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His face freezes in fear at the name Archibald.
“Did you just say Archibald?”
“Yes, I overheard him talking about how you have to pay him the five million you owe, not to mention the thirteen million that the rest of his lieutenants lent as well. If you don’t pay him, she said he’ll punish you by killing me.”
Tears are streaming down my face now, and I can’t help but fall apart here on the doorstep. I can tell my dad is scared. He doesn’t have the money. And no matter how much the guys might care for me, ultimately if Archibald wants me dead, then dead I’ll be. My fate is essentially in my father’s hands right now, and I’m pretty sure that’s not a safe bet.
My dad tries to regain his composure, but his fear has been felt and noticed. Kaden is holding my arm to support me because I’m crying and I feel weak in the knees at my proposed fate. I see that my father can’t help me—he may not even bother to try.
“Dad, if I were you, I would try to resolve this. Because they won’t stop with just killing me. I’m sure if you neglect to pay him the millions of dollars you owe Archibald will kill you, too, in the end and take all your assets. Please, Dad, you have to understand how serious this is.”
He scoffs at my plea. “You’re bluffing, dear daughter. I can see that these men have you under their thrall. They’re not gonna kill you. I’m sure they told you what to say and to threaten me, but they’re not gonna do anything.”
“Don’t you remember what happened to Mary? Do you even care?” My voice is rising as I start to panic. I’m frantically trying to get him to hear me. “They killed her and they will kill me. If that wasn’t real enough for you then I don’t know what is.”
He ignores my tears as they stream down my face unchecked.
“I told you,” he says through gritted teeth. “I don’t have the money. So go away.”
He slams the door in our faces. Just like that, my fate has been decided. The men are stoic, probably wondering how it’s possible for a man to not love his daughter like that.
I cry into Ares’s chest, and he holds me in his strong arms. “I’m going to die,” I sob. “I know this is the end for me.”
“It’s okay,” he murmurs as he lifts his hand to stroke my hair, trying to soothe me, but I hear the edge in his voice. “We’ll figure something out.”
I at least trust that they have my best interest at heart. They might really care about me, but all of this will be in vain if Archibald has me murdered.
He won’t stop until I meet my end. If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that.
Chapter 12
Ares
I stroke Caroline’s hair gently as she cries into my chest. I don’t mind the tears as they soak into my shirt; there are much more important things at hand. I glare at the closed door. The sound of Caroline’s father slamming the door in her face is still echoing heavily in my ears.
I clutch Caroline tightly for a brief moment, but Kaden is already in action mode. I push her to the side as he walks right back up to the door.
Kaden punches the door hard. Knocking here won’t suffice. We came to send a message and we’re not leaving until that message is driven home. Only silence is heard from the other side.
Kaden takes another swing, then another. He hammers away violently at the door with no regard. I grab his arm mid-swing; another hit would guarantee broken knuckles.
I gently press him back and ready myself. I step forward and slam my foot into the wooden door right next to the doorknob, and it easily gives way to my strength. The hallway is dark and empty in front of us, but we stay at the ready, pausing before we enter. There’s no way Edwin is ignoring us.
Before that thought even finishes crossing my mind, Edwin rounds the corner with a shotgun at the ready. I shove Kaden to the side and move myself from the doorway, but not before his first blast goes off. His aim is a little high but the shell still manages to graze my shoulder. I crouch down, clutching my already bleeding arm.
“Get the fuck off my property!” Edwin screams as he fires another shot into the doorway at nothing.
“We’re not leaving until you understand, you piece of shit!” Kaden screams back. “A real man doesn’t sell his fucking daughter! You dishonored your own damn self. All you need to do is pay up!”
“Everyone is for sale,” Edwin says, suddenly completely calm. “You’ll do well to learn that if you boys live much longer. I’ll give you some fair warning: I have men on their way here now, and they won’t be very gentle if they find you still here. And my friends have friends too, you know! One way or another I’ll make sure you stop coming around!”
