Page 92 of Brazen Obsession

“Time to go home and get some sleep, Tasha.” Tom sweeps the hair away from her face and she smiles up at him. “I’ll be out of here before you know it.”

She kisses him softly before getting out of the bed and straightening her clothes. She glances my way. “How’s it going at the house?”

“They’ll need your help a little before you can go to sleep.”

Nodding, she looks at Tom and says, “I love you.”

“I love you.” Tom catches her fingers and squeezes before releasing her.

“I’m pretty ambivalent, but I could see liking you both in the future.” I smirk.

Natasha chuckles. “Bye, Drew.”

The door closes behind her and I put my feet up on the side of his bed. It’s been a while since I tried to make a new friend that I didn’t enter into an odd relationship with to fuck a woman, but there has to be something we can bond over. Even if it’s dealing with his three best friends. “Okay, so we both like girls, but that’s a nonstarter. Sports?”

Chapter 31

Reorganization

Finn

Natasha was able to point us in the right direction with the codes her father used. We can prove Peter was skimming off the top, but it might not be enough. Roger’s words about my father keep echoing in my head.

If anyone could tame an out-of-control boss, it would be my dad.

We called it a night about thirty minutes ago. Everyone else headed up to their bedrooms, but I’m still down in the kitchen with a single light on, staring into a glass of whiskey. I should be tired after keeping Sara up all last night, but I’m not.

Tom getting shot and Sara being part of that has me wide awake. When Peter kidnapped her, the fear was real. But this… How do I spend every day for the rest of my life hovering over her? Do I stunt her growth because I’m worried a sociopath might decide killing her could be the key to his happiness?

The light in the entryway comes on, followed by some shuffling feet. Roger appears in the doorway and meets my eyes like he’s not surprised to find me here. He heads to the refrigerator and pulls out the pitcher of water. As he gets a glass down, he clears his throat.

“I understand your reluctance to involve him.” Roger fills the glass and puts away the pitcher. He’s the one who brought up my father. He turns and looks at me. “But if I had the power to protect Caitlyn, I would use it.”

“He said he wants us to be family again without the strings attached.” I spent my childhood trying to live up to his expectations until I realized I’d never be good enough. Has he really decided I’m not the man he needs to run his business, or is this just another attempt to lure me back in? “How do I trust that?”

Roger rubs his chest through his t-shirt. “This is as good a test as any other. It’s a favor, but one that keeps your loved ones safe.”

“He thinks I should marry Sara so my name will protect her.” I rattle the melting ice in my glass.

“It probably would, but it would also make her a target.” Roger leans against the counter. “Maybe not the way Tom is a target, but people will try to glom on to her to win favor with your father. I’m not saying you shouldn’t marry her, but if you do, it should be for your own reasons and not because someone told you it would protect her.”

Roger picks up the glass of water and sighs. “Someone will always be trying to hurt her or you or one of you guys, maybe not on this level, but you can’t protect her from the world. If he really will help you without pulling you into his business, why wouldn’t you take that?”

He squeezes my shoulder as he walks out of the room. I release my breath and down my whiskey. It’s something I don’t want to do, but I would do anything to protect Sara. Even make a deal with the devil himself.

I send off a text asking for a meeting in the morning. Figuring I won’t receive a response in the middle of the night, I head upstairs to my bedroom. I pause on the second floor, outside the primary bedroom. Did she go sleep with Dante? Or did she stay here?

I crack open the door and the bed is made. I grin. Good for her.

I’m the first one up in the morning, drinking my coffee and watching Peabody trot around the yard looking for the best place to go pee. The text came in and woke me up. He’ll be here in a few hours when everyone else is awake.

The sun barely lightens the sky. I could call it off, but sending that text settled something inside me I didn’t know was off. Roger is right. I have the power to end this. I have the power to protect my family.

Dad seemed sincere when he spoke to me and Sara. That he just wants his family. This will be the test. I don’t know if I’ll accept any deal to get what I need, but I’m prepared to think it over.

The door opens and shuts behind me. The warm scent of citrus flows over me before Sara moves to my side and leans her head against my arm.

“Morning,” she says while yawning.