The Mighty Storm

Chapter Twenty-Two




It took us a little while longer to get out as Jake decided to join me in the shower, and we … um … well, you know.
We’ve decided to go to the Louvre, because neither of us has ever been and I’ve always wanted to go, and I love that it’s something brand new we can do together.
So we’re in the back of the Merc with Dave driving us and Ben in the passenger seat.
Two lots of security are needed today apparently.
That fact makes me feel a little weird, but I’m trying to push it to the back of my mind, because I’m going to have to get used to this kind of thing being with Jake.
Stuart has also called ahead to let the staff at the Louvre know Jake is visiting today.
Apparently this is how it works in celeb world. You have to preannounce your arrival.
Good to know.
It’s weird living like this. Pre-Jake if I wanted to go somewhere I did, without having to plan everything or bring security along for the ride.
So basically, we’re going on our first date with Dave and Ben.
Kind of kills the feel of it, but I don’t want to say anything to Jake and upset him, because this is life with Jake. Everything has to be structured, security with us all the time, and the places we go have to be informed in advance of his arrival.
It’s a lot crazy. And it’s going to take some serious getting used to.
Jake is holding my hand, running his thumb over my skin. I think he knows I’m nervous about going on our first outing together as a couple.
Honestly, my stomach is popping over.
People are soon going to know I’m his girlfriend. And I’m going to become public enemy number one with his female fans.
My insides start to tremble, and not in a good way.
Dave drives the car down Avenue du Général Lemonnier and enters the underground parking garage of the Louvre. A space nearest the lifts has been reserved for us, and there is an attendant already waiting to meet us.
Okay, so let this begin.
Dave parks up and he and Ben get out of the car.
Ben opens Jake’s door.
“You ready?” Jake asks me.
I can’t seem to answer. I’m frozen to my seat. In truth I’m scared and even more so now we’re here.
I’ve been living in a bubble with Jake. Our relationship this last week has been just him and I cocooned, despite all the Will stuff. Now we’re about to go out in public together and everyone will know I’m Jake Wethers’ girlfriend, and then it won’t just be him and me anymore. His world will become a part of us.
And I’m worried that it might take over.
“Give us a minute,” Jake says to Ben, grabbing the door, he closes it.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, turning to me, his gaze worried.
“I don’t know,” I shrug, finding my voice. “I guess it’s all just got a little real now, and I don’t mean us,” I add at his worsening expression. “I just mean you, who you are, the world you live in. The one I’m about to become a part of.”
He looks at me puzzled. “Tru, you’ve known all along how my life is.”
I take a deep breath. “I know, I guess … it’s just this – us going on our first date, and we have to bring Dave and Ben along with us, and Stuart has to call ahead to prepare them for your arrival – at the Louvre for god’s sake! That’s how famous you are, and it just feels … a lot crazy. And a little un-date like,” I add quietly, wringing my hands together in my lap.
“It is crazy, baby.” He takes hold of my hands, trying to soothe my tension. “And it’s a part of my life, granted – but not all of it. I know this part isn’t great and I’m sorry if this doesn’t feel like a date.” His lips turn down at the corners. “But I’ve never been on one before, so I’m kind of new to all this. You’re gonna have to help me out with this stuff, okay?”
“Of course I’ll help … I’m just – I guess I’m just a little scared.”
“What of?” He looks concerned again.
“The fact that my life is going to change, majorly, by being with you, and because of that, I might not be able to do things I used to.”
“Don’t be scared.” He tucks my hair behind my ear. “Nothing will change for you – I promise. I’ll make sure your life stays exactly the same, just with the added bonus of me in it.” He grins. “And this here today is a small thing. The people who come to the Louvre won’t have a care or a clue about who I am.”
“Yeah ‘cause art fans never listen to music, Jake.” I raise my eyebrow at him. “Everyone knows who you are.”
“Not everyone. I bet there are millions of people who don’t know me. And I bet every single one of them is in the Louvre today.”
“You’re an idiot,” I say, laughing.
“Takes one to know one.”
“It does.” I put my hand against his warm cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too, and everyone else will love you when they get to know you.”
“Except for your legions of female fans.”
“Yeah, well, maybe not them,” he grins.
I roll my eyes at him.
“But they will love you when they see how happy you make me … and you do, Tru – make me happy – you always did. I don’t know how I coped all those years without you.”
“Jonny,” I say gently.
He looks down.
“Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you.” I put my fingers under his chin, touching his scar, as I lift his head.
“You didn’t.” He meets my eyes. “It just makes me sad that Jonny’s never going to get the chance to feel about a girl, like I do you.”
