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“It really does seem like he just lost his mind trying to get money to fund his drug habits, and he would have robbed you blind if he wanted to. By doing all that, though, he revealed himself.”
“Shit, I always have people checked out before they work for me.”
“Vincent, I appreciate that, and I’m sure your checks are thorough, but they’re not like mine. I can keep looking if you want. This guy has secrets, mark my word. The question is whether you want to find them out or not.”
Secrets…
For some reason, Ava’s scar comes to my mind. The cigarette burn scar. I’ve tried to think it was anything other, but I know what I’m looking at is what I know it to be.
Did Mark hurt her? Was that what he meant by rough life?
No… I don’t think he would. The way he bawled his soul out when I took her is not a man who would do that. Then again, how do I know? I’ve seen this man change like the wind, and he’s sneaky too. There is nothing I should trust about him.
He could have been abusive years ago. He could have been something else to the man I’ve been seeing these last few weeks, who was worried sick for his daughter.
I’ve been protective of her. That thing that changed between us pushed me this way, and I hope like hell he didn’t hurt her.
There’s something he’s hiding, and that means… she could have secrets too. She would if she lied about the cigarette burn.
I want to know what’s going on. My plate is full, but I want to know.
“Keep looking. I want you to keep looking.” I sure as fuck do because Mark isn’t who he says he is.
He wasn’t the man he led me to believe he was.
So, who is he?
Or more importantly, what was he?
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ava
Dad holds me so tight I’m actually finding it difficult to breathe.
I’m so happy to have his arms around me that I don’t care.
I actually don’t care.
It feels so good to have his arms around me that all I can think about is this moment we’re having.
Me and the man who’s been my father for the last ten years. If I’m honest, though, he’s been watching over me and loving me my whole life.
I can’t help but cry, and he does too. God knows how long we stand by the door in his apartment holding each other and crying.
When we eventually pull apart, he cups my face and looks at me. As he does, I see the man who saved me from the monsters and nursed me back to health.
I can’t believe it’s been close to three weeks since we stood here together like this. Three weeks since we saw each other.
“My dear Ava, look at you,” he beams and plants a kiss on my forehead. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“I’m happy to see you too.” I nod.
“How long do I have you for?”
“All day…”
“All day?” His face brightens.
