Page 49 of Promise of Punishment

As soon as we end this call, she’ll either take care of herself or have a go with someone on the security team. “Is there anything else I can do for you, my Lord?” She uses her nickname for me when we fuck.

I chuckle softly and shake my head. “Just keep Fable there.”

“You got it.”

We end the call, and I text Lachlan.

Me: Are you free to talk?

I planned to work during the drive to the airport and use Vantage to run some searches on Fable’s past. After I check in with Felix, of course. Now I’ll have to have an uncomfortable conversation with Lachlan too.

Lachlan: Call you in five.

Ten minutes later, I’m in the middle of reading a report on my phone when Lachlan calls.

“Are you on the jet?” he says instead of hello.

“On my way.”

“I thought you were set to take off at 11?”

“I ran late.”

“That’s interesting.”

“Yep.” My gaze follows the road through the tinted windows as we curve onto the highway.

“What’s going on?” He knows something is up. I’m never late.

“I need a favor. And I don’t want to hear any cheeky shit from you about it.”

“You’re mistaking me for Rory. I don’t have a cheeky bone in my body. But you do have my full attention now.” His tone is mocking. He’s loving this.

“Your housekeeper, the one I said I didn’t know, I know her.”

“I knew it. I looked into her but couldn’t find anything on her or how she’s connected to you.”

“I didn’t want you to.”

“I got Felix involved.”

“I did too. I told him to keep everything from you.”

He blows out a low whistle. “Sneaky bastard. Are you going to tell me now?”

“Only because I don’t have a choice. I think someone is after her.”

“And how is that your problem?”

“She’s the girl who saved me when my father dumped me in the garden.”

“Oh,” he drawls out. “The one who betrayed you for a payout?”

He has the memory of an elephant. “The story is a lot more complicated. My father was involved somehow. I believe he did all the betraying, and Fable and I were his victims.”

“Sounds like your father. May he rot in hell.”

“May he indeed.”