“Oh, there’s my future daughter-in-law,” he coos, and I feel nauseous. There is just something off about him. Ever since his wife died, he’s changed. Plus, that warning Marshall gave me before he died doesn’t help my opinion of him. I give him a smile and move around the counter, attempting to create some distance between us.
He watches me like a hawk, and he looks smug about something. “Hi, Mr. Reynolds,” I say, and he laughs.
“Please, Patience, call me Nixen. We’re practically family, after all.” I nod as he steps closer. “I’m glad I ran into you. I’ve been wanting to talk to you about a few things. Perhaps now?” I start to shake my head and watch as his nostrils flare.
“I’m sorry, now isn’t a great time. I have to get home. I’m supposed to have dinner with my mom and Tae. They are wanting to discuss some wedding things, and I believe Laci is supposed to stop by too.”
“I see, well this will only take a few minutes. I am a busy man, and I won’t have time later. I think it’s time for us to have a chat. You are marrying my son, after all,” he says, and I give him my fake smile.
“Absolutely, and we will, but let’s schedule something for later in the week. I really need to get home.”
“No, I don’t think I will. You see, I have been watching you. Biding my time, and I won’t have you ruining everything that I have worked for.” He sneers and I start to get nervous. He’s blocking my exit, and I don’t think Nate or Cal will be coming down here anytime soon.
I glance around and he laughs. “It’s just you and me, Patience. Cal is preoccupied and Nate is currently taking a nap on one of the pool loungers. Don’t worry, I only gave him a small sedative.”
Sedative? What the fuck is he talking about? I need to get out of here and go make sure my guys are okay. Why would he drug Nate?
“Now, where was I? Oh yes, I think you should take a little vacation, far from here. Or certain secrets are going to be revealed.” I blink up at the man I once thought of as family as he tries to threaten me. I laugh and shake my head.
“Mr. Reynolds, if I didn’t know any better, I would think you are trying to threaten me. But that's absurd since I don’t know why you would need to. And as for drugging your son, what the fuck?”
“Listen here, you little bitch. You need to get the fuck away from my son, or I’ll have to take things into my own hands,” he roars, making me jump.
“I don’t understand. Why? Why force a wedding if all you wanted me to do was leave? Is my grandfather in on this too?” I shake my head and fight not to cry. I’m seriously scared right now, and I hope Cal and Nate are okay. What the fuck is going on? Why am I cowering? This isn’t like me. My muscles still feel like jello, and I’m starting to feel sluggish. Was I drugged too?
He steps closer to me and I take another step back, cursing myself as I find I’m trapped between the counter and the refrigerator.
“Please, just tell me why?” Smiling, he makes a tsking sound and moves even closer. I can feel his breath on my cheek as I close my eyes and try to stay calm. He sniffs my neck and makes a growling sound in his throat.
“Perfect little James princess. The heir to a throne that never should have been yours, or my faggot sons. I was supposed to take over the company, but Cami got suspicious and figured out my plans, changing everything at the last minute without me knowing.”
“I never wanted the company,” I whisper and he laughs, stepping away from me.
“I can see what those boys like about you. Tight little body, a sassy mouth that looks like it’s made to suck cock, childbearing hips.” He licks his lips and gives me another once-over. “You’re just like every other piece of ass who spreads her legs at the first sign of my wallet. Only, your life isn’t worth the price of the sheets I’d lay them out on.”
“You’re sick,” I growl and he laughs, charging forward and grabbing my throat. I gasp, trying to take a breath, but his grip is so tight. Pressing my hands against his chest, I try to push him away, but he’s too strong.
“Last chance, princess, leave or I’ll make you.” His face is turning purple, and I am on the verge of passing out. I kick my legs and he groans when I hit his ankle. He releases my neck and I fall to the tiled floor, gasping.
How could he do this to me? “This is about the contract,” I whisper and he laughs.
“Ding ding ding. Maybe you’re not as dumb as you look. Yes, C & P was always supposed to be mine, and once you’re out of the way, all I have to do is get rid of is my worthless, faggot son.”
I glare up at him. How could he do this to me? To his flesh and blood? Is money really worth it?
“Fuck. You,” I growl and he snaps, back handing me hard across the face, knocking me to the floor. He turns to grab something, then grips me by my hair, pulling me back to my feet.
“You should have taken the money and run, little girl,” he growls, pressing the cloth he picked up from the counter harder against my mouth and nose. I breathe in something sweet, and my eyes get heavy.
* * *
My head is throbbingand I can’t open one of my eyes. “What’s going on?” I slur, and wince at the sound of my voice. Ugh, did I get drunk last night or something? I know Hana has been planning a party, but it’s not for a few more weeks. A sniffle sounds next to me, and I try to turn my head in that direction, but I still can’t see anything.
“Is someone there?” I croak and the sound of chains hitting steel makes me clutch my skull and whimper.
“Quiet or they will hear you,” someone whispers on my other side. His voice is rough and filled with desperation, but I recognize it.
“Rooke?”
THE END