Uncontrollable Bachelor (Bachelor Tower Series), стр. 32
At one point, I wanted to make love to her, but something held me back. Her words echoed in my mind and I became enraged. If I got my hands on the fucking coward, I would show him my pearly whites and tell him to take a swing at me. The first punch would be a freebie and it would also be his last. I knew if I got my hands on him, I wouldn’t be able to stop.
I turned the bend and looked back at the cabin one last time. Shannon was still inside. I had given her the excuse of needing to take a piss. This was further than she probably thought I’d go, but at least she couldn’t see me using my phone. I couldn’t take too long, or she’d give me the third degree when I got back.
Quickly, I called Gabe. Thankfully he picked up. I filled him in with what Shannon had told me.
“That’s fucked up, but unfortunately, more common than you’d think.”
“That doesn’t make me feel any better,” I retorted. “I need this asshole dealt with. There is no way he’s ever going to say her name again, never mind see her.”
“You do know what you’re suggesting we do could very well result in a fatality.”
“We’re not killing anyone,” I said.
“No. But when his father believes his son is a traitor to the crown, the punishment might be harsh,” Gabe stated.
“Are you backing out? Because I’ll fucking do this myself if I need to,” I snapped. It’d be more difficult, and I might get caught, but that wouldn’t prevent me.
“I didn’t say that. It’s my job to make sure you’re well-informed. Okay, that’s really more my brother’s thing. He’s all about making sure you don’t end up regretting anything later.”
I was riddled with regret already. If I hadn’t crumbled to Ralph’s demands to stay the fuck away from Shannon years ago, none of this would’ve happened to her.
“Don’t worry about what I feel. This is about Shannon,” I snarled.
“Then you need to consider her feelings. What will she think if she learns about the actions you took?” Gabe asked.
“Are you planning on telling her? I sure as hell am not.” I had already warned Carlton what would happen if he opened his mouth.
“Jace, one thing about secrets in a relationship is they always come out. My advice would be to tell her ahead of time. It beats the fuck out of trying to explain your actions later.”
“Great, Gabe. I’m not paying you for your advice, just your knowledge and skill,” I said firmly.
Gabe chuckled. “Sorry, it is the husband in me that didn’t want to see you fuck up like everyone else. Guess we all make the same mistakes. Hope you don’t lose her in the process.”
I knew what she’d say if she knew I was doing this. She was a doctor, and had taken an oath to do no harm. Even though she might hate Babboo, she wouldn’t support what I’m doing. Hell, if I thought about it too much, I might not either. But I didn’t see any other way. Carlton couldn’t spend the rest of his life watching Shannon. And all it would take would be one slip and she’d be gone. The fact that Carlton didn’t know about Babboo’s phone call was all the confirmation I needed. No one could watch everything, and Shannon couldn’t spend her life in a bubble, either. My choices were limited – walk away and pray nothing happened to her, or risk it all and make sure nothing did.
“I’ll take my chances.” We were wasting time that could be better spent on planting data for the King’s security advisors to find. “How close are you to getting into their system?”
“I’m in. All I need to know is when to push the button. Once I do, we wait until they come across the information. It’ll look like Prince Babboo has not only been embezzling from his father’s personal accounts, but planning to topple his father’s reign. We need to let them find the information organically, though. If we force it, it’ll be flagged as a conspiracy. The point is for Babboo to look guilty as sin.”
He was. Maybe not embezzlement and treason, but beating women and forcing them against their will was a hell of a lot worse in my book. “Do it. And keep me abreast of anything you learn.” I peered around the tree and saw Shannon still standing there. “I’ve got to go. Update Carlton for me. And have him beef up the patrols. We don’t want Babboo making a move before we can shut his ass down.”
“Roger.”
I slipped my phone into my back pocket and turned to head back to the cabin. As I approached, Shannon crossed her arms. Does she know? Damn, I fucking hope not.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
“Yes. It appears that you are avoiding doing something?”
I had no idea what that meant. Maybe to finish what we started at the waterfall? I reached for her, but she stepped to the side. I cocked a brow and she smiled. “You have to be kidding,” I said.
She shook her head. “Nope. A challenge is a challenge.” She pulled a damp dust rag out from behind her back and handed it to me. “I’ll inspect your work later.”
“Hey, I said I’d do it, but no one ever mentioned Quality Control was watching.”
Shannon teased, “Keep it up and I’m sure I can find more for you to do.”
Laughing, I went into the cabin and waited for her to join me. She didn’t. I peered out the window and noticed she was glaring into the woods. Fuck, Carlton. I told your team to back the fuck up.
I opened the door again and played off my concern with a