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I turn to the window and watch the New York skyline. I need to think this through and make everyone happy or else.
“Myah,” I begin in the calmest voice that I can muster, “you need to go back to your family. Your father loves you. That is why he returned here to New York just to look for you.” I don’t even believe what I am saying, but I feel like that is the best way to go with this situation.
“No. You’re only saying that to trick me. I’m twelve, not four, Sloane.”
“But—”
Turning and looking up into a pair of light-blue eyes stop my words. The General is inches from me. All of that tall, muscular body is so close in a ridged stance. I knew I shouldn’t have turned my back to the bosses’ door because now I’m in another pinch. I’m about to get caught.
“What’s so important that you need to leave the room just to make a phone call,” Owen says, startling me. His tone sounds dubious, and I need to make a more believable excuse this time.
“My old aunt is sick, and I’m checking on her.” The unbelievable story just falls out of my mouth.
Owen’s gaze narrows. “She just suddenly got sick now? What’s wrong with her?”
Fuck. “She’s been sick, and I had forgotten that I promised my father I would call her today. She may be dying in—”
Owen suddenly grabs the phone from my hand. I want to protest, but I feel like that would be the death of me.
“Who are you?” he asks brusquely.
I bite the insides of my cheek in fear that Myah will give me away. Then, I silently hope that she took drama classes in school and knows how to act or make her voice sound old.
“Is your condition worsening, or are you still okay for the next few weeks?” Owen starts nodding, and my hands are getting sweaty. “I see. I apologize for keeping your niece away from you when you need her. I hope you get better soon, and I promise that I will talk to her bosses to give her a break to see you as soon as possible.”
Owen smiles and passes the phone back to me. Our eyes meet. Then he stares at me as I return to the phone to my ear. Why is he staring at me?
“Please take good care of my niece,” a croaky voice speaks on the other line. Wow. Myah is good at this. I wonder how many voices she has used to get away with things at school.
“Okay, Auntie. I’ll talk to you soon,” I reply.
Myah answers me with her joyful laugh. She has, after all, escaped his father’s clutches again. I’ll let her do it for now. But I have to reason with her soon because I don’t know how to keep this turmoil of emotions inside me for a long time. I like living in peace and pleasure, not storms and other bad weather.
I drop the call and meet Owen’s light eyes. They’re like the sky after a hard rain. There are flecks of green in them that I didn’t see when we had sex. Damn, they’re so mesmerizing.
“I’m sorry to keep you away from your family,” he says, pulling me back to the reality of the mess I’m in.
I see it has worked. But, then, why is he still staring at me? His brows even begin to furrow. Oh. Shit. Is Owen starting to recognize me? I put my hands behind me and clasp them together. I need to calm down.
“You remind me of someone, but I can’t remember who.” Creases form on his forehead. Please don’t remember who. Then he adds, “maybe it is someone I used to work with.”
I flash a disinterested smile, hoping to steer him away from this line of thought. Thankfully, Kane and Ashton spot us and walks towards us. Their secretaries are behind them.
“So, my men and I will be covering her mother’s home,” Owen starts speaking in a businesslike manner. “My assistants will send you the list of Myah’s friends and their addresses.”
“We’ll look into those,” Kane replies, and Ashton nods.
“You, Ms. Keeley, will look at her middle school.” Owen reaches inside his pocket and hands me a card with the school address. “Please contact me if you get wind of my daughter. Then, we’ll talk about meeting soon. If I hear positive news on my side, let’s just meet back in this office tomorrow morning. I’ll have my assistant prepare breakfast. I’ll let them send you emails as well. Otherwise, just do your work.”
After saying that, the General leaves, and I finally feel calmer. My bosses go back to their office with their secretaries. And I return to my own office to get my things. Then, I head back home, where Myah truly is.
