I swiftly reached for the gun at his side, at the same time circling him and placing my arm around his neck, pulling him against me. When his men pointed their weapons at me, I pressed the gun into his back, tightening my grip around his neck. Instead of being concerned, he laughed.
“You’re making this much more difficult than it needs to be, Wesley.”
He didn’t move as he spoke, but his words caused me to press the gun harder into his back. My fingers itched to pull the trigger, but I wasn’t ready for the aftermath that decision would cause. I needed information. I needed to know his plan.
“How long have you been watching me, Fredrick?”
When his men started to move, I pressed the gun to his temple. They stopped in their tracks.
“Truthfully, Wesley, I haven’t been watching you that long. You really weren’t my top priority,” he explained. “Until I discovered this situation.”
I gritted my teeth. “So you admit you have a list?”
He laughed. “I never denied having a list. You never asked. However, if we’re pointing things out, I do know you and your family are quite fond of lists.” He took a measured breath, attempting to turn toward me, but I tightened my grip around his neck. “Not concerned about the destruction and lives you ruin along the way. I wouldn’t be so quick to judge another with that legacy hanging over my head.”
Suddenly, one of his men ran toward me. I fired in his direction, intentionally missing, quickly pressing the gun back to Fredrick’s head. I narrowed my eyes at the man as he regained his composure, straightening from a crouched position.
“Call off your dogs, Fredrick. If you don’t, you will pay the ultimate price. Another known fact about my family is we don’t miss.”
He eyed the man, swallowing. I could hear his uncertainty in his voice when he gave the command. “Stand down, Logan. I think Wesley and I might need some more time to come to an agreement.”
The man stepped back, lowering his weapon. The other men kept their guns pointed in my direction.
“Now, let’s discuss this situation, Wesley. You pulling that trigger will only endanger my daughter further. You and I both know if you shoot me, my men will quickly shoot you. In order to avoid that, let’s clarify some things.”
“I’m listening.”
He tried to turn in my direction, but I tightened my grip around his neck again, preventing him from doing so.
“Let’s start off with what you and I both want.”
“And what is that?” I questioned.
“For my daughter to be safe, of course.”
I laughed at his lies. “I have a funny feeling your daughter’s safety isn’t your primary concern these days, Fredrick. It appears to me your priorities are much broader than Mia.”
I felt him tense as my words sank in. Truthful. Painful. That was why many people preferred to avoid hearing the truth. Fredrick wasn’t an exception.
“Perhaps you’re right,” he finally admitted. “But never mistake how important she is to me. If I arranged anything involving my daughter, she was always safe.” He paused, lowering his voice. “Alyssa is all I have left of my wife, and the life that was taken from us.”
I took in his words, trying to find sympathy for him, but I couldn’t. Regardless of the fact his family was torn apart, his retaliation endangered a woman I had grown fond of. Someone who didn’t deserve to be caught in the middle of an inevitable battle.
“Exactly how do you think this is going to go, Fredrick? Did you really believe you could walk in here and take Mia without a fight?” I shook my head, using his words against him. “If you thought that for a second, you’re delusional.”
He slowly turned toward me. I let him, keeping the gun pointed at his head, cocking back the hammer.
“Son, I’m far from delusional. If anything, I’m a man who knows anything is possible, including the destruction of your family and Alek Johnson.”
I looked at him in disbelief. “You’re standing here telling me about your intention to destroy my family, yet you’re not the least bit concerned about the vulnerable position you’re in right now?”
“I’m not concerned because I know you will eventually allow me to walk out of here.”
I laughed. “And what makes you so sure I will let you go?” I pressed. “The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind.”
His eyes crinkled in the corners and a disturbing smile formed on his face. I was a few inches taller than him, but his sudden boost in confidence made me feel small.
“Wesley, the seed I planted has spread. Under normal circumstances, it would be a bit of an issue, but in this case, it’s extremely beneficial.”
“I don’t have time to play guessing games, Fredrick. Spit it out.”
His smile slipped, replaced with a knowing stare. “You love her.”
I grew still. Those three words weakened the wall I had built. The distance I intentionally kept from Mia because I knew I couldn’t act on those feelings. The only option I had was doing my best to keep her safe.
“Don’t worry, Wesley. I don’t need confirmation. My observations of you two have proven to be enough.” I didn’t lower the gun. He continued, a hint of sincerity in his voice. “She isn’t safe with you, son, and I don’t think I need to clarify why.”
I swallowed as his words sank in, the truth in them undeniable. “I can keep her safe. She will be much safer with me then with a father who intends to use her as bait.” I turned him away from me angrily. “You willingly led her to a man you know isn’t worthy of her. What kind of person does that to someone they claim to love and care about?”
“Are you claiming to be worthy of Alyssa, Wesley?” he snarled. “If so, your track record proves otherwise.”
Those words made me reconsider everything, even my judgment.
“You know nothing about me, Fredrick,” I whispered. “Your manipulation isn’t going to work here. I’m far too seasoned for this type of game.”
