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"I have my ways," he responded without giving me any firm details. "So, you want the name or not?"
"I do," I managed to get out. "But I don't want to owe you anything if you give me this."
"Why would you?" His tone was innocent, but I knew my father too well to fall for it. "It's just a family favor, Devlin. Not everything needs to be as complicated as you try and make it, you know."
"You're the one making things complicated." As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I realized we were getting nowhere with this. At least for the time being, I'd have to conform to get the information I wanted so badly. "I'm sorry, Dad. I'm just a bit on edge because of everything going on over here."
"What's going on?" he asked. "Anything you might need my help with?"
"No," I replied firmly. "I can deal with it all myself. I just need the name of the buyer, that's it."
"Alright," he said, purposefully prolonging the moment and milking it for all its worth. "How've you been otherwise, kid? Anything new?"
"Just cut to the chase," I got out through gritted teeth. "The name, Dad."
"Fine," he said, like a petulant child.
For God's sake, for someone nearing fifty, he really acts like a goddamned kid sometimes.
"The name is Connor Peterson. Sound familiar?"
In moments, I was transported to an Italian restaurant, only a few years ago, sitting opposite the man my father mentioned and trying hard not to throw my drink in his face.
"Oh yes," I got out through gritted teeth. "It sure fucking does."
My father chuckled on the other end of the line, saying, "I take it this guy is bad news."
"Let's just say I'm not his biggest fan," I muttered. "But hopefully, I can put an end to this once and for all."
"Good luck," my father said, sounding sincere for once. "I'll be right here if you need me."
I allowed myself a single moment of gratitude as I muttered a thank you.
"I mean it, Devlin," Dad went on. "Anything you need... Just call me."
He was trying hard to rebuild the connection we were supposed to have since I was a kid. But was it too late? We'd burned those bridges down a long time ago.
"I'll speak to you soon," I told him. "I have to deal with this now. Thanks, and goodbye."
"Bye, kid." The smugness in his voice let me know that I owed him one—I didn’t like it, but I needed the information.
Eager to get back to Violet, I didn’t even think about sending the name to Jasper—I could fill him in later. The thought of that piece of shit, Connor Peterson, getting his paws on my princess made me fucking sick. I was going to keep her safe no matter what. That was my number one priority.
I walked back into the bedroom, where she was lying on the bed with her eyes open wide when I walked in.
"You’re not sleepy?" I asked her, and she yawned like a little kitten, stretching herself on the pillows.
She responded with a nod, and I sighed, coming closer to her and touching her chin gently, tipping her head back.
"I know I've been a little distant lately," I admitted. "But that's going to change, princess, I promise you that. Just give it a couple of days."
Her eyes were filled with distrust, and I didn't understand why she seemed so doubtful of me. Not knowing what to do, I pulled her against me, leaving a long, lingering kiss on her full lips.
Her body is mine to claim. Nothing I do to her should bring distrust…
"Don't pull away from me, princess," I told her, twirling my fingers in her hair. "I want you to stay with me, okay? Don't shut me out when the going gets tough. Nod if you understand."
She gave me a barely-there nod. She seemed so closed-off, but there was nothing I could to stop that. I just wanted my pretty, sassy little princess back. Even if she was bratty at times.
"Do you want to talk?" I asked her, toying with her hair. "Or would you rather rest up? I have some work to finish up."
"I'd like to sleep," she murmured, and my heart fell.
Just because she doesn't want me here doesn't mean everything's over, I tried to tell myself. But hard as I tried to convince myself of it, I couldn't quite believe it. Something was wrong. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to come to the bottom of it all at that moment. First, I needed to get rid of Connor Peterson.
"Okay, rest up, Violet," I told her, kissing her forehead. "I'll be away for a while tomorrow, but I'll come back in the afternoon. Think you can wait for me?"
She nodded, not meeting my eyes as she laid back on her pillow.
