Page 93 of Beautiful Chaos

“You know I’m not one for pleasantries. What do you want?” I snapped, hoping he would take the hint, and hurry his interruption of my evening.

“The Whitlock mansion has sold, as you requested, but the cleaners said they found some interesting items that seemed sentimental,” he paused.

“Your mother’s journals and some things in the attic”

“Is it something you can mail to me?” I don’t want to go anywhere near that place if I don’t have to.”

haven’t stepped foot on that property since I left, the day I turned eighteen, despite my father’s many requests for me to visit.

“I thought maybe you’d like to come retrieve them and see if there was anything else you wanted to keep. There are so many memories in that house Jasper, not all of them bad from what I could tell.” His voice was soft and seemed genuine, but I wasn’t lost from the fact that I fucking knew he had something to do with my mother’s death, but he was right. Not all my memories before she died were bad. She did her best to hide what was happening between her and my father from me. I was completely blind to it until he got careless.

The annoying sound of Chester’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“Well, the movers won’t be there for the furniture until next Tuesday, if you decide to make the trip, I’d do it before then.”

“Fine,” I snapped, ending the call. I tossed my phone onto the desk and ran my hands through my hair. Throwing my head back against the headrest, I sighed loudly.

“Fuck!”

The last thing I wanted to do was visit the house I was held captive after my mother’s death. Trapped under one roof with whom, I knew to be her killer.

A light knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.

The door opened slowly with Harper peeking into the office, her face immediately took away all the dread I felt only moments before.

“Is everything okay?” she asked, in the softest tone. When my eyes met hers, I raised two fingers and gestured for her to come to me. She did so without hesitation. When she got close enough, I reached out, wrapped my arms around her waist, and buried my face into her stomach. Her hands, instinctively run through my hair.

“I have to go to Atlanta this weekend.”

I felt her tense under my hold at just the mention of her hometown.

I pulled her down onto my lap and tilted her head to look me in the eyes.

“Harper, you know you are safe with me, right?” She nodded, her tears threatening to escape.

“I know, it’s just hard to forget,” her voice trailed off.

“I will always protect you, no matter what,” I said firmly, feeling a sense of rage bubble in my gut remembering what those assholes did to her.

They were lucky that they were already dead, or I’d kill them for having such an effect on my girl. Their death was too quick. They deserved a slow painful death. Given the time Max and I could have gotten quite creative, I’m certain.

“I know you will, Jasper. I love you so much.”

“I know you do, Doll, and I will ensure you always have a reason to continue.” She leaned forward and kissed the tip of my nose.

I used to hate that type of affection. I’m not typically affectionate, but Harper has completely captivated me and transformed my soul. I’d be whatever she asked me to be, and fucking love every minute of it.

“What for?” she asked, catching me off guard. I looked at her with questioning eyes. “You said you’re going to Atlanta this weekend,” she reminded me.

“I have to go to my family home, it sold, and there are some things there that belonged to my mother.” She nodded while kissing my collarbone.

“When will you be back?” she asked with a sad look about her.

“When will we be back?” I corrected her. There was no way I was leaving her here alone. I have enough security to keep her safe, but I want her with me.

“Are you asking me to go away with you Jasper Whitlock?” She cooed, and I could feel her smile on my neck.

“Fuck yes.”

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