From Frying Pan to Strange Fire

Trevor furrowed his brows as he watched Irene leave. His head immediately went to work trying to figure out the best way to explain what just happened to the two women behind him, already suspecting they were going to ask.

The moment she stepped out and the door was shut, Trevor let out a silent breath.

“Cody,” Trevor called out to the door man.

“Yes, Boss,” Cody responded, turning away from the door and giving his full attention to Trevor.

“No more visitors. And until Roman returns, Irene or anyone in that category is not allowed into the house unless they are with Sir Williams.”

“Noted, boss.” Cody gave a nod.

Trevor finally stepped away from Joan’s front, turning around to face her, and her face was exactly the same way he had imagined it will be. Same with Grace’s.

Confusion and questions were dancing in her green eyes as she peered fearlessly into his. But although Grace had a similar expression, hers was topped up with a slight look of suspicion.

“I’m sorry about that.” Trevor apologized.

“What was that about? Who is she and why…” Joan trailed off, not knowing how to explain the part where Irene was approaching and he had to block her from coming close as if she was some kind of contagious disease.

“She is nobody. Don’t worry about her.” Trevor dismissed, but neither Joan nor Grace looked convinced.

“She doesn’t look or sound like nobody to me.” Grace pointed out

“If she’s nobody like you said, why the drama?” Joan added.

“Well, nobodys are usually troublemakers. And this particular one is full of trouble as you witnessed. She has no business with you and I had to ensure it remained that way. Please don’t stress. She won’t be back to bother you or anyone.” Trevor assured with a smile. He then shifted his eyes to Grace, “Shall we, Miss?” He said, gesturing toward the door with his head.

“Yes. I’ll see you soon, Jo.” Grace flashed a smile and walked away with Trevor.

Time seemed not to be moving fast enough for Joan. However, despite the long wait, or so it seemed to her, the next day arrived.

Already tired of being holed up in the house, and feeling unexplainably different to a large extent that morning, she went downstairs and walked straight to the doorman.

“Good morning, Madam.” He greeted her, unsure why she approached him with a frown, and in her pajamas.

“Good morning. Where is Mr. Baliante?” Joan asked.

“Still in his room, I believe. Is there something you want?”

“Yes. I want to see him. Can you get him for me?”

“Of course.” Cody gave a bow and moved, while Joan walked to a sofa and plopped her butt down to wait.

In a short while, Cody returned with Trevor trailing behind. He looked like he was already preparing to go out and his black hair was still wet and uncombed.

Joan found herself unconsciously comparing his good looks and that of Roman. Trevor was one hell of a good looking man, but she couldn’t help admitting that Roman took it a notch higher. The smoldering look in his eyes and the vibration in his voice didn’t even help her judgment. Roman was the kind of guy she would have fallen face-flat in love with if things had happened between them the normal way. But she had too much going on in her life right now to believe or settle for whatever this was that was happening between them.

“Good morning, Madam. You sent for me. Is there something you want me to do for you?” Trevor asked, multitasking by trying to fix his cufflinks while paying attention to her.

“Yes. I need to go to the hospital.” Joan said, and Trevor put on a confused and worried look.

“The hospital? Do you feel sick?” He asked.

“No. I work there.”

Trevor became even more confused. “I thought you agreed that your friend will do everything on your behalf. Why do you need to go there?” He asked.

“Because I’m tired and bored, and hate to be holed up in one place. I need to clear my mind.” Joan responded, becoming tired of the questions. She realized she was more irritated that morning than usual.

Trevor seemed to read her mood so he let out a soft sigh. “Alright. Isn’t it too early to leave?” He asked as it was just 6am.

“Not now. Maybe by ten.” Joan revealed the convenient time.

“That’s fine. I have a meeting in forty minutes so I’ll be leaving the house soon. I’ll come back to pick you by ten. Is that okay by you?”

Joan frowned. “Why you? Can’t someone else drive me there?”

“The only other person that can do it is Daniel, and he traveled with Roman. Moreover, I’m not complaining.” Trevor informed her.

“Fine. I’ll be waiting.” She agreed and started toward the stairs without turning around.

Trevor watched her go, his brows knitting in the process. Something was off with her, but he couldn’t place his finger on it.

He ignored it and went back to his room. Four hours later, he drove back to the house and made his way to her room. After releasing a series of knocks on her door, she opened up.

“Yes?” She asked when she saw him, her eyes red from sleep.

“It’s 10am, Madam. Ready to go to the hospital?” He asked, and Joan shook her head.

“Nah. I changed my mind. I’m not going anymore.” She answered plainly.

Trevor couldn’t believe his ears. “Why didn’t you call to inform me?”

“I don’t have your number.”

“You could have asked any of the servants for it.”

“I didn’t have the energy. Sorry. I need to get back to my sleep.” She said right before shutting the door.

Trevor became dumbfounded. He looked around in disbelief, then looked back at the door, narrowing his eyes.

Joan went straight to the bed and lay down on it, drifting off to sleep in a few minutes. Something seemed to be wrong with her, but she was too weak and sleepy to think about it.

The strange cloud that overshadowed her was no where to be found the next day. She woke up energetic and excited since it was the day she would be going to Camparo with Grace.

Trevor watched her go about her business as if she had completely forgotten what happened the previous day. Even while he was driving them to the airport, he glanced at her several times as she chatted cheerfully with Grace, who returned her energy effortlessly. But being the observant person he was, he noticed Grace seemed to be more aware of his presence than Joan was.

Just before boarding the plane, Joan was startled by a hand that suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her backwards until her back hit a solid mass of muscle.

She turned her head and her breath caught in her throat when she saw Roman’s handsome smiling face.

“Trying to leave without saying goodbye, huh?” He spoke very close to her ear, and Joan opened her lips to respond but he shushed her. “It’s time to go. Don’t try to escape.” He whispered to her ear before letting her go.

When Joan heard his words, she couldn’t help wondering what he meant. Was this him telling her in a non direct manner to escape? It must be, right?