Chapter 50: Noah's Help: Part 2

-Molly's POV-

Shock raced through me, along with the suspicion at Noah's proclamation that Jean-Pierre was no longer an issue. He made it sound like he had done something permanent to the man. I didn't like the man and wished he would go away. But I also didn't want Noah to be on the hook for something bad.
What bothered me more was that, with everything that had happened, I had actually forgotten about Jean-Pierre and his threatening phone call.
“What did you do?" I asked.
Well, more like demanded to know.
Noah laughed lightly, easily catching the direction that my thoughts had gone. “Nothing that awful, Molly. Just showed his father some evidence that his son had a few quirks that would damage their family's reputation if it were to get out. Namely, the fact that his son was not only an alcoholic but also addicted to painkillers and other assorted drugs. I might have let it slip how he treated--" Noah broke off as if I already knew who he was talking about.
“Me?” I offered, thinking he was trying to be kind and not bring up a painful memory.
Noah stilled and looked at me with surprise. “You?”
My brows furrowed at his shock. “Didn’t Scott tell you? Jean-Pierre was the one that brought me to the club originally. He was less than kind to me, as the others, including Scott, pointed out to me.”
“No,” Noah replied thoughtfully. “Scott never mentioned it.”
“Who were you talking about then?” I asked curiously.
Noah shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. All you need to know is that he won’t bother you again.”
My mind raced through all the possible people Noah could mean. It was a relatively short list and a rather easy answer once I thought about it.
Esme.
Noah had been talking about Esme. That was the only person that made sense if Noah hadn't known about me. But I didn't call him out on it. Obviously, he was trying to protect her identity, and I was the last person to hinder his efforts.
"Well, thank you. I'm glad Jean-Pierre won't be able to hurt anyone else," I told him softly.
"Yes, he's gonna be gone for a while. The minute I showed his father cut off support and sent him to a rehab center in Italy, I believe. Jean-Pierre won't have access to his trust fund until he is clean and sober for about five years, I think Mr. Dubois said," Noah explained with a rather nasty grin.
Noah was pretty damned proud of what he had done. I didn't know what startled me more; that Jean-Pierre was an addict or that it had been so easy to get rid of him.
"Well, I'm glad Jean-Pierre is getting help. But it seems rather anti-climatic," I commented with a laugh. "Especially after the phone call the other day."
"What phone call?" Noah asked as his eyes narrowed at me.
I waved my hand carelessly in the air. "Oh, nothing. Jean-Pierre just called to try and convince me to come back. I would like to have known what he thought he had about me. I didn't appreciate his lame-ass attempt at blackmail. But it doesn't matter either way. I suspect, if Jean-Pierre is off dealing with his addictions, he is not gonna worry about me any longer," I said with a relieved smile.
Noah didn't return my smile, though. He had a rather dark look, and I didn't particularly care for it.
"Everything alright?" I asked him.
Noah nodded. "Yeah, I was just shocked to hear how much of a douche-bag this boy was. All is well. I'm gonna be heading back to the states tomorrow, but if you need anything before, then go ahead and give me a call."
Noah handed me a card that had several numbers on it. A few for his business and one that clearly proclaimed it as his cell. On the other side was a large logo with his business name: Jones High-Rise Construction, a simple name for a simple man.
"Thanks," I replied with a smile. "You heading home to find your house?"
Noah let out a chuckle. "Yeah. I've been traveling around the world since I left college. I'm getting a little tired of it. I think it's time to finally settle down in my old age."
I laughed at his description of being old. The man barely looked midway through his thirties. But I could understand being ready to settle down.
I wasn't exactly ready to do that myself. But my dreams of a family of my own were still in play for the future. Just not quite yet. Right now, I was ready to start exploring.
My mother supported my drifting around for a bit, as long as I continued to work on my education as well. When Becca told me about the place her mother was sending her to, a finishing school disguised as a college, I jumped on it. The school would be easy and quick, and I could take my time to figure out what to do with my life. It was perfect for me.
When Becca's name floated through my head, I remembered something else I wanted to ask Noah.
"Did you have a chance to look into the house I suggested?"
A genuine smile popped up on his face. "Yes! My realtor was a bit skeptical, but when she sent me a picture, I knew I had to have it. I loved it immediately and put in an offer that day. I think it'll work great. Thank you for pointing it out to me."
I giggled inwardly. Ohhhh, Mrs. Delaney is going to be in for a wild ride. I honestly wished I could be there the day he moved in.
"That's great!" I said happily. "I can't wait to let Scott know when he calls. I'm sure he'll be happy to know you will be close by."
"Don't stress. I'll call Scott after I get back to my suite," Noah reassured me.
I nodded as Noah gave me a quick wave before heading to his vehicle.
I didn't know much about Noah, but I was looking forward to learning more. Everything he had done to protect Esme from Jean-Pierre brought a smile to my face... protect every woman from that man, really.
Scott's friends were very protected and more than willing to help when someone was in trouble. Noah had said that I was a part of the circle now.
That seemed like a great place to be to me.