Page 4 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

“If you help me, I’ll make sure Lexi’s clothing line is a success. I’ll use my influence to help her.” She shrugged. “Who knows what kind of chances she’ll have just starting out? I’ll make sure to introduce her to other influencers and invite her to the right parties. In only a few months, everyone will know Lexi’s designs and will spread the word after seeing how good they are.”

“Don’t drag her into whatever game it is you’re playing,” I growled.

“I’m not dragging her into anything. Just help me, Alden. Give me a few weeks. If you want to leave after that, then go. I’ll make sure I financially compensate you for your time. I’ll make it worth your while.”

I grunted. Somehow, she knew I needed money.

She drew a scrap of paper from her cleavage, and my traitorous eyes lingered too long on the swell of her breasts. Jess smirked and pressed the plain white paper into my palm, curling my fingers over it. “Meet me here. Tomorrow at noon. You start then.”

“I didn’t agree to anything.” But I knew I would. This is for Lexi, I remind myself. It had nothing to do with being close to Jess. I’d do anything for my sister. Lexi had the talent and the drive. She just needed the right eyes on her product to soar like I knew she would.

She tilted her head, her almond eyes staring at me, knowing I’d say yes.

“Fine. How long am I expected to trail you around on your shopping excursions, princess?”

She recoiled. “For as long as I need you. Don’t be late. I promise to post on my social media accounts beginning right at 12:01 p.m. I’ll tell the world how much I love my recent purchase from Lexi’s spring line.”

I lightly grabbed her arm. She was avoiding my question, which meant something was wrong. Jess hated to ask for help. “Stop brushing off why you’re really here and just tell me.”.

The sarcasm I’d come to expect from her dropped away. Instead, a very different Jess than I was used to seeing stood before me. She rubbed her hip and winced. “I was attacked today. They tried to make it look like a mugging, but I think I have a stalker. You’re the only person I trust to protect me.”

It took a minute to process what she said. There was no way I would let any harm come to her. I had let her go once before, but this was different. Deep down, I knew I’d protect her with my life—if it came to that.

Chapter Two

Jess

Present day

I sat alone in a gilded cage for one. The bars around me were a brilliant shade of gold with diamond accents, the inside trappings luxurious. Yet no matter how many times I thought I’d freed myself from its hold, I found myself right back inside its walls.

It had been four months since the random attack on the street that had me running to Alden. Since then nothing. No secret notes or messages, no random phone calls or threats, no other attacks, nothing out of the ordinary happened. The bruises on my hip where I hit the ground had healed, leaving no scars. It was like I’d imagined it all. The only confirmation I had that the event happened was a torn purse strap, scraped up designer heels, and a never-ending feeling like I was being watched.

Unending new age music flowed through the air of the exclusive club’s New York rooftop pool, annoying me, and had me wishing I’d brought my AirPods.

The mid-afternoon sunlight sparkled off of the water, making me glad I was shielded from its rays. The artistically arranged space had cabanas, a bar, a pool, and several lounge areas for the affluent patrons during the summer months in the city. And the loungers were fucking fantastic. My body sank deeper into the aqua blue bed lounger. Here, beside the crystal blue water of the pool next to my cabana, I could relax for the first time in weeks.

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