Page 53 of Straight, No Chaser
"Now what?"
We follow him like the fucking pied piper, although I'd much rather be finishing my breakfast. Got to play the part, feigning a concerned demeanor while I caress the small of Molly's back. Actually, I'd rather be finishing her off, welcoming her cries of pleasure with my cock buried deep inside her.
All my wicked thoughts evaporate when Junior opens the door.
Sean.
He stands with another officer, both of them removing their hats before they step inside the house.
"I'm sorry to bother you, Junior. But we're investigating an assault against Hunter Rowe last night."
Anger from that motherfucker's name again coils her father's body just like my fist. "What does that have to do with us?"
No reaction to her father's harsh tone. Just glances at me before presenting a fake stoic expression to Junior. "I know how you feel about him, but we still have a job to do. There were reports of a black Escalade near the scene, similar to Mr. Ellison's. We'd like to have a few words with him."
Motherfucker acts like I'm not fucking standing right here. I step forward, hating the loss of Molly's skin under my fingers. None of them need to be exposed to this. I always fucking take responsibility for my actions. But Junior holds out his palm toward me, never taking his eyes off Sean. "Luc was here the entire time I was in the house. So was his vehicle."
Technically true. Junior was in the barn while I was gone. Conveniently omitting the fact that I actually did leave. Fucking shocking me nonetheless.
Sean shifts on his feet. Bullshit and he knows it. A real detective would drag my ass to whatever police station they have in a town like this and interrogate the hell out of me. At least until my lawyer busts me out and my bribes make their way to the appropriate people. But now, with the woman he loves frightened and her Dad putting himself on the line, his loyalty is torn.
"Really Junior? You'll vouch for him? Even under oath?"
Her father’s broad shoulders roll back. Not sure if he's defending me or himself. "Absolutely."
“Okay, then.” Sean nods, slow and hesitant, but retreats to the porch. “I’ll be back if more substantial information presents itself.”
Like the bastard I am, I grasp Molly's hand. One more dig before he goes that she's mine. "You do that."
Sean lets my remark slide without comment. Too good and virtuous and decent to engage in a show down. Too respectful to battle in front of her or her parents. We both know our places in this world. Shame for him that corruption always wins out.
Except for this angel, who curls her sweet body against me after her parents return to the kitchen. Worry and confusion coiling her tight grip around my waist as her head rests on my chest.
"That was so weird. I can't believe they thought you could've been involved."
Fear that only she can generate pounds in my chest. The tightrope of confidence swaying from the terror of how fucking fast my world will implode if she ever discovers the truth. "Doesn't matter. You're safe from that bastard, and that's all I care about."
She cups my face and presses a chaste kiss on my cheek with her parents only a few feet away. "I love you."
"I love you too." I take her hand in mine again. "Let's go check on Eli."
Some of the sparkle returns to her eyes. Excited about sharing her passion with him. Finally able to move from the past and focus on the future. Our future.
Once outside, we separate at the pasture. She walks along the fence, trailing her dainty fingers over the white vinyl, her ring sparkling in the abundant sunshine, to meet Eli and Caroline. While I head inside the barn. Her Dad and I need to talk.
Nodding to me as I approach, Junior's expression remains unreadable. Focused on the nail he's driving into the bottom rung. Maybe waiting for me to speak first. Which I most definitely will. "Thank you for that back there. I appreciate you defending me. You didn't have to do that."
He blows out a long breath, his hammer tapping against the wood. Choosing his words carefully. "There's more to you than you let on. Don't think I've missed the security guards surrounding my property. Or didn't hear about the guy beating up Hunter at the festival and then suddenly disappearing before anyone could talk to him."
Fuck. I guess I should've known how fast gossip spreads in a small town. "I?"
The palm of his free hand flips up. "I don't want to know. About last night or anything else. You told me yesterday you loved my daughter and would keep her safe. It seems that you've kept your promise. Let's leave it at that."
Probably for the best. Mutual understanding about the best I can expect between us. Easing a bit of my angst from leaving. Only three days. Even worse - two nights without her in my bed. But it will all be worth it once Creed's dead.
17
Chapter Seventeen
