Page 20 of Protected By the Surly Carpenter

“No, I’ve got it. Thanks.”

I burst into the house, remembering in the nick of time to not raise my voice when I call out. “Elena? Where are you, baby?”

Silence.

Then I find her note in the kitchen. My hand is shaking as I clutch the paper, I’m so upset. I understand her not wanting to interrupt my work, but to leave the property alone?

My truck is tearing down the driveway in seconds. My sweet girl is so innocent. Too trusting. I don’t think she realizes how ruthless some men can be when they want something.

I’ve never been one to ask for help. Always self-sufficient. My life, my property, my business. Just me.

But this time, right after I pass the familiar house with the police car in the driveway, I make a call.

“Hey, Clark. That you tearing by just now like a bat out of hell?”

“Yeah. The girl I’m…” How the hell do I explain the situation quickly? Doesn’t matter. “Pretty sure my girlfriend’s asshole father is slinking around downtown looking for her. If I find him,I’ll need him booked for stalking – or you might have to call an ambulance, by the time I’m done with him. Don’t know yet.”

I hear a shuffle, probably him grabbing his jacket. “Got it. On my way.”

After a few curving stretches of the road where I, thankfully, don’t encounter a slow-moving tractor, my foot flattens the gas pedal on the next straightaway.

If that bastard makes my precious girl nervous for even a split-second, I don’t know if I’ll be able to hold it together.

12

ELENA

“Elena.”

Just the way my father says my name makes my skin crawl. Backing up slowly, I hit the brick wall of the department store. My bags fall to the ground as my hands lose all their strength.

“Don’t be like that.” His voice is gentle, but the look in his eyes makes my blood run cold. He’s always been unpredictable. I’ve never known if he’s on drugs, or what. I just hope the yelling doesn’t start right here on the street.

Dad steps closer, with Lawney and the other guy flanking him on either side. “You wouldn’t even know what to do with those investments, or?—”

“Investments?”

He stops in his tracks. “Fuck. You really don’t know, do you?” His head shakes. “That bitch of a mother of yours certainly kept her secrets.”

“Please don’t talk that way about her,” I whisper.

“Fine.” An oily smile slides across his face. His nasty stare has me pinned in place, making me feel like a frightened rabbit.“Just give me the key to the safety deposit box, and I’ll never speak of her again at all.”

“I don’t have it with me.” That’s the truth, thank goodness. It’s hidden in the bottom of my duffle bag at Clark’s house, along with the necklace.

Why did I have to leave on my own? How could I have been so utterly foolish? My body is clenching so hard that my teeth and knees begin to ache. I knew something bad was about to happen the second I got comfortable here. It always does for me.

“Then let’s go get it.” Dad takes another step toward me. “Once we get those stock certificates, I can cash some of them in. We can split the proceeds, how’s that?”

Yeah, right. I don’t believe him for a second. He’s never done anything but take from other people.

I’m still frozen like a deer in headlights. There’s no way I can outrun these guys.

“I’ve tried to be polite.” His voice becomes hard. Louder. “You’re going to give me that key, or I’ll?—”

I jump with a squeal as a wall of black t-shirt jumps between me and the evil glare that’s haunted me for years. Clark’s arms are already around me. “I’m right here, Elena. I’ll always be here.”

Breathing him in, my body unlocks. “Thank you,” I murmur, my face buried in his chest. No matter what happens next, everything is going to be some kind of okay now. His left hand cradles the back of my head as he holds me tight against his heart.

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