“What do you have for me?” I ask right off the bat.
“I’m glad you asked; I'm doing great by the way.” West pokes at me because he knows he can. He’s one of the best. I would never let my pride get in the way when it comes to my family's safety.
“Spit it out.” He pauses for a second, and I know something is wrong.
“He’s in deep with a few people. He’ll likely be dead by the end of the month.” Fuck. This situation with Fawn’s father isn’t getting any better.
“Where is he now?” I ask. What is wrong with this man? He gets himself out of one mess only to get himself in a bigger one. If I had pressed charges against him, he'd be in prison and relatively safe. But if I’d done that, I wouldn't have my Fawn.
“Some cheap motel. He’s on a high. He won last night, but not enough to cover shit, and I’m sure he’ll lose it all tonight again.” Of course he will. “What do you want me to do?”
Truth is I have no fucking idea. He’s a grown man who offered up his daughter in order to save himself. Who knows what he’s capable of? One day he might try to come back for Fawn. I don’t think he’s that stupid, but he’s starting to prove me wrong. And you can’t put anything past a man who is desperate.
“Nothing for now. Keep tabs on him. If he pops up all banged up let me know.” They won’t just outright kill him. That’s bad business. They’ll try and get their money first. Give him a few good warnings. If he gets desperate enough, he might show up here.
“Got it.” We end that call. I push back from my chair, walking over to the bar and pouring myself a glass of whiskey and throwing it back. A tap sounds on the door before George opens it.
“Is there anything else you need tonight, sir?”
“No, I’m good.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He slips back out.
I pour myself another glass. What the hell am I supposed to do here? It’s Fawn’s father. Sure, the man is a dick, but how would she feel if he was dead and I could have stopped it? I can easily pay off any of the man's debts. Yet, I know in doing so, it will create a never-ending cycle. His bets will only become bigger knowing I’ll cover him in the end.
If I cut him loose and he dies, will Fawn hate me? I run my hand down my face, tension building inside of me. I check the time again, starting to get irritated that Fawn hasn't come back from Grams’ yet.
Not able to wait anymore, I power off my computer and make my way towards Grams’ on the other side of the estate. When I get to the door, I can already hear the movie playing. This is supposed to be Grams and Ace’s slumber party. Why can’t my Fawn watch a movie with me? I sound like a pouting child, but I don’t care.
I give a knock on the door before Grams tells me to come in. I step inside, taking a look around. It amazes me how in no time Fawn was able to make this place warm and inviting. She does that with everything she touches. But I don’t see her anywhere.
“Where’s Fawn?” I ask. Ace shoves popcorn into his mouth, half of it falling to the floor.
“She left a few hours ago.” Grams gives me a confused look.
“She might have gone up to the room. Good night.”
“Night!” Ace shouts before I shut the door behind me before heading toward our bedroom. She might be there taking a bath or maybe even a nap. My cock starts to harden at the thought. I pick up my pace.
When I enter our bedroom, I don’t see her anywhere. Panic starts to rise inside me. It’s not a feeling I’m used to. I search everywhere. Even out in the rose garden. All the staff is already gone for the day. My heart pounds faster with each second that I can’t find her. A sense of panic begins to fill me.
“Fawn!” I bellow her name. I go back over my tracks, having checked this whole fucking place for a deeper look. I pull out my phone, debating if I should call the police. Fear starts to run through my veins.
I enter the library again and, as before, nothing. I walk around, checking behind some of the bookcases and pause when I see her lying on the floor behind one. There are books all around her.
Instead of being happy that I’ve found her, my emotions take over, and I fucking lose my shit.
14
Fawn
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I jerk awake, dazed and confused. I blink a few times, my eyes trying to adjust to the light. Roman stands over me. The anger is clear on his handsome face. I would say he’s more than angry by the look he’s giving me.