AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“She’s beautiful, more so now.”
He half laughed. “For a few seconds there, you sounded like me when I met your mother. I almost lost my blessed mind, I wanted her so badly. She was like a beautiful breath of fresh air when I’d been living underground my whole life. I’m speaking metaphorically of course.”
“Of course.” My father hadn’t hurt for money his entire life. It was rare he talked about Mom or their love affair, but it was evident in their eyes when one or the other walked into the room. That was what Jade wanted and wasn’t something I was capable of. The sooner she learned that the better off we’d both be. I wasn’t wired like Pops. There was no soft spot inside.
“All I’m saying is if you like this woman, it’s going to be tough for her not to become a weakness.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “What would any of the two hundred on the lists that you provided be?”
“The enemy only notices when they believe you actually care about something or someone.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll be back in two days. I think Daniel can hold down the fort until then.”
“Only if your sister allows him to. Just keep in mind what I said, son. We have too much to lose at this point. You can always find the love of your life later.”
Maybe he knew me too well. I ended the call, thinking about what he’d said. He didn’t need to worry. I wasn’t going to fall in love with her.
As I walked inside, sliding the phone into my pocket, my mother’s voice whispered in my ear. Her favorite expression: ‘Never say never.’
Jade had eased onto one of the couches, the glass remaining in her hand. I stood watching her for a few minutes, surprised she hadn’t sensed my return. As soon as I started walking closer, the glass slipped from her hand, the remainder of her wine sloshing across the floor as her body slowly slumped.
I took two long strides, barely managing to place my glass on the table before scooping her into my arms. Only then did I realize my heart was racing. She’d simply fallen asleep. Exhaling, I remained where I was, surprised at my reaction. Then I headed toward the bedroom, ignoring the spilled wine. I flicked on the light near the bed, struggling to yank back the covers. Before I had a chance to put her down, she opened her eyes. Then she pressed her hand against my chest, as if accepting her new life.
Although I knew better.
She was simply exhausted from the ordeal. In the morning, she’d return to her challenging demeanor, doing her best to push my buttons.
The twisted truth was that I was looking forward to it. There had been so few people in my life who’d busted my balls for fear of what I’d do in retaliation. This woman couldn’t care less. Maybe she believed she had nothing to lose.
After placing her down, brushing hair from her face, I removed her shoes, tucking the sheet around her. Her eyes remained open but almost immediately she shifted onto her side. I stood over her for a full minute, both admiring her beauty and asking myself what the hell I was doing.
Then I turned off the light, heading for the door.
My questions regarding her past would need to be answered but if my instinct was correct, she had little knowledge of her father’s business or the reason for his disappearance. I was determined to find out.
Just before I closed the door partially, I heard her words of conviction.
“I hate you.”
She had every right to, and I was glad for it. That would make keeping her at arm’s length that much easier.
I returned to the living room, pacing the floor. Then I dialed Tristen’s number.
“Trouble in paradise already?”
“I need you to find her birth certificate.”
“You don’t think she’s the same girl?”
“No, she’s definitely Jade Rollins. I need to know who’s listed as the father.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking that Jade was used to try and bring down the organization. Whether she was a willing participant or not will determine how she’s treated. Do what you can quickly.”
“That may be tough, but I’ll do my best.”
“You will find it. You don’t have a choice. Understood?”
