It took only a few days for Pages of Claire to get back to Rina with her first shoot schedule in Hong Kong. She returned to the cottage during that period to pick up a few stuff and grab a traveling bag, returning to the cottage for her final packing before getting ready for her trip. That morning, she stood before her mirror in the closet, very giddy about what the next week would offer her. The whole country was still talking about her modeling for Claire, the street was abuzz with differing opinions. Rina’s name popped up as hashtags on Twitter and Instagram, and conversations were being held virtually about the truth and what they thought it was.
Still, Rina didn’t forget Kayla and what she could do. It was the reason she sent Regina a message with details about her first task. While she was away, she needed someone to monitor Kayla’s every move, including the things she said about her at Scottsdale. But because Rina knew how skillful Kayla was in putting up a fake persona, she warned Regina that it wasn’t going to be an easy task. Regina was going to have to be extra perceptive, seeing things the average person who would lay at Kayla’s feet in a heartbeat wouldn’t see.
A knock sounded on the door, and Rina walked out of the closet just in time to see Zayn stroll in. “Are you ready?” he questioned, leaving the door slightly open. “You got everything ready, right?”
Rina nodded, rolling her suitcase out with her. “I’m only staying for a couple of days, so I don’t think I would need a lot. The company promised to provide everything I will need for a comfortable stay, so I don’t think I’ll be regretting not parking everything.”
Zayn nodded and closed the gap between them, looking into her eyes. His hand grazed her arms lightly, but he didn’t take it any further, retracting it back to his side. “I got a new private jet to take you there. Didn’t want anyone with my name on it, since I know the image it would portray.”
Rina’s mouth fell open. “You did what?”
“I can’t let you go take the public flight.”
“The fashion company purchased a first-class ticket!”
“Doesn’t matter. I don’t travel through that route and you shouldn’t too either. So I will be driving you to my private runway, so we don’t have to bother about anyone running into us.”
Rina tried to put up an argument. She shook her head repeatedly and tried to form the words in her head, but Zayn was already grabbing her suitcase and wheeling it out of the villa, leaving her with no choice but to follow suit. She grumbled behind him, and put up a million and one argument, but Zayn didn’t pay her any attention as he trudged down the stairs.
“Why does this look funny?” William appeared suddenly in the living room.
“What is funny?”
“Ms. Powers was practically jumping over your head trying to tell you something, but I bet you barely noticed because of your imposing height.”
He turned in that moment and looked at Rina. “Were you jumping?”
Rina rolled her eyes and walked out of the villa, slamming the door behind her. It made Zayn look at William in confusion, while he muttered “women” before stalking into the house.
Shrugging, Zayn sauntered out of the house and stood beside Rina while a housekeeper took the suitcase from him, shoving it into the booth of his sports car brought out front. He opened the passenger door for Rina to get in before walking around behind the wheel, pulling out into the road.
“You didn’t have to do this,” Rina muttered. “I am already too dependent on you as it is, and I want to be able to do things without having to run to you.”
“And what were your plans?”
“Ordering a ride to get me to the airport. It would have been easier for us all.”
“This is easier,” Zayn replied without looking at her.
“How?”
“You would have had to input the villa’s address details, and that would put the location online immediately. You have no influence over the driver’s mindset. He might decide to put the address online and who knows what would happen next?”
“Oh!” Rina’s lips parted and then fell close immediately. She knew Zayn was right and there was nothing she could say to counter his argument. Leaning back into the seat, she decided to enjoy the ride, looking out through the windows. Zayn fiddled with the radio until he found a station that was still airing Claire’s announcement. Hearing it all over again made a bright smile appear on Rina’s face. She sat back up and looked at Zayn.
“What?” she whined, her white teeth flashing between them. “I already heard too much of this already.”
“Have you?”
“You can turn it down.”
“I think I need to hear it again,” Zayn joked. “I might have missed some details the first time it came on.”
“Really?” Rina rolled her eyes.
“Come on. Let’s listen to it once more. Allow the words to flow through you.”
Rina took his advice because there was nothing to lose. She closed her eyes and leaned against the backrest, listening to the words of the announcer. Her voice carried through the car, weaving through Rina. It started like music, the low pitch ending with a crescendo. And when her voice drowned out, Zayn’s replaced it.
“I told you,” he murmured. “Things like that tend to work. But more importantly, I want you to know that you deserve everything you have right now. You are a great model and actor and no one can take that away from you. And I know you know that too. It doesn’t matter how many shades get thrown at you. You, Rina Power, are always above it.”
“Thank you, Zayn. Hearing those words means a lot.”
The runway came into view and Rina sat up at once, the thrill of a new beginning coursing through her. She couldn’t wait to meet Claire McGregor.