Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
“Hello, sweetie,” my father greeted me warmly once he sat down across from me. “You look beautiful.”
“You’re looking good too, Dad,” I said as I smiled at him, noting that he didn’t look as tired or thin.
A month ago, he was sentenced to a few years in prison, which was fairly short for what he was charged with. Luckily, I managed to find some email conversations between my father and Deviau that showed the blackmailing that took place.
Plus, all three of the men they’d arrested gave information on Deviau, including the fact that he was an aggressive blackmailer. With all of that evidence, my father’s sentence was greatly reduced.
I was still upset that my father would be stuck in prison for a few years and would miss holidays and birthdays, but he seemed to take everything fine. He knew that it could’ve been way worse, and it was easier to make up for a few years rather than twenty of them.
Deviau still hadn’t been found, but all of the police force and the guys still kept their eyes out for him. If a lead popped up, they would follow it. I just hoped they caught him soon because the fear of him making another move against me always lingered in the back of my mind. I tried not to think about it too much, though.
“What have you been up to? Catch me up,” my father said, leaning forward slightly with an eager expression on his face.
“You know that building I was looking at that I mentioned last time I visited you?” I asked him.
“Of course. You said it would be perfect for your organization,” my father replied as he lifted his eyebrows in interest.
“It’s mine,” I told him with a glowing smile.
My father’s eyes widened as he clasped his hands together happily, his handcuffs jangling.
“Seriously?” he asked.
I nodded excitedly, my heart racing as I processed my words. I finally got to move forward with my plans.
“It’s all coming together, Dad,” I said.
“Of course it is,” my father replied as he gestured to me. “You can do anything you set your mind on. You’ve done so much in just the last few months.”
I didn’t want to lose steam, but I felt more alive and determined than ever. I had no plans on slowing down any time soon, and I was grateful that the guys kept pace with me, rooting for me with each move that I made.
“I can’t wait for you to be released. I want to show you the building and have you meet the guys,” I told him. Honestly, I hadn’t ever felt so close to my father before. He released his control over me, and instead of holding me back out of fear, he encouraged me to run forward.
“I’m counting the days,” he assured me, sharing a warm look with me.
I stayed there until my time was up, reluctantly waving goodbye to my father as they led him away. I returned to the car where Andrew and Benjamin were waiting for me.
“Alright, those are my errands for the day,” I sighed.
“How’s your dad?” Andrew asked.
“Does he still hate us?” Benjamin added.
I kicked the back of his seat lightly.
“He never hated you. He just didn’t know how to feel about his daughter dating four men who were supposed to only be focused on protecting her,” I replied with an amused smile. “And he’s doing good. Considering.”
Andrew glanced over at Benjamin and shrugged.
“I couldn’t blame him if he did hate us,” he said before looking at me through the rearview mirror. “I think Akio and Rhett already made it home. Want to meet them there?”
I nodded and rested back in the seat, watching the prison disappear in the distance. I always felt bad leaving my father there, but he was content with serving his sentence. So, I continued living my life as he now wanted me to, and I was having the time of my life.
When we reached the loft, I walked inside only to pause at the sight of rose petals and candles littering the entire interior. Blackout curtains were drawn across the windows to block out the sun, casting shadows where the candlelight didn’t reach. Akio and Rhett stood in the middle of the living room with pleased looks on their faces.
I looked between all of them, completely speechless for a few seconds.
“What is all of this?” I asked when I finally got my voice back.
“It’s a special day for you,” Akio told me before gesturing to the scenery they set up. “We wanted to celebrate it with you.”
My eyes threatened to water as I smiled at all of them, my heart pounding heavily. There were no words that were enough to thank them or express how much I loved them. All I could do was grab Andrew’s and Benjamin’s hands and pull them into the living room where Akio and Rhett stood. They surrounded me on all sides, but that didn’t make me feel intimidated in the slightest. I felt safer than ever.