A Soldier For Bella (Love Conquers Life #4) (16 page)

“I sent you to pour the wine because I knew this was coming.”

“Well then, you should’ve been prepared with an answer.” She chuckles.

I sigh. “It felt good. It was natural, not forced in any way. It just came out, and I think that’s how it should be.”

“Well, you certainly made the man wait long enough.” I give her a look, and she responds, “I’m just saying.”

I shake my head and finish cleaning up so we can get back to enjoying everyone’s company.

***

Two hours later, Derek and I sink onto the couch, tired from entertaining. Everyone just left, and all I have left to do is clean up the drinks and then I can go to bed.

Vanessa takes a seat on the chair next to us. “You have a very sweet family,” she says as she finishes off her glass of wine.

“Thank you. I’m very thankful to them for taking me in and pretty much adopting me.”

“Sandra’s not your mother?” she finally asks. I know Derek has already told her this, but I guess she must want to hear it from me.

“No.” I tell her the story about my parents, not letting on that I know she knows the story.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Bella. Sometimes the best families are not linked by blood at all.”

“I couldn’t agree more. I have tried to reach out to my parents more recently. However they haven’t returned my calls. I assume they still feel the same way they did years ago, when I left.”

Derek grabs our glasses and takes them into the kitchen to finish cleaning up.

“I can do that, babe.”

“I got it. You relax. You’re going to have a really busy day tomorrow,” he says as he winks at me from the kitchen. I love his house because it’s so open, which makes it great for inviting people over. His living room is right off the kitchen, and it’s one open space divided by an island with a snack bar.

“You two seem very happy together, and I’m so glad. It’ll make it easier to go back down South knowing that my son is happy and taken care of.”

I give her a warm smile. “I love your son very much. I promise to take good care of him for you.”

“Thank you. Well, I’m going to turn in. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says as she gets up from her seat.

“Goodnight, Vanessa.” She places her hand on my shoulder and gives it a silent squeeze.

Derek walks into the living room. Taking my hand, he pulls me to my feet. “Are you ready, my love? You need to get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow.”

“Sure.” He takes my hand, and we stroll off to bed, where he snuggles up behind me and holds me until I fall into a comfortable sleep.

Chapter 15

Derek

My poor Bella was stressing so much over today’s event that she didn’t sleep well last night. I can understand why, but I wish I could do something to calm her down. She’s now upstairs, taking her shower in preparation to go to the hotel where the event is taking place. Sid is meeting her there to get her ready. My spitfire was pretty funny. They wanted to give her a different makeup artist, but she demanded that Sid be the one to do her hair and makeup and that he get full credit for it in the article for the evening’s event.

I make my way downstairs to make some coffee, figuring my parents will be down any minute. While I’m at it, I whip up one of Bella’s favorite protein smoothies. She’s big on these, and they really help keep her full without making her feel bloated.

She walks down the stairs with her hair dry and comfy clothes on. Walking straight into my arms, she says, “Tell me we're doing the right thing.”

“Baby, I will not be far from you the entire night and neither will your security. There will be plenty of protection there, I promise you.”

“I’m scared, and not just for me, but for you too.”

“I know, baby. But we really need to go about this night so we can catch this bastard. I want us to be able to move on with our lives.”

She takes a deep breath and nods. “Okay,” she says.

“That’s my girl.” I hand her the smoothie, and with a smile, I say, “Where’s my little spitfire?”

She stands up on her tippy toes and plants a kiss on my lips. “Right here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Glad to hear it.”

We both turn as we hear footsteps on the stairs. My parents are awake and making their way down to have breakfast with us. Bella needs to be at the hotel shortly because the models have some rehearsals to do before they get their hair and makeup done for the night. Bella informed us that there will be an MC who will introduce each of the models and announce the month that they’ll represent in the calendar. Bella already knows she’s Miss July, but she hasn’t told anyone that just yet.

“Good morning,” my parents say as they approach the kitchen. I pour them each a cup of coffee. Thanking me, they take a seat at the snack bar with their cups.

“Bella, what will your day look like?” my mother asks her, genuinely curious.

