Rebuild (Love & Beyond #1) (12 page)

"Awe Darla, that’s perfect! Do you like it?"

"Yes! This is the dress for me, I can't wait."

"Carl is going to be speechless when he sees you in this."

"You think so? I hope so."

"Of course he will, who wouldn't, you’re stunning babe." A screech comes roaring out from us both and we jump up and down on the spot, like little school girls in excitement. Which brings us back to our childhood memories; we would speak of our one special day, where we can be a princess.

"Right, I’ll take this one." She hands the lady her card, ready to pay. They have to send off for her measurements and about six weeks, they’ll give her a call for her first fitting. "Right, off to the wedding fare now." Darla say,

We scramble back in the limousine; it’s a thirty minute drive to this hotel. So were discussing about what colour she’s wanting for her wedding day, she wants lilac and white, as lilac is her favourite colour. We’re drawn out of our conversation, with the bing tone to my email.

[email protected]
:
Hey, beautiful! I hope you and Darla are having fun? I just wanted to say, in case you have any regrets from last night. That I’ve meant every word I said and couldn't ask for a more perfect night than last.

I do love you Miss Shaw.

Love J

Awe bless him, he really does makes my heart jump. 

[email protected]
:
Hey You! Of course I have no regrets. Not to sound cheesy or anything, but last night was the perfect, magical night for me and I couldn't be any happier and also, I meant everything I said too. So don't worry ok.

I love you too.

Love D

I sit back to rest my head on the cushion, that’s in the limousine trying to shake this little headache that’s popped out of nowhere. I’m about to close my eyes and suddenly the car starts speeding up.

"What the hell?" Darla snaps, I press the button, which helps communicate with the driver.

"What’s going on driver? We’re swinging side to side here?" He goes to reply, but my mobile goes off. I quickly answer it and its Jared. He’s saying.

"Look, don’t panic, but..."All of a sudden, there is bang from behind us. Something has just rammed into the back of the car, it made me drop my mobile.

"Shit!" I eventually was able to pick it back up, timbering everywhere. "What is it?"

"You’re being followed, so listen carefully alright?"

"Seriously?" We get knocked into again, Darla starts panicking and keeps snapping in shock.

"Danni, what the fuck is going on?"

"We’re being followed."

"Shit!"

"Just calm down yeah, let me finish talking to Jared, he’ll sort this."

"Danni!" I hear, coming from the phone.

"Right, go on! What were you saying?”

“Right, the driver will be turning left shortly and then he’ll be going straight down an alley way, where you’ll come to a car park. It heads to a hotel, but don't go into the hotel, there’s a car there. I put one there just in case something like this happened. The guards that I’ve had following you, will put the two of you in to the car and they’ll drive you too safety. Now after the limousine stops, jump out as fast as you can and run, don't look back alright?"

"Right ok, the driver has just turned left." I hang up ready to run. I’m trying so hard to remain calm, even though my heart is racing. My hands have become moist in sweat and my brain is rattling, trying to come to grips with this, but I can't freak out it could make matters worse. The limousine as just reached the ally way, I take a look at Darla; grab her hands as if it’s life or death and say to her.

"After three! One, two, three, go.” We jump out and start running towards the car park; we can hear footsteps thudding behind us, its sound like a stampede. Darla looks back.

"Danni, there’s three huge men running towards us, what the fuck?"

"Keep running." As we get to the far end of the car park, my pace starts to slow and I start losing my breath. I can see the two guards, I can’t stop now. I run as much as I can, trying to find whatever energy I can fry up, till I get to them. When we finally reach them, we jump into the black Audi. Soon as we’re in, they put their foot down and we set off.

"What the hell was that Danni?"

"I don't know Darla, I really don't. Let’s get back to Jared and maybe he might have some answers. We’re alright now." Feeling rather exhausted, I stare out my window trying to get my head around all of this. How can one minute, I’m feeling happy and the next minute, I’m running for my life? Seriously, will I ever get a break?

               Chapter Ten

Walking into the building where Jared is waiting for us, he runs to give me a hug.

"Are you ok?" He says, fussing over me.

"Yes, I’m fine; do you want to tell me who it was?"

"I have my team working on it; I’ll get a call shortly when they catch him. Don’t worry; let’s get you and Darla a drink. Are you ok Darla?"

"Well let’s see, I was supposed to be going to a wedding fare right about now, but some lunatic decides to try and kill us. So what do you think?"

"Darla." I snap.

"Sorry Jared, I’m just pissed off; it's not your fault. Can I have a strong drink please? I bloody need it."

"Sure." Before he walks out he holds on to me tight and presses his lips to my forehead. "I’m glad you’re not hurt, would you like a drink yourself?"

"Please!"

"Martini and lemonade?"

"You know it." Once he leaves the room to get our beverages, I walk to Darla, she’s pacing back and forth; I rest my hands on her shoulders. "Calm down, we’re safe now and we’ll find out who it was and kick there asses."

"I know! It just sucks, plus, I’m a little shuck up, you know?"

"I know me too! Have you rang Carl yet?" She nods no. "Well, I think you should call him and tell him, before any of this hits the news."

