***Mature moments below***
Jade looked to Drake with a horrified look in her eyes as she asked “Who the hell is J-Bird?” and as Drake started to get off of her rather quickly he looked to her and said that it was the code name that they used for her. “Come over here there is a little hallway that you can hide in until he leaves, or you can walk down a little bit and then hit the main hall from there” he whispered starting to help her up off the bed and as she stood she reached under the pillow grabbing the photo that she was taking with her and headed to the hiding spot. Drake then ran to the door opening it to Liam standing there looking worried. “Hey Liam what’s going on” and as he opened the door more inviting Liam in he could feel his heart racing in his chest. “I wanted to talk to you about Jade, I have been doing a lot of thinking and I am to be honest, I am scared for her” and as he looked to Drake he started to walk over towards the chair that was in his room and leaning against it a little bit.
“Well Liam we all are worried for her but that is why we are doing what we can to get to the bottom of this. I mean we did find…” and as Drake went to continue he saw Liam looking down to the floor and as he brought his head up Drake could see the gloss that was coating Liam’s eyes “I don’t want her to get hurt, she has already been through enough. I can’t be there to protect her all the time so I…” and as he took a deep breath he closed his eyes and swallowed hard. “I want you to take her away from here, just until all this is over, until we find Tariq and her name is cleared” Drake looked to his best friend with eyes wide, just beyond the door Jade was leaning against the door hearing everything that they were saying and she could hear the way that Liam sounded so sad and broken. “Liam, I am all for getting Jade to be safe but if we are here working this investigation who is going to be with her just in case?” and as he looked to Liam he saw that look in his best friends eyes. “I would send her on a cruise ship or I would have you go with her. I know that you wouldn’t let anything happen to her, I can trust you with that” and as he started to look down Drake ran his hand over the back of his neck “Liam I would do anything to help out but are you sure that this is the best thing for her? Being away from all of us?” and as Jade was listening in she couldn’t take it anymore and she walked rather fast through the rest of the connecting hall and then to the main hall just catching the end of their conversation “Drake, it was supposed to be her that night…as much as I would hate her being away from us it might be for the best.”
Jade couldn’t take it anymore as she turned the handle and barged into the room Liam and Drake both looking to her shocked “Lady Jade, what are you doing here?” Liam asked starting to walk to greet her but she was already in the room and had slammed the door shut “Well I came here thinking I could ask Drake where I could possibly find you and then I hear that you want to send me away” and as she looked to Liam her eyes were sad and she saw Drake bow his head a little bit. Liam walked towards her “Jade, I only want what’s best for you. You are not safe until this blows over and we get Tariq and get to the bottom of this. I…I can’t let you just be a sitting duck here if someone were really after you to hurt you” and as he looked to her he brought his hand up to her cheek stroking it tenderly. She looked to him trying to hold back the tears and then looked to Drake “Do you…do you think that I should be sent away” and as she looked to Drake he nodded his head, “You would be safe Jade, you would be out of harm’s way. Like Liam said we just want you to be safe” and as he looked to her she could see in his eyes the pain stricken look that was there as she knew that he was lying “Jade, I would send you away somewhere safe, either with Drake or just on your own, I can’t stomach the thought of not being around you to protect you” and as he leaned in kissing the top of her head she looked over and saw Drake look down to the floor again. “Liam I heard what you want to do but I really don’t think that I should be away from here, don’t I have to show Cordonia that I am strong enough to face even my darkest times?” and as she looked to him he let out a small sigh “I suppose you are right, having you here facing the negativity and the situation head on would show your strength” and as he looked to her “I just want to see you happy and safe” and as he looked to her and then to Drake he mentioned that he would think about it a little bit more.
Liam looked to Jade as he took her hands “I just wish that I could be more hands on to help you, but I know you have everyone else that is here to help you and be with you when I can’t be” and as he looked to her he smiled a little bit still completely worried about her safety, but as he realized that she was not going to budge he leaned in kissing her forehead and then thanking Drake. But as he went to leave he invited Jade to walk with him for a little bit and as she looked to Drake and he nodded she gave him the look basically saying that she was sorry and would be right back. Drake showed them out the door and stated that he would meet up with them in a little bit that he was going to finish up a few things here. Liam nodded his head to Drake and started to walk with Jade, leading her out the back to a little bit of a hidden pathway.
