Page 31 of Bold Encounter
The casual mention of her lunch made it clear that he wasn't trying to hide the fact that he was having her watched.
"I'm so pleased you could spend quality time with family," Jason said."Family relationships are so important, don't you think?I've always admired how close you and Brooke are."
"Jason, why are you calling me?"
"Because I care about you, and I always have."His effort at genuine emotion fell flat for Genevieve.
After a beat, he continued, "I know our history has been complicated, but I want you to know that everything I've ever done has been because I believe in your talent and your potential."
Abe recognized the manipulation tactic.Jason was rewriting their history, positioning himself as a supportive figure rather than a controlling one.
"Are you alone?"Jason asked, his tone shifting slightly."I'd prefer this conversation to be private."
Genevieve looked at Abe, who shook his head firmly."What I do and who I'm with isn't your business, Jason."
There was a pause, and for just a moment, she tried to anticipate what was behind Jason's carefully modulated tone.Abe's expression mirrored what she was feeling.
Jason barely faltered."I respect your independence.I always have.That's one of the things I admire about you."
"Then respect it now and don't call me again."
"Genevieve, I'm warning you," Jason said, his tone shifting."You don't want to press me.You won't like the consequences."As if realizing he'd gone off script, he added, "I'm not your enemy.In fact, I want to help you succeed."His voice had taken on an almost paternal quality, and Genevieve realized what a chameleon he was.
Jason hadn't ended the call yet."The music industry can be brutal, especially for independent artists.You need someone in your corner who understands how things work."
Genevieve considered hanging up but was riveted."I'm doing fine on my own."
"Are you…even after how it ended with Stephen Canton last night?"Jason said."It's such a shame when opportunities slip away."
The reference to her sabotaged meeting with the music executive made Genevieve's blood boil.Jason's tone was sympathetic, as if he were offering condolences rather than admitting that he'd destroyed her chance.
"That's why I want you to know that my door is always open," he said."When you're ready to move forward with your career in a positive way, I'll happily take you back.I've built a substantial foundation, Genevieve.I have the resources and connections to take your talent to the next level."
"I don't want anything from you."
"You say that now, but when you consider what I can offer, I think you'll see that being with me is an advantage you can't afford to pass up."His confidence was nauseating, as if her eventual capitulation was inevitable."You were always meant for greatness, and I was always meant to help you achieve it.Some things are just destiny."
The call ended abruptly, leaving Genevieve staring at her phone in disbelief.
Abe opened his arms, and Genevieve leaned against him.For a moment, she was speechless.Then the reality of the situation hit her.She pulled away and looked into Abe's eyes."I don't know if I should be furious or terrified," she said."This is all too much.Jason is…seriously unbalanced."
Jason had shown his true nature, and unwittingly severed Genevieve's trust, which would protect her and make it more difficult to manipulate her.But Abe knew it wouldn't be nearly enough to stop him.
*****
While walking back to the car, Abe reflected on the phone call.Jason's manipulation had been masterful.He pretended to be warm and caring to position himself as an ally rather than a threat.But underneath the charm, Abe had perceived the truth.Jason genuinely believed that Genevieve belonged to him, and that made him infinitely more dangerous than a random fan driven by obsession.
The drive back to Abe's house gave him time to think about the psychological sophistication of what they were dealing with.Jason wasn't an impulsive stalker acting out of passion.He was a calculating predator who had spent months, possibly years, preparing to make his move.
Abe's growing feelings for Genevieve only intensified his determination to protect her, but he had to be careful not to let his emotions cloud his professional judgment.She needed his expertise as a detective, not his feelings as a man falling in love.
When they arrived at his house, Abe pulled Genevieve into his arms before they'd even made it through the front door."You're safe here," he said, meaning it with every fiber of his being.
Once inside, Genevieve headed for the back patio, where the afternoon sun filtered through the oak trees in his yard.It felt like a sanctuary after the intensity of the day, and Abe was relieved that she was staying with him.
Genevieve curled up in one of the outdoor chairs."How can he be so bold?"she said."He called me without warning and mentioned my lunch with Brooke like it was the most natural thing in the world."
"In his mind, he's not doing anything wrong," Abe said, then settled into the chair beside her."Jason sees himself as the wronged party in this situation.He believes he deserves your attention and affection, so monitoring your activities and contacting you seems justified."
