A Brother's Love

His Protection

Shopping was a hell, I got followed by people wanting to take my picture. Easton downplayed how interested people were in his dating life. It was surreal. Jake noticed how I was panicking and suggested we headed back to the mansion. I happily agreed because I wasn’t prepared to answer questions thrown at me nor was I prepared to hide my face away so I wouldn’t see it spread across the Internet like wildfire. Once seated in the backseat of Jake’s car, I let out a relieved sigh.

"I hate this," I whispered.

"It will die down," Jake reassured me.

“That’s what Easton said.”

“And we both know that Easton is always right.” I could hear the smile in Jake’s voice.

I didn’t quite believe that. Easton misjudged a dangerous situation and got us both in this weird mess in the first place. We could conclude that the arrogant man with the body of a Greek God was most definitely not always right.

“I should have taken up his offer.”

Jake didn’t say anything but when I glanced up and met his gaze in the rear-view mirror it was like we silently communicated. It felt like he knew what I was talking about hence the little smirk which followed.

“We didn’t predict this, we assumed they’d only follow us when you were spotted together with Mr. Dehn.”

I sighed, “So what about the flower shop?” I asked him.

“If someone does a little digging they’ll easily find your flower shop.”

I leaned back in my seat, not wanting to think about what it would mean for business.

“Like I said everything will calm down eventually.”

His words didn't reassure me at all. I had a feeling I wouldn't be working at the flower shop much longer nor would I head into the city to do some shopping. I didn't want to stay locked up in the mansion forever, but to me, it felt like that was my fate. Falling into despair in the backseat of Jake's car is how I spent the rest of our trip. Jake turned the music up as if he tried to help me cheer up. I did nothing to stop the thoughts which were echoing through my mind though.

***

Pouting like a little girl who didn’t get to wear her flimsy Princess dress during a blizzard. I was sitting in the living room which to me was like the sunroom, still and sipped the tea Easton's staff served me. It was calming chamomile tea, it was like they knew I needed it. Sitting down on the soft beige rug, I leaned against the couch and rested the book I was supposed to read this morning on my lap. It was my little peaceful moment which actually did make me feel better. I was actually getting into my book when noises in the background broke my concentration.

“Poppy!”

I recognized that voice, I just didn’t know why I was hearing it in the mansion.

“Poppy!” She called again.

"In here," I responded, unsure what else to do but see the woman I didn't want to see.

Serena barged into the sunroom, interrupting my peaceful tea moment while Jake was on her heels. She looked accusingly at me, I didn't think I did anything to deserve that. But she'd tell me soon what was on her mind.

"What is going on?" She asked, taking a seat on the couch while glancing over her shoulder.

“And why is that guy following me everywhere?” She demanded to know.

"Jake keeps me safe," I told her.

“From who?” She asked, “The paparazzi trying to take your picture because you are in fact dating Easton Dehn?”

I rolled my eyes, really annoyed with this woman who I used to call my friend. I didn't know how she entered the mansion and who let her in. I glanced at Jake who merely shrugged. He might have let her in because he thought she'd cause problems for Easton. Easton was his first priority, of course, he'd always think about that man first. It made things uncomfortable for me though.

“Why would you come to that conclusion?” I asked her, closing my book while keeping it secure on my lap, “Because I never told you I was dating Easton.”

“You’re in his house.” Serena nearly screeched, I think she was losing her patience with me, “His staff is also waiting on you and you’ve been seen with him visiting high-end restaurants. What am I supposed to think?”

She wouldn't believe me so I didn't even think about telling her the truth. Instead, I decided to be a little b***h about it.

“I guess you could say I upgraded boyfriends.” I grinned at her, “Now I’m living the life.” I gestured around me, “Isn’t that great?”

She looked at a loss for words, her red lips parted while she stared at me in surprise. She didn’t think I’d give her an answer like that. Maybe she assumed I’d tell her a weird story about getting kidnapped and dragged again so she could yell at me. I trailed my eyes at Jake who smiled at me. He was having a great time observing us.

“You’d do that to Alex?” She asked me.

“I don’t care much about Alex anymore so why not?”

“They’re related!” She assumed her raising her voice would somehow convince me.

“So?” The question asked by a smooth male voice made both of us look at the doorway to see Easton walking in casually. He took a seat on the couch right beside me. I was sitting on the floor right beside his leg, smiling when he placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly, “What does that have anything to do with us being in a relationship?” He asked her.

She stared at him, probably dazzled by his handsome face. Also she probably never dared to imagine actually running into Easton himself. When I shared my honest with her she let me know how much she appreciated his looks. Now she was staring at said man.

“Well, I just think it’s not that appropriate considering she just broke up with Alex.”

I wanted to speak up but from now on it seemed Easton would do the talking for me. It would make Serena back off and keep her annoying opinions to herself.

“They have broken up, so she is free to date whoever she wants.” Easton calmly told her, “This is between Poppy and I. It’s a personal matter so I’d appreciate it if you keep your opinions to yourself and stop screaming at my girlfriend. It’s immature.”

Serena blinked, it made me bite back a giggle. I had never seen her so conflicted about giving her opinion or not. Easton didn’t give her a chance to make up her mind. He got up and gestured to Jake.

“I need a minute alone with my girlfriend so my security guard will guide you back to your car.”

Jake started moving without needing to be told twice. Serena’s eyes snapped to me, I could see anger simmer in her eyes but I refused to give in. She wouldn’t speak up again, not when Easton was around. Once Serena was out of sight, her heels clicking away at the marble tiles letting us know she was reaching the door.

“You okay?” Easton quietly asked me.

I got to my feet, clutching my book with more force than necessary. It was like my shield right now.

“I’m good now.” I admitted to him, “Thank you for having my back.”

He closed the distance between us, his hand on the back of my head while he leaned forward. His lips pressed against mine, the kiss soft and gentle. He pulled away, brushing his forehead against mine, “I’ll always have your back.” He whispered and then stepped back. He straightened his jacket and smirked at me, “I was on my way to grab some things I needed for my next meeting when Jake let me know a not so pleasant visitor was harassing you.”

I grabbed his hand when he wanted to back away, “You’re leaving already?” I asked.

I knew I sounded desperate but I wanted his company. He made me feel safe and protected. It didn’t make much sense since Jake and the security team were the ones keeping me safe.

He glanced at our hands, “I’ll be back to have dinner with you.” He grabbed my hand and raised it, kissing my wrist, “So be good and wait for me, Miss Miller.” He spoke gently.

My heart skipped a beat, all I could do was watching him leave my sight. I settled down on the couch and finished my cold tea. I hated being that girl but at the same time I couldn’t help but do as told.