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

promise.”
    “Okay, so what’s the plan?” I ask with my arms crossed over my chest.
    “The plan is, he’ll stand watch here outside your door until I get back in the morning. Then I’ll be with you during the day and we’ll continue on like that until we figure out who this guy is.”
    “Fine. I’m going to take a bath and relax in bed. I’m going to the gym in the morning. Which of you is coming with me?”
    “What time are you going?”
    “I’m leaving here at seven,” I say with my brows raised. I’m secretly hoping Jordan comes with because I know him and would feel better working out in front of him.
    “I’ll be here to take you. I will be in workout clothes as well and will work out near you the entire time to ensure no one gets too close.”
    “I’ll be with my trainer, so you don’t have to be too close by, but that’s fine. Good night,” I say, shutting the door and locking it. I can hear them talking but can’t quite make out what they’re saying. I decide to stop eavesdropping and go to my room so I can get some rest and go about my day tomorrow. I need to figure out what to do about Derek. I know I love him, but he can’t just take over my life. I don’t mind the control he takes in the bedroom, that’s fun, but my life is my life.
    Going straight for the bathroom, I start the tub and remove my clothes as I try to think of how we can fix this. He has to apologize and promise me that he won’t interfere in my career. That is number one. I wouldn’t let my parents stop me from reaching my goals. I won’t allow him to do it either.
    I light some candles and add some bubble bath to the tub. I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of lavender and jasmine. I love this smell and have missed it. Removing my clothes, I sink into the tub and begin my deep breathing exercises to relax my body. It actually feels really good!
    My phone chirps, and I’m afraid to check it because I really don’t want to see another text from Derek. I’m already having a hard time getting him out of my head. Reluctantly I pick up my phone to see it’s my agent.
     
    Your swimsuit shoot is scheduled. It’s in two weeks. I’ll email you all the details.
     
    I respond back with a simple thanks and drop my phone to the floor so I can continue soaking my tired body. Unfortunately this just brings back memories of Derek and me soaking together in the tub and all the times we made love in the tub. It makes me cry, and that frustrates me. I was so afraid to live with him yet now that I’m alone in my own home, where I wanted to be, all I want to do is cry.
    The water is still warm, but my memories with Derek make it feel cold and lonely. I climb out, dry off, and then wander to my room to get a pair of sleep pants and t-shirt from my drawer only to find the shirt Derek left here. I slip it on and then get my gym stuff ready for the morning. In my gym bag, I find my earbuds and iPod. I add a towel and a water bottle and then I get my clothes so I’m ready to go.
    Now that I have what I need for the gym, I climb on my bed so I can get ready to relax with my coloring book. Only I realize I can’t because all of my coloring stuff is at Derek’s house. I sigh as I curl up in bed. The tears fall yet again. Thank God I don’t have a shoot in the morning, because with all this crying, I’m going to look like shit.
    I lie in bed, hoping sleep will come to me.
     
    ***
     
    Derek
     
    I can’t believe she just ran out on me like that. I’m pacing my living room and running my fingers through my hair, trying to figure out what to do. I feel horrible because she looked so heartbroken, but I’m freaking out. I mean, she wants to put her half naked body on the centerfold of the most popular men’s magazine. She is only going to fuel this guy’s fire. I need to find out who this fucker is and quick. My phone rings and I’m praying it’s her, but when I look I see it’s Carter.
    “Hey, Carter.” I sigh into the