Page 9 of Oathbreaker

A smirk crawls across my face, and it must do something to my father. He straightens his back, his shoulders broadening.

Now he looks more like the imposing man the world knows.

Fake. It’s all fake.

“You’re distracted,” my father says, and I smell his cologne as he moves even closer. The sweet scent of whiskey fans across my face.

I hold my ground.

With a quirked eyebrow, Morris moves to Blair and places a hand on her shoulder. Ice glazes over her green eyes, but she doesn’t look at all upset that I just dissolved all wedding plans at our engagement party.

“Now, that’s not to say that I haven’t had my dalliances in the past. A little strange here and there keeps you young.” My father taps my arm with the back of his hand to punctuate his words.

“But you can’t let pussy take you under, Hunter. So I’m going to help you clear the distractions. Help you understand the bigger picture.”

He claps a hand on my shoulder.

And smiles.

Vibrations of foreboding center in my chest. I’m going to murder him right here, right now. Forget the rest of the plan.

I feel the shift of air as Leo takes a step closer to me.

Father sighs.

“Enough with the theatrics,” Morris says. “If that will be all, I’ll leave you to make your rounds. The Senator from Virginia would love to speak with you, Benjamin.” Morris turns back to Blair, ignoring my father and cutting me out.

Winter. August. Ella.

Clearing out distractions.

What has he done?

What have I done?

Resisting the urge to run, I leave the room with Leo following behind me. As soon as we clear the doors, I say, “We need locations on everyone now. Where are Ella, August, and Winter?” I book it to the club door, aiming for the G-wagon, not stopping to grab my coat.

“I need to get Winter now.”

“Agreed,” he says.

Fuck her clothes. I’ll have someone get her dog and buy her new clothes.

I need her with me, in my home. Safe.

Leo and I break into the bitter chill of the dead night. It’s stopped sleeting, at least.

I pull my phone out to call Winter. When she doesn’t answer, I look at the time. She should be home by now. I send her a text and try to ignore the apprehension manifesting behind my breastbone.

On my way to get you. I know you want space, but you’ll be safest at Amelia Manor.

A few seconds later, I send another text.

I love you.

We reach the G-wagon. Seconds later, Leo stomps on the gas and we launch out of the portico and down the winding drive. Leo frowns with his phone up to his ear as he navigates the vehicle through the slick turns. He pulls the phone away before tapping the screen and putting the call on hands-free mode through the car’s system.

“Rio, what’s the location on Jose?” Leo says as soon as the man answers.

---