Seeing her lip as I was looking her over caused something to roar to life inside me. I didn't know her but I had a drawing need to protect her, keep her safe from whoever sought to harm her. I was startled by the sudden desire to care for her in that moment. I wasn't used to that feeling, in fact I didn't like it. I have been so used to not caring for anyone for so long I hadn't known how to process those feelings. After I shot her father in the leg, with deep satisfaction, I left. Not wanting these feelings that had overcome me.
Wanting to put more distance between us I flew home that night, not wanting to be in L.A. any longer. The temptation of going back to her and hauling her out of that house, away from her piece of shit father, was way too strong.
All week back in New York I could tell my mood was plummeting each day. I became more and more insufferable. Taking my darkened mood out on my men. Daveon had picked up on my temperament, knowing damn well what was the cause of my short temper. “What the fuck are you doing?”
“What are you talking about Daveon?”
“I’m talking about you sitting here being a dumbass when you don't need to be. Just go fucking take her man, you know damn well her father wouldn’t dare to stop you. Just show up and demand to take her if you want her so fucking bad.”
“I don’t want her.”
“Ya, sure. And is that why you're acting out like a sulky little bitch? Grow some fucking balls and admit it. You want her.”
“Shut the fuck up Daveon. For the last fucking time, I don't give a damn about her!” Raising my voice, as my fists clenched.
Shrugging, “huh ok, well then I supposed you wouldn't mind me heading out there and checking her out. Seeing as her father is going to give her to us as payment anyway, and if you don't want her I might as well see what she has to offer a man and all. I bet when her lip heals up, she would be so fucking hot on her knees, with those sweet lips wrapped around my…” Cutting him off, I slam him back into the wall, my hand wrapped around his throat. I can tell he can't breathe, but concern doesn’t cross his face.
“Finish that fucking sentence and I will beat the shit out of you Daveon.” Snarling at him causes a grin to pulls at his lips. He shoves me off him, straightening his suit.
“Just go check on her at least. Give you some peace of mind so you can stop being a bitch to everyone here. The men are starting to think you’ve started your period.” Chuckling at his own sexist joke, he gives me a pointed look as he walks out of my office. Standing there alone, I think about how lucky that bastard is. If anyone else had talked to me like he just had, I wouldn't have hesitated to put a bullet through their skull. Realizing he is partially right, I prepare to head back to LA to check on her, though not ready to admit I want her.
Stalling at the memory, I realize I am still standing in the room. The need to go to her pushes my feet as I walk to the door grabbing the little velvet box off the nightstand before heading back downstairs.
When I get back to the living room where I had left Liliana, she is no longer there. Spinning around I check the other rooms downstairs. Fury starts to build back up inside me when I can't find her. I pull out my phone about to call my guards stationed out front and by the property gate when I notice the sliding door is open leading to the beach. Putting my phone away I drop the clothes on the couch as I pass. My rage begins to melt slowly as I make my way down to the beach realizing she hadn't tried to leave.
Her heels are left abandoned on the deck. As I look out I can see her standing barefoot on the sand by the water. Her hair blowing by the slight breeze coming off the ocean. I walk up behind her. "I love the ocean. It reminds me of my mother." She murmurs, somehow sensing my approach. Her eyes are closed as she just stands there listening to the wave. She is absolutely stunning as she stands here. Looking peaceful and calm.
"What happened to her?" I ask, not really expecting an answer as I suspect something painful had happened.
"My father killed her." She says as she turns to face me. I can see the pain and hurt in her eyes and I'm a little surprised by her admittance. I want to know more but she doesn't elaborate and I don't pry for now. “What did he do to you?” She asks, wanting to know what had caused her to be in this position.
Debating whether or not I should tell her, I conceded. "When your father started working with me he was paid quite handsomely. A short time after we started our agreements I began to notice that part of my shipments, the ones passing through the area he keeps watch over, would disappear. I started to have my men watch him carefully. When he slipped and it was confirmed he was the one stealing from me I confronted him. He cowered and begged for his life to be spared." I sneer in disgust. "He told me I could have anything I wanted if I spared him. Any money he had, along with what was left with