“Well, I’m having my breakfast now.” She shows her the smoothie I made for her. “There will be an area set up where we can get plenty of water and fruit, and sometimes they even have yogurt for us. Our snacks usually contain high protein and natural sugar so we can keep up.” She takes a seat next to my mom with a cup of coffee. “We’ll begin with a roll call to ensure everyone is there and ready to go. There will be a brief meeting about how the night is supposed to go. Then there will be instructions and then several rehearsals followed by a light lunch.”

“Sounds like so much work.”

“It is. It’ll be a very long day. After the rehearsal, we’ll have our hair and makeup done and then we’ll slip into our dresses and get ready for guests to arrive. The doors open at six, so we’re expected to be fully dressed and ready to go by five thirty. There are twelve of us to get ready.”

“How many people will be there to help you get ready?”

She giggles. “Well, because I demanded that Sid do my hair and makeup, I have my own guy going, but the rest of the girls will be waiting on two hair stylists and two makeup artists.”

“No wonder you take so long to get ready. There are so many of you and only two people to get you ready?”

“Yup. This is an expensive event, and they don’t spend the money on us. I’m paying Sid to be here because I don’t want to have to wait and he knows my hair and what I like for my makeup. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for a model, and I’m not letting some crappy hairstylist ruin it for me.”

“Good for you,” she says, so proud of my girl. Bella looks down at her watch. It’s already ten.

“I have to get going soon. I have a bit of a drive to the hotel, and we need to be there by eleven.” She downs her smoothie, rinses the cup, and puts it in the dishwasher. Then she runs upstairs to brush her teeth and get her little travel bag, the one she takes with her to every modeling shoot or event. When she gets back downstairs, I hand her a travel mug filled with coffee to take with her.

“Thank you so much, babe. I love you.”

I slip my hand into her hair and lower my lips to hers for a chaste kiss. “I love you too. Be careful today and good luck.”

“I will.” She kisses me one more time and says, “See you tonight.”

My parents shout goodbye and good luck as she runs out the door with Jordan and Jared by her side.

I shut the door and move back into the kitchen. “God help me, I’m worried about her.”

“I know, son. You’re being very brave for her. Richard thinks this is the best way to catch him and if she backed out, it would really screw up her career.”

I nod. “I know, and that’s the last thing I want. She only has a few more years left in front of the camera and then she’ll retire to become an agent. I want her to be able to do this as long as she can and wants.”

“I know, and you’re doing all you can. You have to let it go and see what happens. Stressing over it from here is going to do nothing for you or her,” my father says.

“You’re right, Dad. I need to be ready and alert to keep an eye on my girl tonight. If you two will excuse me, I have some emails to check and things to follow up on for tonight.”

They both nod, and I walk out of the room. I walk into the small office I have set up in the house and open my laptop. I see an email from Sloan.

Hey man,

Your boy has posted that he can’t wait to see his girl tonight. He knows where she will be, but I haven’t figured out how he plans on getting in yet, so keep your eyes peeled. I’ll let the boys in blue know.

Sloan

I sigh as I pull my phone out to send a group text to Richard and each member of our security staff, letting them know exactly what Sloan has told me. I lean back in my chair to think and mentally prepare for this event. I’ll be damned if this guy is going to get to my girl.

I’m deep in thought when my phone rings, startling me. “Hello?”

“Hey, man. How you holding up?”

I smile. It’s my boy, Carter, checking in on me because he knows I’m freaking out on the inside. “I’m okay, man. I just need this night to be over.”

“I know. Hang tight, okay? Try to enjoy this night. This is a big deal for your girl.”

“I’m certainly going to try. What time are you guys getting there?”

“About six fifteen to six thirty. You?” he asks as if he doesn’t know I won’t be there when the door opens.

“Six sharp. Sandra has arranged for a limo to pick up me and my parents. I’ve already warned them about the media. It’ll be an interesting experience for them.”

“Yes, it will. We’ll see you there.”

“You will, my man.” I cut the call.

***

Bella

As we pull up to the hotel, I have to say I’ve never been so nervous in my life. I’ve tried to spend this time getting myself mentally prepared for this evening, telling myself that everything will be okay, but I’m having a hard time convincing myself. I know, in my gut, he’s going to be here, and I’m not sure what I’m more afraid of, him coming after me or Derek. I would never forgive myself if he hurt Derek more than he already has.

Jordan is in the back of the car with me, and he’s been amazing. He has sat in total silence the entire ride, knowing I need this time to myself. Once the car has come to a full stop, he gives me a few more minutes to think in silence.

