Chapter 7

Jonah's POV

Clara walked out of the room, giving Elliot and me time to gather ourselves. I walked into the kitchen first and poured us cups of coffee. Elliot followed, dressed in a summer shirt and simple shorts.

Clara cleared her throat, "Now that I have your attention. I believe I have some information you may like to know." I looked to Elliot, my hands trembling and beads of sweat gathering at my forehead.

I did not understand Clara's sudden change of attitude and support. Elliot, noticing my discomfort, cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "Umm don't keep us in suspense. What is it?"

"Well, I looked at all the tabloids, made a few calls and discovered the pictures came from one source." Clara replied.

"What source? And how did the person get their hands on those pictures?" Elliot asked.

"I can answer only one of those questions. The source?- Elaine Woodward, an editor at a tabloid company. How those images got to her?- I have no idea. You should have been more careful with your forbidden romance." Clara said snidely. 

Elliot, with pleading eyes, turned to Clara, "So what happens next?" A clang filled the room as Clara dropped her coffee mug in the sink.

"Like I said I am here to help. We need to stop Elaine in case she has more pictures in line."

"Hhhoww are we going to stop herrr?" I stuttered.

"Jonah calm down, like I said I am here to help you." Clara reassured me, taking my hand in hers. "Elaine is currently on vacation, probably with the money she made from selling tabloids." Clara told us.

"Where is she currently?" Elliot asked, his jaw clenched. "Well pack up, we are going to the Maldives." Clara said. Elliot and I looked at each other in surprise.

"That's too far especially at this point in time." Elliot said. "Can't we wait till she returns?" I asked.

"Well, that would be a risky move, she'll definitely be low on cash when she returns. Then she'll turn you and Jonah's relationship into a cash cow. Releasing pictures whenever she's low on cash or even something worse." Clara explained.

Elliot's Adam's apple bobbed as he gulped. "So how are we doing this and when are we leaving?"

"Well if you care about your reputation so much. You will travel with me, we will call it a couple getaway. While Jonah flies separately then we'll both meet." Clara explained.

Walking towards the entryway, she put on her coat, about to leave.

"See you tomorrow night." She reminded us, then left.

****

The bustle of the commercial airport was a stark contrast to the peace and quiet Elliot and Clara would enjoy in the private airport. I sat anxiously fidgeting with my boarding pass, awaiting the boarding announcement. 

I wondered if I was doing the right thing. I was happy that the pictures were exposed and the truth was close to being out. But I was also worried about Elliot and what the damage to his reputation would do to him.

I had promised to stay by Elliot and do anything to make him happy. I just hoped this would be one of those times.

Camera lights flashed and Elliot and Clara walked into the airport. Despite it being private, the media never lets the couple catch a break. Elliot pulled her into a kiss just for the media's sake.

*Third Person POV

Clara smiled awkwardly and waved. They were immediately ushered into the private jet where they settled in. The roar of the plane's engines as it prepared for takeoff was in the background.

Elliot turned to face Clara, "Thank you so much, for everything. I really appreciate it. I don't know how I can ever repay you."

"It is fine, it's the least I can do to help. I want you to know that I care about you and love you no matter who you choose." Clara said, her hand resting on the side of his face.

His breath fanned her face and Clara leaned in with her eyes closed. Elliot pecked the side of her cheek and pulled away. Clara sighed, "I'm so sorry I don't know what came over me." Elliot, short for words, just nodded.

Jonah's POV 

The air was tense. "Mr. Jonah?" I turned around to see a man in a black suit holding up a sign. "Pick up for Clara." The suited man said. I nodded as the man helped get my bags and ushered me out of the airport.

I was placed into a black sleek car with tinted windows and was driven off into town. 

I turned on my phone to see if I had any messages. I saw just one message from an unknown number.+1 569342HiIt's Clara "We'll be meeting at the Soneva Fushi hotel as I've gotten information that we'll meet Elaine there tomorrow night.We can discuss plans later on.Hope you enjoyed the service of the drivers and guards."

Thank you so much Clara. Alright then. I replied to Clara and shut my eyes to rest. My phone vibrated. I turned it on to see news of Elliot and Clara sharing a kiss at the airport. 

I gripped the phone so tightly that my knuckles turned white. I threw the phone on the seat and ran my hands through my hair angrily.

"We are close to the hotel sir. Welcome to the Maldives. It's a great place with many places for tourists we have amazing beaches, hiking trails...." The driver droned on as I frowned him out, still simmering in anger and jealousy.

Third Person POV

Elliot and Clara sat at the hotel bar, the gold chandelier reflecting on their glasses. "Jonah still hasn't come down." Clara told Elliot. "I know I don't know what the issue is, I've already called multiple times." Elliot sighed.

"Anyways I'll give you the breakdown for this trip and you explain to Jonah tomorrow." Clara said. Elliot nodded as they went over their plans.

Jonah's POV

"I do not appreciate you ignoring my calls especially at times like this." Elliot scolded me as I stepped into the room.

"Well I don't appreciate you kissing the girl who's supposed to help you." I sneered. "So that's what this is about." Elliot said, sighing. "Look Jonah you know that had to happen, we had cameras in our faces." Elliot tried to explain.

I walked closer to Elliot till his back hit the wall. Elliot's breath grew shallower as I trapped him."Look, I'm tired of you trying to keep up appearances. And if you've not noticed, I don't like sharing and I'm tired of sharing." I whispered violently.

I planted a rough kiss on Elliot, biting his lips till they drew blood. I wiped it clean, stared Elliot in the eyes, "You are mine. Just mine," I told him.