Rebuild (Love & Beyond #1) (13 page)

"Danni, do you really think Jared’s is the safest option, compared to protective custody? You barley know the guy." Alex says, looking at Jared giving him the dirtiest looks. I’m sure they’ve got some sort of secret going on.

"Actually, yes I do! He loves me and he’s not going to let anything happen to me is he? And I can still work and see you guys."

"Danni, listen! Just because he says he loves you, how do you know he means it?" Alex snaps,

"Hey, dude! What the hell? Of course I mean it, how could you even say that? You’re supposed to be my mate and her brother in law and you’re trying to confuse her? And for your information, I meant every word. Seriously dude, all the time you’ve known me have I ever acted like this with any girl? And be honest?" Jared snaps.

"No, you’re right you haven't! But can you honestly stand there and say that knowing what I know? So I have every right to question what you say, she’s like my little sister too man, just like you said."

"Right, Alex! Let’s take this into another room; I don't think Danni needs any more stress alright." Alex nods and they walk off into the kitchen. I throw my head into my hands in defeat. I can’t keep this brave act anymore. Darla, walks over to Andi and I over hear her asks.

"What did Alex mean when he said to Jared, Knowing what I know?" Andi pauses for a minute than says.

"I don't know, they’ve known each other for years, near enough as long as you and Danni have known each other. So it could be anything."

"So if they’ve known each other for years, does that mean, Alex told Jared before I met him about what happened?" I ask.

"No! Not at all, that was your business and why would he tell him? You told him remember?"

"I know I told him, I was just wondering was he playing dumb, because he said he went to see that girl in hospital all the time. He sent money to keep me on the machine, to help that girl get better and sent flowers there all the time."

"Really? I thought they came from Carl and the money came from mum, as we couldn’t access your account. But suppose, I’d like to think mum would actually have a heart. At the time, I told Alex not to mention a word to anyone, yes it hit the news but in family matters, we kept our faces out of it."

"Yeah, that’s weird! Never mind." I say, putting my head down, because it has become too heavy to keep it held high.

"Wow, that’s mad how he seen you at hospital, but didn’t know you, then later on you both meet in Rome, then again after Rome. How random is that? Kind of romantic too, got to be a good sign." Andi says, before I could say anything the boys walk back in.

"Everything, ok?" I ask them both, they nod. "Look, no one is going to get anywhere by scratching down each other’s throat, so this is what’s going to happen. I’ll go and stay at Jared’s, Andi and Alex, you will accept having security watch you both and Darla, ring Carl an no arguments, my minds made up, weather any of you like it or not, alright?" They don’t argue the matter, they all just agree. "So tonight, we’ll all have some Dinner here together and we should stay under the same roof tonight. As I’m guessing, Jared! You’ll need to send your people to sort out the house ready for me, because not like you’re going to do it yourself and Darla, you need to stay tonight as well, after today, I’d rather you be safe. Get Carl over to, if you want and tomorrow, I’ll go to Jared’s. I think tonight, I’ll need lots of wine to calm down ready for tomorrow. As something tells me, there is going to be press everywhere I go and that’s the final say alright?" They all agree. Darla goes off to call Carl! Alex and Andi head to the kitchen, I go upstairs as my head is banging with all this drama. I feel a moment of release, when I get to my room and been able to just lay on the bed with no sound, just the thoughts and screaming words in my head. Why now? Last night was one of the happiest I’ve been and now today, it’s all crashed down. Am I not meant to be happy? I’m removed from my thoughts, with the knocking on my door. "Come in."

"Hey, babe!" Jared says, trying his best not to look sympathetic.

"Hey, you." He walks over to me.

"May I?" He gestures to lie next to me, I nod and he comes behind me and wraps his arm around my body and snuggles into the back of my head and Kisses it.

             
"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No! Well maybe, I don't know." I can't think straight. I turn around to face him and huff. "It’s just, I feel like every time I get a bit of happiness, it comes crashing down, or I push it away. Like last night, it’s been one of my happiest moments that I’ve had and then today, it's like bang, hit the floor, start from the bottom again. It’s like I’m not supposed to be happy, guess I don't deserve it." I look away from his soothing eyes and drown my face in sorrow. He pulls my face back up to him; he pecks my lips slightly and says.

"Look, babe! If anyone deserves to be happy, it's you, after everything you went through and how far you’ve come from then. You’ve started getting your confidence back; you’re feeling comfortable with your scars and in your own body. If you think of the girl I met in Rome, you where ashamed of your scars, yourself, and you stuttered a lot. Don't get me wrong, I thought you were amazing no matter what, but if you think from then, to how you are now, it’s a great accomplishment. It’s something you should be proud of and don't let this drag you down. Yes he may be out, but you’ve got something you never had back then, you have me and I’m certainly not going to let anything happen to you, I might have to fire your ass though, just to keep you safe." He laughs.

