* * *
We get homeand I leave Rooke with Nate as I go searching for my father. I know this isn’t going to be an easy talk, but I think if I finally give him what he wants, he may go easy on me. He’s on the phone yelling at someone, but his office door is open, so I walk in. He glares my way and points to the seat in front of him.
I sit, and glance around. He still has photos on the walls of him and Patience’s dad, but none of my mom. That’s weird.
“I don’t care what you need to do, Henson, just get it done,” my dad growls, then chucks his phone at the wall. I jump and he turns his rage onto me. “Do you have something to tell me, son?” I fight for him not to see how uneasy he makes me, but I fail. Gulping, I nod, and sit up straighter.
“I went over to Rooke’s house this afternoon. We had plans to hang out with Patience and Nate. But when I got there, the house was a mess, and Mr. Sanderson was trying to kill Rooke. I blacked out and came to with him on the kitchen floor, a bloody mess.” He nods as if he knows all this already.
“You had made plans to hang out with Patience? Interesting, since she’s currently getting ready for work.” He gives me a grin as he watches my face. I make sure my mask is secure and shrug.
“We were supposed to get some pizza before her shift.” His nostrils flare and I try to move the conversation back to the topic at hand. “Am I going to be spending a night in jail?” I ask, and he laughs.
“As if I would ever let that happen. I assume Rooke is staying here, based on the bags I saw you bringing inside?” I nod and he gives me a look while he thinks. I know what’s coming next, so I bring it up before he can.
“So, what’s next with the Gregory merger? I know you wanted my help.” His eyes go wide and he gives me a sleazy grin, looking pleased. He’s been trying to get me to help him seduce and blackmail his current girlfriend, Cherise. Her dad is causing some trouble for his company.
“I won’t sleep with her,” I tell him, and he waves his hand.
“You won’t need to. We just need her to think that she's been caught, then she will be like putty in my hand.” Ugh, he makes me sick sometimes. I nod and stand.
“Just let me know what you need me to do. I need a shower,” I mutter, glancing at the blood on my hands and clothes. I turn to leave, but he stops me.
“Keep close to Patience, Cal, and try to get friendly with her grandfather. It’s best to keep on his good side.” I agree then leave his office. The way he’s looking at me right now, as if he’s a predator and I’m his helpless prey, it’s creeping me the fuck out.
And what’s that cryptic shit about Patience’s grandfather? Something weird is going on here. I make my way upstairs and take a quick shower before going to look for Rooke and Nate. I find them in the kitchen, digging into whatever Dana has made. Rooke has an ice pack on his forehead, and it looks like Nate's cleaned up his cuts.
“How are you feeling?” I ask him, and he gives me a small smile.
“Better. Can we talk?” he asks and I nod as I help him stand. I think one of his ribs might be broken from the way he’s holding his side. Nate leaves us alone and I thank him with my eyes. He gives me a shrug, then walks around the corner. I still need to talk with him about Patience, but that can wait.
“Want to go to my room?” I ask him and he nods. I help him up the stairs and he laughs.
“You must think I’m an invalid. I’m okay, Cal. Just sore.” When we reach my room, I spin him so he can see my face.
“You are the farthest thing from an invalid. You are the strongest guy I know. I just wish you didn’t hide this from me. I would have beat his ass sooner.” Rooke laughs again, wincing, and takes a seat on my bed.
“My dad is okay with you staying here, but we are going to have to have a chat about what I have to do in return for his generosity,” I say with a roll of my eyes. Rooke knows all about my dad and his ‘trades’.
“Is it bad? I can leave, Cal. I don’t want him finally getting his claws into you.” I move over to the bed and sit beside him, taking his hand.
“I would do anything and everything he asks, if it means you’re safe, Rooke. I’m sorry I made you feel differently. Last night was a clusterfuck of epic proportions, and I have felt sick ever since our fight. I freaked out, and I took it out on you. I’m sorry.” I take a deep breath and he squeezes my palm.
“What do you have to do? Can I help?” I laugh and shake my head.
“I don’t know the exact plan yet, but probably seduce Cherise.” Rooke groans and tries to let go of my hand. I grip his tighter, not letting him leave.
“I told him I’m not sleeping with her. I just need to get her in an uncomfortable situation and get caught. Ugh, I hate him sometimes.” I groan and lie back on the bed, leaving my feet on the floor. He lies beside me and I gaze into his amber eyes.
“I thought my dad was fucked up. At least he never tried to pimp me out.” I laugh and rub my hand down my face.
“It’s crazy, isn’t it. I also need to start spending more time with Patience before the wedding. That’s going to be a blast.” I groan and he laughs.
“I don’t see why you hate her so much. She’s actually really nice and funny. I think you guys would have fun, if you just put your animosity aside and tried being friends. Sucks, you have to get married, but at least she’s not some vapid bitch.” I nod at that and lift my arm so he can lay on my chest. I run my fingers through his damp hair and sigh. I like this.
“So, about the wedding, I had a question,” I start, then panic. This is crazy. I can't ask my lover to be in my wedding.
“Okay, what’s up?” he mumbles, half asleep. I press a kiss onto his head and groan.