"Ok, let me get my drink first."

"Here!" Jared says, as he comes in and passes our drinks. He has worry in his eyes, he knows something. "Danni, can I talk to you for a second please? Over here."

"Jared, whatever it is, you can say in front of Darla, because I’ll end up telling her no matter what and she is part of this."

"I just got a call, my guys have got hold of the men behind the other car, they where three. Apparently, they were taking someone’s orders, to come for you Danni." The sound of that makes my heart start pounding.

"Wait, what? Me? Why? What have I done to piss someone off, which makes them want to send guys after me?"

"I don't know yet, my guys are still on them. We should find out shortly."

"When you say on them, do you mean physically beating the crap out of them?"

"Danni, let’s not get into this and you know what, damn right they are. They came for you, do you have any idea how pissed off that makes me? You’re my girl. I will not have any one hurt you and if they did, they get what they fucking deserve."

"So great, more violence, just what I need in my life. Not like I’ve seen enough of it already."

"Look, Danni! I’m not getting into this with you and this is different, It’s not like I’m doing the violence is it?"

"So getting people to do your dirty work for you, is better? It just makes you as violent." I snap.

"Danni." He walks over to my side and places his hands on my shoulders and looks straight in to my eyes. "Look, I wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone, but if they target, harm, or go after anyone I love. Friends, family and especially you, then damn right I’ll be violent with them, but don't you ever think for a second I’d be violent with you."

"I never said you would, did I?" I snap.

"No you didn’t, but you applied it and I know what you’re thinking. Am I wrong?" I just look away. "See! Look, are you saying if it was me or Andi or even Darla, you wouldn't want to go kill the people?"

"True, I wouldn't let anything happen to them."

"Exactly, so can we stop this?" He asks.

"Sure, how is it you understand in how I feel about violence and that?"

"I will tell you another time, not right now."

"Promise?"

"I promise." His mobile starts to ring. “That’s my cell; it's my guys, I have to get this." As he answers, he walks in to another room. I throw myself down on the sofa; I place my head in between my knees, thinking seriously? Why? Honestly, can't I catch a break? Maybe it’s something to do with Jared and his past, I don't know. Darla parks her butt next to me and asks.

"Are you ok babe?"

"Yeah thanks, it’s all just crazy, do I have a sign on my head saying target? Because it feels like I do.”

"I know, but don't think it’s to do with you. Not like you have done anything to anyone, you’re far too kind."

"Thanks, just gets to me you know, I just started a new job that I’m actually good at, finally gave in to being with someone I see having a future with, too good to be true, aye." Before she can reply, Jared interrupts us. His teeth are grinding together like they do, when he is about to hit the rails.

"Erm Danni, I’ve just got off the phone to my men, you’re not going to like this." He hesitates to tell me.

"Jared, go on." I ask, really not wanting to know the outcome.

"Well the guys sent for you were on the orders of your ex Dillon." My face draws from its entire colour; my mouth has drawn wide open in shock. I can’t believe this; I need to sit back down, shaking my head in disbelief. I want to cry but I don't want to sound weak.

"Oh right, ok, but why? He’s in prison? He can't do that. Yes, they get a phone call, but they can't do that, can they? No, no, why can't he just leave me alone?" I start walking up and down the room, as I don't know what to say. This can’t be happening.

"Danni, that’s not all of it, can you come here please?" I walk over to him; he’s looking at me feeling sorry for me and also l see the worry in his eyes, this can’t be good. "Danni, he broke out of prison." The words just push me to the edge, I’m in hysterics hyperventilating, I can’t breathe.

"He can't, he just can’t. He’s going to come for me and finish me off. I can't have that, shit, no, just no.
"
I say sobbing my heart out. Darla and Jared are both trying to comfort me and they’re saying.

"Don't worry; we won't let anything happen to you."

"How can you be a hundred percent sure? And what I don’t understand is, how the hell did he find me?" Jared has got hold of me so tightly trying to comfort me.

"Baby don't worry, I promise you with all my heart I won't let him. I’ll have security with you at all times. I’ll help you through this, you need to trust me. I even have private guys who can hunt him down, please babe, you’ve got me now and I’m not letting anything happen to you. Look, even come and stay with me, I have the top security system; it’s the best security in the country. You will be nothing but safe, I promise." His words don’t help, the fear inside me has taken over and I can’t stop the water works from flowing.

After about five minutes, I eventually calm down and ask him to get me another drink, so he does.

"Darla, what do you think I should do?"

"Honestly? I think you should stay with him; he can protect you more than anyone. Yes it’s too soon, but if you think about it, if he tracks you down at Andi’s anything could happen and Andi, doesn’t need that while she pregnant."

"But.. I don't want to leave them high and dry; they’ve been great since all that happened."

"I know, but if you explain to them, I’m sure they would understand."

"But, what if he goes there and harms them? I can't protect them, no I can't."

"Look Danni, they’re more in danger with you there and Danni, I think you’re putting yourself in even more danger if you’re there. He knows where they live and there is no security at their place. Like you said, someone already got a letter there to you, at least here its top notch."

"I can't." I can see in her face that she’s getting frustrated with me, as she huffs and turns her back to me. Jared walks back in.