"I don't think so, I still want to work. How are you so amazing and so understanding? And none of this, that’s a story for another time. You said you’d tell me, so please say."

"Well, the reason why I understand about it all is because it use to happen to my mum. My father, he was a monster, just like your ex. Not as bad like, he would beat on her a lot. If we tried to help, he would just crack us one as well. He was a nasty drunk. One day he was just out of it, he must have taken something else with the alcohol, because he went crazy. He trashed the house and he bottled my mum, it was horrible. I just wanted to kill him you know, he got sent to prison and then someone killed him inside. Bastard deserved it if you ask me, but from then, I’ve always said that I couldn't help my mum, but I will try my best to help others. It’s why I sent money to the hospital, I wanted to help you so much and hey it worked didn't it. I even have a charity all over, where they’re places for abused woman, even men to go too. They can call up and if they want to get out, one of my team will go pick them up and bring them to a house, where they have somewhere to sleep, eat and get help. It helps a lot." Wow! He is amazing; does this mean I remind him of his mum?

"That’s amazing, why did I not know of this? Jared, not to sound heartless, but does that mean you only went for me because I remind you of your mother?" He laughs.

"No! Don’t be silly, that would just be weird. I didn't know it was you did I? There was something about you when I saw you in Rome in my lounge, with your sarcasm about me being a billionaire, not even knowing who I was. That pretty much shocked me because everyone knows who I am, but you didn’t. From that moment, I was hooked. I couldn't get you out my head at all and I kept getting my words wrong every time we spoke. That just never happens to me. So from then, I knew you where the one and I was right. I often wondered if you had the same effect about me, so I’d question myself a lot, if I was good enough. It was just strange, as I’ve not once in my life been like that."

"Wow! I’m speechless, that’s crazy. I didn't know obviously, I thought I wasn't good enough."

"Off course you are, you’re probably too good for me. It’s me that doesn’t deserve you."

"Awe Jared, don't be silly, of course you do and you’re an amazing guy. Tonight, let’s not think about it. Let’s just enjoy the rest of our night and try and forget the outside world because come tomorrow everything is about to change.”

             Chapter Eleven

                      Jared

Do you ever feel like life is meaningful? I do, it’s like my life is one big fucking rollercoaster. You think I would be happy because I’ve got everything I could possible want, but yet I struggle with this emptiness I have deep within. Not work, not family, not even sex helps; I keep going from one obstacle to anther and yet still end up in the same position. I bury my head in it all, hoping the outcome will be different and fill that pit up, but no luck. Maybe I’m just as cold as ice inside and this is what I’m supposed to be? I’m knocked out of my cold thoughts, with my cell ringing. It’s my good friend Alex. I’ve known him since we where kids back in the US, but he moved to the UK, he said he wanted to expand his option and try a new life to forget his old one. It worked, because he met the woman of his dreams and later on got married. I answer my cell and before I even say hello he’s straight in.

"Hey, dude! How are you doing?"

"Yeah, I’m great mate! What can I do for you?"

"Well, I’m just checking to see if it’s still alright for us all to be coming up and using the villa? I know its a few weeks away, but I need to double check, just in case we need to cancel plane tickets?"

"Of course mate, you know I wouldn't let you down last minute. I’m actually looking forward to seeing you guys, how many of you are coming?"

"Well, there’s Andi and I, Darla and Carl, Katie and Jay and Andis little sister Danni."

"Seriously dude, you’re bringing a single girl on holiday, with a bunch of couples? Harsh!"

"She needs it, she had a rough time, she could do with the holiday, it’s the only reason why we’re coming and it’s her family and close friends, so she’s happy with that."

"Ok, fair enough! I’ll meet you guys there, as I’ve just invested part of a business over there, so I have to head out two weeks before hand. It’s going to be a couple of busy weeks for me, you know how it is."

"Dude, do you ever stop? Business, after business, you invented inet, that should have settled you for life. Then it's all the charity work, then it’s the woman, seriously dude, you need to take a break, you’re going to end up in a mental hospital."

"Hey, you can never have too many business and you know why I do all the charity work, I try and help as much as I can and wouldn't ever stop and as for the woman, I’m single man, you sound like my mother, it de stresses me, plus its fun. I’ve tried the settle down thing, it didn't work out, maybe one day when I eventually meet the right one, If there is such a thing called that but in the mean time, a bit of fun never harmed anyone."

"Yeah, be glad Andi never heard you say that, my wife would kill you for saying anything like that about any woman."

"Ha-ha! Anyway dude, I’m going to go, I’m meeting up with tiffany.”