“Then we’re just gonna have to live it twice as large for him.” I lean in and kiss his lips gently. “Come on, superstar. Let’s get this show on the road.”
Jake holds my hand tightly, as we walk toward the lift, us being led by the attendant and Dave, with Ben walking behind us.
I feel like I’m under armed guard because I’m carrying a precious cargo into the Louvre.
It’s so surreal.
We all ride up in the lift in silence. It’s making me a little fidgety.
We get out on the first floor, and standing outside the lift is a smartly dressed man, tall, dark wavy hair, and obviously waiting for us.
“Mr. Wethers,” he says, stepping forward as we exit the lift. “I’m Alexander Baudin. It is very good to meet you. We are absolutely delighted to have you visit us here at the Louvre today.”
His English is excellent, although heavily accented and very sexy sounding.
Jake shakes his outstretched hand. “Call me Jake, please, and this is my girlfriend, Trudy Bennett.”
“Lovely to meet you, Ms. Bennett,” Alexander Baudin says, taking hold of my hand to shake.
“So what were you looking to see today?” Alexander Baudin asks, walking forward. We follow.
“This wing of the Louvre we are currently in is where some of our many prints, drawings and paintings are home too. The likes of The Young Beggar, and of course our resident lady, the Mona Lisa.” He turns, smiling at us. “I am happy to accompany you today, give you a guided tour.”
“Thank you for the offer, but we’ll be fine,” Jake says, coming to a stop. “I’m sure you’re a busy man and I don’t want to interrupt your day.”
“It is no problem,” Alexander Baudin smiles.
“I appreciate the offer,” Jake says kindly, leaning closer to him. “But I’m here on a date with my girl, and we have enough company as it is.” Jake tilts his head in Dave and Ben’s direction, who are loitering nearby.
“Ah, I understand,” Alexander Baudin says in a lowered voice, nodding. “Here is a guide of the Louvre.” He pulls a leaflet from the inside of his jacket pocket and hands it to Jake.
“I hope the both of you enjoy your day here, and if you need anything at all, please let me know.”
“We will, thanks,” Jake says.
Alexander Baudin smiles at us both once more, and departs.
“Okay, baby, so where to first?” Jake says, opening out the guide for the Louvre.


We’ve been in the Louvre for just over an hour looking at paintings. We haven’t got very far because there are so many, and I keep getting stuck, because some of them are truly amazing, so very beautiful, and I’ve been feeling quite emotional just looking at them.
It makes me wish I could create something so wonderful.
I don’t think Jake’s as taken with them as I am though. If the wall was covered with guitars he’d probably be more interested, but I love that he’s showing a keen interest for me.
And he’s being so lovely, so attentive, constantly touching me, holding my hand, and I’m having the best time with him.
I’m just ignoring the fact that Dave and Ben are following us, and that we are getting stares from people who either recognise Jake immediately, or recognise him but are not sure where from.
It’s not too horrendous; weird, but bearable.
I hear a phone ringing, and turning, I see Dave pulling his phone from his pocket.
He turns away from us to take the call.
I focus back on the painting in front of me, ‘Woman With A Mirror’.
“This painting is so beautiful,” I say to Jake. “I think it’s my favourite so far.”
“It’s not as beautiful as you,” he whispers in my ear from behind, sliding his arms around my waist.
“You’re such a charmer,” I laugh, resting my head back against his chest.
“Jake,” Dave comes over. “That was Stuart on the phone. There’s some pictures of you and Tru, here in the Louvre which have just hit the networking sites, and they're doing the rounds, making it to the paps sites. I just wanted to let you know things could get a little busy when we’re leaving.”
“Okay,” Jake says, sighing.
“What does he mean – busy?” I turn to face Jake.
“It means there’s a high probability there will be paparazzi waiting for us outside when we leave.”
My stomach knots.
“How did they get pictures of us?”
“Camera phones, baby.”
“Gotta love technology.” There goes our lovely date.
I start to chew on my lip.
“Should we leave now?” I ask.
“No.” Jake shakes his head. “Just forget about it, I want to keep enjoying my day with you.”
“But what if we get mobbed?” My voice has gone a little shrill. In all honesty, I’m starting to freak out.
“We won’t get mobbed,” he chuckles, tucking my hair behind my ear. “And if we did, that’s what Dave and Ben are here for. They’re very good at their job, Tru. The best in the business, and that’s why I have them working for me. You’re completely safe, don’t worry.”
I don’t feel safe. I suddenly feel exposed and vulnerable.
