“I know what you’re doing.” She knocks her shoulder with mine. We keep venturing through the estate. It really is breathtaking. I was impressed with the hotel, but this is a whole other level. I shouldn’t be surprised; it’s a pattern I’m noticing with Jay.
“I like him. A lot.” I want to make sure Lauren knows that I’m serious about the way I’m feeling when it comes to Jay.
“He kind of scares me, Mila.” She stops walking to glance back over her shoulder to see if any guards have followed us.
“He’s intense. I’ll give you that,” I admit. She might consider that a red flag, but my body and heart are in charge at the moment, and they love it. “But he’s also kind and sweet.”
“Something is off.” Her brows furrow together. I swear she’s like a damn dog with a bone when it comes to protecting me. I try not to get upset because I know it’s coming from a good place.
“You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. I won’t force you to, but I’m staying.” I let her know my intentions. Even as I say the word, I feel a bit guilty, but just as Lauren has always had these big dreams, I’m starting to think this one is mine. Sure, I’m good at Photoshop, but it’s not some crazy passion. With Jay, though, there is nothing but passion. It lights up parts of me I didn’t even know existed.
“This is why girls have best friends, Mila! To check them when they get fogged with lust and love. For when they’re not seeing all the red flags.”
“I’m a walking red flag, and Jay thinks it’s endearing. He was upset that he hadn’t caught me before I fell into the dress. He was mad at himself.” Her face softens a little but not much. “I mean, I should probably have this kind of security for myself. Not only for my own safety but everyone else’s really.” I watch as the corner of her mouth inches up.
“Don’t make me laugh.” A giggle pops from her. “You’re right. It is endearing that he was upset that he wasn’t fast enough to protect you. But he’s really bordering on being obsessed with you. We’ve gone from a hotel to an island. Are you sure you haven’t been kidnapped?”
“I’m not kidnapped. I came willingly, and he had all our things brought from the hotel, and he’s having some of Jean-Luc’s clothes sent over. I’m guessing whatever you picked out for us. I’ll let you dress me up,” I offer. I really need to distract her from the kidnapped thing because honestly there might be a hint of truth to that.
“Really?” She gets a skeptical expression on her face.
“Yep, you can do my makeup and hair. I’ll be your little doll. You can take all the pictures you want.”
“It’s always nice to update my portfolio.” She ponders this. I can tell she’s already softening. “You don’t play fair. You know I can’t resist having free rein over your fashion and makeup. You have a deal. But I don’t want to hear one complaint. And just so we’re clear, if he messes up, he’s going to need a lot more than security.”
I nod in agreement. I wonder if Jay’s security actually knows the threat that Lauren could be. She can go from being all smiles to fuck around and find out real quick. I’ve seen it before. Hell, she threw a rock at Jay that first night. Okay, they probably already know she’s a bit of a threat.
She tells me a bit more about what she and Jean-Luc talked about after we left. I’m not really bummed about missing the fashion show. This trip has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I think Lauren can see the silver lining in that, too. I wasn’t the only one getting something they loved out of all this. Love, there’s that word again. Can men like Jay love? Are love and obsession two different things?
When we make it back to the front of the house, Jay shows us to Lauren’s room. The racks of clothes Jean-Luc had sent over are set up inside along with trays of food. There’s enough to feed a small army.
“I’ll leave you ladies to it,” Jay says, placing a long, hard kiss on my lips before heading for the bedroom door. He stops to glance back at me one last time before he closes the door behind him, leaving Lauren and me alone once again. I could tell from the longing in his eyes he didn’t want to leave, but he knows that Lauren is important to me. She’s pretty much family.
“He kisses you like no one is around.” I touch my lips. His kisses are as intense as the rest of him.