She is mine, and I think it’s time I had a chat with my father.
Chapter Thirty-One
“I’m coming. Fuck!” I yell to whoever is banging on my door at three in the morning. Mouse gets between my ankles and I almost trip as I peek through the little hole in the door.
What the hell is my dad doing here? I unlock the chain and open it. He looks awful.
“Dad, are you okay?” He shoves me aside and storms in, moving towards the kitchen. He has a split lip and his jaw looks bruised. “Dad,” I say again and he shakes his head, reaching for the scotch I have. Not bothering with a glass he starts drinking from the bottle.
“Is Patience okay?” I ask, starting to panic. He laughs and gives me a glare.
“I told you to end it with her, Kian,” he snaps and I flinch. My dad has always been soft spoken, so for him to raise his voice at me, something bad must have happened.
He moves out of the kitchen and takes a seat on the couch. I claim the chair and watch as he keeps drinking. His hand is shaking, and I’m about to lose my shit if he doesn’t start explaining.
Before I went to sleep, Patience called me and told me all about her date with Nate. She was so happy, and I was thankful that he could finally give her something I couldn’t. We made plans to spend tomorrow together. If something has happened to her…
“Why the fuck are you here?” I roar, causing my dad to jump and drop the bottle. The glass shatters and I sigh, rubbing my hand down my face.
“Sorry, but you have me on edge.” He laughs and shakes his head.
“Richard came to see me a few hours ago. He said you’ve been difficult and I needed to put you in your place or he would. What the fuck have you been thinking, Ki? Richard fucking James! Now he’s all up in my business, and threatening me and your stepmom. I have fought to keep you away from him, but now it’s too late.” He sighs and closes his eyes.
“He has a job for us to handle, and if we don’t then…” He doesn’t finish his sentence, but I know what he’s trying to say. You don’t fuck with the mob.
“What’s the job?” I ask and he shakes his head.
“I don’t know. He said to pack a bag and come get you, then to meet his contact at the airport. We have an hour.” I grab my phone to text Patience, and he grabs my wrist. “We can’t tell anyone.” I nod then leave him in the living room. I don’t know what’s about to happen, but I do know that I will do anything to keep Patience safe, even from her own flesh and blood.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Ifinish my last class of the day, then walk out to the lot to my car. Hana is there with Brad and they give me a wave. She looks so happy, and I’m so glad they are hitting it off. I glance around the lot for Ki’s car, but it’s not there. We had plans a few days ago, but he never came, and he’s not answering my calls or messages. I’m starting to get worried.
I try to call him once more and I’m about to smash my phone at this point. Is this his way of ditching me? Was everything he said a lie? Has he officially given up on us? I unlock my car and climb in. I have to go to the bridal store on my way home. They need my measurements for my wedding dress.
There are only about two months left until I’ll be Patience Reynolds. It seems surreal, and I think I’m still in a bit of denial over it. At least Cal is starting to drop the asshole attitude. Things have been good between us all. Well, until Ki disappeared on me.
I arrive at the store and the ladies there are bubbly with excitement. After getting my measurements, they decide to play dress-up. I call Hana to come and play with me, but she’s at dinner with Brad and my mom isn’t answering the phone.
I try on a few dresses, and some satin and lace veils. “You are going to be a gorgeous bride,” Jenna, one of the associates gushes at me. I laugh and give her a smile.
“I think I might actually be getting excited. It came as such a sudden shock, that I’ve been dreading it a bit.” Jenna blinks then looks pointedly at my stomach. I laugh and wave my hand in the air.
“Oh, no, I’m not pregnant. It’s a business arrangement.” I give her a smile and she nods.
“You would be surprised how common that is around here.” Now I’m the one surprised. “It is! We get at least two a month. Fathers like to make sure their children are going to be taken care of in case something happens to them. I know it’s archaic, but I find it sweet. Plus, dating these days sucks,” she rambles and I nod along, but my mind is elsewhere.
“So, based on what you tried on, I’m going to say this style is a winner and I know you want revealing lace with a white corset for the top. Very sexy, but still modest. Are you wanting lace sleeves too?” I nod and she smiles.
“I am going to have so much fun designing this for you. Do you have an idea how many bridesmaids you have and what color dresses you would like them to wear?”
“Lilac and I only have two girls. We will come in next week sometime so you can grab their measurements,” I say, then start walking back to the dressing room to change as she jots down all the things I said.
When the door shuts behind me I snap a pic in the mirror and send it to Ki. Maybe seeing me in a gown will get a reaction. I wait to see if he will reply, but all my messages are still showing unread.
Where are you, Ki?
* * *