Is this how it’s always going to feel? The thought haunts me a little.
“Come on,” Jake says, taking me by the hand. “We’ve got a lot more of this place to see.”
I let him lead me along, but I’m not interested in the paintings anymore. I just feel tense and have visions of getting mobbed by hoards of screaming girls and the paparazzi, and I can’t let go of the feeling.
After another fifteen minutes and a little further into the Louvre, I’m starting to notice the volume of people near us increasing.
Dave and Ben obviously notice too, as they have moved in closer to us.
Where we had space before, now we have very little.
I can feel Jake getting tense.
I don’t think it’s because the attention gathering is bothering him, I think he’s frustrated because he knows it’s bothering me, and he just wanted us to have today together.
Our first date together, we are now sharing with not only Dave and Ben, but about fifty other people.
A member of the security staff from the Louvre comes over and speaks quietly to Dave.
The security guy stands back, staying with us, and that only causes to make me feel even more edgy than I already do.
Dave makes a quick call, then comes over and speaks into Jake’s ear.
Jake moves back away from me to listen to what Dave has to say.
I’m trying to focus on the painting before me, but I can’t. I don’t even know what this one is called. I’ve barely taken it in.
I’m trying to ignore the eyes around me, but my whole body feels like it’s on fire, burning under their scrutiny.
I don’t think I’m cut out for this.
I hear Jake sigh loudly, then see him nod his head to Dave.
He comes over to me, standing in front of me, he takes my hands and says in a quiet voice, “Baby, the paps are here, outside … they’ve somehow found out which car is ours in the parking garage, and … there’s a load of them waiting out there for us.”
“How many?”
“Enough. And the loitering has obviously brought some attention, and well … now the crowd has grown because people know it’s me in here.” He sounds really uncomfortable and embarrassed saying this to me.
“Oh,” I say.
“The staff here are trying to clear the parking lot, but Dave has called Stuart and he’s on his way to come collect us now in the other car.”
“Okay.”
“I’m so sorry about this, Tru.” He puts his hand on my face, but I can’t even enjoy the feel of his skin on mine, because I’m so conscious of the fact that people are staring.
I feel like I’m in a zoo and I'm truly on the wrong side of the fence.
“It’s okay,” I say trying to keep my voice even. “It’s not your fault. This is just how things are. I understand. Come on let’s go.”
I take hold of Jake’s hand, and we start to walk through the Louvre following Dave. Ben is behind us, the museum’s staff with us too.
People are following us, and stopping to stare as we pass by.
Honestly, it makes me want to break out into a sprint.
All these beautiful things here in the Louvre and all people seem to want to do is stare at Jake.
I get he’s beautiful. I want to stare at him all day long too, but it’s just plain rude to stare so blatantly, and to follow him … us … when we are clearly out together for the day, without any recrimination whatsoever.
I hold on a little tighter to Jake’s hand. He squeezes it, giving me a small, uneasy small.
He’s feeling bad that we’re having to leave, and I know he’s worried as to how I feel about it, especially after what we talked about in the car just before we arrived.
How do I feel?
Stressed, a bit panicky, annoyed that we can’t even go on a simple day out together without attracting the crazy.
Is this how it’s always going to be?
I don’t know if I’m cut out for this. It’s scary as to the level of attention Jake receives.
We reach the main door and Dave pushes it open, then I’m hit with some camera flashes. There are paparazzi out here.
I thought they were in the parking lot? How the hell did they know we’d be coming out this way?
“So you two are together then? Are you finally settling down Jake? Is Trudy the one?”
The voices are coming from left, right and centre.
Jesus Christ, this is insane.
I keep my head down. Jake’s arm is around me now, tight, holding me to him. Dave is on Jake’s right, arm on him guiding us over to Stuart’s waiting car. Ben is at my side, staying close to me.
“Trudy! Look this way gorgeous, let us see your face!”
I need to get out of here. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as uneasy in all my life as I do right now.
I tilt my head further down, practically tucking my chin into my chest.
The next thing I know, we’re at the car. Dave has the door open and Jake is guiding me in. I shuffle along sitting behind the passenger seat, and then Jake quickly climbs in behind me.
Dave shuts the door, pushing some paps out of the way in the process. Ben climbs in the passenger seat and then Stuart’s driving us away, pretty quickly.
My heart is bumping around my chest.
I turn in my seat looking out the back window, worrying the paparazzi might be following.
I can’t see any suspicious looking cars, but then there’s plenty around. And I’m thankful in this moment that the windows are so heavily tinted in this car.
