Page 312 of Hell Hath No Fury
No, he didn’t. But he did broach the topic a week ago. It had been subtle. The merest hint of conversation about the man who was once my parent.
Cole had asked if I had any intention to seek my father out. Even if only to get his side of the story on why he abandoned me.
I’d shut down the discussion with a glare and a one-word answer.
We haven’t spoken about it since. We haven’t stopped arguing about unrelated matters either.
“How do you know?” I whisper.
Easton steps closer, inching into my personal space. “Your old man reached out yesterday. He said he’s worried about you.”
“My father is worried?” A chill breaks out across my skin, no limb left unpunished. “The one who walked out on me years ago, who left me to mourn my mother’s death on my own, and never once contacted me while I struggled to survive without him?”
“He wants to speak to you.”
I scowl. “I don’t care what he wants.”
“Then take his number in case you change your mind.” He retrieves a piece of paper from his pants pocket and holds it out to me. “I looked it up. It’s a burner. I’m not sure how long he’ll have it.”
I retreat a step. “No, thank you.”
I’m not ready to forgive abandonment.
Cole knew that. He knew pushing the topic would upset me so he kept the information to himself.
That’s why I love him. That’s why I never should’ve betrayed him like this.
“This was a mistake.” I meet Easton’s gaze. “I never should’ve come here.”
“I’m sorry.” He grabs my wrist, pausing a moment as if to read me before he pulls me in for a hug I’m too pained to ignore. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“It’s not your fault.” I succumb to his affection despite the dangers and rest my cheek against his shoulder, my heart in my throat as I hug him back. “I appreciate you risking your career by reaching out.”
“I would’ve risked a lot more,” he murmurs against my temple. “I miss you.”
“I miss you, too.” Just not enough to give up Cole. “Thank you for telling me.” I backtrack, letting my hands fall to my sides as his do the same. “But please don’t ever contact me again.”
CHAPTER TWO
Anissa
I drive back across town doing switchbacks, taking wrong turns, using my experience as a Fed to make sure one of Cole’s men aren’t following me.
It’s well past dark by the time I pull into the extravagant estate I now call home. I inch the car past the looming gates and cut the ignition a few yards from the front of the two-story mansion.
Cole is already waiting for me when I climb out, watching me from the entry, his business suit pristine as he casually leans against the doorjamb.
My pulse increases as I walk around the car to the passenger seat. I retrieve my purse and the crinkled paper bag with the bakery logo that will act as my fake alibi. “Are you waiting for me, handsome?”
He gives a sly grin, his face so deliriously gorgeous I want to melt. “I’ve been waiting all my life, little fox.” He reaches out a hand on my approach and pulls me toward him. “Where have you been?”
“Across town.” I hold up the paper bag. “I thought I’d treat you to one of my childhood memories.”
“You left without warning for baked goods?”
I bristle at the subtle chastisement, even though I expected far worse. “Not just any baked goods. It’s chocolate-covered pastry filled with cream and custard. When I was little, my mom used to get these for me if I did well at school.”
“Have you been feeling nostalgic?” He tugs me closer. Chest to chest.
