AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“A chance to crack Rhys. We need the program.”
“Done.”
I knew he’d take it; that greedy piece of shit would jump on that opportunity immediately, thinking he’d leave with a copy of the program. “Good.”
“Wait, what’s my limits?”
I took a deep breath, thinking over this one. After today, it would be impossible to deny that I was exploiting Rhys for his talents, that I was merely a good sheep as Umar had said. That wasn’t true though. Without anything to lose, I no longer had to play the safe bets. Without the light present in my life, I would delve into madness.
“Make sure he knows who sent you. I want this one to hurt.”
Chapter fourteen
RHYS
Paval was still squealing about the right angles of his pillows when all three of my men sauntered from the bedroom looking freshly fucked. Valentyn looked a bit more relaxed, the uncertainty rumbling this expression muted. Gianni plopped down at my side, easily falling in line with Paval’s train of thought as he peeked inside of Paval’s fort.
Paval began explaining right angles as best as a five-year-old could, which wasn’t great as I stood up and moved toward the kitchen. Dmitri wore that lopsided smirk I was starting to know him for as Valentyn tugged me a little closer when I came in reach.
“How are you doing?”
“Alright, I guess? Why? Has something changed?”
Valentyn shook his head. “Not really. Just trying to work with your comfort level to see how to deal with this program.” He frowned, crooking an eyebrow as he glanced at the front doorand then turned back to me. “And then-” He paused again, his entire aura changing as he pointed at the hallway. I held my breath as Dmitri stole me back a few steps, Gianni hopping over the couch with Paval in his arms.
Paval had his hands clasped over his mouth as if this was merely the ‘silent game’ rather than a matter of life and death. I barely had time to sidestep into the kitchen before a knock landed on the door, Valentyn whipping out his phone. From my angle, I could just make out the cameras and noticed that one was facing the front door. I had never seen that side of the house but I could clearly see a large form holding a much smaller one.
The small form twisted around and my heart dropped into my stomach. I could tell that face anywhere. I stepped back out into the hallway and stood beside Valentyn. “Why the fuck is my dad here with Tia?”
“I would tell you if I fucking knew, Rhys. Would you-”
“Fuck no. I need answers.”
Valentyn twisted around, firmly gripping my chin. “And you will get those answers but I will not sacrifice your safety for whatever stunt your father is trying to pull. Your niece will be safe, I will make sure of it but not in exchange of your safety.” I gave in as Dmitri dragged me back into the kitchen, both of us watching as a knock sounded on the door.
Even though I knew it was coming, I still jumped, Valentyn speaking through the phone. “How did you find us?”
“Reggie,” my father’s voice came. It was small and tortured, Valentyn ripping open the door a moment later. My father slid in, frantically looking around before his gaze falling on me. His shoulders relaxed as he caught sight of me, Tia twisting around. A bright smile spread across her lips as she wriggled out of his arms and hurried over to me.
I caught her in shock, wrapping my arms tightly around her back as she snuggled into my chest. “What the fu-what is going on?”
Valentyn was still standing in between my father and I, Dmitri gathering me and Tia at his side for protection. The door slammed shut as we waited for an explanation, my father worriedly looking between the three of us. “I didn’t know where else to go and then this man found me and-”
“You were headed South last we checked,” Valentyn forced out. The relaxed demeanor had disappeared, Valentyn fully on guard. “How the fuck are you in France?”
“I’ve been in France.” My father’s face contorted as he stepped back, his hands wringing together. “You were tracking me? No, that’s not… Rhys, who are these men? Ada- oh that’s the one you brought to dinner.”
I was 100% confused as I turned to see Gianni slowly walking down the hallway, his gait almost predatory, his green eyes several shades darker than usual. “You brought a fucking child?”
Again, my father stepped back, pressing himself against the door. “I didn’t know what else to do! We took the private jet with your mother, Rhys. We were going to stay at the vacation home but someone was waiting there. I couldn’t and then this man—kid?—told me that Rhys was safe and that Tia would be safer with you.”
That still didn’t answer a multitude of questions but the most important one being how he was led here. Valentyn thought the same way as well, hurriedly dialing a number on his phone. The dial tone rang through the house and I clutched Tia a little tighter, whispering that she’d be okay. I couldn’t imagine how fucking terrified she was at the moment. She did well to stay quiet, tucked into my shoulder but she had always been painfully silent in stressful situations.
“Yes?”
“Reggie, tell me why there’s a certain man in my house. Did you give him this address?”
“I checked him out and-”