Jake takes hold of my hand, pulling my attention to him, and it’s only then I realise my hand is shaking.
“Hey, are you okay?” His voice is soft and soothing. He takes hold of my chin, forcing my eyes to his.
“I’m fine.” My mouth’s dry. I moisten my lips with my tongue. “That was just … um … a little crazy.” I take a deep breath. “Is it always like that when you go out?”
“Not always, no,” he shakes his head. “That was a little more hectic than normal, but I’m guessing it’s because you’re with me, and the press will be after a picture of us together.”
“And the ones on Twitter weren’t enough?”
“Apparently not.”
“I don’t get it though, Jake. You’ve been out with women before, that’s not exactly a rarity.”
That sounded a little shittier than I intended.
He gives me a look. “No, Tru. I’ve fallen out of clubs with women before. I’ve never taken anyone out on date.”
“How did they even know we were on a date?” My voice is shrill again.
“Well, baby.” He tucks my hair behind my ear, and I’m relieved to his touch. “Anyone who took one look at us together could have easily worked that out – figured out that I’m crazy about you.”
“But we only started seeing each other properly yesterday!”
Okay, so I’m freaking out a little – a lot.
“It doesn’t take them long, Tru. You’re in this business, you know how it works.”
“I might be a journo, but I am nothing like them!” I say with indignation.
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it.” He gives me a look. “I’m just saying, you work at a magazine, you see how things are with celebrities. My life is not private in a lot of ways, no matter how much I try to keep it as such. And this is their job – the paps. They make their living off the shit going on in my life, and the lives of other celebs. It’s just how things are. Not all the time, but a lot of it, and if something happens in my life – like me being out on a date … the possibility of me having a girlfriend, well then the media becomes interested … interested in you.”
“But I’m no one special.”
“You are to me.” His voice is intense. “You’re everything to me,” he adds in a lower tone. “And I’m sorry this hasn’t been a first date, like a first date should be.” He cups my cheek with his hand. “I will make it up to you, I promise.”
Then looking at Jake here, before me, him staring back at me in earnest, filled with love for me, I feel suddenly overwhelmed by my feelings for him, and at the depth of those feelings. And momentarily forgetting that Stuart and Ben are in the front of the car, only a few feet away, I lean forward and kiss him, hard.
Parting my lips under his, I let his tongue move into my mouth, and then I feel it pass between us. The energy, the desire, and I start to feel that stirring in my body that only he can create.
I want him, right here and now.
I know he feels it too as he groans a little sound in my mouth. Jake grabs a firm hold of my hair, kissing me even harder.
It takes a long moment, but I do eventually become very aware of the fact that Stuart and Ben are in the front of the car, especially when Jake’s hand goes to my leg, and starts to move higher.
Knowing for sure they don’t want a Jake and Tru, porn show, I pull back from him.
Jake looks at me disappointed. I flick my eyes in the direction of the front of the car. I’m really glad the radio is on fairly loud, which will have drowned out the sound of our kissing. But even so, my cheeks have flamed with embarrassment at my loss of control over Jake.
He smiles and leans close again, running his nose up the sensitive skin on my neck, he reaches my ear and whispers, “I can’t wait to get you back to the hotel … I am going to undress you, slowly … and I’m going to kiss you, everywhere.”
I can feel his words, down there, and that heat rises again in my belly. I love how he makes me feel.
“Te quiero,” I whisper back to him.
“Jesus Christ, Tru,” he groans quietly in my ear, his breath hot on my skin. “You know what that does to me. If you keep talking like that I don’t give a shit who is in this car with us, I’ll take you right here and now, on the back seat.”
His words do crazy things to me and I’m feeling turned on and suddenly reckless.
Maybe it’s because I’m still pumped up with adrenaline after what just happened at the Louvre, or because of how much I do love him, but I suddenly have the urge to turn him on, to challenge him.
“Joder, Jake … that’s what I want to do with you, now,” I whisper.
He knows exactly what I’m saying to him. That is one Spanish word he does know.
I feel him stiffen beside me.
I flicker a glance in Stuart’s direction, seeing his eyes are on the road. Ben is talking on his phone, speaking to Dave presumably.
So shifting back in my seat, I move closer to the door, turning my body toward him, and run my fingers up my thigh, lifting my skirt up, ever so slightly, I part my legs.
Jake sharps in a breath. His eyes are on me and they're glowing.
I love this sense of power I have over him right now. It’s exhilarating.
I stare at him, meeting his hot gaze and moisten my lips with my tongue.
