Chapter 7

Ella’s POV

“Don’t stand there staring at me. Answer the damn question, Ella! Talk fast,” Jordan yelled at me.

This was the first time since we met that he raised his voice like this. I didn’t know how to start explaining everything to him, but I had to.

“Jordan, I promise you, it’s not what you think,” I tried to explain. But how did he even know about Jake?

“Okay, since you want to know, I’m a criminal. Jake is the brother of the person I murdered,” I said, and I could see his body stiffen.

“Ella, don’t play around with me. What do you mean you’re a murderer? I held your phone and a message came in from him saying you guys need to meet up, and you shouldn’t ignore him any further. Isn’t this the tone of an ex? Or maybe a present lover?” Jordan stated.

Is that what he really thinks? That Jake is my lover or something? He’s absolutely wrong.

“I know we’re not in a relationship yet, and I have no right to act the way I’m doing now, but you’re under my roof and I need to know. So tell me the truth, Ella,” Jordan demanded as he paced, unable to control his anger.

“Master, Jake is a twin. They’re known as the Baxter brothers back in my old neighborhood. They had an elder brother, Brandon. He made several attempts toward me, but I always turned him down. Brandon was found mysteriously dead days later after he tried assaulting me. No culprit was found and the case was dismissed. But I had sent him a death threat message the night he tried to force his way on me, and now Jake and his brother use it to get money from me,” I explained, trying to hold the tears back.

Jordan’s face, which had held so much jealousy earlier, now held something else—pity. He pitied me, I could tell. But I couldn’t tell Jordan they had threatened to harm him as well. I didn’t know how to.

“Ella, I… I—I’m so sorry you had to experience all that, and also for doubting you. I swear I’ll make those bastards pay. From today, you don’t reply to any text from them. Don’t even pick up their calls. I’ll handle the situation,” Jordan insisted.

He moved closer, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and looking straight into my eyes.

“Ella, marry me. You don’t need to give me an answer right away, but think about it. It’s good you get some rest now. We leave early tomorrow,” Jordan said, now escorting me back to my room.

He left without saying another word. I was left confused.

I just told this guy my situation and he’s asking me to marry him? Is he nuts? He doesn’t know where I’m from, doesn’t even know my last name, and just found out I’m a product of blackmail—yet he proposed to me in the weirdest way ever.

The morning sun crept its way through my windows, and then I remembered I’d be traveling with Jordan today. I quickly took my bath, packed all the stuff we bought yesterday, and stormed out to find him. I searched everywhere but couldn’t find him.

Did he leave without me? I knew I was dreaming when he asked me to marry him. Disappointment fueled me, and I decided to make myself some breakfast, then later go back to my room.

My phone chirped. A text came in—this time not from Jake, but from Jim.

“You told your little CEO boyfriend about us. Wrong mistake. Watch your back.”

The message sent chills down my spine. What had Jordan done? Where was he in the first place?

“Why do you look like that, baby girl? Like you’ve seen a ghost? Well, I’m sorry, I had to do something this morning before we leave,” Jordan said, placing a kiss on my cheek.

He had used the back entrance. I was so lost in thought I didn’t hear him.

“John will take our bags now to the car so we can be on our way,” Jordan added.

“What did you do, Master? Those people are dangerous. Please, stay away from them,” I said.

“No need to worry. I know what I’m doing,” he replied, and I nodded.

“Boss, I’m done. We can leave now,” John announced, and with that, we left.

We traveled in one of Jordan’s private jets. The experience was amazing. In no time, we landed in Vegas.

“I have an important meeting, Ella. John will take you to the place we’ll be staying in, and I’ll join you shortly, okay?” And with that, Jordan left with his other bodyguards, leaving me with John.

“This way, Miss Ella,” John motioned toward the car door. We got in and drove away.

The city was absolutely stunning. I had texted Maya earlier to fill her in on everything. She was scared shitless and also excited about an upcoming wedding—when I hadn’t even said yes.

But one thing was certain: I loved this man, Jordan Denver.

“John, can you please fill me in on how long Jordan and Fiona were together for?” I asked out of curiosity.

“That’ll be five months, Miss Ella,” he answered.

“How did they meet up?” I continued pestering him with questions about Jordan.

“I’m sorry, Miss Ella, but don’t you think it’ll be best you asked him?” John replied.

He was right. I should ask Jordan everything if I wanted to be his wife.

Soon, we arrived at a large building—Dolivan Hotel. The inside held lots of sophisticated people I probably would have never met in my life if not for Jordan.

“Hello ma’am, please follow me. Mr. Denver’s suite is ready,” a lady who had approached us said, and we followed her to the most beautiful hotel room I had ever seen.

John left me so I could settle in. Moments later, room service came in with the most delicious delicacies.

“Compliments from our hotel, ma’am. Mr. Denver is a good part of this place and we hope to make your stay worth it,” the lady from earlier said with a big smile.

I took what they had brought and was finally left alone.

I decided to tour the place, and my eyes couldn’t have seen better. I got into the last room and petals of roses were littered everywhere. My eyes shifted to the bed and a bouquet of flowers lay there.

I rushed over to take a good look, and they smelled heavenly. There was a note too:

“I love you, just as much as you love these flowers, baby girl.”

I squealed so loudly, my heart almost bursting out with excitement.

He didn’t say it, but he wrote it. That’s a sign, right?

My phone buzzed. I picked it up quickly, waiting to see a message from Jordan—but no. It was those evil twin brothers.

“We’re in Vegas too. Save some fun for us.”