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“You’re not excited for my new partnership with the Kings?” Father asked. “It means more money for you, and for me. My money is your money.”
I clenched my teeth. I hated how father thought that he owned me with his money. I didn’t need him, I had Jack. At least, Ihad. I wondered how Jack was doing.
“Oh,” Father said. “About your friend, Jack. Frank wants to kill him. What do you think of that?”
“No!” I shot a glare of death at my father, who remained aloof.
“Why don’t you tell Frank yourself?”
“I will,” I said. “And you don’t want Jack dead either.”
Father laughed. “I could care less about him. You think just because you’re in love with Jack that I’ll let him live? That’s so precious.”
“It’s Frank’s call, not yours,” I said. “You think just because you have money, that you can tell Frank King what to do?That’sprecious.”
“And you think you’ll convince Frank to let Jack live?”
I almost spat in my father’s face, but we pulled up to Frank King’s residence. One of the guards opened the door—I had almost forgotten they were sitting right next to me, they were so quiet.
It had been years since I had heard anything about Frank. Word was that, ever since he returned to the mafia, he had become even more brutal in his dealings. Everyone seemed afraid of him, except for my father.
We exited the car, and guards patted us all down. Except for my father.
I wondered about that, slightly in awe that my father had that kind of influence on the Kings. What had my father gotten himself into?
The Kings’ place was a lavish stone fortress in the heart of Lincoln Park. The gardens were neatly maintained, the stone work was ornate, and the house was the prime real estate of Chicago. I doubted they’d had that kind of money; it seemed like my father had bought the Kings.
We were escorted into the main building past towering gargoyle statues. The archway entrance made it seem like we were entering the heart of hell, and the harsh hand of Frank King’s influence could be felt everywhere. Even the guards were completely still, not daring to disobey whatever orders he had given them.
Once inside we were led down a hall with a high ceiling. I looked up, hoping to see Jack somewhere, but I knew that he had been taken away. The sun’s light was diminished here, and I felt an impending sense of doom. My heart hurt thinking that anything had happened to Jack.Where did they taken him this time?
The guards walked ahead of me and my father brought up the rear. We made our way to a large room at the end of the hall, where a large grizzled and bearded man greeted us. Frank King.
“There’s my prize,” Frank said to me, pinching my cheek. Then he looked at my father, who had taken a seat right next to him in front of a large table with plenty of food. “Lane, your daughter is going to fetch us quite the deal from the Reeds.”
“Deal?” I asked.What was my father going to try to use me for now?
“Oh, it’s nothing,” my father said. “In fact, you’ve already done half the work. Jack’s in love with you. All you have to do now is get him to convince Braden Reed to give up these territories.” Father pulled out a map of Chicago, and I rolled my eyes. Of course, it was always about money.
“Jack’s not doing that,” I said. “Even if I could convince him to…”
It struck me as odd that my father hadn’t mentioned my pregnancy. Had Karen told him?Shewasworking for him, and if my father didn’t know, that would soften the blow of having to tell him.
Or so I thought.
“Daddy.” My throat went dry. I couldn’t get the words out.God, I wish Jack was here.
“Don’t you dare use that ‘daddy’ language on me, little girl,” Father said, his voice heartless and cold. Unlike him, I at least had a soul. I remained resolute in telling him. Regardless of what happened, I needed to get it out in the open.
Just then, one of Frank’s men whispered something to him. Frank cursed, and I was forgotten.
“Lane,” Frank said. “Send her away. We need to talk.”
I was immediately sent off with two guards, not the ones from the plane, who led me to another room. One of them tried to grab my arm, but I smacked his hand.
Frank laughed at that. “Easy. Just because your father pays our bills doesn’t mean I won’t have my guards hit you.”
Father shrugged when I gave him a hurt look. Then he said, “Frank, let my girl walk herself. She doesn’t need your men manhandling her. We have a very delicate situation to deal with ahead of us.”
