CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
TIFFANY
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“I bet they were after those beautiful diamonds.” Nadia slowly shakes her head as I slide the green tea over the counter towards her. “Where were they?”
“I wish I’d seen them in real life,” Sadie coos, holding a tablet to her chest as she stands waiting an answer from me on a work question.
“Todd, the guard from Maison, took them after the event.” I tell Nadia. “I had arranged that beforehand. Especially after the first break-in.”
“Hmm.” She sips her drink.
I can’t focus. I’m sleep deprived, emotional, and worried. But when Nadia came over, I thought it would be nice to chat with a friend.
Why I’m upset about Jayden, I don’t know. I met him less than a week ago. He’s just some bodyguard I had really good sex with.
That’s it.
Nothing more. Clearly.
You were amazing.
Great. Five stars. Highly recommended.
What the hell was he thinking? I wasn’t looking for a goddamn rating from him before he left!
I don’t understand why he’s quitting his job.
It doesn’t make sense.
Maybe you shouldn’t trust me. Jesus, look what happened. I took advantage of you, and someone got inside your goddamn house.
I wish I could understand that man.
While last night was incredibly raw, sexual and erotic, I felt something more than just plain old banging.
I’m not saying we are the great love of each other’s lives, but it could be something. Surely that’s worth pursuing.
Unless he feels nothing.
Clearly, or he would have stayed.
Or messaged.
It’s after three in the afternoon, and he hasn’t called. Nor will he. I know I’ll never see him again.
I meant what I said; Jayden makes me feel safe.
Noah has been fine. He picked up things seamlessly, flirted with Sadie and perked up when mom and dad arrived at lunchtime.
“No one is getting inside this house a third time,” Noah said when he introduced himself to Dad. “Big fan. You motivated me to join the Army.”
“Thank you.” Dad smiled. “You decided to leave?”
“Made commander, did all the things, and my boss, a Navy SEAL, invited me to join his crew which do a few more things than protecting celebrities. This is just our bread and butter.”
“I bet it is. I’ve seen the invoice.” Dad laughed. “Well, thank you for your service.”
After a quick selfie, he left us to have lunch.
“Move back home, darling. Just for a while until this is over.” Mom says, spooning salad onto her plate.
“Listen to your mom. I would be happier with you at home,” Dad says.
“I can’t. My business is here. We’re launching next week. The BHS team has quadrupled its security, and LAPD has new evidence after last night.”
“I’ll cover the costs,” Dad offers.
“No. You will not.” I glare at him.
“This independence streak is lasting a long time.” He shakes his head while Mom and I shared a smile.
“She’s your daughter, darling.” Mom patted his arm.
I can’t wait to pay him all the money and finally have this house in my name. It’s a reminder why I am not canceling the Maison Diamond Luxe launch, no matter what anyone says.
Jayden saved me last night; I’m sure of it. If he weren’t so stubborn, he could be here and do that every night.
I wish he would tell me what’s going on.
If he’s just not that into me, then I can accept that, and maybe I should.
After a delicious lunch of salmon quiche and salad, they made me promise to move home if it happened again.
I reluctantly agreed.
If this gets worse, I might not have a choice. For now, I will trust Noah and the other BHS guys. Even if I would rather have my sexy guard back where he belongs.
Jayden, I need you.
Mom pulled me aside before leaving. “You okay, darling? Really?”
I let her warm arms embrace me. “Not really. Don’t growl at me, but I slept with my bodyguard. Not Noah, Jayden. Mom, it wasn’t just chemistry. It was...”
“Oh, baby.” She sighed.
“Ugh, don’t say that. Like I’m some stupid kid.”
“I don’t mean it to sound like that, I’m sorry.” She rubbed my back. “Was he the man who was here last night?”
I nodded against her neck.
“Hmmm, well, I bet he feels responsible. Give him time,” she said wisely, but I knew enough about Jayden that he wouldn’t forgive himself.
He’s stubborn and self-critical.
Making Mom promise not to tell Dad, which she probably will anyway, I went back to my office where Sadie and I tried to focus on approving the creatives for the launch.
Then Nadia arrived, so I welcomed the interruption.
“I need to approve those social assets. Did you want to see them again?” Sadie asks.
“Yes, I’ll look at them after this. Do you want to join us?”
“Sure.” She smiled and sat on one of the stools.
“Do you want me to ask Alexei if he heard or saw anything? He can check our cameras,” Nadia asks helpfully.
“Has the police asked for the footage? I thought they might have,” I say.
“Alexei takes care of all that. He might have. I was shooting content all morning.” She sips her drink. “My head was sore after all the champagne last night. I can’t believe I won. My god, it was so exciting.”
Feeling a little miffed Nadia would bring up her award after my home was broken into while I slept—or worse, while fucking Jayden—I sip my drink and congratulate her again. But it lacks authenticity.
Even Sadie is quiet.
I play with my mug, turning it on the counter.
“What did you say Alexei does?” I ask, suddenly wondering why I’ve never inquired before.
She’s surprised, her brows lifting. “Oh, he works for my father.”
“Isn’t he still in Russia?” I frown.
“Hmm mmm, yup, he won’t ever leave.” Nadia slugs back the rest of her drink and then climbs to her feet. “Well, I wanted to check you were okay. I should get home.”
That was a short visit.
I give her a small smile and pat the cloth covered bundle on the counter. “Thanks and thank you for the sourdough bread.”
“Do svidaniya. Okay, ladies.” Nadia chimes. “I am teaching an online class in an hour, so better get ready.”
That explains the quick visit, I guess.
Sadie and I walk her out, finding Noah in the foyer as we pass.
“Looking forward to the launch next week. See you then, darling.”
“Spasibo.” I surprise her with my use of Russian.
“Oh, you’re learning.” She claps excitedly. “Love it!”
I jumped on DuoLingo. I wouldn’t exactly say I’m learning. I have remembered four words.
We all stand at the front door watching her walk down the drive. She waves at my security team and then glances back at us.
I wave again.
When I close the door, I look at Noah.
“Is it wrong to suspect her?” I feel terrible.
“Not at all.” Noah lifts his phone to his ear. “Not at all.”