Page 39 of The Passion

After she starts to pull herself together, I can’t help asking her more questions. “Are you okay, are you in trouble, what can I do to help?” Fuck, I wish she would just tell me what is going on.

“I was in such shock, I just bought a ticket on a commercial flight and left because I didn’t know what to do.” Surprisingly, she has hardly any makeup on and just a small overnight bag at her feet.

“Shock from what? What the hell is going on?” I know it’s something big, because Felisha Kentwall doesn’t do commercial flights, that’s what her family’s private jet is for.

“It’s my father. My own father was the one who filmed me with you and tried to blackmail us both. He sold his own daughter’s body. My body!”

Rage runs wild through my body, and I want to rip that pathetic old man’s throat out.

“All to stop me from taking over the company on my fortieth birthday as planned in the articles of association that govern the way the company is run. They were put in place by my grandfather before he died, and my father hasn’t been able to change them. If he couldn’t stop it, then he would bury me instead.” The tears start to dry up as she looks at me. I can tell all she needs is someone on her team who has the power to help her.

I can be her strength!

And that’s why she flew halfway around the world to find me, because I’m the only one who truly understands how she feels.

“The only person who is going to regret this tape ever being made is your father!” My voice is no longer full of softness and compassion for her. That’s not what she needs.

She needs me to be the man she submitted to that night.

“Are you ready to fight?” I ask, putting my hands on her shoulders and standing her up straight.

“I am now!” Her beautiful eyes light up again, and I know it’s game on!

All I want to do is take her in my arms and kiss the hell out of her, telling her it will all be okay and I will fix this, but that’s not what she needs from me right now.

“I asked you once before, but I’m going to ask you this once more.” I look into her eyes to make sure she sees the real me. “Do you trust me?”

And I don’t mean right now or just with this one thing she needs. With her, with her life, and her precious broken heart. I want to be the one to piece it back together and then wrap it up nicely with the protection she needs.

I’m done standing back and waiting for her to see what is in front of her. It’s time to show her what she needs and convince her that she can’t be without me in her life. I won’t back away this time.

“My answer is the same. Yes, I’ve only ever felt this kind of trust with you.” I know she trusts Harper too, but that is a different type of trust we are talking about, and Felisha knows that.

Pulling her into my arms, I give her the tightest hug but pull back far quicker than I want to because we have things to sort out. If I don’t tell the guys what’s going on shortly, they will be out here, and we aren’t quite ready for that yet.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I push the call button on Rem’s name.

“Give me an hour, then you and Broderick in my room, we need to talk. And tell Nic there is nothing to panic about. Enjoy his wedding, I’m fine, and Felisha will be too. This will be a work-in-progress.”

Hearing Rem’s voice, I don’t even wait to hear what he is saying, I just hang up on him. Leaning down, I pick up her bag in one hand and take her hand with the other.

“Come with me. You need a shower and something to eat. Then we will talk.” I don’t even give her time to argue as we walk down the path toward where our bungalows are. But the squeeze of her hand in mine lets me know that she’s happy to follow.

Opening the door, I continue straight through to the bathroom that is a full-sized room. Nic has rented out the whole resort for the wedding, and of course, all the best accommodations were used for his close friends and family.

“I can run you a bath if that’s what you would prefer, or is a hot shower what you need?” I place her bag on the floor next to the large egg-shaped stone bath.

“Shower to wash off this mess.” She waves her hand up and down her body.

“You are beautiful no matter what you look like. Don’t let anyone ever make you feel any different.” It takes all the restraint I have to place a slow kiss on her forehead and walkout of the bathroom. Because I know the moment my lips touch hers, there is no going back, and now is not the time for that.

“Take your time,” I call over my shoulder as I close the door and take a huge deep breath, trying to calm my racing anger.

What the fuck! I mean. What. The actual. Fuck!

Who would do that to their own daughter?

There has to be more to this. Surely.

---