Page 43 of Hacker Salvation

No matter what Annabella tried to tell me, I would never leave her. I didn’t care if it had only been a week. I knew she was the one. I’d already called Brock to tell him I planned to move to California. When he asked me to run a division of Blackwood Security out in California, I’d said yes immediately. Running one of the divisions would make it so I wouldn’t have to go overseas as much.

The governor leaned back in his chair. “When are you going back to Florida?”

My mouth twitched. “I don’t plan to leave Annabella. I will get an apartment out here and do whatever it takes to win her heart.”

“I still can’t believe she’s my daughter. I missed all this time getting to know her.”

Annabella’s finger moved for a second, and I waited for her to open her pretty green eyes. “You need to stop thinking about the time you lost. There’s no way to get it back. The only thing you can do is move forward and spend time with her.”

Paul ran his good hand through his hair. “You know, when I was waiting to get my test done, my security came back and told me you work for Blackwood Security.”

“I was in the same squad as the current owner.”

“I’ve never heard anything bad about the mercenary company. They only hire the best. I know I just found out I had a daughter, but I’m glad she’s with you. I know she’s protected.”

“Are you planning on keeping her a secret?” When or if they decided to announce their relationship to the public, it would be on the cover of every magazine.

Paul shook his head. “No. I never wanted to run for president. That was Isabella’s dream, not mine. Zack Turner does a good job.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good because Zeke Turner, the president’s brother, works with us back in Ft. Lauderdale and is a close friend of the family.”

“I have no doubt you will take good care of my daughter. I’m just hoping she will forgive me for what happened.”

Annabella’s eyes slowly opened. “I forgive you,” she whispered. I reached over and grabbed her hand. She gave me a weak smile. “You don’t need an apartment. You can stay with me.”

The governor started to get up. “Annabella, your mom should be here with you. I’ll leave until we have time to talk this out.”

Annabella reached for her dad’s hand. “Mom passed away seventeen years ago from cancer.”

Paul sat back down in the chair. “I can’t believe she didn’t tell me about you. Your mother was the most amazing person in the world. You look so much like her.”

“She was an amazing mom. I’m sorry I caused so much of an issue with Isabella. I really didn’t know about the test. I promise I’m not after your money. Nate wanted to help me find out if I had any family on my dad’s side still alive.”

The governor scooted the chair up next to Annabella’s bed. “You never have to apologize for doing that test. You made me the happiest man in the world. I can’t believe I have a daughter. If you want, I would love to spend more time getting to know you. As for Isabella, we won’t have to worry about her anymore. When you’re ready, I’m here for you.” Paul handed me his business card. “Call me when you want to meet for lunch.” He leaned over and kissed Annabella on the forehead. “Get better, daughter. I can’t wait to spend time with you.” He quickly wiped his eyes and headed for the door. He stopped before he left. “I will take care of the media around Isabella. I don’t want your name dragged through the press because of my crazy wife. Don’t get me wrong—we will go to the press and let them know I have a daughter, but on our time, not theirs.” The governor walked out the door and closed it behind him.

“Hey, Beautiful. I’m glad you’re awake.”

Tears streamed from her eyes. “You came for me.”

I gently wiped her tears away. “I will always come for you, but you need to stop getting yourself almost killed.”

“I’ll try. Are you really thinking about moving here? When you were talking to my dad, the words seemed so far away. Can you believe that the governor is my father? What about your job?”

I gripped her hand. “Brock offered me a job running a division of Blackwood Security out here in California, and I told him I would. We discussed that maybe the division should be more bodyguards for the rich and less jetting off to other countries to deal with pirates and terrorist organizations.”

Annabella looked toward the door. “I like the idea of you taking less dangerous jobs. Did you kill Isabella?”

“There still might be a chance that I have to help the team out of Ft. Lauderdale every so often, and no, I didn’t kill Isabella. One of the governor’s bodyguards did.” After I’d seen what she had done to Annabella, I wanted to unload a round into the bitch. “Gabriel called and told me they caught the other two men who kidnapped you. They were taken to jail. You never have to worry about them again, and now we know why someone was after you. We also have video footage of your manager helping. I sent it over to the sheriff.”

“I never thought a DNA test would be so dangerous. As for my manager, I thought earlier today that it was time to find a new one. He hasn’t done anything to help with my career. After this next movie, I’m going to have to start looking for a new manager.”

A knock sounded on the door, and Daisy poked her head in. Neal and Aaron stood behind her. “Can we come in?”

“Yes,” Annabella whispered. I handed her a cup of water. Her voice was hoarse from screaming earlier.

“Wow. What does the other guy look like?” Neal joked. I flipped the fucker off.

Neal sat in the chair by the window, and Daisy sat on his lap. Aaron stood next to them with his hand resting on Neal’s shoulder.

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