Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
I lived in one too and my family was still taken from me.
“Hmm,” is all I say, unconvinced.
“Private security team. Pays more for them than the White House pays for the Secret Service. She’ll be safe there.”
“Any word on Putnam?”
“Not yet, but I’ve been checking for any local chatter about bikers. Putnam lives by violence, so wherever he goes, he will cause a stir. We’ll catch him,” he assures me.
I take another hard suck off my cigarette before tossing it down and stubbing it out. “How’d Stormy know your name?”
He stiffens. “I don’t fucking know. I’m going to find out.”
“Where is she?”
“Filter took her to their room and they’ve been up there ever since.”
Filter will take care of it. He’s loyal to me, not some nosy club whore. I knew she was always listening in.
“Since you’re awake, grab a coffee and let’s do this shit.”
“Now? How are we getting her there?”
“I slipped her some shit to knock her ass out for hours.”
His lips press together in a disapproving frown, but he nods. “Give me five.”
Daylight breaks when the GPS takes us down a long road toward Genworth’s palace. I don’t say palace fucking lightly. It’s ten times bigger than my massive estate ten years ago. The guy’s a billionaire, so it’s no surprise. The gate is huge and heavily fortified with armed guards. Knowing she’ll be safe has me relaxing. I cast a quick glance into the back seat. She sleeps heavily still. I’d thrown on one of my hoodies and sweatpants on her sleeping body. The clothes swallow her, but it makes me feel good knowing she’ll be leaving covered from head to toe in me.
“Can I help you?” the voice on the intercom says in an unfriendly tone.
“Here to see Genworth.”
“You’ll have to book an appointment with his secretary during normal business hours.”
“I have Nicolette. I’m delivering her to him. Let me fucking through or I’ll turn my ass around and keep her.”
He doesn’t respond.
For five long minutes, we don’t get a response. Still, we wait.
The gate opens and Copper gives me a wary look.
“I don’t like this,” Copper grumbles.
“You don’t like anything.”
I drive his truck through the gate down the long driveway to Genworth’s castle. Two black SUVs sit parked out front with several men standing beside them. They look ready for war.
I’m not here for war.
I’m bringing a gift.
As a father myself and a man who has everything, I know what a truly priceless gift this is.
Once I park Copper’s truck, I climb out, ignoring the weapons trained on me. I fling open the back seat and pull Hadley’s thin body into my arms. Several of the men curse once they realize I wasn’t bluffing.
She stirs, moaning a little, but doesn’t wake.
“Where’s Genworth?” I demand.
A man moves forward like he’s going to take Hadley from me, but I shake my head at him. He frowns but nods.
“Come inside.”
Copper and I follow him up the steps and through the massive mahogany door. We step into a cavernous entryway that leads to an open area with two sets of staircases leading to a second floor. In the center of the open area is a large marble sculpture—a man riding a stallion that’s bucking.
The man walks over to a closed door and raps. “Sir. They’re here.”
A few moments later, the door opens and a man exits. He’s wearing a suit, but his hair is disheveled like he just woke up. Dark bags circle his eyes and his face is lined with creases.
“Hadley,” he chokes out, his hand flying to his chest. “Please don’t hurt her.”
Copper and I exchange a foul look.
“I fucking brought her to you,” I snap, drawing the man’s attention. “Kind of insulting to insinuate I’d hurt her now.”
His face pinches in confusion. “I’m Marron Genworth. Billionaire. People make it their job to hurt what’s mine.” Fear shines in his brown eyes that match hers exactly.
“Putnam wants her,” I bark out. “Can you promise she’s safe with you?”
He blinks rapidly at me. “I’m her father.”
“No fucking shit, Sherlock. Is she safe here?”
Slowly, he nods, as though he’s trying to figure me out. “Of course she is. I won’t let her out of my sight ever again. She’s eighteen now. No need to go to school. If she wants an education, I’ll bring someone here to give it to her.”
“Men on her. Round the clock,” I warn. “Because the moment you turn your head, he’ll be there.”
“What do you want?” he asks, his attention darting to his daughter. He rakes his gaze over her as though to assess her for damages.
“Her safety.”
“That’s it? You don’t want my money?”
This fucker is arrogant as shit. “I have my own.”
Despite my biker attire, he nods as though he believes me.
“Well, is that all?” he asks, impatience in his tone.
“Nope. That’s it.”
“I can take her from here.”