He shrugged. “This isn’t a matter of manipulation. It’s simply the facts.” He continued as his men stood watch, waiting for a moment of weakness on my part. “The eldest son of Stinson Black, forced into a life of crime.” He shook his head. “I don’t believe any of it. You live and breathe corruption, just like your father, and no matter how hard you fight it, the need and urge will always be there. It’s who you are, unfortunately, and my daughter deserves much more than a lifestyle that has already ripped her family apart.”
He was right, but it wasn’t anything I didn’t already know. I had known it my entire life.
“I think she can make her own decisions,” I replied slowly, trying to mask the uncertainty in my voice. “She isn’t a child anymore, Fredrick. You need to come to terms with that.”
“Then you have two things that will make her turn against you. You knowing who she is but not able to tell her because if you did, you would have to tell her everything. And your involvement. Your part in all of it. Your true colors will quickly outshine everything else. Not to mention you’ll have to look over your shoulder constantly, knowing you also betrayed your own family. Are you willing to take that chance?” He paused. “Your father would stop at nothing to end you with that level of disrespect, Wesley. Letting Alyssa go with me would be the best thing for her, and you know that’s true.”
I listened to his logic because certain things he pointed out were true.
“What are you suggesting, Fredrick?”
“I’m suggesting you give my daughter to me, Wesley. In return, you’ll have peace of mind that she’s safe, and I promise you, no one will die just yet.”
Before lowering my weapon, I asked a question I knew wouldn’t change my decision, regardless of his answer. But the curiosity was too strong to ignore.
“Do you mind clarifying ‘just yet’?”
“Not at all.” He cleared his throat. “This battle is far from over, Wesley. What was done to my family, especially my wife, will be avenged. If you were in my shoes,
you would do the same. This reprieve will give you time to look at the bigger picture and ask your father what this is all really about.”
My mind going a mile a minute, I slowly lowered the gun. The weight I carried from all my sins, the things I had done throughout my life, perched on my shoulders. At that moment, I didn’t deserve Mia. She was better off on the proper side of the impending battle. If I tried to fight it, we would both pay the price.
“If you hurt one hair on her head,” I warned, carefully placing the gun onto the floor, “I will come after you, Fredrick.”
He straightened his suit as one of his men quickly picked up the gun. Once again, I was at Fredrick Hall’s mercy and was unsure if he would keep his word. Men with our reputations could never be trusted.
“That is something I can promise you, son. Alyssa will be unharmed. After all, she is my daughter, and I will always protect what is mine.”
As he walked away, one of his men came back into the room. “I’m positive she’s in the closet in the bedroom, Mr. Hall. I figured you should be the one to open it.”
I watched Fredrick walk down the hall before the butt of Logan’s gun came at my head. I felt myself fall, but right before blackness took over, I realized Fredrick Hall might be worse than my father…and I had just handed a woman I would do anything for over to him.
***
I struggled not to blame myself, knowing I had made the logical choice. Fredrick was her father and would do anything within his power to protect her, even if he did use her to his advantage. He had mentioned her discovering my secrets, never considering the damage his own would cause her.
I pushed my guilt to the side as I shuffled toward the bedroom, holding my head. I refused to allow the intense pounding to distract me.
I knew it was too late to go after them. If Fredrick were as smart as I’d heard, they were miles away and far out of my reach by now. He knew I would eventually go after them, even after surrendering and giving her up.
I snatched my cell off the nightstand, anxiously hitting the number I had called too many times over the past few days.
“Yes?” Calvin answered. I heard people talking in the background.
“We need to talk,” I replied, grabbing my keys and walking out to my car. “Can you step away from your company for a moment?”
“Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I need to take this call,” he said sharply. “How about we take a short break.”
He took a deep breath as the voices faded. “I don’t consider having a meeting company, Wesley.” I heard a door shut. “This had better be important.”
“They took her,” I seethed, starting the engine. “I was outnumbered and had no choice but to give her to him.”
“Who is him?” Calvin asked slowly. “If you’re speaking of our father, how did he find you so quickly? I thought you had a secure safe house.”
“Not him, Calvin. Fredrick Hall.” I swallowed, trying to calm down. “Him and about five other men broke into my cabin and demanded I give her to him. He also said if I surrendered, no one would die…yet.”
I didn’t mention anything else because it would only prove what my brother suspected. My involvement with Mia clouded my judgment. Now she was in the hands of the person he warned me she might run to. Except she didn’t run. She was taken.
“I warned you. I said you needed to get rid of her, Wesley.” He cursed. “This is precisely why I should’ve taken care of things myself. I should’ve known you couldn’t go through with it. Should’ve known you were already too far gone.”
I backed out of the driveway, heading toward the city. “You shouldn’t have done anything, Calvin,” I said calmly, trying to disguise the anger, hurt, and skepticism. “I wouldn’t have allowed you to if you tried. What I will do is apologize for dragging you into this. I just needed your help. With everyone else turning against me, I knew you were the only person I could trust.” I hesitated. “I know you talk a big game, Calvin, but in the end, you can relate to the reasons we’re so fucked up. You know why I feel the way I do about things, especially this whole operation we strive to protect.”
He was silent. Right before I pressed the end button, I heard him sigh.