Jade started to look up to Liam as they were walking and the moment that they seemed to be out of view of anyone he stopped when she turned to him and he instantly brought her close to him holding her tiny frame in his arms “Jade I hope you know that I am not trying to get rid of you or anything when I have these ideas to try and keep you safe, that is all that I want is you protected” and as he leaned in kissing the top of her head and as she looked up to him she started to feel her heart starting to beat a little bit more as she knew that he meant well but she knew that there was no way that she would be able to leave. “Liam I know that you are worried about me but this is something that I have to do and see through to the end. I can’t just go off on some cruise or in a log cabin and just come back when it’s all done and over, that would show that I am weak. Yeah this has been a hard time so far but I got through the social season I think that I can get through this” and as she chuckled a little bit he started to smile to her a little bit bringing his hand up to stroke her cheek “You are my fighter aren’t you?” and as he started to trace her jaw line with his fingertips he looked her right in the eyes. His perfect blue eyes beaming to hers looking deep into her green eyes as he felt his heart starting to beat faster “I have missed you so much” and as he looked to her and seen that smile come across her face she said “I have missed you too. I can’t say that it’s been easy watching Madeleine parade around with you, but I know it’s what you have to do” and as she looked to him and rested her hands on his sides and started to bring him a little bit closer to her, her mind wondering to the last time that they were alone together. Though she knows he does mean well she just can’t pack up and leave everyone and everything behind. As she looked up to him, and he was looking down to her he said “I know that this has been hard on you but I want you to know that there is not a moment that I don’t think about you or worry about you” and as he looked to her she could see it in his eyes, there was a desire there, a want and need and as she bit her bottom lip she leaned up to him “It has been hard but I am strong as you know, I will get through it” and as she smiled to him he said “I know you will…and I know we will” and as he looked right to her, he leaned in pressing his lips softly to hers.
She felt the way that his kiss was passionate but gentle, sweet but deep, wanting but comforting and as she pressed her lips back to his again, she felt her knees get a little weak as there was a new tint of something behind his kiss something that was not there before. Something that was kind of making it easier for her before was now starting to hit her right in the heart, that spark, the fire …it was all there. But she knew that just like with Drake she would have to let her feelings go for just a little bit longer knowing that she was on a mission. Liam soon was pressing to her as her back hit the trunk of a tree on the trail that they were on and when he pressed to her she could feel the heat from his body hitting hers as she ran her hands up and down his back under his dress jacket. He let a moan escape his lips feeling her hands on him and she could feel the way that he was running his one hand up and down her back gently holding her more to him even when she was against the hardness of the tree. Though as the kiss broke and he rested his forehead to hers he let out a sigh “I really wish that I could just run away with you, it would solve everything” and as he looked to her eyes, she could see the seriousness in what he just said. Jade knew that this would probably be a long shot but she looked up to him and asked “Would you want to sneak away for a little bit just to my room so we can talk” and as she looked to him and saw the instant hurt in his eyes he said “As much as I would love too, I shouldn’t just yet, but I do want to spend some time with you soon and take you to this special place that I know of” and as he looked to her he then felt his phone vibrate and as he looked to it he saw that it was Bastien “Duty calls, but we will have time together soon…I promise you Jade” and as he brought her hand up and kissed it he looked to the ring finger of her left hand and said “There should be a ring there” and as he looked to her she gasped a little bit as he kissed her one more time before walking away leaving her to think for a little bit before heading to her room knowing that she really didn’t want to go back to the picnic.
As she headed towards the manor she did see that the picnic was already winding down a little bit as she was happy that it was. She didn’t know if she could go back there to kissing Madeleines rear end again and listening to her belittle the other ladies again. Though as she reached her room and opened it she took a deep breath knowing that she hated being in there alone. She took her first step in and when she did she almost screamed when she saw someone standing in the room though as the figure turned she saw that it was Liam standing in her room. “Liam what…what are you doing here I thought” and as she stepped into the room turning and locking the door, she turned back towards him and he was right there “I didn’t want to wait another day to see you. So I told them all that I was going to spend the night with Maxwell, but he is actually of course with Hana but I had to see you again” and as he looked to her it didn’t take even another moment before his lips were pressing against hers again but this time with her back against her bedroom door.
