Hooker(47)

I take the suitcase out of her hand and place it on the floor beside us.

‘Rupert’s outside,’ she says. I already knew that. I heard him pull up before she came downstairs. She’s trying to play it down, but I can clearly see that she feels apprehensive about leaving here.

‘Do you trust me?’ I ask, cupping her beautiful face.

Her brow furrows. ‘Yes, why?’

‘Good. I need you to wait here for me. I’m going outside to talk to Rupert for a minute. Okay?’

‘Sure. Okay.’ There’s uncertainty and confusion on her face as she tries to make sense of what I’m saying.

‘Just give me a few minutes with him, and then I’ll explain everything.’ Her brow furrows again, but she doesn’t reply. It hits me right in the chest. I have no idea what lies ahead for us, but I know that I’ll protect and care for this woman with everything I have. Pulling her into my arms, I hold her face protectively against my chest. ‘Everything is going to be okay, sweetheart,’ I say, trying to reassure her. ‘Promise me you’ll stay here.’

‘All right.’

Fuck, I hope I’m doing the right thing.

Rupert leaves the car when I walk down the front steps. ‘Mr Weston,’ he says as I stop in front of him.

‘Rupert,’ I reply, extending my hand to him.

‘Is there a problem with Jade?’ he asks, looking down at his watch. ‘I need to get her back to M’s.’

‘She’s not going back.’

‘Excuse me?’ he says, frowning.

‘She’s staying here with me. I refuse to send her back there.’ I wait for him to react, but he doesn’t. Instead I see his features relax and the corners of his mouth turn up slightly.

‘Is that what she wants?’ he asks.

‘She doesn’t know yet, but I’m almost certain she’ll be fine with it.’

‘Are you sure you know what you’re doing? She’s not going to give Jade up without a fight. She has an unhealthy obsession with her.’

‘I’m not afraid of her,’ I scoff, because I’m not. ‘If she wants to fuck with me—or someone I care about—then she better bring her best show, because I’ll fight her with everything I have.’

‘I’m glad to hear that,’ he says, placing his hand on my shoulder. ‘Jade needs someone like you in her life. But, I must warn you, be prepared for anything and everything. This woman is the lowest of low. She’ll stop at nothing to get her way. I’ve never met anyone like her before—she’s one of a kind.’

‘You obviously haven’t met my father then.’ I chuckle, but there’s no humour in it.

‘No, I haven’t.’

‘If you have such a dislike for her, why do you continue working for her?’

He looks away, running his fingers through his hair. ‘I have my reasons.’

I get the impression there’s a story there, but I don’t have time for that right now.

‘Can you give this to M for me? There’s a note enclosed that explains everything.’ I pass him the grey backpack that contains one million dollars in cash. The note explains if she tears up Jade’s contract and gives me something in writing to that effect, I’ll give her a further two million dollars. That should more than pay for the remainder of time Jade has left with her. Money talks, and this woman is greedy. Whether she accepts my terms or not, Jade will not be returning. ‘I’m sorry to put you in this position, but I couldn’t see any other way.’

‘Don’t worry about me,’ Rupert replies. ‘I can handle myself. To be honest, I’m grateful for what you’re doing. Jade deserves to be free of the life she’s been leading. It’s no place for a sweet girl like her. If I wasn’t in the position I’m in, I would’ve taken her away from it a long time ago.’

‘You still have my card, right?’

‘I do,’ he answers.

‘If you need anything, just call. There’ll always be a job waiting for you here if you decide not to continue working for that bitch. I mean that.’

‘I need to stay where I am for now, but thank you. If the opportunity arises where I can leave, I’ll definitely take you up on that offer.’ He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a card. ‘Here’s my number as well, just in case you ever need anything.’

‘Great. Thank you.’ I shake his hand once more.

‘Look after Jade for me. I’m going to miss her, she was the highlight of my job.’ There’s definitely a hint of sadness in his voice. I’m sure they’ve grown close over the years.