You Will Be Mine (Forever and Ever #7)(60)

“I think we did.”

“You’re actually…the sweetest guy I’ve ever known.”

“I told you so,” I whispered.

She smacked me gently. “You aren’t sweet if you agree with it.”

I chuckled. “I’ll treat you like a queen, Alex. You’ll never know pain and you’ll only be happy. But you’ve got to let me in.”

“Are you like this to all your girlfriends?” she whispered.

“I’ve never had a girlfriend before.”

Surprise came into her eyes. “Never?”

I shook my head. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been around. I’ve dated girls too. But no, I’ve never been monogamous with someone before. But it’s not because I don’t know how. I can treat a girl right. I just haven’t found anyone special enough.”

Her eyes softened. “Who would have known?”

“And I’m not keeping our relationship a secret. If Chan has a problem with it, I’ll leave.”

“You would leave your job just for me?” she asked with a smile.

“I’m pretty certain I’d do anything for you.” I looked into her eyes, showing my sincerity.

She opened her mouth to speak but she closed it again. Her hand moved down my chest then she touched my chin, studying me. Emotion was in her eyes but I couldn’t read it. She seemed to be just as fond of me as I was of her. We had an instant chemistry when we allowed it to grow. It was nice not being her enemy anymore. And it was even better being this close to her, holding her.

She rested her head against mine and kept her silence.

“Let’s head to bed.”

“Already?” she asked.

“Yeah, I like to cuddle with you. When you’re asleep, you’re very clingy.” I gave her a cocky smirk. “And I like it.”

“I can be clingy…without being asleep.”

“I’d like that too.”





Chapter Fifteen


Conrad


I was asleep when my phone rang on my nightstand. It beeped several times but I was too tired to answer it. More than likely, it was a booty call, and since I didn’t do those anymore, I ignored it.

It rang again.

I sighed. “Shit, this better be important.” I fumbled for the phone in the dark then answered it without checking who it was. “Hmm?”

“Conrad?” Beatrice’s scared voice bellowed in my ear.

Alarm shot through my body, and I sat up in fear. “Baby, what’s wrong?” The nickname slipped out but I was too frightened to apologize for it. She was on the verge of tears. I’d never called anyone by that name before, but I heard other couples do it. It just seemed natural.

“He’s been here all night and he won’t leave. He keeps knocking on my door and threatening to take it down…”

“Who?” I snapped. “Who’s bothering you?”

“My dad.” She took a deep breath and kept her voice calm. “He won’t go away and I can’t get out because he’ll get me. I don’t know what else to do… If I call the cops, it won’t help. I’m sure he’s paid them off already.”

I looked at the time. “What does he want at two in the morning?”

“He’s been here since eight. He’s been hammering on my door and trying to get me to talk to him. He sounds mad…”

“Baby, stay calm. I’m coming to get you, okay?”

“I don’t want to drag you into the middle of this…”

“Your troubles are my troubles. Don’t worry about it.”

“Just hurry,” she whispered.

“I’ll be right there.” I hung up then bolted out the door.

***

Her apartment was on the second story. After I parked and reached the stairs, I saw a man in front of her door. It was dark and difficult to see but I assumed it was her father. No one had called the cops despite the loud yells. It was probably because it wasn’t a nice neighborhood to begin with.

I ascended the steps then turned to him once I reached her door.

He wore a baseball cap, a t-shirt, and jeans. He had extra weight around his stomach, and his face looked old with lines and pockmarks. He clenched his jaw while he stared at me, threatening me silently.

He didn’t scare me. I was bigger, taller, and stronger. Unless he had a weapon, he was no match for me. I stood in front of her door. Then I knocked. “Baby, I’m here.”

His eyes narrowed at me. “You’re seeing my daughter?”

I didn’t answer him. I kept my eyes on him while I waited for Beatrice to open the door.

She opened it then immediately ran into my chest. She didn’t look at her father once.

I made sure the door was locked before I grabbed her hand and escorted her down the stairs.

“How dare you run away from me!” he yelled after her.

If Beatrice was scared, she didn’t show it. She kept a stoic face while she walked with me. I got her to the passenger side of the truck and helped her inside. Then I shut the door.

“I want to talk to her.” He came around and reached for the door.

I shoved my hand into his chest and pushed him back. “What kind of man harasses his daughter at two in the morning?” I didn’t realize how angry I was until I spoke. “If you want to talk to her, you can wait for a more appropriate time.”