Jade felt the softness of his lips pressing to hers and she felt her hand start to slide around the back of his neck starting to hold him there. His body pressed against hers as he intensified the kiss pressing her body more against the door of her room. She pulled back just a little bit “What about if someone saw you” and as she then gasped out feeling his lips on her neck she closed her eyes feeling the way he was getting to her way more than he had before “I don’t care. I couldn’t be away from you one more moment, I have been wanting you in my arms for so long” and as he started to look to her resting his forehead to hers he started to bring her into his arms and away from the door starting to lean a little bit and placing his hands behind her thighs and lifting her up to have her legs around his waist starting to walk her over to the bed. Once there he sat down on the bed having her on his lap right away his lips found hers again as she placed her arms around his neck loosely. She kissed him back feeling her body responding to him and though she knew that she was leaning one way she knew that this was re-striking any and all feelings that she really had for Liam. Though as she kissed him one more time she pulled away breathless she looked to him and asked “Well this is a nice surprise” she laughed a little bit as his hands rested on her hips to hold her there.
Liam smiled to her “Well like I said I couldn’t stay away any longer. I wanted to just have some time with you. I hope that this is alright” and as she looked to him she thought for a moment about how she has been spending a lot of time with Drake which made her heart ache but knowing that she should give Liam some time too knowing that she still had a name to clear and then she could really focus on her heart. “Jade I don’t know how much longer I can keep this charade up. I mean I know that it’s what I have to do for right now but I just” and as he looked to her he brought a hand up and started to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear “I know that right now we have to be this way but it’s like every time I look to Madeleine all I want to see is you on my arm. I want you to be the one joining me for meetings, and I wish it was you that I was with all the time, not her” and as he looked to her she could see the sadness in his eyes that told a side of him that he couldn’t show in public. “Jade each day that I am away from you the more my heart grows more fond of you, I just wish I could take you away from here and we could start anew, but I know that I can’t do that” and as he looked to her leaning in and kissing her again he said “You looked incredible out there today” and as he looked to her she could feel his lips forming into a smile against her lips she smiled back to him “I try to make myself look good, not just for myself but for you too” and as he smiled to her he said “Well you succeed to the fullest. I just know that this has been a roller coaster for you and you have been so strong. First the social season and now this I just…I want to make it up to you. I want to end this now and just give you everything that you deserve” and as he looked to her she smiled “Liam I know you do but right now you have to be careful, we all do. As much as I would love to be walking around with you I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if any harm came to you or our friends because of me” and as she looked to him he brought her closer to him wrapping his arms around her waist.
“How are you so amazing, everything that is going on yet you think about everyone else over yourself” and as he asked her that she shrugged “That’s just me” and as she looked to him she could see in his eyes the way that there was something there that was so captivating and something that shot a shiver down her neck and through her back down to her core “You would be an amazing Queen you know that?” he asked starting to lean to her and in another instant she felt his lips connect to hers in a searing hot kiss. His lips so soft and demanding at the same time as he brought his hand up to cup her cheek he started to lean back pulling her to him as he laid back on the bed bringing her to lay over him and as he continued to kiss her he started to turn her a little bit onto her back starting to lean over her as his lips continued to devour hers. The passion in these kisses were causing her mind to spin and her body to shiver as he started to run his hand up and down her arm and then down her chest and as his finger just barely traced the outline of her breast she gasped to his lips feeling a sensation running through her body.
As his hand traveled to her hip and then his fingers dancing along the hem of her dress he started to slide the material up her thigh as his hand rested there upon her silky skin. Liam broke the kiss breathing deeply “You make me want to do things that a future king should not be wanting so damn bad” and as he said that he leaned in kissing her neck tenderly sucking just a little bit as she ran her hands up and down his back and then sliding up the front of his chest starting to push at his jacket that was still on. Sliding it up over his shoulders and then helping him get it down and off his arms. Liam smiled to her neck and then kissed up to her lips as he claimed them again “See what you do to me Jade” and as she heard those words she felt her mind race back to when Drake said the exact same thing to her and her heart began to beat faster and faster knowing that she was feeling guilty, but then knew that she did still have feelings for Liam and as she tried to push the guilt away she ran her hands down to where his shirt was tucked into his pants and with a little pull she was able to get his shirt untucked. Her hands worked fast as she fumbled on the buttons on his shirt. Liam’s body was hard against hers as he started to settle between her legs pressing towards her. Jade started to finally get to the last button as she started to then run her hands up and down his bare chest feeling the way that his chest and abs seemed to be molded perfectly as she traced the outlines of his abs and let her hand travel all over his skin as though she couldn’t get enough as his lips were still kissing her. Liam broke the kiss and looked to her “You have no idea how badly I want you right now” and as he kissed her again he then rested his forehead to hers “But I know we can’t not just yet” and as he looked to her he too could see the fire that was burning in her eyes “I… I know” and as she started to smile to him a little bit understanding she knew that she wanted to give him a little bit for everything that he has done for her.
