AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“The odds are better if you take her where no one knows where you’ve gone.”
“What about Raven and Gabriel?”
“I have an alternative plan to keep them safe. Just do what I say, Maddox. I need to be able to rely on you. Besides, they aren’t the target.”
What the fuck wasn’t he telling me and more important, why?
I shook my head, trying to find an appropriate excuse for denying his request. “I don’t like it. There’s too much at stake.”
“Yes, there is, which is why you need to do this. It’s a command, my friend. You won’t go against my wishes. Will you?”
“Why do I have the distinct feeling you’re not telling me something?”
Arman exhaled, pulling his hand away and fisting his fingers. “Just do what I say this time, Maddox. You need to trust me.”
“This isn’t about trust and you know it. It’s about having your back. This isn’t a good idea. If you were thinking clearly, you’d see it.”
“Just do it!” The way he snapped indicated fear.
The tension between us was unusual, his eyes imploring mine. Fuck. I shook my head, struggling to find the right words, if there were such a thing.
“Fine. I’ll leave once I know you’re going to survive this.”
He adjusted himself on the bed, rolling his eyes as if my suggestion otherwise was ridiculous. “I’m fine. You can leave when it’s light.”
“Jesus Christ.” I knew better than to continue arguing with him.
“Just take care of my baby girl, Maddox. She’s important to me. You don’t know how much my children mean.”
“I think I do, buddy. I understand. I’ll care for her as if she was my own. However, I will put my foot down that I will not take her out of the country until your father arrives. He needs to be questioned and debriefed.” The man knew when I wouldn’t budge from something.
“Fine, but not one fucking minute longer. You will do this. It’s my one favor I’ll ask.”
“Yeah, well, I doubt that,” I said, trying to lighten the moment. “Rest and heal, Arman. I won’t fail you.”
“You’re the only one I know for certain who won’t.”
Another pang of guilt tore through me. As I walked out, I wasn’t surprised to find Francois standing outside his brother’s door. The way he stared at me was a look of knowing, as if the man could see right through me.
“What did have to say?” he asked after at least ten seconds had passed.
“He wants me to take Zoe to St. Barts.”
Francois studied me, nodding a few seconds later. “He has his reasons. That includes his complete trust in you regarding her welfare.”
“Yeah, so he said. I need to handle a few things before we leave in a few hours. Plus, I want the opportunity to talk with your father.” I started to walk away until he spoke, keeping his voice low so only I could hear.
“My brother trusts you with his little girl, Maddox. In all ways. I think you know what that means. You’re a man of honor.”
Honor? I’d crossed a line that could never be recrossed.
His words meant keep my fucking hands off her. That was exactly what was going to happen.
So help me God.
With Arman’s estate considered a crime scene, his father had opened up his home, which would be considered the location of operations, at least until more details were discovered. There were employees bustling about the house, preparing the rooms to include the majority of the family as guests for the time being. It was a good idea to lock everyone down until more was known about the person behind the attack.
At least some of my advice was being taken.
