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Chapter Five

Claire’s Point of View

I read and signed the last paper before faxing it to Riley. I had lots of meetings today, but I had to cancel them because I was feeling sick. This nauseous feeling just wouldn’t go away. I carefully sat at the end of the bed and looked at Caiden’s peaceful sleeping form. It was only eight in the morning and I knew I shouldn’t disturb him. He was probably going to have a hangover since all he did was drink coffee-sized cups of whiskey while he was at work.

I still didn’t talk to him about this whole going undercover thing, but I thought I should wait until today when he wasn’t drunk.

“Hey,” Caiden said in his sexy morning voice, while slowly sitting up and running his hand through his hair. The blanket fell down on his lap making my eyes immediately go to his bare chest. I swear for being thirty-one years old he still looked like he was in his early twenties.

“You know, drinking until you almost pass out isn’t going to help you solve your problems,” I told him, looking away and staring at the wall.

“But it at least helps me forget them and it gets me away from my slutty girlfriend,” he said, getting out of bed and leaving the room. I followed him out while trying to ignore the nauseous feeling forming at the pit of my stomach for the third time since I woke up. He was doing it again. We were fine for years and now he was returning to his old ways. He only called me a slut to try to get me mad at him. Why can’t he just realize that I care for him? It’s not impossible for someone to love him.

“I’ll keep saying this until the time comes where I take my last breath. You can’t go around pushing everyone out your life who tries to get close to you,” I repeated. I’ve said those words to him a million times, but he just never listens to me. “Especially not now. I love you and if you don’t feel the same way or even if you feel that the connection we have has disappeared, I will still love you. You just need to finally realize it’s really not impossible for someone to love you,” I told him frowning.

“I’m not going to let you do this to yourself again, even if you leave me. Dr. Miller helped you with these problems. She helped you open up again and I’m not going to sit here and let your guy’s hard work go down the drain!”

He paused in the hallway and faced me, letting a chuckle sound throughout the house as he shook his head. “You seriously are fucking blind aren’t you? I love you and that’s the issue. You’re my whole world Claire Martez. I can’t sleep or breathe at the thought of you with someone else. I feel like my world is ending just at the thought of you leaving me.” He ran his hand through his hair before clenching it tightly. After a minute, he released his hair and put his hand on his heart.

“In here has always been a block of ice that never melts. Dr. Miller only helped me realize that it’s okay to care. Everything else is the same. I still have the terrible memories of my childhood. I still hate my father for marrying my captor’s sister. I still hate my parents for not caring. I still hate women for being awful, manipulating and deceiving people. You are the only one I feel different about. You are the exception to those thoughts. You broke that ice and forced your way in and ever since then, you have been my world. You never gave up on me and that’s always what meant the most to me. I’m still a cold-hearted asshole – just I try not to be around you,” he said, still standing a few feet away from me. My eyes started to tear up a little at his words. I should’ve known nothing changed. He was still so hurt inside. He doesn’t deserve this.

“But that’s the difference between the two of us. You’re my world, but I’m not yours.” His voice was now void of emotion as he turned his back to me.

“Don’t you dare say that,” I said, shaking my head and walking so I was standing right in front of him.

“Caiden, I spent four or five years worrying that one day I’d wake up and you’d be gone, so don’t you dare act like I don’t care about you. I love you and I care so much for you. That’s why I wish you would just ask me to marry you. I want something that tells the world that I’m yours and you’re mine.” I shouldn’t have mentioned marriage. That was such a stupid mistake. I probably just messed up everything.

“I knew you’d want to be married one day and that’s what I don’t want. That’s a huge commitment that I don’t think I can take yet. My parents were stupid. They got married too early and they had me too early and just look where it got them,” he said, shaking his head in disgust.

“How long am I suppose to wait! I don’t want to be an old woman getting married and trying to have kids!” I said furiously. I knew this was all mushy and was probably dramatic to some people, but at our age we were still working on our relationship. This wasn’t a fairytale, it was reality. We don’t just fall in love and get married. We work on our relationship as the years go on.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm myself down. “I get it. I know commitment scares you, but it’s just a ring. We can wait as long as you want on kids, but I do want to get married before I even get close to my mid-thirties.”