She ran her hand down his body again drawing a moan from his lips and as she pressed lower her hand stopped at the top of his pants starting to run just a little bit lower and her hand soon cupped his hardness that was pressing against his pants. He let out a moan as he felt her hand over his manhood through his pants it was enough to cause him to feel even more. “Jade you are going to push me even more to just take you right here” and as she heard him say that she leaned up catching his lips in a kiss “I just wanted to try and give you something for everything that you have done for me” and as he looked to her he reached down taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips to kiss the back of it “When this is all over we will have a long time to give any thank you that you wish to give, although it is not needed as you mean so much to me I am more than happy to do anything that I can for you” and as he smiled one more time to her he said “I should get going before they realize that I am really not with Maxwell. But we will see each other again soon and maybe next time I can stay…all night” and as he leaned in kissing her one more time he soon then pushed himself up and off her starting to get his shirt buttoned back up and she got up off the bed with him to walk to the door. She walked right to him as he grabbed his dress jacket and headed to the door opening it slowly and looking out to see that the coast was clear “I do hope that I can see you again soon” and as they looked to each other and Jade smiled and said “I hope so too but you know that I understand” and as he smiled to her he reached out pulling her to him and pressing another long heated kiss to her lips “Until next time my lady” and with one final peck to her lips he walked out of the room as she closed the door and locked it. She leaned to the back of the door looking down to the ground as her heart was beating quickly as it seemed to start back at square one.
After a little bit of time Jade finally showered and got ready for bed as she started to try and get at least a little bit of sleep and as she tossed and turned she found that she couldn’t fall asleep she reached over for her phone and as she looked through her contacts she highlighted Drake’s name and instantly started to send him a text though as she went to send her phone lit up with a face time request from Drake. Feeling her heart skip a beat as this was a surprise she smiled as she accepted the call “Hey” she said as she started to see him on the screen of her phone “Hey beautiful” and as she smiled she asked “So you can’t sleep either or am I just on your mind” and as she giggled a little bit she saw him smile too as he said “Well you know that you are always on my mind but you are right I can’t sleep, was wondering if you wanted some company, maybe go for a walk?” and as she saw that shy smile on his lips she couldn’t help but smile to him “I wouldn’t mind the company or the walk. Do you want me to meet you somewhere or do you just want to come up here” and as she felt her cheeks getting warm he mentioned that he would come to her and as he hung up she did as well and started to get up and make sure that she looked alright. Combing her hands through her hair and looking in the mirror one more time she then heard a soft knock on the door and as she headed to answer it she took a deep breath knowing that every time that she saw him he gave her butterflies.
Jade reached for the handle and opened the door and came face to face with him again and the moment that she saw those amazingly deep eyes again she smiled “That didn’t take you long” and as she looked up and saw Drake looking back down to her she smiled as he stepped into the room “You know that when it comes to you it doesn’t take long for me to get here” and as she smiled knowing that he is right knowing and remembering that night she knew that he has always been right there for her. She walked him into the room and she looked to him again after shutting the door “Did you want to go walk or just stay here” and as she smiled to him again not being able to hide it he took her hand and said “Where ever you want to go” and as she thought about it for a moment she knew that if they stayed there things might start up again to what they almost did earlier. “Why don’t we go for a walk, but where too” and as Drake smiled to her he said “Do you trust me” and as she looked to him she nodded knowing that she does with her life and he took her hand he started to lead her out and towards the back of the manor.
Once outside they ran towards the apple trees and as they ducked in it was like they completely disappeared into the trees still connected at the hands that they were holding together and as they finally got to a clearing where it seemed they were in a different land away from everyone there was a single bench swing and as Jade smiled to him he walked her over to the swing and started to help her sit and once they were both on the swing he brought her closer to him. She leaned onto him her head on his shoulder and as he reached down he said “I almost forgot” and as he brought his hand back up he now had a blanket in his hand. “Now what would have happened if I chose to stay in” and as she giggled a little bit as he started to get it open over the two of them he said “Well then we would be under your blankets instead” and as he smirked to her he brought his arm around her to hold her to him “How was your afternoon after Liam and I left” and as she looked to him he said “Well talked to Bertrand a little bit and then was mainly in my room until I tried to sleep, what about you” and as he pressed a kiss to her head she debated if she should tell him that she saw Liam again, but knowing that she couldn’t lie to him.
