Chapter 23 #2
I could swear the man was dissecting me with his eyes. Yet as indifferent as they’d seemed just a few seconds ago, they were suddenly filled with emotion. “I do not trust Liam O’Leary. He’s been lying to you.”
“Lying? Well, neither do I. He’s been a thorn in my side, truly believing he could run my life because I was once married to his brother.” I wasn’t about to get into the issue with the insurance.
Exhaling, he took a gulp of his drink. “I will keep you and Emily safe using everything in my power, but you will be honest with me at all times.”
What was the point in arguing that I could take care of myself? I’d proven otherwise. “I’m not lying to you. If you continue to judge my character, we won’t have anything to talk about. You found out who took those pictures. Didn’t you?”
He chuckled, but not because whatever he was thinking was funny. He was brimming with rage. “A recent hire at the restaurant and the woman who lured Emily away from the school.”
Horrified, I pressed my fingers against my lips. “My God. What is going on?”
“As I mentioned before, you are being used against me. That places a target on both your backs. That’s why you will do as I command.”
I wanted to argue with him, but he was the reason my baby was safely cuddled up underneath covers. “You think my brother-in-law is involved. Don’t you?” The thought repulsed me.
“I think the Irish are in bed with the Greeks.”
“You’re serious. You think my brother-in-law is involved criminally with this Papadakis family.”
“Yes, I do. And no, I don’t have proof as a game is being played, Halle. The fire. The pictures on the internet. The attempted kidnapping, which I’m not firmly convinced would be used to harm Emily. And the money owed to you.”
“Let me guess, the settlement already occurred.”
He nodded, taking his time doing so. I could kill Liam. Why hadn’t I acted on my instincts? Because I’d refused to believe family could stoop so low.
My lower lip was quivering as I thought about my baby girl all over again. “That’s a very dangerous game that I want no part of.”
“Unfortunately, fate put us together.”
“Someday you’ll need to tell me why you’re at war with the Greeks and the Irish. Or pick a nationality.”
He laughed. “It’s simple. For money and power. That’s always the case.”
“How can you stand it?”
“Because it’s all I’ve ever known, but I assure you that my life isn’t all about violence and revenge. But in this case…” He hesitated. “If I find the O’Learys are in any way involved with what has occurred, I’ll do what’s necessary to protect my family. Including you.”
The dichotomy of words coming from his mouth confused the hell out of me. He was ready to burn down the world to keep me and my daughter safe, yet he wasn’t certain he could trust me. What a lonely world he’d lived in. Then again, I couldn’t trust Liam. Was I any different? “Understood.”
“I’m glad we were able to come to an understanding. Now, I told you to stay at the school for your safety. You disobeyed me.”
“Because Emily is my daughter.”
“And what would have happened if you’d gotten hurt? Or worse. What then? Emily needs her mother safe and sound.” The look on his face was as stern as I’d seen it to date.
Granted, I’d reacted instead of thinking the possible consequences through, as I usually did when faced with a crisis. “I knew what I was doing.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m going to allow you off the hook. You deserve to be punished.”
I opened my mouth to retort, surprised when the thought of him taking me over his knee and spanking me like some bad girl had ignited my pussy.
The realization was embarrassing and I looked away, certain he could see the heat I felt creeping across my cheeks.
“I was just thinking about my daughter.”
“And so was I.”
Every emotion I’d felt while being with Alexsey was coming to a head. I couldn’t lie to myself any longer. I cared about him more than anyone should after just a few days of chaos. Maybe that really did allow the heart to grow fonder.
“I know you were. I’ll never be able to thank you. Not adequately anyway.” At least I was being honest with him. And with myself.
Kristine had nearly freaked out when I’d called her.
My little girl’s teacher, who’d been horrified that she’d turned her head for a split second had been sobbing when she’d learned Emily was safe.
I’d yet to make a phone call to Liam, but I could only imagine how loud he’d yell into the phone. Only with him, I’d give it right back. I wasn’t in the mood for his shit. Plus, if there was any chance he was involved in what had occurred, I would destroy him.
“Is this about the Greeks?” I asked quietly as Alexsey approached with our drinks.
“That’s my guess.”
“But you don’t know for certain.” I took the drink from his hand, careful to avoid skin contact. Every time we touched, I lost a little more of myself in him. I needed to keep a clear head to figure out how to handle Liam.
“Not yet, but I will find out.” Something was different about his demeanor and the look in his eyes. He wasn’t just angry. He was calm. And from what I knew about him, that was even more dangerous.
“How will you know?”
“You rattle enough cages, you find the answers.”
“You mean you’re going to hurt someone if they don’t talk.”
His smirk was the answer. “Do you really want to know?”
“Maybe I do. Anyone who would put a child in the middle of whatever war is a sick fuck and I wouldn’t mind displaying my personal anger.”
“And I wouldn’t mind seeing it.” He inched closer so the heat of his body created a warm blanket all around me. Even still, I shivered. “You’re safe here.”
“But what about when I go home? Are you going to have your goons following me for the rest of my life?” I was testing him. Or maybe goading him.
