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

privacy. “Sorry, Patty. I’m back.”
    “Please talk to me,” she says.
    “He freaked out when I told him that I was hired to be the centerfold model for Maximum magazine. They want me for the swimsuit edition and their calendar, and he says I can’t do it.” I begin to cry again. “He doesn’t realize what an honor this is for a model. Madeline even made it so I will have a swimsuit on for the shoot. Most girls pose nude, but I refuse.”
    “Did you try to explain it to him?”
    “Yes, he wouldn’t listen. He just kept saying I have a stalker and that I can’t do this. I can’t put my half naked body out there for his spank bank.”
    “He’s worried about you. He loves you and doesn’t want to see you get hurt.”
    “I understand that, but he’s being cold and mean about it. We had already agreed to not let my stalker get in the way of my career. Now I get the opportunity of a lifetime, and he says I can’t do it. I understand his fears and they’re valid. However, why can’t we add security or figure out a way to make it work? I have to do this. It would be career suicide if I didn’t.”
    “Okay, so you do it, but you also need to fix things with Derek. Running out on him isn’t the way to handle this.”
    I sniffle into the phone. “You’re right. I was hurt at how cold he was to me, but he needs to apologize as well. This is a relationship, and he just tried to take over like I’m his kid.” She sighs into the phone. “Listen, I’m done talking about this. I need to get something to eat and then I’m going to soak in my tub and try to relax.”
    “Fine, but you better really think about this because you know you love him and if you don’t work this out with him, you could lose him.”
    “Whose best friend are you?” I yell into the phone.
    “I’m yours, and that’s why I’m being honest with you. I love you and I don’t want you to ruin a good thing.”
    “Whatever. I got to go.” I cut the call, furious that she’s sticking up for Derek and not me.
    I walk into the kitchen and rummage through my cabinets and fridge. The fridge is empty because I haven’t been here in so long, but when I open the freezer I find some frozen fruit and a homemade frozen dinner. I take it out and pop it into the microwave. When the microwave beeps, I remove the cover to find grilled chicken with mashed sweet potatoes and grilled veggies. My mouth waters because I’m starved, so I sit to enjoy my dinner when my phone starts chirping.
     
    Derek: I don’t know how to handle this. I love you and want you to be happy, but I want to keep you safe. Please tell me you made it home okay.
     
    Bella: I’m fine
     
    Derek: Can we talk when I get out of work tomorrow.
     
    Bella: No. I need some space to think.
     
    Derek: About what?
     
    Bella: Us.
     
    Derek: Please don’t push me away.
     
    Bella: You pushed me away. Now if you’ll excuse me my dinner is getting cold.
     
    I put my phone down and begin eating. I’m being a total bitch, but I don’t care. He doesn’t get it, and he needs to. He hurt me with his take charge shit. I told him I’m used to it just being me and doing what I want. Now all of a sudden he’s going to tell me I can’t work a contract? That’s bullshit.
    As I’m putting my dishes in the dishwasher from dinner, there’s a knock on the door. I assume it’s Jordan, so I open it.
    “Did you even look through your peephole?” he asks angrily.
    “Who else would be knocking on my door?” He gives me a look that screams what the fuck ? “Fine, I’m sorry. I’ll look.”
    He sighs. “This is Jared. He’s your new night security guard so I can get some sleep while you’re here alone. I informed him that if anything happens to you I will have his balls, so he is aware of how serious this is.”
    I chuckle. “Jordan, you care about me.”
    The poor guy blushes. “I take my job seriously, and I promised Derek that you would be safe and I’d like to keep that