Love And Money (Love Series - Book 2)

by K. L. Prince

  “I’m warning you, Son. Do as I say or suffer the consequences,” Bill Mason replies sternly.

  “I guess I will have to suffer the consequences, then. There is nothing that you can say or do that is going to make me change my mind. I’m sorry, Dad, but you are not going to get your way this time. My decision is final. You’re only option is to accept it,” Caden says, trying to keep as calm as possible. He is not going to let his father get under his skin.

  “I will never accept it and I will never accept Harper into our family. You will never have my blessing. In fact, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that this wedding never happens. Do you hear what I’m saying Caden? Am I making myself clear?” Bill Mason asks.

  The tone of his father’s voice makes Caden feel uneasy. “What is that supposed to mean?” he asks, feeling very uncomfortable and shifting in his seat.

  “I mean exactly what I said. I am going to do everything in my power to make sure that this wedding does not happen. Period.”

  “Are you threatening me, Dad?” Caden asks, staring his father directly in the eye.

  “Take it anyway that you like, but know that I mean what I say. If you’re smart, you’ll call off the engagement before things get out of hand,” Bill says, returning Caden’s steely stare.

  “I’ve heard enough,” Caden says and stands. “I’m your son and I’ve found a woman that makes me happy. You would think that you would be happy for me, but instead, all you care about is your own selfish desires. What kind of father threatens their flesh and blood over something that usually brings families great happiness? At this moment, I’m disgusted to call you my father.”

  “Son, you can feel however the hell you want to feel, but I’m your father and that will never change. I’m the only one who has your best interests at heart. You’re caught up in the midst of things, so you can’t see the bigger picture, but I can, and I know that Harper will never truly make you happy. She doesn’t bring anything to the table and she will be the downfall of you. That is why I have to step in and protect you. You may hate me for it at first, but in the long run you will thank me for it,” Bill Mason says, too coolly for Caden’s liking.

  Caden places both hands on his father desk and leans down to get as close as he can to his father. “If you do anything to Harper or harm her in any way, my father or not, I will make you pay. Do I make myself clear?” Caden says, finally losing his cool.

  Bill Mason smiles, but doesn’t say a word. Caden wishes he could reach across his father’s desk and wipe the smug grin of his father’s face, but he restrains himself.

  “I’m warning you, Dad. Leave me and Harper alone,” Caden says before storming out of his father’s office.

  Chapter 12

  Harper is curled up on Caden’s sofa looking at bridal magazines. She has found so many dresses that she is absolutely in love with and has the pages they are on flagged for future reviewing. She loves so many that she has no idea how she is going to be able to choose just one.

  As she flips through the magazine, she can’t help but smile. She has been dreaming about her wedding day since she was a child and the day has finally arrived. She is going to get married to the man of her dreams. She imagines that her wedding day will be just as magical as she used to dream about when she was a young girl.

  She has quickly learned that planning a wedding is a daunting task, but she is enjoying every single part of it. Caden has given her free reign and an unlimited budget that allows for anything that her heart so desires, so she’s been jumping in head first. He told her to spare no expense and that is what she’s been doing. She’s tossed her frugal self to the side for a change and has been choosing everything that she wants without feeling guilty, from the flowers to the wedding cake.

  It feels nice not to have to worry about money for a change, especially when it comes to the planning of her wedding. The odds and ends aside, her goal is to have a wonderful, fun-filled day, with family and friends. Most of all, she just wants to share the amazing moment of uniting with Caden, as husband and wife, with the people that she and Caden love and she wants to do it surrounded by good food and good music.

  There isn’t a moment that she isn’t looking forward to when it comes to the wedding. She looks forward to getting ready with Olivia and her other bridesmaids by her side. She looks forward to walking down the aisle to Caden waiting at the altar and the moment when the pastor says, “You may kiss the bride.” She looks forward to the reception and the speeches and well wishes from family and friends. She plans to dance the night away in Caden’s arms and then be whisked away to a romantic destination for their honeymoon. She looks forward to all of it and she is counting down the minutes that it becomes a reality.

  Caden wants to get married as soon as possible and so does she. They have both agreed that there is no point in putting the wedding off. They both want to be married to each other and to start their lives together as quickly as humanly possible. They aren’t getting any younger and they both just want to cement their relationship. Soon she will by Mrs. Mason or Mrs. Bailey-Mason. She’s not sure which one she likes better. She likes both equally as much.

  Her thoughts are interrupted by Caden barging through the door with an angry look on his face that is mixed with terror. “Pack your stuff. We’re leaving right now,” he says and slams the door to his condo.

  “Caden, what are you talking about?” Harper says, closing her magazine and sitting up on the sofa. “What’s the matter?”

  “I want you to pack some things. We’re leaving right now and we’re getting as far away from here as possible,” Caden says, beginning to pace.

  “Caden, slow down and tell me what’s going on. Why do you want to leave?” Harper asks, starting to get scared.

  “It’s my father. I’ve just had a meeting with him. He found out that we’re engaged and he’s not happy,” Caden says, continuing to pace.

