“See,” I murmur, “that’s very interesting. Where exactly is this money coming from?”
His face purples under my grip as it tightens, pushing into his neck. “A new partner at my firm. And there’s more. My daughter will be getting married – there’s an arrangement. More coming—,”
Thisfucker.
Releasing him, I step back. His face clears, only for Kai to step in and lift him, slamming him against the door and holding him in mid-air. He squirms, the low moans of terror sounding more like he’s experienced seven hours of waterboarding instead of a little roughness. I think he might have pissed himself.
“No.” My mouth presses into a hard line as I fold my arms. “Your daughter will not be marrying Philip, I’m afraid. Not after he assaulted her this morning and gave her a swollen lip. Bit her like an animal.”
The fucker doesn’t even blink at the news. “She’ll do as she’s told. She’s a good girl.”
This is what Briar’s grown up with. I don’t say a word as Kai’s fist slams into his stomach, and he chokes, wheezing with pain. “It’s coming! I swear – please! I just need a little more time.”
“You misunderstand me.” I step closer. My finger digs into his cheek, twisting. “Briar isn’t coming home tonight. As of today, this is no longer her home. She’s not safe under your roof, you selfish fucking asshole. So we’re taking her off your hands.”
He pales. “You’re not from the Clubs?”
Ah. So that’s who he owes money to. Jenson will speak to Keenan.
Gerald’s interest rate is about to see a sharp increase.
“Nope.” I pop the ‘p’. “We’re the ones that will skin you alive if you do anything that makes Briar uncomfortable in the future. I’m sure she’d like you to remain above ground - but if you try to control her, gaslight her, manipulate her in any way - or put her anywhere near Philip fucking Fitzherbert, we’ll come back. And we won’t be quite as nice about it next time. As far as she’s concerned, you will be the father she actually deserves.”
At my nod, Kai releases him. He hits the floor with a satisfying thud.
Go and get her stuff.
Kai disappears as I crouch, flicking Gerald’s forehead in time with my words. “I’m generally considered the more reasonable one, you know. You might want to think about that, when deciding your future actions. But Briar will not be part of your business arrangements. Nod, so I know you understand me.”
He nods. A scent wafts from him, and I wrinkle my face in disgust. Definitely pissed himself.
What a vile little man.
I tilt my head. “Now, then. Tell me where I can find Philip Fitzherbert. And if I find out you’ve warned him about our visit, I’m going to be very disappointed in you, Gerald.”
He chokes out an address.
As a reward, I pat him on the cheek.
Fairly hard.
More of a slap, really.
Oh, look at that. He’s unconscious. “Good man.”
But an asshole father.
Briar
Iglance up at the banging that sounds from above my head. “I’m really not sure about this.”
“It’s for the whole street.” River is lounging in my armchair, watching me trace out a pattern for a new dress idea. His hair is down today, gloriously tousled in a way that makes me want to run my hands through it, but I’m not quite brave enough to ask him. “We had to buy your entire block, since we’re not allowed to give you anything. You’re proving very expensive not to treat, Briar Rose. Worth every cent, though.”
My head shoots up at that, and he grins at me. “It needed doing. Your landlord wasn’t doing the work, so Jenson intervened.”
Slowly turning, I take in the sight outside my window. Jenson is talking to Kai, his hands moving. He looks more relaxed than I’ve ever seen him as he points to the new signage above my store. His whole face is animated, still talking as he studies the plans in his hands. “He enjoys things like this.”
Much more than how he spends the rest of his time.