“Bella, we’re here,” Jordan says. “Are you ready?”

I take one more deep breath, open my eyes, and nod.

“I know you’re scared and you have every right to be, but I want you to trust me. I’m not going to allow anything to happen to you,” Jordan says in a calm but serious voice.

My eyes start to tear up. Willing them away, I quickly blink my eyes and take one more breath. I look out the window to see that some of the media is already here.

“Damn savages,” I whisper.

“Do you want to go around back?” he asks.

“No, I have to face them at some point.” I open my bag and pull out my compact mirror to check my appearance. After applying some quick powder, I close the compact and say, “Let’s do this.”

I will not be a victim. It’s time to become Derek’s spitfire. I smile at the thought as Jordan opens the door for me to climb out.

The media erupts with questions when they realize it’s me. “Bella! We’ve heard you got the centerfold spot for the swimsuit magazine. How do you feel about it?”

I give them a huge smile. “I’m thrilled, of course. What model doesn’t want to be on a centerfold?”

“Has your stalker been identified or caught yet?” one of them shouts out.

“Let’s not ruin a special night with talks of a man I’m not interested in. Derek is the man I love, and he’ll be here to support me this evening, along with the remainder of my family.”

“What’s next for you?” one of the reporters shouts.

“Who knows?” I shrug slightly. “I have some small contracts signed, but I’ll talk to my agent and get back to you.” I wink, and they all laugh.

“If you’ll all excuse me, I’m expected inside now. I have a lot to do to get ready for this evening’s event.” Jared, Jordan, and I all make our way inside the hotel. Madeline is there, waiting for us.

“The media loves you,” she says as she hugs me.

“Too bad the feeling is not mutual,” I practically growl.

She chuckles and says, “Come on.”

Jordan and Jared follow behind us as we make our way through the hotel. She fills me in on the things I need to know for tonight and tells Jordan the security concerns she has. He tells her not to worry, that he will take care of it.

Turning back to me, she says, “Your dress has been delivered and is waiting for you in your room.”

“My room?” I ask, totally confused. We usually share one big changing area. We don’t usually get our own rooms.

“Because of your situation, I have demanded that you get your own room so security can be sure you get in and out of the event safely. It’s on the first floor so you have easy access to it, and security has been told if anything happens, they are to get to you and move you to that room.”

Jordan steps in. “I’ll be the only one taking her anywhere. I will be close by the stage and Bella at all times. Trust me when I tell you I will be able to get to her quickly. Please be sure everyone knows that.”

She turns to me, and I nod.

“Fair enough. I will make the call right now and ensure you are introduced to security immediately.”

“I appreciate that,” Jordan says with a nod. “You need to understand we don’t know if someone is in on this with him. It needs to be set up that her personal security team is the one to cover her.”

“I understand. Thank you for taking such good care of her,” Madeline says as she shows me to my room. She pulls a room key out of her pocket and swipes it, unlocking the room. Jordan puts his hand up, stopping us from entering. Then he puts his hand up to Jared, telling him to stay put while he investigates. He comes out what feels like an eternity later and tells us the room is clean.

“Who knows about this room?” Jordan asks.

“Me, the hotel, and I think Sid knows.”

“Okay. Please make sure no one else knows,” he tells her with a stern look.

“That’s going to be hard. The models are going to know as soon as they see she’s not getting ready with them.”

“That’s fine. They just can’t know where it is,” Jordan tells Madeline.

“Got it. Anything else?” she asks.

“No, ma’am. We’ll be following Bella around the remainder of the day, though. All I ask is that you introduce me to any security we meet up with.”

***

We’re finally sitting down to lunch. We’ve gone through all our rehearsals, and we know what we need to do. One of the models who I don’t really know all too well comes over to my table and says, “Can I join you?”

I shrug. “Chair’s empty.”

She takes the seat. “So, you’re Bella Campbell?”

“I am, and you are?” I ask her.

“Charlotte.” She picks at her salad. I nod and begin eating my salad as well. It’s actually quite delicious and it’s loaded with protein, which is great because I’m starving at this point.

“I heard you’re the model who thinks she’s special.”

“What are you talking about?” I want to tell her off because she doesn't even know me and she's listening to stupid gossip that'll only get her in trouble.