“I’m sorry, I just can’t,” he said, walking around me. I didn’t follow him as he made his way to the kitchen and only returned to our room. I quickly got dressed into a grey dress and a blue jacket. Maybe I would just suck it up and head to work; anyways, I don’t think I could just sit here all day by myself.

I brushed my hair before quickly doing my finishing touches: putting on light makeup, strapping a cute belt around my waist, and slipping on my grey heels.

I walked downstairs to see Caiden sitting at the table drinking coffee and scrolling through his phone. “I need to tell you something,” I said, suddenly causing him to look up.

“I’m going undercover,” I said.

He chuckled and a smirk appeared on his face.

“And here I thought pretending to be a boy once was good enough,” he said.

I failed trying to hold back a smile.

“No, I’m not going undercover as anyone,” I said, becoming serious.

“Nathan’s sister, Riley, is an agent in London and her and a few others are here on a case to find out who this serial killer is.”

Caiden raised an eyebrow and was no longer smiling.

“What does this have to do with you?”

Biting my lip nervously, I finally told him the part he was going to have a problem with. “They want me to get as close as possible to the suspect, whether it’s being just a friend or a girlfriend. I will try to get him to tell me all of his secrets. I won’t be alone with this because she is going undercover too.”

“Why can’t she get close to this guy? I don’t get why she needs you,” he said with narrowed eyes, clearly not liking the idea.

“The suspect is Jesse, and they feel that he has feelings for me,” I said.

He immediately shook his head.

“Listen, I know this isn’t the best time,” I said, “but if we get him put in prison with his little gang then he’s out of our lives forever. We won’t have anything to worry about.”

“I think you all are fucking crazy to think I’d be okay with you snuggling all close with him. They should be having a professional do this. We’ve got an agency here too. Why can’t they do this?” His hands were clenched into fists.

“Because they’re stupid and don’t take care of cases that involve going undercover. Plus from what I read, any case that involves Jesse goes straight to Riley and her partner Joey because they’ve dealt with him in the past,” I said.

He nodded, scowling.

“I know all about that. She was the one who put him in prison in the first place. I knew I recognized her at the airport a few days ago.”

“I don’t trust that fucking bastard, but I’ll let you do this just so he ends up rotting in prison for the rest of his life. But I swear if he even scratches you or tries to have sex with you, I will fucking shoot him without any hesitation whatsoever,” he hissed. I smiled, pecking his lips.

“I’m not happy about doing this either, but thank you,” I said, stealing a sip of his coffee. I know we were just arguing twenty minutes ago, but as I’ve said before, I’m tired of arguing. And as of right now the overall problem isn’t going to be resolved.

“Where are you going?” he asked curiously. Just as I was about to respond, I felt the nauseous feeling hit me harder this time. I clutched the edge of the table with my hand over my mouth. I was hoping it would pass, but about thirty seconds later I found myself with my head over the garbage and Caiden holding my hair.

After my whole dinner and breakfast was in the garbage, I headed upstairs and brushed my teeth before coming back down to a waiting Caiden. “You are not going anywhere now. I’m going to tell the office I’m not coming in and you’re going to head upstairs and lay down and let me take care of you.” But I shook my head.

“Thank you, but I’m fine. It happened yesterday too. I think I have some stomach virus, but I’m almost positive it will be gone in a few days. I really have to stop by the office and make sure everything's okay.”

“Come straight home after,” he said. I just poured.

“C’mon grandpa, don’t be such a downer. I have plans to go shopping with Mia, I need some new clothes,” I told him. He frowned.

“You just went shopping last month for some new clothes,” he said. I shrugged. It was true, just last month I bought a bunch of new stuff cause it was getting tight.

“I’m kind of growing out of them. I think it’s cause of all the fast food we eat,” I said, honestly looking down at my stomach. I didn’t seem any larger, and I didn’t feel it either, but these bras were definitely getting tighter.

“I am going to Victoria Secret for some new bras. Maybe I can even show you one later if you let me leave for a bit,” I said, biting my lip seductively. His eyes immediately went to my lips.

“I’ll give you three hours,” he said sternly. I smiled. “You should stop at an urgent care or something while you’re out just to see what’s going on.”

“I’ll think about it,” I said, pecking his lips before putting my purse on my shoulder and heading out the door. First stop, the office.

