Chapter 68
It's been more than three weeks and Bradley looked like he was no closer to ending his business than he was when it started. Some paparazzi snapped his photo and now he has new requests for meetings and appearances coming out of his eyeballs. He was always mature, even as a kid, just as a future Alpha should be, but right now, he felt like throwing himself on the floor and throwing a tantrum any four-year-old would be proud of. He looked at Martha's sharp glare and knew that she knew what he was thinking and he did not want her "you ain't gonna embarrass your mother" response.
He sighed, closing his eyes and rubbing his temples. He was currently behind the scenes of a commercial shooting some up-and-coming actress using one of his company's latest products. He briefly remembered agreeing to this, but not to his sore behind actually being here. He was then to take her out for a late lunch, acting like he was grateful for her well-paid sacrifice, and allow someone to take photos so his Social Media Department could tweet or chirp, or whatever it's called, about it, to encourage sales.
"I miss my mate", he mumbled to himself. " Martha laid a sympathetic arm on his. "I know you do, but just think, doing things this way will mean that you won't have to show your face for quite a while." Bradley just nodded, resisting the temptation to look at Trishanna's picture on his phone. It only made him more miserable. Thankfully, the shoot ended and he gave some feedback on the photos. Then he was whisking away the lovely, but not as lovely as his Trishanna... uhmmm... Audrey? to a lovely dinner at some fancy restaurant, where his secret photographer would be.
The young lady tried to flirt with him, and it took all of his self-control for him to keep his wolf at bay. He despised anyone looking at him like this girl was, and he was so glad that Martha was his chaperone. Bradley got out of that disaster quickly, citing another meeting, and all but ran for the car. Hoping in, he loosened his tie as Sam chuckled.
"Where to now?" Sam checked his watch, "Actually, you have an hour and fifteen minutes before your next appointment." Bradley opened his eyes, not even sure when they closed. "Really?" he asked looking at Martha. At her nod, he smiled. "Great, then let's get back to the hotel and I'm gonna grab a nab after talking to my mate." The driver nodded and the trio returned to their rooms.
Trishanna was happy to see Bradley even if it was over the phone. He looked wary and she wished that he was here and not there. He'd asked several times if he should come home, but she always turned him down, saying that he needed to make his money now to take care of his pup who was always eating. In the past two weeks, her appetite grew like never before and she was always snacking. Lorenzo said it was normal, but Alexa thinks it's also due to her stress. She went back to Goldmoon, just to feel more at ease, but it was still difficult. Sammy always came to check on her, and Alexa and her grandmother kept her company. Cynthia made her laugh with her tales of a young Bradley and there were even a few old photos to fawn over.
Her call with him was short as she could see the tiredness on his face. She was sure it had more to do with her than with his hectic schedule. After encouraging him to get his rest, she hung up, feeling deflated. Of course, what could lift her spirits but a chocolate mousse? As she rolled herself to a seated position on the bed, her phone beeped. A new notification came in and she opened it to read.
When she'd discovered her mate's high position, she spent many days googling him and his business. She subscribed to their page and soon was caught up on the latest with the company. It was a "sneak-peek" post about their new product launch. Trishanna clicked on the link and a picture of Bradley seeming to be a bit too cozy with a young woman appeared on her screen. It looked like they were in a romantic restaurant, just the two of them. The way the sunlight fell on the woman's face, she seemed to be flawless, a beautiful flower in bloom. Trishanna's heart seemed to squeeze and ache. She closed her eyes to keep the tears from falling. There was no way that Bradley would do anything to break her trust. The head knew this, but her heart was having doubts.
The phone rang in her clenched hands and she answered without looking at the screen. She was sure that it was Bradley calling to explain. "Trishanna, what's wrong? Are you and my pup okay?" Trishanna pulled the phone away and looked at the screen. It was James on the other end. Wiping her eyes, she sniffed and then spoke. "Oh, James. I'm alright, we both are." She absentmindedly rubbed her belly where the pup kicked at the sound of his father's voice. Truth be told, she was having a bit of trouble staying asleep and just the sound of James' voice made her feel for a nap.
"Are you sure? Don't lie to me. I felt like you were upset or in distress. Is everything okay?" Trishanna sighed, she knew she was being silly. "Well, I just saw a new post about Bradley having a meal with some actress, that's all. I'm just being silly and hormonal." There was a slight pause. "Are you worried that he would cheat?" Bradley asked slowly.
Trishanna huffed and shrugged one shoulder, even though James couldn't see it. "No... well maybe for just half of a second, the stupid thought ran through my mind." James chuckled low in his throat, "That's not gonna happen, Trish, trust me." Trishanna felt herself grow warm at the low sound and she lay back down.
"How are you so sure that he won't? I mean, we aren't fully mated, so who knows." James chuckled again. "I know. Have you forgotten that he's wanted to kill me more than once for you? Don't worry your pretty little head about that, Bradley thinks you are the most amazing woman for him." Trishanna huffed and the chuckle returned even lower, feeling like dark melted chocolate sliding down her spine, "Besides", he added huskily, "I think the same about you." And with that, James ended the call, leaving Trishanna feeling breathless as she thought about James and drizzling melted chocolate.