Smiling seductively at Jake, I lower my skirt back down, pressing my legs together, feeling proud of my little wanton moment thinking, my work here is done, well until the hotel that is, but Jake shakes his head, no.
My legs start to tremble.
He moves closer, positioning himself beside me, and puts his foot up on the rest between the front seats, covering any possible view of my legs with his. Jake rests his hand on my lap, then very gently pushes my legs apart with his hand and I let him.
My heart is thudding in my chest and my mouth suddenly dry.
Jake slides his hand under my skirt, reaching my panties he hooks his fingers into them, moving them aside, giving him the access he wants, he starts to touch me. Then very gently, he slips his finger inside me.
My whole body nearly explodes. I have to bite my lip, hard, to stop myself from making a noise.
I turn my face to his. He stares back at me. His eyes daring, pooling and heated.
I have never in all my life done anything like this. And I know I should care there are other people in the car with us, but it’s hard to right now. All I care about is Jake and the way he’s making me feel.
He starts to move his finger, in and out, in a rhythmic motion, his thumb rubbing over me, and my heart is beating so hard, my legs shaking uncontrollably, and I know what’s going to happen if he doesn’t stop.
“Jake, stop, or I’m going to come,” I mouth to him.
He grins, and rubs his thumb a little firmer over my hot spot.
My body shudders.
“Please,” I mouth again, pressing my legs together, onto his hand.
He grins again, seemingly satisfied with himself and the effect he’s had on me, and slips his hand out from under my skirt, then rearranges his very noticeable erection in his pants, with his hand.
I’m relieved and disappointed at the same time.
And I have a good mind to do the same to him, work him up to the point of near combustion.
Stuart pulls up out front of the hotel a few minutes later and I’m still struggling to gather my cloudy, but very horny thoughts.
I’m so worked up and desperate to relieve the ache Jake has left me with, that I’m just about ready to do it anywhere with him.
Once we’re out of the car, Jake grabs hold of my hand leading me straight into the hotel, practically dragging me through the lobby and into a waiting lift.
Once the doors are closed he pushes me up against the wall, his mouth on mine, hard and fast, and his hands are everywhere.
Then, before I know it, the lift doors are pinging open on our floor, and Jake’s pulling me down the hall, unlocking the door to his suite, and then we are finally alone.
Jake starts to walk toward me but I back off.
Payback time mister.
He cocks his head to the side, staring at me a little puzzled and very curious.
“Stay there,” I breathe.
I’ve never really been this confident sexually. I’m more of a straight to the basics kind of girl. And I’ve most definitely never been confident about my body.
So I have no idea where that little skirt lifting show came from in the car, or why I let him do what he did to me, or even why I want to carry on the show in here. But I do. I want to do it for him, because of him.
Jake makes me feel confident … and so very sexy.
I’m feeling pretty glad right now that I’m wearing my good underwear, as I start to unbutton my shirt, slowly, one button at a time.
I watch Jake’s eyes as they follow my hands down.
I slide my shirt off, down my arms, letting it fall to the floor.
Then I kick my heels off, and unbutton my skirt at the back, slowly easing the zip down. I shimmy it over my hips, then let it fall to the floor and step out of it.
Now I’m just standing here in just my black lacy underwear.
Jake’s eyes are on fire, devouring me, and he looks like he’s about to pounce any second now.
I run my hand down my stomach and hook a thumb into the elastic of my panties, slowly inching them down over my hips.
Jake’s breathing is shallow. His eyes fixed on my hand, watching, waiting.
He puts his hand on the stretch in his jeans, adjusting himself, obviously feeling the discomfort in his pants.
I stop pulling my panties down, changing my mind, and bring them back up to rest on my hips.
He cocks his head to the side.
Slowly, I walk over to him.
My heart is pumping hard in my chest. I’ve got a heat in my belly, and I’m flushed all over.
Jake grabs hold of my hips pulling me hard against him the instant I’m within his reach.
Shaking my head at him, I remove his hands off my hips and step back a little.
“Not yet,” I whisper.
“I want you now.” His tone is urgent, intense. It travels through me, hitting me in just the right spot.
I lean close to his ear and whisper, “Yo voy a chupar.”
He sharps out a breath. “F*ck, Tru,” he growls. “If you want me to wait you’re not going about it the right way.”
Moving back, I smile at him, snagging my lower lip with my teeth.
“Tell me what you just said? I need to know.” His words are breathy, ragged.
I love that I can do this to him with just words.
“Let me show you,” I say, dropping to my knees before him.
Then I’m undoing his jeans, freeing him, and showing him just exactly what I meant.