  “Caden, our engagement is not a secret. You’re father was going to find out because you were going to tell him, right? We knew that he probably wasn’t going to be thrilled, but we were ready for that, so I don’t understand. What is the issue?” Harper asks, confused by Caden’s behavior because they had prepared for his father’s reaction. So why is Caden overreacting now to his father being upset by their engagement, something that they had prepared for?

  “He threatened me. He threatened us. He said that he’s going to do everything in his power to end our engagement,” Caden says with panic in his voice.

  “What does that mean, Caden?” she asks, feeling nervous as she watches Caden pace.

  “I don’t know what that means and that is why we should leave. He did threaten to disinherit me, but that doesn’t matter. I have enough money that we can live the rest of our lives comfortably and I know someone that can make us completely disappear.”

  “Caden, please sit down and talk to me. Your pacing is making me nervous,” Harper pleads.

  “Okay. Sorry,” Caden says and takes a spot next to her on the sofa. “Harper there are things about my father that you don’t know. He’s done things that I don’t have concrete proof of, but I have a gut-feeling about,” Caden says, turning towards her.

  “Like what?” Harper asks, scared to hear the answer.

  “Like, murder,” Caden says quietly.

  “Murder!” Harper exclaims. “You said that your father could be mean, evil even, but murder? That’s a big jump, Caden.”

  “And it’s not just one, Harper. Let’s just say that my father’s competition has a way of disappearing.”

  “You can’t be serious,” Harper says in shock.

  “Like I said, I can’t prove it, but I have had my suspicions. The suspicious disappearances of people that my father considers the competition has all been a little too convenient over the years, if you know what I mean,” Caden says, leaning back into the sofa. “I’ve tried to believe that the disappearances have just been coincidences and that my father couldn’t
really be capable of doing something as terrible as murder, but when I become the target of my father’s, I have to take the things surrounding my father a little more seriously.”

  “You think that he would do something to me?” Harper asks, feeling scared, but not totally believing that Caden’s father would actually harm her.

  “I really can’t say, but what else can my father mean when he says that he’s going to do everything in his power to end our engagement? I’m not going to call it off and you’re not going to call it off, so what’s left? I can only come to one conclusion,” Caden says and looks at her.

  “Caden, I don’t know your father that well or what’s he’s done or hasn’t done, but don’t you think that you’re overreacting just a bit?” Harper asks and smiles at Caden. “You’re not your father’s competition. You’re his son for goodness sakes. I can’t imagine that he would actually do something to harm you or me. What would he gain from doing that? If something were to happen to me, there aren’t really any other suspects other than him. You would blame him and he would lose you. Then who would run the empire you say that he goes on about? Think about it. I’m honestly leaning towards his threats being idle,” Harper says and takes Caden’s hands.

  “I don’t, Harper. You didn’t see the look in his eye when he was threatening me. I think he was serious and I couldn’t bear it if something were to happen to you,” Caden says bringing up their hands and kissing hers.

  “Caden, I really don’t think that we have to worry about your father. Plus, I can’t leave. My whole life is here. My mother is here and she needs me,” Harper says, reaching out with her loose hand and caressing Caden’s face.

  “Harper, my father has been planning out who he thought I should marry since I was young. He was dead-set on me marrying Madison from the time we were small. He told me that himself,” Caden says, closing his eyes at Harper’s touch.

  “Well, the plans aren’t going to come to fruition, now are they?” Harper says teasingly, running her fingers down Caden’s nose.

  Caden grabs her finger and kisses the tip. “Obviously they are not. Seriously, though, I don’t know exactly how much danger we are in, but I know that my father poses a threat.”

  “What if I promise to be extremely careful from this moment forward? What if I promise to always look over my shoulder and check my surroundings before I go anywhere? Can we stay?” Harper asks, feeling hopeful that Caden will agree to stay if she promises to try her best to stay safe, at least until the wedding.

  “I don’t know, Harper,” Caden says and shakes his head.

  “Please, Caden. How about we get married and then revisit leaving? I have so many things for the wedding already planned and scheduled. I’ve been looking so forward to the wedding and I’ve already sent out the invitations,” Harper says, sticking out her bottom lip in a pout.

  Caden looks at her, smiles, and leans over and kisses her. “How could I say no to that face?”

  “Thank you so much,” Harper says happily and throws her arm around him.

  “Don’t get too excited. There are some conditions, though,” Caden says, pulling away from her and looking at her seriously.

  “I don’t care. What are they?”

  “I’m going to hire some security to watch over you for awhile. I don’t know what my father is planning and I would just feel better if I know that there is someone watching over you when I’m not around.”

  “Caden, you don’t think that is a bit extreme?”

  “A second ago, you said that you didn’t care, remember?”

  “Alright, but I don’t want a bodyguard, if that is what you mean,” Harper says, giving in.

  “Okay, no bodyguard, but I am going to have someone sit outside your place, my place, and when you are at the restaurant. That is, if you still want to work there. Like, I’ve said, I have enough money for the both of us. You could quit your job today and never have to wait another table in your life, if you so choose.”