***

Clover’s Point of View

“I still cannot believe the police aren’t doing anything about this,” I said to Andrew, shaking my head in annoyance, before taking a bite of my subway sandwich.

“What proof do they want from me? My dead body?” I said sarcastically.

Andrew chuckled.

“I don’t think so, but don’t worry, we go home in about a week. I don’t think this man is going to follow you there,” Andrew said. I nodded. He did have  a point. “Plus I’ll keep you safe.”

I smiled at my husband and leaned over the table giving him a peck on the lips.

“And this is why I love you,” I told him, sipping my drink.

He smirked. “You only love me because I was the first person to catch you undercover.”

“Oh sweetie, no I hated you for that,” I said, putting my hand on his.” When he frowned I decide to crack a smile to show I was kidding.

“Clover Thompson right?” a man around our aged asked me.

I nodded my head.

“Can I have an autograph?” he asked me with a sly grin.

“Yes, of course. Who should I make it out to?” I asked, holding his pen and paper in his hand.

“Taylor Jones.” I quickly scribbled a note to him before handing it back.

“I actually wanted to ask you for one more favor.” This request made me mentally groan. I can never just enjoy myself.

“What’s the favor?” I asked politely with a smile plastered on my face.

“I’m writing an article for the local newspaper, and they will only put it in if I have something interesting or newsworthy. And you, Clover Thompson of all people, are definitely interesting. Would you let me ask you a few questions?” Taylor asked me and I hesitated saying yes. Something about this man gave me a bad feeling. Looking at Andrew, he nodded his head slowly.

“Yes, only a few and if I don’t like a question, then I won’t answer it,” I said. He nodded, sending me a smile. He took a seat in the empty chair and turned his page on his notebook.

“So you’re married with two kids correct?” he started off. I nodded.

“Are they here with you in Seattle?” he asked.

I frowned. “No, they are not,” I said, not going into detail. He didn’t need to know where they were currently staying. He simply nodded while writing on the paper.

“Would you prefer to be called Clover or Lucky?”

“Either one works for me,” I said, glancing at the time on my phone.

“How long are you staying here?” he asked me curiously.

“I’ll be here for one more week and then we’ll be returning home,” I responded after taking a sip of my lemonade.

“Is your manager, Sarah, in Seattle?” he asked. I nodded.

“She’s currently somewhere in this mall with him,” I responded looking around. I’m thankful this guy found me interesting, but these questions were boring.

“Okay, I only have a couple more questions. Do you ever still talk to Damien Richards?” His question caused me to almost choke on my sandwich.

“Excuse me?”

“Damien Richards, do you ever still talk to him?”

I narrowed my eyes.

“The last time I talked to him was years ago in high school. I don’t have any type of relationship with the ass.”

“Is this because of him cheating on you with your best friend at the time?”

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“What?”

“You know that girl Katy was the other girl he cheated with, except she actually knew,” he said, giving me a non-apologetic smile. “And don’t tell me you forgot about who Katy is cause I know that’s impossible after the whole blackmailing shit in your high school days.”

“Who are you and how do you know all of this?” I hissed, standing up. I never talked to the press or anyone besides my friends about the Katy incident and I never cared enough to find out who the other girl was Damien cheated on me with. I mean, he just took advantage of the fact that I was a popular model. I was so naive at the time I just didn’t realize.

“Clover, this is all old news. Why do you seem so surprised?” he asked with a small smirk on his face.

“I know for a fact she has never said anything to the press about all of that,” Andrew said grabbing the guy by his shirt.

“You have about five fucking seconds to release me or Clover will be dead by the time I get to six,” Taylor said.

Andrew sent him a hatred-filled glare before letting him go.

“Who are you?” I repeated.

His smirk widened.

“Don’t worry your pretty like head about it. You’ll know in the future. But for now I must say thanks for the information – it will be very useful,” Taylor said, pecking my cheek before running off.

“I will murder him,” Andrew said absolutely seething.

“I don’t get it. I’ve never met or even seen that guy in my life. What does he want with me?” I asked, honestly afraid.

“He has to be working for that Jesse guy. That would be the only possible explanation.” I silently agreed.

