“She’s safe,” he says softly as he stops at the door.
“I know. I’ll make sure of it.” He nods and leaves. I look at the computer screen, frowning at the image. I looked up Brian. I’m not impressed. My need to protect our mate caused the search, not jealousy. It's my job to eliminate anyone in her past who could hurt her. Her ex is on the list. He’s been working for her father for a year and is quickly moving up. He doesn’t speak to his parents, and Haven’s father has become a father figure. His dating history is that of a man enjoying sleeping around withas many women as possible. All his social media is filled with pictures from all the parties he attends, drinking and dancing.
He doesn’t look like a threat, but I don’t underestimate anyone.
I click out of the screen and back to the information I have on her father’s accounts. As I study the numbers, I unbutton my shirt. When at work, I wear clothes that show authority, but once I’m home, they become stifling. I push the fabric over my shoulders and let it drop to the chair around me. Scooting the seat forward, I fold my arms on the desk.
Reginald isn’t well-liked by most of his employees. His assistant seems to be the only female who can stand being around him. She travels everywhere with him, and if my instinct is right, he’s sleeping with her. A man his age is messing around with a woman Haven’s age. She is the exception since he looks down on women and isn’t afraid to voice his opinions. Most of his employees are men. There have been two incidents of sexual harassment that have been covered up. A total of twelve women have quit over the past two years. That’s not a good sign. I think he deserves punishment. The way I make that happen is yet decided.
I was already annoyed after leaving the gym. Heath is a good man to have on your side, yet I don’t like being excluded from something that involves my family. The plan is solid, and it makes sense, but I should be there to confront the asshole who took Lawson. I lied. My first instinct is to just kill him and move on. Waiting even a day longer is difficult. Having Lawson anywhere near him makes me itch. I know he’s not a kid anymore, but until four months ago, that’s how I remember him. Heath doesn’t ask permission, and he’s doing it the smart way. In business, he asks my opinion, and we share a lot of the decisions. Having no control makes me uneasy. Micah and Quinn are good men to have with you. Bash is lethal. I’m notworried about their safety. Anything can go wrong, and we can’t let Frank slip away. Lawson needs closure, especially now that we have Haven.
I look up, hearing footsteps, and I know she's awake. Following her progress, she moves slowly out of her room and down the hallway. Her scent gets stronger as she comes down the stairs. I look at the doorway and grin as she tiptoes past. Seconds later, she walks backwards and stops.
“You couldn’t sleep,” I say, and she turns to face me. The desk is directly across from the door.
“Lawson hogs the bed.” She grins. “But that’s okay, I do too.” She moves into the room. “I was thirsty. I usually get up several times during the night.” She stops in front of the desk. “You have a jaguar on your chest.”
I smirk and glance down briefly. “I do.” I sit back. “Do you have any tattoos?”
“I’ve always wanted some, but I was afraid of my father’s reaction,” she mumbles, walking around the desk.
“You can get one now.” I roll the chair further back, my legs spread.
“You’re right.” She leans on the wood beside me. “Do you have others?” She slides toward me.
“Yes,” I grin.
“Mmm…” Her gaze travels down. “What are you doing? Why aren’t you in bed?”
“I’m looking into your father's business.”
She meets my eyes, frowning. “Why?”
“I want to be prepared. If he tries to hurt you, I can hurt him.” She bites her lip and scoots in front of me.
“Remy told you about his call,” she murmurs.
“He did.” I pat my thigh. Her eyes widen, but she steps forward. I wait until she moves between my legs and I grip her hips. “Straddle me.” She eases onto my lap. “I was digging intohis life before he called.” I drop my hands to her thighs. “Do you think he’ll try to find you?”
“Probably.” She folds her hands together and rests them between us. “When I was there, he still had some control. He doesn’t like not knowing where I am.”
“Do you know what he wants?” I drum my fingers on her legs.
“When I was young, I didn’t realize Mom’s paintings were worth anything. It wasn’t a big deal to me when I took them. I think he allowed it because I still lived at home, and thought he could convince me to tell him where they were. After I moved out, he kept track of me. I spent a lot of money on a giant safe, and it would have taken some work for him to take the whole thing out of wherever I lived.” She sighs. “I’ve pushed him away as far as I dared. I didn’t worry much because I knew he had plenty of money, so my mom's art was safe.”
“It isn’t safe anymore,” I whisper, tracing the edge of her shirt. “He won’t let it go, especially after that phone call.”
“You’re right.” She slides closer, and I drop my hand. She lays her head on my chest. “I should have known better. I’ve been ignoring his calls. We have a weekly appointment. He calls. I answer. He lectures, and I listen. Since coming here, I haven’t answered. I didn’t tell him I was coming here, and I knew he wouldn’t be happy. I’ve felt safe here.”
“You are,” I say softly.
“I’ve been in denial. I know I have to deal with him. It’s been nice not to.” She snuggles closer, wrapping her arms around my waist.
“You don’t have to.”
“What?”
“I’ll deal with him.” I glide my hand up her back.