"Tiffany? What happened to Elizabeth? You know what, don't tell me dude! You go through a different girl all the time, I lose track. I feel sorry for the woman; they probably catch all kinds of shit from you. See ya dude."

"Hater! Bye man." I hang up and shake my head, typical Alex, he’s such a buzz kill. I remember being at his wedding, the stag do was epic; I sit there for a second, remembering the night of the stag do and laugh to myself with the flash backs. I’m kicked out from the thoughts once again with my cell going off. "Hello Mr. Hall speaking."

"Hello sir, its Robert! I have a bit of bad news; you know that ferry you have booked for the charity event in Rome? Well they’re saying you can't use it anymore. Apparently someone else has booked it and the bookings crossed, that’s all I know, they didn't give me that much information just that we need to find another ferry."

"Are you kidding me? Can they even do that? Well can't you sort it? Offer them more money or something? It's an important night, the heartless pricks?"

"No sir, I tried that, they said no matter how much money you offer, you can't use it."

“For fuck sake, seriously? What douche bags. Right, well I pay you to sort this kind of thing out, so do your job and sort it. Go and try booking us another one, than get back to me bye." I slam the phone down in aggravation and run my hands through my hair, I try and have a look around my office, to ease of the sharp stabbing feeling I’m getting through my temple. I suffer from server headaches and sometimes, either walking around the room, or just looking helps. I suffer from headaches a lot, mainly it’s through stress. A slight jingle comes from my cell, which makes the pain worse. I really need to change my text tone.

"Hey Mr. Hall, are we still meeting up tonight? We could always skip the meal and just go to your place? From Tiffney xxx"

Well I could do with the de stress and sex is a great help. Why not! I text back.

"You’re on, but not at my place. You’re not welcome there. I’ll book us a hotel, I will text you with the details. From Jared..

I don't like anyone coming back to my house, especially women. They’ll try and nest; it’s what they always do, that’s not happening.

Finally, I’ve been able to book us a room in a place called Dave’s hotels, only one I could get hold of last minute, not the best but it will do. I head to my room not feeling so upbeat, I’ve lost all my motivation. I go and dig out my silk blue shirt and my striped smart pants and smart shoes, they’ll do. I get dressed; check myself out, squirt a bit of aftershave on, One million, it’s my favourite kind and head out the door. As I’m heading out, I take my phone out too text Tiffney.

"Hey Tiff, meet me at Dave’s hotels in forty five minutes. From J."

I get to the hotel, it’s not the nicest, it’s a normal size room with a double bed, thin sheets, hard pillows and really bad orange walls, this actually looks disgusting. I should have gone to a better hotel, but unfortunately this was all I could get. Suppose if I wanted something better I could have but I couldn’t be arsed, oh well it doesn’t matter, not if it’s for something special.

Where is she? She should have been here twenty minutes ago. I hate waiting. Finally, there goes the door. I walk over to the hotel door and open it.

"Get lost?"

"Sorry, I got caught in a bit of traffic; I’ll make it up to you." She says walking in with great confidence, acting like she owns the place. She’s tall, slim, blond, bright blue eyes, absolutely striking.

"So, how are you planning on making it up to me?"

"Well.." Seductively she walks slowly towards the bed, the wiggle of her firm round ass when she walking catches my attention. She twirls around in the blink of the eye and she drops her jacket and reveals a laced red bra, with matching suspenders and stockings and really high heeled shoes. They’re stripper shoes, just the way I like. I stalk her up and down as if she’s my prey and I just want to pounce.

"That’ll do." I walk up to her and grasp her on the ass and throw her on the bed ready to have my wicked way with her, as I plan to devour her in every way possible.

                                             *****                 

The next week seemed to fly by; I had a business partner back out of a new franchise that we were starting, which was not good, I lost half a million on that. I’ve also got to fly to L.A later to see my mum, then from there to Rome, where Alex and his mates are all up for the week. Hopefully, it’ll be fun; I could do with the stress free week. Right I need to get packing but I’m starving.

"Julia." I shout.

"Yes sir?"

"Could you fix me something quick to eat please? While I go and pack ready to go to my mother’s?"

"Sure sir! What would you like?"

"A wrap or something, I can always get something on the plane."

"Okay sir." That’s Julia, she’s my maid, cleaner and cook, the one that keeps everything going smooth around here. I’d be lost without this girl.

Right, I best get a move on, I need to pack. I shouldn't have to pack much; I’ve already got some of my stuff out there. I’m going to have to ring Andrew, make sure he’s ready. Andrew is my right hand man, so to speak. He’s my top security guard, my driver; he fly’s my jet too. He’s also a very close friend of mine; he’s been with me from the beginning. I pull my cell out and give him a call.

"Hello, Andrew! Are you all set?"

"Yes sir."