  “Caden, I appreciate the offer, but I like making my own money. I would go out of my mind with boredom, just sitting here all day. Plus, I don’t mind working at the restaurant. I like it there and I like the people that I work with.”

  “Well, technically you wouldn’t be bored, would you? You do have a wedding to plan, don’t you?” Caden says, teasing her.

  “I do, but I want to keep working for now. I might take you up on your offer further down the road, though. I’ve always wanted to go to school, but I haven’t ever had the opportunity because of money, but if the offer is still good later on, I would love to go to school.”

  “Of course, my offer is never going to leave the table. I would be thrilled if you went back to school, if that is what you want to do. You are going to be my wife and I will support you in anything that you want to do.”

  “Okay,” Harper says, feeling suddenly concerned. “Do you think that your father would do anything to harm my mother?”

  “I don’t want to scare you, but I was wondering the same thing myself. The thought has definitely crossed my mind, and since I can’t be a hundred percent sure, I will have someone watch over her as well for a while. It will make us both feel better.”

  “Thank you so much, Caden. I don’t know what I would do if something were to happen to my mother because of me. I don’t think that I would be able to live with myself. She is one of the most important people in my life and I don’t think that I could bear to lose her, especially not at the hands of your father.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not going to let anything happen to any of us. I promise,” Caden says and gives her a reassuring look.

  “I know you will do your best and I appreciate it,” Harper says and lays her head on her shoulder.

  “Harper, if you have any uncomfortable feelings or you feel like something isn’t right, I want you to tell me. However small, if something is off, I don’t want you to brush it off as paranoia or being insignificant, okay? I want you to let me know right away,” Caden says and kisses her forehead.

  “I promise, Caden. Come hell or high water, I’m making it down the aisle to become your wife. If I feel strange, see something that seems odd, or something happens, I will do whatever I have to do to keep myself safe and I will let you know right away,” Harper promises.

  “Another thing, if something does happen, we’re leaving. I don’t care what you say. We’re packing our bags immediately and getting the hell out of dodge, okay?” Caden says sternly.

  “Okay,” Harper agrees. It only makes sense.

  * * * * *

  “Oh my gosh, let me see the ring,” Olivia says, taking Harper’s hand and admiring her engagement ring. “I don’t know how you manage to hold your hand up with a diamond that big. I’m sooo jealous. Congratulations,” Olivia gushes and hugs her.

  “There is nothing to be jealous about,” Harper says, the concern she’s been feeling for that past couple of days showing on her face.

  “Wait a minute. You’ve just told me that you’re engaged to the man of your dreams. You should be jumping up and down from excitement, but once again, you look like someone just killed your puppy. What’s happened now?” Olivia asks and shakes her head.

  “As per usual, my newfound engagement is surrounded by problems,” Harper says and plumps herself down on Olivia’s sofa.

  “I guess some drinks are in order. Let me get us a bottle of wine and then you can tell me what’s going on,” Olivia says, disappearing into her kitchen.

  As Harper plays with her engagement ring and listens to Olivia move around in her kitchen, closing cabinets and gathering wine glasses for them, she wonders if the situation surrounding her upcoming nuptials is a bad omen. She wonders if she and Caden getting married under such shadowy circumstances is inviting bad luck into their impending marriage and if they should just call the whole deal off.

  She can’t even begin to imagine how devastated she would be not to marry Caden, but what does the alternative look like? They could
just settle with being together without getting married, but would that be enough for Caden’s father? She’s not sure if Caden’s father would agree and settle for that. She is convinced that he doesn’t want her in Caden’s life in any form, so she decides that marrying him or not marrying him really doesn’t make much of a difference in the end. She can’t win without losing Caden, and she can’t lose him, she won’t, so she’s paralyzed. There is nothing that she can do.

  “Alright, spill,” Olivia says, returning with the bottle of wine and the glasses.

  “Well, a couple of days ago, Caden came home and he was freaking out over a meeting he had with his father,” Harper says, watching Olivia crack open the bottle of wine and pouring them each a glass. She takes a huge swig of wine before continuing. “He came barging into his condo and he was adamant that we had to leave.”

  “Leave?” Olivia asks, picking up her glass of wine and turning toward her.

  “Yeah, he wanted to leave…the country, I think. He was going on about how he had enough money for us to live on for the rest of our lives and that we could disappear. He wanted to go somewhere where no one would find us,” Harper says, recalling the day in her mind and remembering how distraught Caden looked as he paced back and forth around the condo.

  “What did Caden’s father say exactly?” Olivia asks, stunned by Harper’s admission.

  “Caden didn’t give any specifics and I don’t think that he’s father did either. His father just said that he was going to do whatever it took to stop us from getting married,” Harper says, downing the reminder of the wine in her glass and pouring herself another.

  “This is getting a little strange, Harper. I just don’t understand why Caden’s father is so against you and him getting married. It’s a little weird, if you ask me,” Olivia says, taking a sip of wine, placing her glass back on the coffee table and placing her legs under her.