Contract Killer

“Does it have to be like this?”

He knew what she was talking about, knew she was referring to their relationship, or lack thereof. What he really wanted to say became lodged in his throat.

No, it doesn’t. Fuck the wall I have around myself, and fuck anyone else who would get in our way. You make me feel emotions that bring me to my knees. I’ve only just met you, but I feel a connection with you. I know you feel it, too. I could tell when you screamed my name out in pleasure and looked at me with longing in your eyes.

“Yes, it has to be this way.”

I’m no good for you. My life is dangerous, and being with me would have you in constant danger. I can’t do that to you, baby.

He let himself hold her for another minute before he sensed Theo step into the room. Gage noticed how the other man’s eyes narrowed slightly even though he appeared to have an unaffected demeanor. It was clear there was something going on between Neeka and Theo, at least on Theo’s end.

Being in her life would only complicate things, would bring his dangerous lifestyle into her world. He didn’t want to risk anything with her, so walking away was the best option.

Gage stepped back and looked down at her, remembering being with her, touching her, kissing her. He saw tears in her eyes but didn’t allow himself the luxury of touching her anymore.

He swiftly turned and left without a backward glance, knowing that what he was doing was for the best even if it felt completely wrong.

Chapter

Twenty-Six

Neeka stared at the front door, trying to keep from crying. She sensed Theo right behind her, his hands landing on her shoulders, his fingers gently clamping down.

She would never see Gage again, and that thought alone had her wanting to let her tears fall.

She didn’t, though, and not because Theo was right behind her, but because she needed to be strong for her father, needing to see him, tell him she loved him so much.

She turned around, Theo’s hands falling to his sides. Neeka needed to be with her father right now, not worrying about a relationship with a man she would never have in her life in that way.

She headed to his study and stepped into the master bedroom, smiling and crying at the same time when she saw her father sitting up in bed.

Charles was a few feet away, along with two bodyguards she’d never seen before. She wasn’t surprised to see the extra muscle around. In fact, she was glad her father had the protection. As if he sensed her presence, her father looked over at her and started crying, as well.

“Charles, can you and the others please give me and my daughter some time alone?”

“Of course, Mr. McCarthy.”

The three men left, and as soon as the door shut, she rushed over to her dad. “Oh, Daddy.” Falling to her knees beside his bed, she cried harder, her happiness that she was actually home consuming her.

He stroked her hair, and she looked up to see tears tracking down his aged face.

“I spoke with Mr. Mack about the situation, honey.” His voice had gone deep and hard, his emotions clearly rising to the surface. “I feel responsible for all of this.”

“Please don’t say that. It isn’t your fault.”

“Shhh, honey. Let me say this. It is my fault. I am your father and was supposed to protect you, but instead I let your kidnapper into our home, become close with you.” He reached for a tissue and coughed before continuing. “I will have Rye’s head for this. He took the most precious thing I have.”

“Oh, Dad, it isn’t your fault. There was no way for you to know he’d do anything like this. I just want to focus on being here with you.”

He smiled and brushed away a tear moving down her cheek. “You must have been so scared.”

She breathed out and nodded. “I was. When I found out it was Rye, I couldn’t believe it.” She stopped and chose her next words wisely. “Did Gage tell you everything?” She could hear him grit his teeth. Even being sick he still had fire inside of him. That had her smiling.

“Yes. It’s blasphemous what Rye’s doing. I may not have physical strength on my side, but I do have power and money, and I’m damn sure not going to let him get away with it.”

She grabbed a chair and pulled it up beside his bed.

“Let’s just spend this time talking about us, about memories. I missed doing that, Daddy.”

He smiled again and nodded. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. I missed that so much, too.”

She sat there, holding his hand, and talking about things that were happy, that they’d done together in their life. They were memories of when she was younger, of when her mother was still alive. They were times she cherished.