She looked down to the ground and took a deep breathe, “Well Liam came by my room, talked to me about how he still wants to send me away, I told him no again. He asked how I can be so strong with all this going on and we just kind of chatted about how he wishes he could ditch Madeleine cause there is nothing there” and as she looked to him she could see that there was a look in Drake’s eyes that showed that he was contemplating something “You know you can’t hide when you are thinking about something” and as she looked at him bringing her hand up stroking his cheek as they sat there he took in a deep breathe. “I know, I can’t seem to hide anything from you but I have been thinking about what Liam said, it would be safer to send you away then have you here facing danger after danger” and as he started to talk again she cut him off “Drake I already told you and I told him, I am not going anywhere. That would be the worst thing that I could do to be honest. Not standing up to the person that did this, not being hands on to clear my name, not standing against Madeleine to show her that she is not the greatest that ever roamed this country, walking away from my friends...” and as the tears started to fall she said “Walking away from you, it would break my heart Drake…and you know it” and as she looked to him she started to see the look in his eyes of a fire that was burning and as the tears fell he reached in drying them.
“Jade, I want you safe; I want you to be protected. I want to get you out of here…I hate seeing you having to live like this. If I am being honest, I would rather see you go away and come back once it’s done, then I know that you are not in any danger cause Morgan I …” and as he looked to her he stopped instantly “You know how I feel about all this, why can’t you just make this easier on him…and me. We would both know that you are safe and taken care of, that you are not being targeted because no one would know where you are at all” and as he looked at her and kissed her forehead he then leaned in and captured her lips with his, kissing her sweetly and tenderly. The kiss made her mind race and her body melt into his as he held her there. Jade kissed him back tenderly and as she pulled away she looked at him “Drake I know you both want me safe, but to be honest I don’t think I would feel safe away from you all. I mean I have Hana, Maxwell, you and Liam, even Bertrand. I don’t think me going away would be a good idea” and as she looked to him and he scanned her green eyes he let out a small sigh and brought his hand up to brush a strand of hair from her face “Alright, we won’t push the matter anymore, I just really wanted to talk to you about it again to make sure” and as she smiled to him she laughed and said “Like you could be away from me for more than 24 hours” and as he smirked to her he knew that she was right “Yeah have to admit that it would be pretty damn dull around here without you getting us into mischief” he said as she playfully shoved his shoulder “You know that you like rescuing me” and as she looked to him she leaned up and kissed his cheek feeling her heart starting to race a little bit more.
Drake looked to her as he started to know that he soon had to get her back just in case anyone else was up, knowing that them getting caught together would not be a good thing but as he started to look down to her he could see that she was closing her eyes resting her head on his shoulder a little bit knowing that he didn’t want to move but knowing that he had too. He started to move just a little bit and she gripped to his shirt not wanting him to go but as she loosened her grip a little bit as her eyes fluttered shut again, he got up and started to lift her into his arms leaving the blanket around her and started to walk her back towards the manor. A few moments later he walked into her room having taken the back hidden hallway to make sure that no one knew, he started to head in kicking the door open and then shut again, walking her to the bed and getting her tucked in. As he got the blankets up around her he leaned in kissing the top of her head as he then looked down to her sleeping soundly as he whispered “You will never have to worry about being hurt again baby. I can’t wait until you know what I really feel and I can’t wait until this is all over” as he leaned in and pressed a sweet gentle kiss to her lips knowing that he would love to stay in the room with her but knowing that Maxwell or Bertrand could be there in the morning to get her he didn’t want to cause any more issues for her. Upon leaving he leaned against the door in the hallway having locked the bottom lock before closing the door he leaned there looking to the ceiling thinking about how he wants this to be over and just finally tell her what he really feels, as he hopes that she feels the exact same way. Though he knows that his best friend may end up getting hurt, this is the first time that he knew that he was not going to bend down knowing that his heart has never felt this way before. After a few more moments he ended back up in his room looking to the ceiling knowing that he was not even tired as he laid there thinking about the woman who has stolen his cold heart.
