Page 38 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

“My feet are killing me.” I couldn’t wait to kick off these ridiculous heels. “Can I please just wait here while you go get the car?”

He looked down at my feet as if deciding whether to carry me or not.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. A part of me rejoiced at the idea of being in his arms again. Another part knew it would just frustrate me further. Besides, he was in bodyguard mode and would want to have his hands free.

“I’m sure these fine gentlemen are more than capable of watching over me.” I motioned toward the security guards.

Alden looked from one man to the other. “Are you armed?”

They both responded, “Yes, sir.”

“Don’t. Go. Anywhere.” He pointed close to my face then turned back to the guards. “Keep an eye on her.”

He went down the two wide steps and disappeared around the corner of the large mansion.

Jareth chose that moment to step outside. “Leaving so soon?”

“Yes.” I turned, gave him a tight-lipped smile, and looked away.

He handed his ticket to the valet and shifted to stand in front of me.

Dammit. I should’ve gone with Alden. I really didn’t want to deal with Jareth right now.

His black eyes locked on mine then began to travel over my face. I felt extremely uncomfortable and shifted back slightly. Unbidden, my hand lifted to touch the strange necklace and I realized it made me feel the same way. My arms tingled and my body screamed at me to run.

I gave myself a good internal shake. Alden’s paranoia was rubbing off on me. There were two security guards only a few feet away. Nothing was going to happen.

“Jess, I really need to speak with you.” Jareth’s clipped request startled me out of my thoughts.

I was tired and didn’t want to deal with him. Not tonight. “Not now, Jareth. Can we just do it another time?”

A brief flash of annoyance crossed his face. “It would be best to discuss this issue in private anyway. I’ll call you in the morning to set up a time.”

I reluctantly nodded and searched the parking lot for Alden. I wished he’d hurry.

A few moments passed and the valet rolled up with Jareth’s vehicle. The kid climbed out and held the door for him.

Jareth walked around and spoke over the top of the car. “I hope to see you again soon, Jess.” He smiled, slid behind the wheel, and drove off.

A strange chill moved through me, and I rubbed my hands up and down my arms. I shifted my feet against the pinch of my shoes.

Where was Alden?

“He’ll be back any second.” I hadn’t realized I’d spoken out loud until one of the guards gave me a sideways look.

I moved to the edge of the steps and craned my neck in the direction we’d parked, searching for my beloved Aston Martin. The moon would have glinted off the exclusive Satin Golden Saffron color making it easy to spot as it weaved its way around the other vehicles.

Headlights cut through the darkness and flashed across the entryway. A beat up, black, double cab pickup came to a quick stop in front of me. The paint was chipped and faded in several spots, exposing the metal beneath. The body was banged up with dirt splattered up from the knobby tires. The older vehicle had seen better days and was horribly out of place at an upscale event like this.

Curious, I squinted, but in the dim lights from the mansion, I couldn’t make out the truck’s occupants.

The guards tensed when both front doors swung open and two large men jumped out. They looked my way and my heart nearly stopped.

Each had a mask covering his head, exposing only his eyes and mouth.

All at once, everyone exploded into action.

The masked men took the steps in one leap, headed toward me, and the guards rushed toward them.

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