Hard Fought (A Stepbrother Warriors Novel)(47)

"No, I know. I find it difficult, too, but I think it'll be worth it. For both of us. But maybe you could come back later tonight, and we could just...hang out? Like normal people?"

"Normal people, you say? Interesting...I'll think about it," he replies with a smile. He lets his arms fall back, but grasps my hand at the last second. "When do you want to talk to your father?"

"As soon as he comes home," I reply. Carter nods, and walks slowly to the door.

"It'll work out," he says, turning back.

"I know," I reply, more confidently than I feel. As the door shuts behind him, I look back out to the water one last time, then cross to my bureau. I'm wearing only shorts and a t-shirt, and I want something a little more serious on when I confront my father. I'm just pulling on a pair of slacks when there's another knock at the door.

"You forget something?" I ask as it opens.

"Sorry, ma'am," Roger says from the doorway.

"Oh, I thought you were someone else. Wait, what are you sorry for?" I ask with a frown. There are footsteps behind him on the stairwell and he moves aside as two men hurry into my bedroom. "What the hell?" I exclaim as one heads into my closet and begins shoving clothes into a bag.

"Mr. Stratton has asked us to move you out," Roger informs me. "Immediately."

"What are you talking about?" I ask, as a sinking feeling fills my stomach.

"He said to tell you that Carter is waiting to escort you to a new location."

"OK..." I grumble. I suppose if Carter is involved than it's fine, but it's so sudden. Could there have been a new threat against the family from El Nuevo Muerto, and now we have to find a safe place? "Do you know—"

"I can't tell you anything else," Roger says stiffly, then pauses. "Just doing my job."

"I might not be so worried if it didn't sound like you're already trying to placate your conscience," I reply, studying his face. He winces slightly, but doesn't say anything else. I take a deep breath. The other two men have finished rummaging through my closet and bureau. One even went into my bathroom, presumably for my toiletries. They stand next to Roger with two full duffels and my purse and give him a nod.

"Your father's waiting outside," he explains. I look around my room and take a deep breath.

"Seems I have no choice," I say with a grim smile, and follow Roger down the steps. At the door of the boat house, I'm surprised to see him turn left and take the steps down to the dock. I look around him and see one of the security boats pulled up across from the yacht. As I step onboard, my father emerges from the helm. The security men board with me, and my father nods at Roger, who unmoors the boat.

My father and I stare at each other. In the darkness, it's hard to see his eyes, but I'm sure they're emotionless anyway. I have to raise my voice to be heard above the speedboat's engine.

"Anne told you," I say flatly.

"Correct," he replies.

"And Carter isn’t here."

"Also correct. You're improving."

"So where are you taking me?" I ask, sitting down on the side of the boat. Spray kicks up just behind me as we fly over the waves.

"We're dropping you off at a marina downtown. From there, you can do what you want."

"You're leaving me in the middle of the city with no security protection when you know my life is in danger, because you put it in danger," I summarize.

"That's not how I'd put it. I'd say that you are trying to drive a wedge between myself and my fiancée, and I'm no longer willing to financially support you by allowing you to stay in my house."

"Potato, potahto, right? And what will you tell everyone? Wait, let me guess: I got mad at you for being too overprotective and moved out in a huff."

"Very good!"

"They're going to think it's quite a coincidence, especially since we had all planned to talk to you together tonight. Anne didn't know about that."

I can just see him frown, but it disappears quickly. "Maybe you intercepted me as I was being dropped off and we had words. I'll think of something." He studies me for a moment. "You do seem remarkably calm, especially for you."

I sigh, and stare out at the waves. "I guess I'm just exhausted. I warned Jack and Bree about the danger, and as for myself, I'll manage. I'm stronger than you think."

"I doubt it, but I'm glad you're feeling confident," he replies coolly. The marina lights shine brighter as we near it, and we weave in and out of the few boats out at night.

"Why'd you give me security at all?" I ask. "Why not just leave me high and dry from the moment I came home? Then El Nuevo Muerto couldv'e killed me and the debt wouldv'e been paid."