Over the rest of the night Jade was tucked into her bed though as she slept she soon started to have a nightmare involving Tariq and that Drake never came for her and as she sat straight up in bed breathing hard and was a little sweaty from the thrashing around she looked around and saw the room was completely empty and as she closed her eyes to try and relax she reached back taking the pillow that was closest to her and cuddling it. As she finally calmed down a little bit she soon got up from the bed to double check that her door was locked, though as she got closer to the door she saw an envelope on the floor. Reaching down she saw that just her name was on the front, feeling her heart starting to beat a little bit as she opened the letter she read it to herself “Find out the root of all evil. Meet me at the boutique, 5 PM. ALONE!” and as Jade read it over and over again she started to worry that it might be Tariq or someone even worse. Closing her eyes as she tried to calm the dizzy spell that was taking over her as she started to struggle to get back to the bed, though as she sat down she leaned over her legs to calm her head and after a few moments she was finally able to lay down. Though as she rested her head back on her pillow she pulled out her phone to text Drake but as she got to his name she knew that he was probably sleeping so instead of messaging him she rolled over on her side and attempted to go back to sleep though the fear in her mind was racing over and over again.
The next morning went by in a blur as Jade spent most of the time in her room knowing that she would be having to meet someone this evening and not knowing at all who it is had her worrying. Though through the morning hours Maxwell and Bertrand did stop by to see her and she explained what was going on they agreed that they would be there just in case something happened but would stay out of the banquet just so there wouldn’t be any issues. Though as they talked they tried to figure out who it could be but neither one of them knew for sure. After they left she did end up texting Drake and as he was with Liam he couldn’t stop by but he assured her that he was going to be there and he would stand watch just in case. Jade felt a little bit better knowing that there were going to be people there with her and as she pulled out her phone wanting to text Liam so badly to tell him she remembered what Maxwell said and she knew that he wouldn’t be able to be there anyways so she just put her phone back down and waited around.
Finally as she was sitting there sipping her tea after getting out of the shower she saw that it was 4:45 and that she would have to get going soon. Knowing that she was nervous but knowing that this could be a good thing and lead to more information or she could be walking into a danger zone. After getting dressed and heading down she got to the boutique door right at 4:59 and as she looked over she saw Bertrand, Maxwell and Drake standing outside just down the hall a little bit and as she took a deep breath she opened the door and walked in shutting the door behind herself. As she took a few steps in she started to look around and upon seeing no one there she said “Hello…anyone here?” and as she started to walk in a little bit more she finally heard “Looks like you do know how to follow directions” and as Jade turned around her eyes went wide “Olivia!” she exclaimed as she saw the fierce red head leaning against the wall of the boutique. Jade didn’t even care as she walked to Olivia and wrapped her into a hug and Olivia stood there like a board until she brought her hand up and just patted Jade’s shoulder a little bit “Yes, yes I am here enough of the affection now” and as they broke apart Jade looked to her “Where the hell have you been?” she asked starting to look at her again as they stood there. Olivia started to walk over to the couch that was in the middle of the room “Oh you know just laying low, investigating a little bit here and there. I just came to the realization that we need to work together. You and I were the only ones that got these damn letters, so I figured we could put our heads together” and as she looked to Jade, Jade nodded her head in agreement. Over the next few moments Olivia explained that there had to be at least six middle men that were involved, that there was no way that whoever did this could just do it alone. She explained that she would be returning to court for the international portion just so she could not only be there to help and get answers as well but she needed closure with Liam and about her parents. Though after a little bit of time they soon heard Maxwell and Bertrand yell for her and Olivia looked at her with a raised eyebrow “So much for alone” and Jade shrugged “You know how they don’t listen” and as she yelled back that she was fine Olivia looked down “You can’t trust them either. I know they have taken you in and been there for you through this but you have to be careful, even around Liam and Drake…you have to look out for yourself. You’re the only one that I am really talking to, the only one that knows I am back” and as Jade heard her she felt a smile creep onto her lips “Admit it we’re friends” and as Olivia rolled her eyes and Jade laughed Olivia then got up and started to head to the racks of dresses to help Jade find one for the event.