"Right, we need to be leaving in an hour, so make sure your ready. Oh and don't call me sir, its Jared, you’ve known me long enough."

"Ok sir, I mean Jared."

"Bye, Andrew." I hang up and go to finish the packing.

"Here sir, enjoy." Julia says, passing me a chicken Caesar wrap.

"Thanks Julia." I best eat this quickly and gets my ass moving, I’ll meet Andrew outside. Andrew and his family live in the guest house so it’s easier if I need him for an emergency. Before I even leave the house, my cell goes off again. Seriously, does this phone ever stop?

"Hello sir."

"Yes Hannah?"

"Just a reminder, you still have to sort out a special surprise for the benefit. Also you need caterers, Roberts already sorted out another ferry for you and he also sorted the entertainment out. What type of food do you want? Because we need to have ideas so we can hunt down the best one?"

"Well the mayor is going to be there, so it’s got to be the best, It has to be a three course meal. So instead of looking for a catering team, look for chefs and offer them whatever money they want. It has to be a five star chef? Oh and Hannah, before you go, I forgot to ask, how is your son doing? Is he feeling any better after the accident?"

"He’s doing much better sir; his cast comes of next week, so I want to go and take him out somewhere to celebrate but with him being only seven, there’s not much you can do, he is really fussy."

"Well, Hannah! After today, I want you to take a week off; I’m away for a few weeks now so take advantage of it, I’ll even pay you extra, so you can do something special. Did he get his game by the way?"

"Oh sir, I couldn't take the time off, how would you function without me? He did thank you, he loves that game and it’s what’s kept him sane. Something about minecraft fascinates him. Personally, I think it looks dreadful, but he loves it."

"Good! Well, I won't take no for an answer, take the time off, it’s an order. I’ll see you when I get back, bye."

"Goodbye, sir." Right, that’s done. Hannah is my personal assistant, she is such a lovely person and her son is just adorable. He broke his leg climbing a tree, he slipped on one of the branches, he’s lucky it wasn’t his neck. Typical little boy that. I remember doing the same thing when I was a kid and my gran, ended up looking after me until it became better, as well my mum didn’t want to risk me being in the house with an abusive drunk.

"Sir, it’s time to leave, Andrew’s waiting for you down stairs."

"Oh, right! Ok! Thanks Julia, tell him I’m on my way." I grab my coat and my small suit case and head down the stairs to meet Andrew.

"Afternoon!"

"Afternoon! Travelling alone? No lucky lady today?" Andrew asks,

"No! I’m going to see my mum; no one has ever gone past that thrush hole to meet her. Plus, I’m off to Rome, why bring a girl? When I could just meet one out there, please Andrew, I don't do strings." We head towards the jet, its handy having your own jet in the back. Glad I built a runway here; I hate waiting in other airports.

Me and Andrew board! Normally, Andrew would fly the jet, but not today. It’s a long way to L.A. Luckily, I have a couple of chair beds, mini bar, fridge and everything you need, as if it was a camper van, but in a jet, limit edition this was. It has leather interior, calming effect and peaceful as well. It comes in handy when I travel away with work all the time, I’m yet to find a place I can call home. "Well, Andrew! We have got an eight hour flight, enjoy the peace."

"Sir, I’m stuck with you! There is no such thing as peace." He chuckles,

"Smartass!" I turn back around to concentrate on my laptop, I need to start typing up a speech and still need to think of a surprise. Well not your everyday normal one, it’s a twist to keep the ball running and a winner surprise, well a bid. This is going to take a while, screw it! I slam the screen down and push it aside; I’ll just lie back instead and relax with something on the television. I can’t be arsed writing that just yet.

Finally, the long journey is over and I’m outside my mother’s house. I had to leave the jet at the airport because it won’t fit in my mother’s back yard.

I have a little glance around her front garden and it is how I remember, perfect cut grass, flower patches around the frame and even the little bird house, that is randomly in the middle of the lawn. Once we approach the front door, before I could knock, the door swings wide open.

"Jared, I’m so glad you’re here." Mum comes running out and wraps her slender arms around me. She’s as small as ever, with her short brown hair, green eyes, wrinkled pale skin, plastered on makeup and her usual day to day clothes, jeans and a netted top.

"Hey, mum! How’ve you been?"

"Oh, I have much to tell you, but wait till we’re inside, it’s freezing out here." We walk linked to each other into her house and wow, she has actually decorated. She’s not in years and it’s always been the same way.

"Hey Andrew, It’s good to see you again, how’s the family?" Mums asks him, as walking over and pecking him on the cheek. She secretly had a crush on him for years, it’s weird, but funny and she makes him go all embarrassed every time. All I hear is thud, thud, thud rushing down the stairs and two small voices shouting.