Page 14 of Finders Keep Her
Ellie simply nods her head. I let her go, watching her scurry away, my eyes dropping to her ass, the black pants she’s wearing look like a second skin. She has on a baggy hoodie, but I know what’s under it. I felt all her sweet curves when they were pressed against me.
“Not sure she’s happy to see you.” Frank folds his arms across his chest. He’s a big guy for his age, having kept himself in shape after he left the Marines.
He’d only been partly skeptical when I pulled up. I was ready for him. I was aware that he would cock a shotgun and aim it directly at my head. When I said my name and then used Ellie’s, he lowered his gun. There had been recognition in his eyes that matched his daughter's. That means she had to have said something.
Frank let me in and offered me a cup of coffee. I took it while we were waiting for Ellie to return home. I wasn't too thrilled when I found out how often she was sneaking out. She really is scared, not wanting to take any chances of someone tracking her back here. I bet she is freaking out right now that I managed to do it.
“She sees me all the time. But I’m sure she is surprised.” Oh, my little fox is going to be shocked then pissed that I've known this whole time.
“I reckon you’re not the reason she’s running scared.”
“No.” I shake my head, my eyes going back down the hallway where she disappeared. The urge to follow after her is strong, but I manage to keep myself in check—for now.
“But you’re here because of that?”
“That and other reasons.”
“Don’t make me kill you.”
“If something happens to her, I’m already dead.” Frank smirks, and I know I got a point in.
“Good, now let’s eat.” He nods back toward the table. As much as I want to go after Ellie, I know she needs a second. Plus, being in good with her father will play in my favor. We also have the same goals in mind. We both want Ellie safe. "There is work to be done around here."
"All right," I agree, taking my seat once again.
"Why don't you tell me more about yourself beyond being Tova's brother?"
“Brother-in-law. She married my brother a few months back,” I correct. I’m sure he’s not going to love the idea of my family being close to Ellie. I’m not really one for casual conversations and small talk, but I’m going to have to learn quickly.
“I work for my family's business doing what needs to be done and keeping them safe. The same as I plan on doing for Ellie.” I don’t elaborate on what the family business is. Frank seems like a smart man; I’m sure he can read between the lines.
“Normally I’d let that slide. You don’t ask me about my shit, and I don’t dig into yours. That’s the way I tend to like it, but Ellie is my business.”
Right, I should have seen that coming, and I don’t blame him. Besides, it’s not as though I hadn’t already dug into him. That had been no easy feat.
I give him the light version of the warehouses and owning different businesses in the city, making it all sound on the up and up.
“You’re a Marino.” Frank gives a slight shake of his head. We aren’t too far out from the city, so it’s not surprising he put that together. He might not live there now, but I’m sure at one timehe did, and the Marino name isn’t a new one. Far from it. It goes back a lot of years.
“I am.”
“That girl could never keep herself out of trouble. Looks like her mama but acts like me when I was younger.”
“She’s smart and curious.” A deadly combination. I don’t say that part out loud, but Frank knows. He nods, getting up from his chair to make breakfast. Frank makes small talk about work that needs to be done. The man is already making a list of tasks for me to do, which I will.
“Taking forever, isn’t she? Bet she hasn’t slept.”
“I slept a few hours.” Ellie comes shuffling into the kitchen. She braided her hair and washed her face, making her cheeks more rosy. “Are you just letting anyone in these days?” She motions to me with her hand but won’t meet my eyes.
“You don’t want him here?” Frank asks from his position at the stove. Ellie finally meets my eyes with hers. I let my face show expression, raising my brows and tilting my head, letting her know I’m not going anywhere and it’s best to tread lightly.
“I’m just not sure why he’s here is all.” She shrugs one of her delicate shoulders. “I dumped him.”
"Did he not get the memo?" Frank plates a pile of eggs, handing it to Ellie.
"He's got a thick head." It might be the first time in my life I have to fight a laugh. Her comments were not what I was expecting, which, fuck, I love.
I have no doubt Ellie, my little fox, is always going to keep me on my toes.