As she looked around she finally pulled one out and to Jade’s surprise it was a red one “I thought red was your color?” she asked Olivia as she shrugged “Well I figure we could share it you know being battle buds and such” and as Jade took it from her and headed to the dressing room she soon walked out in the gorgeous red dress. The dress had a plunging neck line, sheer lace cover but the perfect side cut outs and just the right length slit to her thigh. “Friends now” Jade said as Olivia shook her head “No” and Jade raised her eyebrow “Close” and Olivia chuckled as she said “Mutual” though after a few moments Jade finally left the room running right into Maxwell and Bertrand and as she started to tell them about what happened she realized that Drake was gone and as she looked around she thought maybe he had to go to Liam but soon they were all heading to dinner. Once in the dining area at the dinner Jade and Hana walked in together knowing that Jade didn’t know if she was really ready to be there. Knowing that there was a chance that the photographer could be there, that she might get the chance to face her, get a chance to finally confront the person that drug her life through the mud and for what…a paycheck. As her and Hana posed for a photo for the press, Jade then walked to find Maxwell and when she did she informed him that she was there. Jade immediately wanted to go after her but Maxwell told her that it would not be a good idea and that she needs to show her face here at the dinner. Maxwell would keep an eye out and they could go after her later, knowing that the reporters usually never leave until the entire event is done. Jade nodded her head knowing that she needed to be good and needed to be focused as well but inside she was raging mad knowing that she wanted to give that reporter a piece of her mind.
As Jade turned to start to walk into the dining hall she came face to face with Liam who immediately smiled at her. His eyes trailed her image up and down as he stated “Wow…you look…red is definitely a good color for you” and as he smiled to her she smiled back “I do hope that you are having a great evening so far” and as he went to say something Madeleine and her mother started to walk over to head to the dinner table. Liam knowing that he had to head in reached for her hand and kissed the back “I hope that you continue to enjoy yourself” and as he winked to her she felt him leave something in her hand and as she walked him walk away she let out a small sigh turning her back to everyone and started to look at what he gave her. It was a small note that stated “I miss you. I hope that we can soon have a moment while we are here. Please stay safe. – Liam and as she smiled to herself she started to feel a little bit of happiness start to wash over her. Over the course of dinner and then the after desert Jade was mainly thinking about what she was going to do next and when she was going to try and find the reporter but soon she had a bigger task at hand, she would have to talk with the Italian Statesman Francesco. As she took a deep breath finally heading over with Bertrand it was a huge success, she talked just the way she was supposed to, not only about sports but also about the trade politics between his country and Cordonia. Once it was deemed successful Jade started to walk around a little bit more and soon her eyes landed on the one person she hadn’t seen almost all day.
As she sat down at the table she nudged Drake in the arm “Finally, I didn’t think you would ever stop talking to people” and as he smiled to her a little bit Jade smiled and said “Aww Drake did you miss me?” she asked starting to give the first laugh that she had this evening. “Well needless to say the commoner was lonely” and as he gave her a wink he looked her dress up and down and mentioned that she looked good in red and as they sat there together for a moment soon a familiar voice rang over them “Just adorable you both are” and as Drake recognized that voice he stood instantly coming face to face with Olivia “What the hell are you doing here” Drake asked as he stared her in the eyes standing damn near in front of Jade in almost a protective stance “Ooo big tough guy, I am here to help Jade” and as he laughed out he said “She’s better off without you getting involved” and as Jade stood she placed a hand on his arm “Drake it’s okay, she is here to help. We already have been talking a little bit. I promise she is okay” and as she looked to him and Drake finally broke his stare at Olivia and then looked to Jade “As long as you are sure, but the moment that I believe you might turn on Morgan…you’re done” and as Olivia rolled her eyes she said “Drake if I wanted to hurt Jade I would have already…but there is more that you both should know” and as she started to take a seat next to Jade they both sat back down again.
“Look I know that there are a lot of things going on and there are different stories and situations that are going around, but there is something that you both should see” and as Olivia looked down she was holding an envelope and as she opened it she pulled out a stack of photos “What the hell is all that” and as Drake looked over so did Jade. Olivia took in a deep breath, “These are more photos that have been taken from the bachelor party that you all were at and then here too as well” and as she started to go through them Jade started to reach for them and Drake stopped her “No…you shouldn’t touch these, if someone gets them for anything it could be traced back to you” and as Jade looked to him she promised him that she would be alright and as she took the photos from Olivia she started to look through them seeing photos of her and Liam, her and Drake, her and the other gals, etc. But as she started to look and getting more and more confused about what this has to do with anything she looked to Olivia who said “If you notice in the photos, Tariq is in the background in almost all of them, but who is not in any of them?” she asked starting to look at Jade and as she looked over them again she saw Liam, Drake, Hana, Bertrand, Olivia, Madeleine, Penelope, Kiara even the King and Queen Mother, but not “Maxwell” and as the name left Jade’s lips Drake looked over at her, his eyes wide and the anger starting to show on his face. Drake immediately started to get up but Jade grabbed his arm and basically forced him to sit back down “I want to go talk to that little …” and as he started to try and take a few deep breaths Olivia mentioned that he would have to be questioned but that all three should go together so in case something were to happen.