“I just gave that guy information about our kids, Sarah, and even us. He knows we’re only here for a week, Andrew. That means I could be dead by the end of the week,” I said hysterically. Andrew wrapped his arm around my waist, trying to comfort me, but I shook my head.

“We have to leave right now,” I told him, grabbing my food and throwing it away.

“Clove, breathe. It’s gonna be okay,” Andrew said with both of his hands on my shoulders, forcing me to look at him.

“Andrew, this isn’t some time little freaking thing to brush off! I could be dead. You could never see me again. Our kids will grow up without their mother. I just—”  My hands shook in fear the more I thought about it. Andrew’s lips slammed against mine as he kissed me fiercely, yet passionately.

“I love you and everything will be okay. You have three more photo shoots and then you’re done. We just won’t stay for those extra few days, and we can even get you a body guard.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath. He was right – I need to calm down. Everything was going to be fine.

“Let’s go find Sarah,” I told him, and he removed his hands from my shoulders.

I quickly texted Sarah asking her where she was, and she responded a minute later.

“Was that Sarah?” Andrew asked me, hearing my phone go off.

“Yeah, she’s at Victoria’s Secret,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“How surprising,” he said, putting his arm around my waist as we walked to Victoria Secret. It didn’t matter how many years I’ve been working there, it was still strange to see pictures of me on the walls.

“Ah, look who it is. The face of Victoria Secret,” Sarah said smiling. I noticed her adoptive son was standing next to her looking as bored as ever.

“Andrew, why don’t you and Calum go hang out somewhere,” I suggested, giving him a look. He was only a few years younger than us, and he and Andrew have hung out before, so I knew it wasn’t a problem.

I know it confuses people to find out that Sarah has a son who’s only a few years younger than her, but when her sister’s husband and her older sister died, she took Calum in and raised him as if he was her own.

I watched as the two walked out of the store, already talking about something before I turned to face Sarah. “We’re gonna be going home a few days early.” I told her and she raised an eyebrow as she lifted up a pair of lacy underwear to look at.

“Why? Don’t you like it here?” she asked me and a sad smile appeared on my face.

“Yeah, I really do, but it’s just I don’t feel safe away from home,” I said, looking around the store. I didn’t think it was a good idea to tell her. The less she knew the better.

“Understandable. I’ll change your flight later then,” she said, giving me a smile. I thanked her. When my eyes caught on a familiar blonde, I immediately excused myself to go talk to her.

“Claire!” I called to her standing directly in front of her. Her happy persona disappeared, and she started to scowl. “Listen, I wouldn’t be bothering you if it wasn’t important.”

“I’m just going to look at the perfume,” her friend said, awkwardly excusing herself.

“What?” she asked, crossing her arms over chest.

“That Jesse man is having me followed. I don’t know what to do and no one knows him,” I said. She quickly shushed me, looking around. Setting her few pieces of lingerie on a stand, she dragged me outside of the store.

“He’s even having people question me about my past and my kids. I honestly think I’m going to be dead by the end of the week,” I said, not even bothering to hide the fear in my eyes.

She stared at me for minute, her eyes scanning over my face before hugging me. “It’s going to be okay. I can help you,” she said, completely surprising me.

Claire pulled away and sighed. “I know I’ve been a bitch to you, but I don’t dislike you that much to want you dead, especially by the hands of Mr. Farone.”

“What can you do?” I asked suspiciously.

“I think if you meet a girl I know. everything will be cleared you. Her name is Riley Scott, and she’s currently trying to find out information and clues to figure out if Jesse is the killer,” Claire told me quietly. Hope filled me as the words left her mouth.

“When can I meet her?”

“I’ll schedule a day. Here, add your number and I’ll text you,” she said, handing me her iPhone. I quickly entered my number and gave her a small smile.

“Thank you so much. I appreciate this,” I told her.

She nodded, already making her way back into Victoria’s Secret.

“I can get you a discount on that stuff you know,” I told her as she picked up a few bras and underwear.

“I know I’m helping you, but I think it would be best if you don’t talk to me in public. I have a job in this case and it can all be blown if you’re talking to me,” Claire said.

I quietly apologized. I still followed behind her and made sure the girl at the register gave her a discount before going to find Sarah.

I just hoped everything would get better.

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