Stephan(22)

“Hey, son. Wha—”

“Dad, she took off and doesn’t have anything. We are in Sydney shopping and she ran. I can’t find her and she has nothing.”

“Son! Son! Calm down.”

“I can’t. What if someone took her? She doesn’t have money or even a phone. Shit, Dad, what if—”

“Stephan! Shut it! You need to calm down. You will be no help like you are. Stop and listen.”

I took a deep breath calming myself.

“I have Brand’s team trailing you. They are with you and your brother while your mother and I are gone. This deal is a big one and I don’t trust anyone.”

I gripped the phone tighter. I hated having bodyguards but when your family had their hands into a bit of everything the safety was needed. “I thought you took them all with you.” Feeling calmer, I thanked God for my dad’s paranoia about everyone being a potential threat to his family. I’d completely forgotten about my bodyguards. They stayed hidden. No one knew we had them until you tried to harm a Silverman.

“No. I split the new team up so we had enough for everyone. Call Brand, I’d bet money he knows what Jade is to you so I don’t think she’s alone.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Anytime. Go get your woman. Your mother and I are staying longer and won’t be home until late Thursday.”

Dad hung up and I rang Brand. “I thought you would have called sooner. You’re slipping. I didn’t think you knew we’ve been watching. You’re turning into a pussy, or is it pussy whipped?” I rolled my eyes even though I knew he couldn’t see me.

“Way to speak to your employer.”

“Your father pays my check, I believe. You know I would say the same to him.”

I chuckled, feeling lighter. Brand had been with us for over ten years and he was a hard as nails ex-army Special Forces. “So are you going to tell me?”

“What? You mean the pretty brunette with big brown eyes walking down the street. She’s heading in the direction of the train station but I don’t think she knows because she keeps looking around like she’s lost.”

“Yep,” I growled. The silly girl. What was she thinking?

“Do you want me to detain her?”

“No. I’m on my way now. She doesn’t know about you, or that we all have bodyguards and she will too soon.” Brand knew it goaded me to admit I needed protection. I’d learned my dad may be ruthless but other men were worse.

“Call if you need anything. David is with you.”

I hung up, already able to see Jade. Catching up to her, I grabbed her arm. “Slow down.”

She turned startled eyes on me and all my anger and worry came flooding back.

“You run off and don’t even know where you’re going. You have no money and no phone. How did you expect to get home if you lost me? What would have happened if someone took you? I know you’re angry with me but that’s no excuse for putting yourself in danger.” I tugged her against me needing to hold her. I needed to know she was safe. Stroking her hair and taking deep breaths of her lavender scent, I calmed my raging heartbeat.

Jade was stiff in my arms but she softened when I stroked her hair and held her tighter. Holy shit, how the hell did my father and family put up with the curse? I’d be certifiably crazy if I kept acting like this? Pulling away, I gripped her shoulders. “Don’t ever do something like that again. We’re in the city for Christ’s sake.”

“I’ve lived about twenty minutes from here all my life. The city isn’t bad. I’m safe here.”

Taking my hands from her, I stepped back before I shook her. Jade didn’t know half the shit that went down around here. I was tempted to tell her some of the things I knew but I didn’t want to ruin what she considered her safe place. “Let’s go, I’ll take you home.” I turned and walked back toward the shops and my car.

I was surprised when Jade yanked on my arm and came up beside me.

“You’re angry with me. I should be the angry one, not you.” She poked my chest. “You barge into my life less than forty-eight hours ago and expect me to fall at your feet and then get angry and pissy when I don’t. Well guess what, buster, I don’t need you and I didn’t ask you to be in my life.” She stomped ahead of me and I followed, smiling as she walked to my car.

“I’m only going with you because I don’t have money to get home otherwise.”

Opening the car, she got in and I laughed. Jade was perfect.





Chapter Six





Jade





The car ride home sucked. I ignored Stephan as best as anyone could ignore a gorgeous, demanding, bossy, and arrogant guy. It was late afternoon by the time we got home and I hoped Grandpa wouldn’t be angry. I was back before dark, but I knew Sunday night was one of his busiest nights.