The house seems quiet, but that doesn’t meanhe’snot here. He’s a man on a mission, though, so he could be out looking for my father as we speak.
Part of me hopes he finds him quickly so he can put this whole thing to rest. Then again, will Cash be willing to hear my father out, or is he just going to kill him to make himself feel better?
It’s all so messed up. I want to believe in my heart that my dad isn’t capable of something so horrible. But then there’s the doubt. Is everything on the up and up?
I was away for college for six years getting my master’s degree in business. Something my grandma insisted on. She wanted me to sow my oats before I took on the responsibility of the family business. I know she meant well, and I had fun on campus over the years, but to me, there’s no party like a Las Vegas party. I guess it made me appreciate it here so much more when I came home. It’s possible my father could have done anything before I took on the CFO position. I never thought to look at past records, but now… I wish I had access.
I let out a sigh, my chest heavy. Sitting in this room all day isn’t going to be good for me and my racing mind. Cash did say I could go anywhere in the house or backyard.
Slowly, I make my way to the door, hesitant as if it might burn me. When I turn the knob and open it, I freeze. Huh. For some reason, I thought it was going to be locked. That Cash had only said that to mess with me.
Caleb stands outside, arms crossed, his lips twitching as he stares down at me. The man is nearly as insufferable as Cash. The only difference is, I don’t want to see Caleb naked.
Good lord.
I need help.
“Good morning again,” he greets with that one-sided smirk of his.
Cocky asshole.
“Fuck off,” I snap, glaring up at him, then start down the hall.
Of course, he’s right on my heels. “Do you ever say anything else?”
“Stop following me, stalker.”
“Sorry. Can’t do that. I’ve been given orders. Just pretend I’m not here.”
I roll my eyes and glance back at his towering frame. “I wish I could, but you’re kind of hard to miss, dude.”
He grins, and I hate how it almost makes me smile. I should hate every second that I’m here. And every person who is helping Cash keep me hostage. Not finding them kind and amusing.
The house is set up like a lot of mansions. A west wing and an east wing with the foyer bringing it together in the center, so the layout is shaped like a U. Everything in here is polished, shiny, and modern. Nothing too obnoxious, which I have to admit surprises me. I figured Cash would have statues and artwork of naked women or something.
Despite the house being quiet, there are men at every turn. Guards, to be exact. Near every hallway, window, and possible exit.
When I reach the bottom of the stairs, I march up to the man standing near the front doors, his hands clasped in front of him.
“Move,” I bite out with the sternest look I can give.
The guy doesn’t blink, and he doesn’t get out of my way either. Instead, he stares at me with a smug smile.
Finally, I huff and flip him off, then spin around and storm back the other way. Caleb laughs as he tails me.
“God, you’re so irritating,” I mutter.
“I’ll work on that, Miss Kingston.” His tone tells me he is not, in fact, going to do any such thing.
I finally find the kitchen, where Birdie is wiping down a counter. “Back already, darling? What can I get for you?”
Ugh. I do not want to like her, but I also want to hug her.
“I wanted some more coffee.”
She grins and pours me a cup. “It’s Cash’s favorite blend. Imported. Strong.”
I sip and let out a small, happy sigh. “Don’t tell him I like it.”