Page 21 of The Capo

What in God’s name was I doing?”

He shook his head. “I guess I deserved that. I told you a long time ago that family always comes first. Period.” He closed his eyes. “You’re going to stay here indefinitely, or at least until the killer is found.”

“I can’t, Dad. I have work. Photo shoots. I can’t just walk away. My freaking agent won’t let me.” But right now, that’s exactly what I wanted to do. “And no, you didn’t deserve my hateful comment. You deserve a life. We both do.”

“True. I’m still your father and plan on doing everything I can to protect my little girl. To that end, I have an important business meeting I’m leaving for tomorrow. I’d push it off, but people are coming in from several countries. It’s a make it or break it kind of deal.”

I could sense he was under significant pressure.

“I’ll be fine here by myself. If you’re going to allow me to stay,” I said, trying to put a lilt in my voice.

“This is your home and you will always be welcome, but you’re not staying here all alone.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning I’ve hired someone to ensure your safety while I’m gone.”

“Dad. I don’t need a babysitter. The killer doesn’t know who I am. He couldn’t.”

My father gave me another stern look, which meant he wasn’t budging on his decision. “You have no understanding of what’s possible these days and the lengths a monster will go to destroy you. My decision is final. While I can’t lock you inside my houseand force you to stay here, thisbodyguardwill be with you everywhere you go. You’ll need to do exactly what he says.”

“Dad. Did you hire some agency? That’s silly. I won’t leave the house. I promise. Although I need to get a few new clothes.”

“I’m not putting you at risk right now. It’s entirely possible that you were targeted on purpose.”

I’d thought about the fact the stalker had seemed to know who I was from the beginning more times than I could count but had neglected mentioning it to the detective. I doubted the man would have believed me. However, if my father was right, the bastard had killed Ginny because I’d managed to get away. My gut told me that. My father was a gazillionaire, the kind of man whose daughter would be kidnapped for the sole person of ransom. Wait. Why murder Ginny? To teach me a lesson? Did my father have enemies? “Please, Dad. I’ll be fine.” I heard the exasperation in my voice and gritted my teeth.

“It’s final, Delaney.”

We both heard a knock on the door, and I exhaled. I’d had zero say in the matter.

“At least he won’t be a stranger to you, which should provide some comfort,” he continued.

Automatically bristling, I stood, hating almost everything about my life. As I turned around, I realized my life was going straight to hell.

The visitor walked closer, his eyes opening wide in recognition. I shuddered to my core, trying to keep from reacting. His eyes pierced mine, his entire expression hardening. I’d lied to him by not revealing who I was.

“Hello, Delaney. It’s good to see you again after all these years.”

“Hello, Uncle Francois. It’s been a long time.”

CHAPTER 9

Francois

Fucking hell.

I’d engaged in a monstrous sin.

Uncle.

The beautiful doll had used the term of endearment on purpose, the term she’d used for years. Brandon had been like a brother to me. We’d acted like it. People had mistaken us for being kin. Now I felt sick inside, the mortal sin something that would keep me burning in the fires of hell for all eternity.

She’d tossed out the term as a reminder that she’d played a dangerous little game with me. It didn’t suit her being the black widow, which was what her behavior reminded me of. The question was why, but at this point, it wasn’t a part of the reason I was here. Nor would it become an issue. As of now, the sexual incident we’d shared would be shoved aside.

Permanently.

As if it had never occurred.

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