. However, they still know Agata and Darek’s information and location from public records.”
“It’s only a matter of time before the whole story will come out,” Nicole added. “News crews and vans have already blocked your parents’ street in Cudahy, Wisconsin—”
“Oh, no. Are my parents okay?”What if Dad has an emergency and can’t get to the hospital?
I dug in my purse for my phone to call, but Paul patted my arm. “They’re fine.”
“We’ve flown them to a private ranch earlier than their planned trip to Texas. The home has twenty-four-hour security and is near thespecialist.” Gunnar stared hard at Paul, but his face was unreadable.
I shifted my gaze between the two of them. “What’s going on?”
Paul raised an eyebrow and gave Gunnar a cold stare. “Nothing. Your parents agreed to see a specialist in Texas already. They just changed the timetable. Your dad will get some rest and Ben will manage security, that’s it. You can call them in a couple of hours.”
Gunnar blew out his breath.
I reluctantly nodded. “Well…okay. Mom likes Ben.”
Gunnar sat taller. “Getting back to the business at hand, from here on out, all press goes through our office. Everything is answered with ‘no comment,’ even if it’s an answer you’re comfortable with them knowing. Our law firm reviews all press. Any harassment will also be dealt with by me.” Gunnar turned his focus to me. “By the way, the petition has since been removed, though your show today meant it was unsuccessful. A statement from the school has also been released, affirming all selections followed school rules and guidelines.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. “But you can’t stop everything.”
“We can try. I’ve also had a private investigator identify the students behind the petition. One admitted online to their involvement with the vandalism of your dress. We are seeking criminal and civil charges.”
“Who was it? Wait.”The last thing I want is to think about on our trip is someone I know trying to harm me.“I don’t want to know now; please tell me later.”
But Gunnar didn’t stop speaking. “One was Kelsie Simmons, who I believe you know from your classes?”
