chapter 4

Shirley's POV 

He chuckled, the sound both mocking and intimidating. “You won't,” 

I blinked. “Excuse me?” 

He cleared his throat. “You won't refuse because deep down you know you need my protection.” He stood up from the table and walked back to his seat. “You're all alone now. Your family and everyone you ever cared about betrayed you. Your whole life is a lie and you are angry. I can help you get revenge against them.” 

I sucked in a breath, his words opening up the wounds that were beginning to heal. And he was right, I was alone and didn't have anyone. 

“You can think about it but you don't have time. I do always get what I want and seeing as my little boy is convinced you're his mother, I will make sure it stays that way.” 

I shivered and swallowed saliva. “I need to go and prepare for my day..” I whispered as I staggered to my feet. 

“You're attending Yvonne Steel's birthday party.” He announced and I whipped around in shock. 

Has he been stalking me or something? 

“Adam will take you,” he was telling me not asking so I simply shrugged and walked out of the office. 

I shut the door behind me and leaned against it, placing my hand against my chest where my racing heart was spiraling out of control. 

Somehow my life was about to change and I couldn't ever decide what I wanted. Well I could but he'd just force me to do what he wanted in the end. 

As much as I wanted protection from my evil family, getting entangled with the mafia wasn't something I wanted to do to myself. 

And how am I sure he hadn't killed his ex-wife with his bare hand? Perhaps that room contained her bones alongside other women who he had killed….

“Miss Anderson!” 

I screamed and jumped back in shock, my back hitting the door. I let out a howl of pain and reached behind to touch the spot when the door opened. 

“What's going on here, Adam?” Jackson asked, his tone intimidating and I shivered at the ice in his voice. 

“Uhn it wasn't his fault,” I blurted out before Adam could speak. “I was clumsy and hit my back against the door.” 

Adam bowed his head but I thought I saw him whisper ‘thank you’ to me as he bent down. 

Jackson didn't seem convinced. I pulled away and touched his arm. “I promise it was my fault.” 

I winced when he touched me back feeling sore all over. 

His frown deepened. “You're in no condition to attend a party,” 

My heart rate picked up. “Actually I'm fine. A simple balm would do the trick.” 

He narrowed his eyes and I looked away. “Fine. Adam, find her some balm for her injuries and make sure the car is ready.” 

“Yes boss,” Adam grunted and Jackson led me away from there. 

Knowing I didn't have much of a choice, I followed him to my room and thanked him when we got there. 

“Adam will bring the balm and then when you're all set, he'll take you to the venue of the party.” 

I nodded and walked into the room, shutting the door behind me. I leaned against the door ignoring the sting in my back. 

I was never going to be free of Jackson Storm no matter how far I ran. I might as well take the deal after all with the protection of such a powerful mafia lord, no one could ever hurt me. 

*** The next day. 

I took a deep breath and walked into the event centre I had picked for Grandma Yvonne's birthday several weeks back when I had been planning it. 

I concentrated on not tripping over in these heels, I wondered what Grandma's reaction to me would be. 

Seeing as my parents had never really loved me, would she treat me the same way? 

“Ugh, what are you doing here?” I heard Amelia's scornful voice as I stepped into the beautifully decorated hall. “Don't think because you helped plan this that you have an exclusive pass to be here.” 

I ignored her and walked past her, marveling at the view. Even though I was part of the planning committee, walking in and viewing the place from a guest's eyes, it was breathtaking. 

“How dare you try to ignore me?” Amelia shrieked as she pulled my hair from behind. I yelped and struggled against her. 

“What are you doing? Get off!” I screamed and tried to push her away but her grip on my hair was ironclad. 

Her nails were digging into my scalp and if I wasn't careful, she could uproot a few strands from the roots. 

“What are you doing here?” Felix asked as he joined us. 

Amelia's grip on my hair loosened and I took the opportunity to step away from her. 

“You're crazy,” I told her, huffing as I tried to touch up my look. 

She rolled her eyes and went to Felix. “Why is she here? She's going to ruin the event with her bad luck.” 

I scoffed and crossed my arms over my chest. “Don't be ridiculous. Grandma Yvonne loves me and asked that I be here today. I also helped plan this party so if you have a problem then take it up with her.” 

Amelia scoffed and looked at Felix with pouty lips. “Surely it can't be that easy for anyone to walk in here? I want her gone.” 

I shook my head at her behaviour and started walking inside. 

“Not so fast.” Felix sneered as he grabbed my arm. “You're not invited so just leave,” 

“Let go of her arm if you would still like to keep yours, nephew,” a familiar voice said and I whipped around to see my husband-to-be striding towards us. 

My eyes widened. What was he doing here? I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Grandma walking towards us. 

“Oh Shirley dear, you're here.” Grandma Yvonne sent me a polite smile then turned to Jackson. She froze before the biggest smile took over her face. “Jackson? Is that you?” 

“Hello mother,” he whispered with a smile of his own. “Now can someone explain why my fiancé is being harassed like this?” 

Mother? Nephew?