Soon all three of them were walking over towards where Maxwell was and as soon as he turned around his eyes got wide “Did I miss a party invite?” and as he started to laugh Drake stepped up to him “You need to start talking now…what the hell is this” and as he reached back getting the photos from Olivia and shoving them to Maxwell he was staring him down and as Maxwell stumbled back a little bit he started to look at the photos “They look like good fun photos to me. What am I supposed to be seeing” and as he looked to the three of them Olivia said “You blackmailed Jade didn’t you?” and as Maxwell heard the words he immediately looked at her like she was insane “Why in the hell would I do something like that to Jade? She is like my family I would never hurt her” and as he looked to Jade and saw her sad look Maxwell stepped to her “Jade I would never hurt you, I would never do anything to bring harm to you and or to do anything to cause you pain” and as she looked to him she could see that he was telling the truth “Then why did you take them” she said softly feeling her heart starting to beat a little bit more in her chest knowing that she does trust him but knows that the truth just sits right there that he was the one that took them. Maxwell ran his hand through his hair and started to look down “Well I guess there is no use in hiding it anymore. I took the photos because I was making a scrapbook of all the fun things that we have been through. Everything from the bachelor party to even just the last week at the barn raising, it was going to be called ‘The House of Beaumont Adventures’ it was just something that I was wanting to do for you Jade” and as he looked down to the floor Jade felt her heart starting to break “Well that is sweet and all but why did you try and sell them then” Olivia asked as she started to look right to him raising an eyebrow. “What I would never sell them, those are perfect memento’s that I cherish. I would never want a tabloid to get their hands on them” and as he looked to Jade she could see that he was telling the truth. “I believe you Maxwell but there is just so much that we still don’t know for sure and that it still points to…” and as she went to continue they heard Bertrand come over as he said “Stop please…it wasn’t Maxwell…I did it” and as Bertrand stood there with a defeated look on his face, Maxwell turned fast his eyes wide and Drake instantly stepped forward grabbing Bertrand by the lapels of his jacket. “What the hell! Why did you do that!” and as Jade could see the anger rising in Drake’s eyes again she stepped to him and started to try and get him to calm down though this time he wasn’t breaking.
“If you would kindly unhand me I can explain” Bertrand said as he started to look Drake right back in the eyes as if not backing down at all to him “Oh you better explain and best believe if I don’t like what I hear, your head will be hitting my fist” and as Drake let go of Bertrand he took a step back running his hand through his hair. Bertrand readjusted his jacket and started to take a deep breath “The only answer that I can give is money. No one thought that Jade was going to make it past the second week, and I was one of them that didn’t believe. But that is before I got to know you. I regret what I did and I never should have tried to use you for finances, but we had no idea what was going to happen” and as he looked to Jade, Jade could feel her heart beating fast and breaking but he did have a point. “Money…you were going to sell these to get money….I should beat the shit out of you right now” and as Drake took another step towards him Jade instantly placed her hand on his arm and it stopped him from continuing forward. “I made a mistake, I thought that I could get what I needed and it would be fine, but needless to say it never made it as you can see the photos are right here. At the time I didn’t believe in you, not like I do now.” Bertrand said as he looked down and as Jade looked to him she had tears in her eyes “If you could ever forgive me Jade I promise from this day forward to never ever do something to go against you again” and as she looked to him she accepted his apology but before anyone could say anything she walked away and walked out to one of the closest patios. The others stood there in shock but Drake followed her right away.
Once he caught up with her outside on the balcony he stood right behind her “Jade, how could you forgive him after everything that he could have caused?” he asked starting to look at her reaching out for her arm and starting to try and turn her to him but she didn’t budge at all as she was leaning on the railing. “Bertrand is right Drake…no one believed in me, I didn’t even believe in myself. But now that I think about it…maybe everyone was right. I mean I am just a waitress from New York; I have no experience being a royal; had no knowledge about anything. I am only the way that I am because of how they formed me. I think that it’s time that I just come to the truth” and as she finally turned to him with tears in her eyes as she looked right to him she took a deep breath, Drake looked to her and said “You can’t believe what they say Morgan, they will say and do anything to get you to think their way, but you are stronger than that and you know it” and as he brought his hand up to stroke her cheek she closed her eyes letting her tears fall “No…I think that Bertrand is right, they all are…I don’t belong here.”
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