Uncontrollable Bachelor (Bachelor Tower Series), стр. 35

Chapter 16

Jace

“What the hell were you thinking bringing her there?” Ralph barked at Carlton. “You know that bastard Prince Babboo has connections here in the States. They could’ve followed you! And in those woods, how would you even see them coming?”

“It wasn’t his idea, it was mine,” I stated. Ralph shot me a piercing glare. I met his gaze steadily – he didn’t scare me anymore.

“I should’ve known,” he responded, then turned his attention back to Carlton. “I’m paying you to protect my daughter. When did you start taking orders from this guy?” he said, jerking his thumb in my direction.

Carlton said, “I’m doing my job. She was and is safe. But she is free to choose where she wants to go and with whom. From what I witnessed, Jace didn’t force her.”

Force? No. Lie? Yes. In Shannon’s book, there wasn’t any difference. But that wasn’t information Ralph needed. “She was enjoying herself,” Carlton added.

“But?” Ralph said, as though he knew there was much more than that.

“She overheard me on the phone talking to Carlton,” I offered. “Now she believes I was lying to her.”

“From what Carlton told me, you were. I have no issue with that. I prefer not to call it lying, but some things are best kept secret if done for the right reasons,” Ralph stated.

It was absolutely the right reason, as far as I was concerned, yet it sure as hell didn’t feel right. When I dropped Shannon off at home earlier, she wouldn’t even make eye contact with me . I didn’t expect anything different. The entire drive had been silent. I searched for the right words, but there was nothing I could say. Not now, and possibly not ever.

If this had been the first time I’d fucked up and hurt her, I might have a chance to fix it. But this was strike two. Her tone when she’d said goodbye was cold, final. She never wanted to see me again and I couldn’t blame her. I deserved that and more, and she still didn’t know what was really going on. God, baby, I wish I could tell you the truth. I really do. But the price could be your life, and I won’t risk that. Even if it means you hate me forever.

“It’s fucked up no matter how you cut it. And if she ever finds out what we did, it won’t just be me she hates,” I warned Ralph.

“She’s my daughter. She’ll understand that sometimes I have to do things she won’t like, for her own good.”

Like getting me out of her life years ago? Yeah. Look how that worked out.

“She might be your daughter, but trust me, Ralph, she’s nothing like you.” She’s the opposite of us. That’s probably why I love her.

There was no question any longer about my feelings. I was still in love with Shannon. I had never really stopped, just buried my feelings. But love wasn’t enough. I’m still not the man for her. Judging by the tears she shed on my account, I think she knows it, too.

“It’s possible she might not ever know the actions that were taken to keep her safe,” Carlton stated.

I shook my head. “Shannon wasn’t looking before, but I think her eyes are open now. It’s not about if she finds out, it’s a matter of when. I’ve seen the fire in her eyes when she’s been betrayed.” I just wish I hadn’t been the one to provoke such a reaction. “If we don’t get the results we’re hoping for in time, Shannon might be the one who stands in our way.”

“You don’t think she’d turn you in, do you?” Carlton asked.

Ralph answered. “If she’s as angry at you as I think she is, she will. Hell, I feel for my poor, sweet girl. You’ve done this to her twice.”

I clenched my fist, and it took everything in me to not shut that mouth of his. Had he really forgotten why it ended between Shannon and me the first time? His fucking controlling, meddling ways cost us a future together. And this time I’m the meddler who ruined everything.

“Her feelings will heal, as long as we keep her alive,” I said flatly, not willing to acknowledge anything further to Ralph.

“Not only does she have to deal with Prince Babboo, but with you as well.”

I growled out, “Don’t ever put me in the same fucking category as that asshole. I loved your daughter and we were happy.”

“And you could give her nothing,” he said bitterly.

I glared at Ralph. “That’s not the case now, is it?” My name was well known. Ralph knew my status in Boston.

“And yet she still doesn’t want you,” he said snidely.

No other man would’ve gotten away with speaking to me like that. But if Shannon hated me now, I could only imagine what she’d do if I knocked her father out.

“You know nothing about what Shannon and I mean to each other,” I said between gritted teeth.

“I know your reputation, Jace. You’ve been seen all over Boston with one woman after another hanging all over you. And if I heard correctly, you’re trying to obtain an apartment at the Bachelor Towers. That doesn’t sound like a man who should be…involved with my daughter.”

That was true. Men living at the Bachelor Towers weren’t looking for what Shannon had to offer. They’d see her as a sweet piece of ass, but not look any further than that. She was so much more than any of them deserved. More than I deserve.

“My living arrangements are none of your business.” I can’t believe I had once held hope that Ralph would use his connections to expedite a vacancy for me. I see now that our history would make this impossible – Ralph would block my entry completely.

“Not to break up you two deciding who’s better at hurting Shannon, but we have