"Jared, knock some sense into her will you." Darla snaps,

"Why? What she doing?"

"She won't take your offer up. I’m telling her it’s safer here, but she’s worried about Andi and Alex, Their more in danger with her there."

"Darla, why are you getting all pissed at me? When all I’m trying to do is make the right choice?"

"Danni, last time you where left for dead and you know how hard it was seeing you in hospital, all hooked up to a machine. Getting told that you’re not going to come back from it? Andi and I, Adam, Alex and Carl were all devastated and you really think we want you back in there, seriously?"

"Yeah, well I won't! It’s different now."

"Oh my god! Jared, sort it." She snaps again.

"Darla, can you just stop it please? I don't need you on my case right now and don’t you think I’ve had enough on my plate? Not like it was you left for dead." I say, starting to cry again, I hate this. Jared wraps his arms around me and as Darla goes to say something, Jared snaps.

“Back off, Darla! Baby, look at me. Darla is right; I know this is kind of sudden you staying here for a while, seeing as we only just started out, but it is the safest place possible for you. Andi and Alex are safer without you there. If it makes you feel better, I’ll even send security to watch over them ok? I’ll even let you have your own room, so you can have your own space."

"Oh, I don't know and we’ve only just started out, what if it causes friction between us both?"

"In all fairness, if you count Rome, we haven't just started out! You just ran away and we’re both adults and I’m irresistible; you won’t be able to resist me." Such a smug git, trust him to use that as a bargaining chip. Once he stops talking, he grips my face and randomly starts kissing me. It sends me to cloud nine every time. "As I was saying.. You feel that in our kiss, I can't say for you, but that feeling, I’ve never had before with anyone. So if something is right, why fight it?"

"Haha, you’re a soppy git, stop trying to smooth your way to persuade me. But ok, it worked! I’m holding you to the own room thing and its only temporary and I need to tell Andi myself."

"Deal." He smiles for getting his own way, sometimes I swear it’s like he’s a kid in his head.

"Well, we need to get going now than; do you think it's safe?"

"Well, we’ll all go. I’ll drive and my security will follow, let’s go." We all head for the door, security go out first to check if it’s safe and we follow.

                                                *****                 

As we pull up to Andi house, Alex comes rushing out and shouts at us to get in here. Oh no, I hope it’s not the baby, please say it’s not. I run in and luckily Andi is fine, she just looks major pissed off.

"Alex! What the hell man, I thought there was something wrong with Andi and the babies, the way you called us all stressful and panicking."

"No! Sorry, but have you seen the news? Why didn't any of you call straight away? I’ve had Carl on the phone worried sick. Andi and I where stressing."

"How do you guys know? Plus, I thought it’ll be best telling you face to face."

"Well, look!"He turns the television on and of course the events of today, has already hit the news. We all look at the television.

“Welcome, to the six o’clock news. This just in! We have some breaking news for you. Dillon Haze has escaped from Haltonbridge prison. We spoke to Haltonbridge’s Prison Governor, Jamie William this morning, who told us that Dillon escaped from Haltonbridge Prison a couple of days ago. Mr. Haze, as you may remember got sentenced to life in prison, for brutally attacking his girlfriend Danni Shaw, back in June 2013 and leaving her for dead. Miss Shaw was left in intensive care for over a month and as you can see from the following pictures that Miss Shaw’s family released at the time. Miss Shaw was stabbed in her stomach, had a slash to her neck where Mr Haze has attempted to slit Miss Shaw’s throat. She also ended up with broken ribs, a broken jaw and a dislocated eye socket. Scotland Yard’s metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Alan More, has released the following statement. There’s a man hunt out for him, as you know, Dillon Haze is a very highly dangerous man, if you see him do not confront him, get away from him as soon as you can and call 999 immediately when you get out of sight. The Commissioner went on to say that Scotland Yard has spoken to a number of resources this morning, who are believed to be previous associates of Mr Haze’s, who say that he is heading up north to possibly, what some may believe to be, to finish what he started. The unknown associates went on to say that Mr Haze is armed and extremely dangerous and will take anyone down that gets in his way. We urge all our viewers today to stay safe and we will report all updates as soon as we receive them.”

I just put my head down.

"I can't believe this is happening, how I’m I suppose to have my normal life back with that Bastard running around." I say, punching the door. "Ouch, that hurt."

"Danni, protective services has been in touch, they want to take you to a safe house. Protective custody, you need to go. I don't want anything like this happening to you again." Andi says, wrapping her arms around me.

"No! I’m not going, I have a job and I’m getting my life back together, if I let this hold me back, than he wins anyway."

"Danni! Think straight for a moment. I know your head must be spinning around with everything right now, but you need to do this, please." Andi pleads.

"Look! I’m not going into protective custody, but I was going to stay at Jared’s. Me, him and Darla had a good chat about this before we came here. We come to the conclusion, that he has the top security and I’ll have someone on me at all times. Only temporary though. I didn't want to leave you guys unsafe in case he comes for you, but they think you both are much safer without me here, but I said, I’ll only go if you have security watching over you guys, only way I’ll do it."