“The thing is, Wesley, us being fucked up will never change. Neither will the fact you’ve been protecting our enemy and have the urge to do it again.” I heard the distress in his voice. “No matter what this woman’s motives are, even considering the fact she could be innocent, you can’t protect her. She’s a loose end. You know as well as I do they have to be dealt with. However, the fact she’s now with her father changes everything.
“Here’s the million-dollar question, though, Wes. How do you plan to protect yourself when Stinson finds out what you’ve done? I can’t help you. This issue has gone far beyond any assistance I can provide.”
Not knowing what to say, I ended the call. I was on my own, and the only place that might provide answers was the one place I told myself I would never return to. However, it also housed the man who could give me those answers…or end me the moment I walked through the door.
Chapter Fifteen
Mia
THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING, I thought as I sat next to my father in the back of the SUV. His dominant, yet caring aura filled the vehicle, and when the familiar scent of his cologne hit my nostrils, I knew it wasn’t my imagination. After all these years, he was there.
When his determined green eyes shifted in my direction, I felt my throat constrict, unable to contain the flood of emotions traveling through me. Tears formed in the corners of my eyes, and even with all the fight I had left, I couldn’t contain them. I was exhausted. I tasted the saltiness of my tears as they hit my lips. Just when I thought I was going to break, I felt my father’s hand cover mine. In that moment, I suddenly felt safe.
***
“Alyssa, we’re here.”
I woke to the sound of my father’s voice. Even though I knew he was there, I couldn’t prevent the temporary shock of seeing him. In the flesh. In front of me.
Looking at his face, his expression didn’t convey that it had been ten years. It appeared seeing me grown, no longer a troubled child, was nothing to him, which meant only one thing. Every time I looked over my shoulder because I felt like I was being watched, I wasn’t crazy. He had been there, in the shadows. Finally looking at him only brought several questions to mind. Why now? Why, after all these years, was he back for me?
“I didn’t want to wake you,” he said, stepping out of the vehicle and quickly moving to my side to open the door. “You always were so beautiful when you slept, Alyssa. Those precious memories were one of the only things that kept me motivated throughout the years.”
If it were anyone else sitting here, hearing those words, they would’ve been grateful, but I wasn’t. The curiosity of his presence made all the happiness and security I felt disappear, replacing it with a burning need. I needed answers more than anything else. More than him. Wesley. Alek. More than the air I breathed.
Still, when he offered me his hand, I took it, the questions on the tip of my tongue. When his hand slowly caressed my face, the need grew faint.
“I know you want answers, Alyssa, and I promise you, I’ll give them to you soon. But right now is not the time or place, angel. Let’s get inside.”
The man who had been driving walked from around the vehicle, his gaze surveying the area. He whispered a few words to the man who had been in passenger seat. When he turned in our direction, I gasped.
Logan.
The guard Alek had hired to watch me. The one I had skipped out on before I was kidnapped by a man I realized I cared for more than my husband. I expected him to be angry, but the only thing I received from him was a genuine smile before he started toward the house.
“I’m sure you’re familiar with Logan, Alyssa. He’s been keeping an eye on you for quite some time. He happens to be fond of you, which was why he was beside himself when he had to admit you somehow slipped through his
fingers the other day.” I swallowed, allowing my father to lead me toward the door. “I was upset, but your recovery is what’s most important, and Logan did a fine job of tracking you down. He’s one of the best.”
“I don’t understand,” I muttered, stepping inside the house. “I thought he worked for—”
“Your husband?” he asked sternly. “No. Logan has been working for me for years. I recently planted him inside your husband’s security because of the threats. It appears Alek Johnson has a growing list of enemies these days.”
“Is he your enemy?” I blurted out, trying to piece together what I could as I looked around the mansion.
Chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Large pieces of furniture decorated the massive living room. I was transported back to my childhood, my mother painfully absent. As I looked down the many hallways, I knew she wouldn’t walk from any of them. There would be no surprise meeting with her.
My father’s voice pulled me back to the present.
“I think we all have our enemies, angel. Even the ones we think we can trust.” He paused, looking around. “I learned those are the people we need to watch out for the most.”
I took in his words, realizing he hadn’t answered my question. “I take that as a yes,” I said cautiously, moving toward the couch. My legs starting to give way, my father quickly occupied the chair beside it, helping me sit.
“I know this is all confusing for you, Alyssa. You’re probably asking yourself why. Why have I revealed myself to you after all these years.” He reached for my hand, holding it tightly. The pain in his eyes was indescribable. “The time has come for me to avenge what was done to our family. I’ve planned. I’ve plotted. Every checkmark has been properly placed. The only thing I have to do now is wait for the perfect opportunity.” He looked down at the floor before turning back to me. “Maybe then we can both experience a little peace.”
***
My gaze stayed trained on my father as I took in his words.
“Wait for the perfect opportunity.”
I should’ve been relieved knowing the justice I had always dreamed about was finally close to becoming a reality. The fight I thought I would have to face alone had been lifted off my shoulders. Instead, I felt the sudden urge to stop it. Everything about what he said felt wrong. His passion for avenging my mother’s death was heartwarming, but I couldn’t agree with everything else. Why now? The reason he gave didn’t quite answer.
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