The Life I Want To Live With You

Hiding Chapter 23

When Michael heard from Priscilla what was happening, he swiftly made his way to the meeting room where Lisa was seated, looking protective and concerned. He knelt beside her and addressed her with a protective tone, "We're going to the hotel; you need to rest."

Priscilla observed Michael's genuine care for her daughter and, feeling more at ease about their togetherness, decided to leave them alone.

As Michael's reassuring presence enveloped Lisa, she gradually relaxed. With his support, she stood up, and they headed back to the hotel. Michael assisted her in lying down on the bed, and she tugged gently on his hand, inviting him to join her.

He held her tightly in his arms, and Lisa's thoughts started to drift back to the troubling issue at hand. Michael noticed her contemplative expression and gently inquired, "What are you thinking about?"

She murmured softly, "Luke."

He gazed at her in silence for a moment before speaking, "Your mother said she'll do everything to keep him away from your company."

Lisa moved to look at him and asked, "Would you want to be my new sponsor, though?"

Michael chuckled and began to shower her with affectionate kisses all over her face and neck. Lisa laughed and moved away, saying, "Not this type of sponsor!"

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Michael wiggled his eyebrows and asked, "No?"

"Um, no." Lisa said trying to act serious.

He kissed her slowly, with a warm smile on his face. "You know I need to talk with my people about it? I can't just become a sponsor right away. Also, with Luke, we need to go to the police, maybe even today. We'll go with our bodyguards."

Lisa didn't seem convinced, pulling a face. "I don't want any gorillas around me."

Michael gave her a serious look. "Well, those gorillas are there for our protection. Being without them makes us an easy target, especially for Luke. Right now, you're the owner of your dad's company, and if Luke is truly involved in all of this, I need to make sure you're safe, whether at work or in our hotel room. I just want you to be safe."

Lisa sat up, looking at him earnestly. "Can we go right now? I'd rather go to the police immediately than lie here like a log."

The urgency in her voice was apparent, and Michael nodded in agreement. "Of course, we'll go now."

They left the hotel when their security team arrived in a car. As they were about to step inside, a woman approached them, attempting to get through their bodyguards.

"Ma'am, you can't do that," one of the bodyguards stood in her way, blocking her from getting closer. She was a black woman with long curly hair, clutching several files tightly to her chest.

Michael, looking puzzled, asked the bodyguard, "Is there something wrong?"

"No, sir. But this lady..." The bodyguard was about to explain, but Lisa intervened.

"Did she even do anything wrong, though?" Lisa questioned the bodyguard.

"No, ma'am, but it's my job to keep you both safe."

"Do I look like someone who wants to harm anybody?" the woman asked with a touch of irony. "I'm Vanessa Johnson, a journalist. Mrs. Jackson, I just wanted to ask you because my boss wanted me to do an interview with you about your organization for molested and abused women. I thought it was a good opportunity, especially since I caught you. Would there be any possibility for that?" Vanessa attempted to get closer, but the bodyguard remained in her way.