Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 132657 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 531(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132657 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 531(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
“Well, I’m not actually being paid to murder the fucker,” Jack admitted. “I know law enforcement might have some people who say we cut corners, but we haven’t lowered ourselves to assassinations yet. Hey, Uncle Ian, what’s Kala doing these days?”
“Mostly Cooper,” Ian deadpanned. “But they’re all married and shit now, so it’s to be expected. Chase, be happy neither of your daughters are married because let me tell you they don’t care if you catch them. There is no discretion after marriage.”
Harlow’s mom raised a brow. “You’re talking about discretion?”
One side of Ian’s mouth lifted in a grin. “I can talk all I like. We all know I do not follow it.”
“Well, she’s not married, so she’s still my responsibility,” Chase announced.
“I’m an adult.” Harlow looked like she was about to explode.
“I don’t know that I believe that,” Chase shot back. “Harlow, I love you. I’m doing this to protect you. Ben, I’m going to get the car. You call Greer and tell her we’re picking her up in an hour and arrange for a plane with Julian. We’ll be at least six weeks.”
“What?” Harlow asked in a way too loud voice.
Because her father was pushing all of her buttons, and she needed some calm. She needed some control.
She needed a freaking hero to ride up on a horse and take her away.
Well, at least he had a Jeep. But he would need some help because her dad was annoying.
They started arguing about how Harlow couldn’t walk away from her business, and then her dad yelled about the business being the problem, and then there was something about whether she should have made a living as an uptight debutante, but Niall was pretty sure that wasn’t an actual profession. He could be wrong. He didn’t watch a lot of reality TV, which was also being discussed as a viable career option that wouldn’t get her murdered.
“She’ll be safe at your place?” Niall whispered the question.
Jensen’s eyes flared, and he leaned over. “I don’t think she’s being given that option. You know they have your picture, too. You need to find a place to lay low.”
Sometimes he wasn’t quick on the uptake. “I did. It’s your place. Not even these guys should be able to quickly find us, and then we will have saved Harlow from her dad and we’ll have her all to ourselves.”
“Because you think we can share her.” Jensen said the words slowly, like he was tasting them. “You think she needs us both.”
“I think we all need each other.”
“It probably won’t work. She hates us right now.”
“You do not get to dictate my life,” Harlow announced in a low tone that felt way more threatening than when she yelled.
“I am your father,” Chase shot back in an almost identical tone.
“You might not be,” Harlow verbally jabbed. “I’m pretty sure it’s Papa over there.”
Ben huffed. “Yes, because you’re acting just like me right now.”
“What am I supposed to do?” She turned on her other father.
“We need to sit down and figure this out.” Her mom reached for Harlow’s hand.
“I’m not going to Colorado. I go to Colorado and he never stops trying to put me in a cage.” Harlow evaded her mother’s affection.
“You don’t get a choice. If you didn’t want to go in a cage, you should have been less reckless.” Her dad seemed to have an endless supply of poor choices.
“I can get you a good group rate on some family therapy,” Charlotte offered.
“Why would we do that, baby? This is some next-level drama right here,” Ian whispered in a not-whispering tone.
“I would say fuck you, Ian, but I need you right now. Watch after her until I get back. I want her down in the parking garage in ten minutes.” Chase looked to his twin. “I know she won’t forgive me, but at least she’ll be alive.”
Ben’s eyes closed and he moved, following his twin. “I’ll talk to him. Nat, I’ll see you downstairs with Harlow. Don’t walk down without Ian, okay? We’ll work this out.”
He walked out the door.
Her mom turned Harlow’s way. “Baby, I’m sorry. He’s scared but he’s right that you need a safe place.”
“You think he’s scared but he’s practically giddy because it means he can lock us all up and pretend Greer and I aren’t grownups,” Harlow replied. “I won’t let him lock me up. I know that he’s seen the worst of what can happen, but I can’t live my life like that.”
“I can get you in witness protection,” Jack offered, looking serious for the first time.
“Another cage,” Harlow shot back. She looked at Ian. “I suppose you’re going to be my first jailer.”
Ian shrugged. “I think it’s funny that your dad thinks I’m going to follow orders. Like he hasn’t known me for… I don’t even want to go into how many years it’s been, but he should know me better than to treat me like an employee when I don’t have a check in my hand.” He turned his gaze on Niall and Jensen. “You two have any plans?”