A Soldier For Bella (Love Conquers Life #4) by Alison Mello

thinking?”
    I’m hurt by his cold outburst. We both agreed my career shouldn’t suffer because of this guy. “Derek, you agreed with me that this doesn’t put my career on hold.”
    “Yeah, well, I didn’t realize your career was going to take you in this direction. You cannot do this.”
    “I’ve already signed the contract,” I say in almost a whisper. I’m trying to hold my tears back because I can’t believe he’s not supporting me in this. We agreed.
    “Rip it up. You’re not doing it,” he says in a stern voice.
    “You can’t control my career. I wouldn’t let my parents control my career. I’m certainly not letting you.” I run toward the door, snatching my coat as I go.
    “Where are you going?”
    “Anywhere but here. You cannot stop me from doing what I love. You promised me you wouldn’t. Do you realize what an honor this is for a model? This is a dream come true,” I shout as he says nothing. He just stares at me as I run out the door.
    Jordan follows behind me. “Where are we going?” he asks.
    “You’re not going anywhere. I’m going to my house.” He freezes in his spot. As I’m climbing into my car, I see Derek talking to Jordan. He must’ve told him to follow me because Jordan jogs to his car as I’m pulling away.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 7
     
     
    Bella
     
    I pull up outside my apartment and without even thinking about it, I run in, slam the door behind me, and lock it. I look around. It feels empty and lonely. I sag to the floor and begin to cry. My phone rings, and when I see it’s Patty, I answer it.
    “Hello?” I say with a sniffle.
    “Bella, what happened?” My friend asks. She sounds so concerned.
    “I ran out.”
    “I know that part. Why did you run out?”
    “I don’t want to talk about it right now. I’m at my place with the doors locked.”
    “Jordan is on his way there. Please let him go through the place to make sure it’s safe. Derek is worried about you.”
    “Yeah, well, he’s trying to control my life, and that’s exactly why I didn’t want to move in with him,” I say as I sob into the phone. I take a deep breath. “I really don’t want to talk about this right now.”
    There’s a loud bang on my door. “Bella, it’s Jordan. Please open the door. I need to make sure your place is safe and secure.”
    “It’s fine,” I shout through the door as Patty yells at me to let him in or she’s coming over. “Fine,” I shout into the phone, exasperated that everyone is telling me what to do. I stand and open the door for Jordan, and as I do I inform Patty that I let him in. Jordan walks into my apartment and checks windows as well as the back exit. I’m on almost the top floor. There’s no way someone is getting through the windows. I roll my eyes at his persistence.
    He checks closets and anywhere I assume he’s worried about someone hiding, but of course now one is here. He turns to me as I’m talking to Patty, so I tell her to hold on.
    “Listen, I get you’re upset, but you have to work with me so I can keep you safe. I’m not going to allow you to put yourself in harm’s way.”
    I sigh. “Thank you, Jordan.”
    “You’re welcome. Now, everything here seems to be locked up and safe. I’ve already called to get me some back up for a night shift. You will not be alone. Someone will be making rounds through your building, but will be mainly outside your door. Do not open this door unless you are positive you know who it is. If someone knocks and you’re not sure who it is, you’re to text me. I’ll text you the other guard’s name and number as soon as I have it. I’ll be outside your door until he gets here and then I’ll introduce you.” I nod at him, but say nothing. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
    “No. I’m going to finish my conversation with Patty and see what I have to eat here since I left without having our planned dinner.”
    He nods and steps outside to give us some