“Let her go,” I told her. I didn’t want anyone else to hear the commotion and come running. Maia did as I asked but not before putting herself between us.
Julia stood up, red-faced, clutching her wrist. “Who’s this? Your bodyguard?”
“Yes. She works for Mr Tell.” I watched her face drop as that sunk in. “I think it would be a good idea for you to let the crew know you’re feeling unwell and going home for the day. You can come back tomorrow when you’re feeling better. Or I can have security escort you from the property. It’s up to you.”
Julia glared daggers at me then turned on her heel and marched away.
I released a breath, my heart hammering with adrenaline now that she was gone. “Is this a rich people thing?” I asked no one in particular. “They hear the word no and just lose their fucking minds?”
I stormed off back to work and this time Maia followed me.
I hoped that would be the last time Julia would cause trouble but from the look she’d given me, that was probably wishful thinking.
Twenty-Two
The elephant was an eight foot masterpiece. It would look more at home at an Indian wedding than an English country estate but I loved the juxtaposition between the bright colours of the elephant and the classic architecture of Harrington. Sid and I sat back and watched as the crew got the shots they needed. I was fascinated by the crew, the whole process of making a show. I’d always thought my only love would be designing gardens, but Imani had introduced me to the world of sculpture and different art forms. I fell into it with my whole heart.
The crew seemed a little lost without Julia but production was mostly shut down until the contestants returned for the latter half of the week anyway. She hadn’t returned this morning and I wondered if she would come back at all. Speaking to Alfie only confirmed I was right, that breaking the rules again only cemented the fact that she had been effectively exiled from her community.
I hadn’t spoken to John again. I wasn’t ready, but the dinner with him and Natalie was tomorrow, I would have to face him again then. I needed to have my thoughts in order before I did so.
I worked until night fell and I tumbled into bed, dirty and exhausted. With a groan I forced myself up and into the tub. As I soaked, I was disturbed by the sound of an aircraft. It got louder and louder until I looked out the window and spotted a helicopter, it lowered and landed on the other side of the trees out of sight.
Alfie.
I smiled to myself and sunk down further into the warm caress of the bubble bath. Butterflies fluttered when I heard the door to my rooms open. Their wings settled when he walked in. I reached out and he came to me, not minding my wet hands ruining his suit. I sunk them into his hair, kissing him deeply.
“Missed me?” he whispered against my lips.
“Too much. This whole being-separated-for-a-few-days thing is not fun. I need daily touch, Mr Tell.” He responded with another kiss. I tugged at his tie, telling him I wanted him naked. He obliged and I watched as he began stripping out of his clothes. “What are you doing here anyway? I wasn’t expecting you.”
“We’re having lunch with my mother tomorrow, remember?”
“You needed a helicopter entrance for that?”
“I like to be dramatic.”
I rolled my eyes. I knew that already. He stepped into the tub, sitting opposite me, our legs intertwining. I wanted him closer but I stayed where I was, enjoying the view.
“You have that dinner with your father and Natalie tomorrow night.”
“Yeah, you don’t need to be there.”
“I’m coming. I want to meet your father. Don’t fight with me. Please, Lo.”
“Fine. This might be a good thing actually. You’re better at getting the measure of people than I am.” I let my fingers play inthe bubbles for a moment. “Do you think Elliot would do me a favour if I asked him?"
“I think Elliot would take a bullet for you if you asked him. Actually, I don’t think you’d need to ask. What do you need?”
“I want him to look into my dad.”
He raised his brows, those sharp eyes studying me. “You’ve changed your tune.”
“He said some things about being involved with gambling and drinking, other stuff but I feel like he’s not being entirely honest. It makes me nervous.”
“Look at you, coming over to the dark side.” He smirked and I winced. “I’m sorry, that was insensitive. Yes, I’ll speak to Elliot. We got the basics on your father when we first looked into him, where he was living, working, but we didn’t dig any further into his history. You ask, and we’ll dig.”
“Dig. Please.”
