Page 11 of Daddy's Obsession
Estella gasps, her hand covering her mouth as her eyes scan over me as if I were still injured. “The bullet missed all the important stuff, but I lost a lot of blood. Andrew saved my life. He called for an evac and dragged me out of the line of fire. Anyway, long story short, it was a bit of a reality check and I decided that even though I love fighting for my country, there are other things in life. Important things that I don’t want to miss out on.”
“Like what?”
Such an innocent question. My brain tells me I’d be an idiot to disclose the full truth, that when I was lying on the desert sand, bleeding out, the only thing I could think about was the kiss I stole on her twenty-first birthday. I wanted her the first time I laid eyes on her, when she was too damn young for me to want her. I had convinced myself to stay away, that I was no good for her, and I did good at avoiding her, but then Andrew guilted me into coming to Estella’s birthday party, and I couldn’t stop myself from stealing a taste of her sweet lips. I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind since. She didn’t know it but, in that moment, I laid claim on her. I might’ve forced myself to walk away that night, but she was mine.Ismine.
“You.”
“But you didn’t even like me. You avoided me… except for the kiss… and after that you left, and I never heard from you. I don’t understand.”
She looks at me with confusion, her eyes filled with old hurt. I reach across the table and take her hand in mine. “I avoided you because I am a dirty bastard who wanted nothing more than to defile you. I was trying to be respectful of your brother.”
“And now?”
“Now, Andrew is just going to have to fucking deal because you’re mine and I’m not giving you up for anything.” The hurt look disappears from her eyes and one of happiness takes its place. “Why are you still modeling even though you’re obviously miserable?”
Estella puts her fork down and sighs. She turns her attention out the window. “I don’t know anymore. It was never my dream… I guess I’m just scared of the unknown. I mean, I only have a few more years until I won’t be considered desirable in the industry. It’s really cutthroat. Most models don’t last much beyond age twenty-five… some older if they are well liked.”
“You’re loved by virtually everyone. I can’t foresee anyone holding age against you.”
She lifts her shoulder in a shrug. “Maybe, maybe not. My face won’t stay youthful forever. I already have to cut back on calories and spend more time in the gym to keep my ideal weight.”
Red-hot anger races through my veins. Estella is perfect; the fact that she’s denying herself the things she wants for a career she doesn’t frustrates me to no end. “You would be beautiful at any weight.”
“That may be true, but my career depends on me maintaining the ideal. Whether or not I agree with it.”
“That’s bullshit. You need to do what makes you happy. Fuck their ideal. There is nothing wrong with having curves. You’re too damn thin and the fact that they make you fast before a shoot just pisses me off. It’s not healthy and it won’t happen anymore.”
Estella’s phone rings, interrupting our conversation. “It’s my stepmother…” She hesitates, takes a steadying breath like she’s about to enter battle, then answers the phone. “Hello.” I can hear Bridgette yelling but can’t make out what she’s saying. I’m guessing it has to do with my cancelling Estella’s appointments for the day. “Mom, it’s okay. Gage didn’t cancel anything; he just rescheduled things.” More yelling from her stepmother ensues. “I know. I’m sorry.” Estella’s eyes fill with sadness and guilt. “I’m sorry,” she apologizes again, but her bitch of a stepmother continues yelling.
I reach out and pluck the phone from Estella’s hand. “Hello, Mrs. Trenton, consider this a courtesy warning. If you ever speak to your daughter like that again I will ruin you. Without her you would be nothing and it’s time you start treating her with a little respect.”
She sputters from the other end of the line. “Who is this, her new littlebodyguard?” she sneers. “What gives you the right?”
“Estella is mine. I won’t have you upsetting her.”
“Who the hell do you think you are? You’re nobody, that’s who. Estella knows her place.” I almost laugh at her weak little jabs. I’m sure she thought she would get to me by pointing out that I’m unworthy of her daughter, but I already know that, and I don’t give a flying fuck. Worthy or not, I’m not giving her up.
“Estella’s place is by my side.”
“I don’t even know why you insinuated yourself into her life. She has a perfectly good security team already in place.”
This time I do laugh. “You mean an old man and a lazy piece of shit who couldn’t find his way out of a wet paper bag? I’m here because Estella is in danger and unlike you, I actually give a fuck if something happens to her.”
“How dare you! I—” I end the call before she can continue her tirade, then turn the phone off and slip it into my pocket.
“You alright, princess?”
“Yeah. I’m used to it. I knew she’d be upset about today.” Estella smiles despite the fact that I can tell she’s still upset about what Bridgette said to her. “I wouldn’t change it for anything, though. Today has been the best day ever.”
“And it’s not over yet.”
We finish our dinner, chatting about nothing in particular. The mood has lightened after the ugly phone call from her stepmother and I am thankful. Estella is extremely resilient. Nothing seems to keep her down for long. I pay the check and text our driver to let him know we are ready.
We barely make it past the door before the paparazzi are snapping pictures and shouting questions.
“Estella, who is your date?”
“Does Brent know you’re dating?”