He brushed his bent finger under my chin, brushing it ever so slowly from one side to the other. “Here’s the problem with that. You eluded the man I had following you earlier. Let me guess. You did so on purpose.”
My turn to smirk. “I don’t like it when men try and force me into doing something I don’t want to do. Having me followed isn’t a traditional form of endearment, you know.”
He chuckled and continued to caress my face. Tingles formed everywhere and without thinking, I wrapped my hands around his shirt, pulling myself closer to him.
“I never said I was a traditional romantic.”
“No, you did not.” I lifted my head, realizing I was offering a blatant invitation. He rubbed his lips across mine but pulled away almost instantly.
“You can’t do that any longer, Halle. You can’t fight me. You’ll need to place your trust in me.”
“Trust isn’t my issue, Alexsey. You saved my daughter’s life. That goes a long way with me. However, it’s obvious I need to stay away from you. This isn’t my world.”
“I don’t think I need to tell you that you’re in danger.” He curled his finger, taking another step away, away from the temptation.
We both felt it.
Utter blasting heat, the kind that didn’t let go, the type that sweltered in the darkest reaches of our souls. A need becoming so strong that the draw was almost too powerful. Too intense.
“That doesn’t mean I can simply stop doing what I’m doing. I have a life. A house to take care of, two jobs.” I glanced at my watch, cringing. “I’m supposed to be going to work in a couple hours. I have bills to pay.”
“You don’t need to worry about any of that.”
“Why? Because you’re going to take care of me?
You’re going to pay my bills and make certain my daughter goes to kindergarten, which she already loves even after the shit from today.
Or at least I hope she still does. Are you going to have me chauffeured to her doctor’s appointments?
And what about when I’m called out to a fire?
Are you going to be there or will one of those two very nice men who bought my daughter one too many Cokes while we waited do it?
What about clothes and her toys? I don’t mean to be rude at all, but while this condo is gorgeous, it’s a haven for single people.
There’s no backyard. No open windows to let in the fresh air.
There’s no grass to play on. I’d be terrified if she didn’t hold my hand every second when we left.
And this isn’t the best place to raise a puppy. ”
“A puppy?”
“Yes. Her doctor, I mean the one you hired and insisted on paying for, did say that having a support animal that could provide advance warning of an attack so additional medications could be given might keep her from having surgery.”
“Hmmm…”
Yes, hmmm… Now maybe he was seeing that my life was just as complicated as his.
My nervousness was kicking my ass. Sighing, I looked away briefly, even hiding behind the glass. I had no intention of leaving my daughter tonight. None.
Alexsey was far too quiet, so much so I finally turned to glare at him. “What?”
“Take a breath while I try and answer you.” He used his commanding voice.
“I will absolutely take care of you, Halle. As far as your bills, I’ll simply make them go away.
Kindergarten, well, I might be able to convince you to allow your beautiful daughter to attend the private school where my second cousin goes.
She and Nina are about the same age. Maybe they could become friends. ”
I knew I was staring at him, maybe not even blinking. Was he serious right about now? “Excuse me?”
“I’m not finished yet, Halle. Of course I would be happy to take her to any or all doctor’s appointments when you couldn’t make it. The fire might be complicated, but I don’t think whoever is attacking us will dare try and do so when you’re working an active fire. Even they aren’t that stupid.”
I couldn’t help now remaining completely quiet, sipping my drink while his brow furrowed as he was trying to remember all the ridiculous thoughts I’d tossed out. He lifted his arm holding the drink, rubbing his thumb across the lines on his forehead created by his arching brows.
“Oh, of course. Clothes and toys. I’ll go with you in the morning to pick up a few from your house.
Or if you’d prefer, we’ll simply go shopping.
That way everything will be new. Maybe that will please the little princess.
She deserves new things. So does her mother.
Last on the list…” He took a few seconds scanning the massive living room as if seeing it for the first time.
“You know, my cousin told me just this morning I needed to bypass the insurance assholes and just buy a house. You’re right.
This house is not meant for a family with a child.
I think I will buy that house. With land.
And grass. I like the idea of grass. Definitely a swing.
I think that’s what they’re called. Maybe one on the front porch.
As far as a support animal, my sister-in-law will be very helpful in finding out how to go about that.
Now, I think I covered all the bases. No, I forgot one.
I told Emily we’d go get ice cream and I lied to her. We’ll need to rectify that tomorrow.”
For a big brute of a man, he could almost talk me under the table. I folded my arms, inching a little closer. “Just who are you again? Here I thought I could place you into the big bad guy category and you go and surprise me all over again. But you can’t be serious. What are you trying to tell me?”
During our last conversation I’d seen how much I’d hurt him with my caustic mouth. Now I had a chance to see yet another glimpse into the boy in him, the one that could light up a room just as much with an impish grin as he could by demanding everyone follow his orders.
“Who am I?” he repeated, once again closing the distance. “I’m a man of means who plans on taking care of you whether you want me to or not. As far as what I’m telling you. It’s just this. You’re not going anywhere. Not for the time being. And in my mind, not for a very long time if ever.”