CHAPTER SIX
1251 Words
KADEN'S POV
I looked at the wailing Winter on the floor, and my heart broke for her. Why was she doing this to herself? Would marrying me really be that bad of a prospect for her?
She was on her hands and knees, begging her father to not let her go. Erik's face was set in a deep disgust for his daughter. In fact, he seemed to be glad that he was going to be rid of her.
Why anyone would want to be done with her was beyond me. I mean, I haven't been able to get her out of my head for the past weeks.
She was deep under my skin, and she doesn't even know it. If she let me, I'm going to change her life, but here she was, trying to cling to her father and the squalor he brought into her life.
“When has crying ever changed my mind, huh, Winter?“ Her father sneered, and I immediately got the urge to cut out his tongue just for speaking her name.
“Please.“ She sobbed, refusing to get the idea that she was now mine. She was still in denial of her father's betrayal. Denial was a big thing. The earlier she gets it into her skull that she's no longer wanted here, the better for us all. “Choose me.“ Those words tugged at my heartstrings. All she ever wanted was for her father to pick her above all.
“You think I'm going to pick you over paying my debts? You're even more delusional than I thought, girl. You should be grateful to me, in fact. Grateful that I offered you a decent man for a husband. Who would marry you otherwise? You're good for nothing.“
“I did everything for you.“ She yelled. “I put a roof over your head. I fed you. I did for you all the things you were supposed to do for me as a parent.“
“Because you owe me.“ He roared. “You're a m*rderer. You owe me your life, and don't you ever forget it.“
What the hell was he talking about? My sweet angel, a m*rderer? Finally fed up with all the sh*t he was spewing, I kicked him hard with the leather tip of my shoes. What a f*cking delusional disgrace. You don't take care of your daughter like you are supposed to, she's graceful enough to work hard to feed and put a roof over your head, and you say she owes you?
I look at his still bloated figure and I feel nothing but contempt for him. I've seen scum all my life because of who I am in the shadows, but this is the worst of the worst. If I hadn't seen firsthand how deeply she cares about her father, I would have him k*lled.
She was still whimpering on the floor, heartbroken for herself. I move near to her, which makes her recoil in disgust.
“Please don't come near me. Leave me alone. I want nothing to do with a b*stard like you.“
“Now I'm a b*stard?“ I chuckle gruffly. I would be offended if I didn't understand that she was lashing out from a place of deep hurt. “No problem. You, young lady, are coming with me.“
“No!“ She declared. “What type of man would take a daughter for a debt? You're cruel and vile!“ She tried to fight me as I scooped her up in my arms. She lashed out with her arms and legs. She wouldn't stop moving, which made it harder to carry her the way I wanted.
“Boss, should we restrain her for you? We can easily sedate her.“ One of my henchmen suggested, and the glare I shot him was enough to freeze hell over.
“Touch her and you lose your hand!“ My men knew me well enough to know, that wasn't a threat but a promise I would easily deliver on. No one touches my little firecracker but me.
“Understood, Boss.“
“Go wait in the car.“ Winter seemed to be finally depleted of her fighting spirit. Maybe she had realized that there was no one to save her from me. Not that she needs protection from me. I'm going to worship the ground she walks on, and she just needs to realize that.
“Tired?“ I say to her softly, but I got no response. “I'm going to take you in my arms now. Is there anything you would like to take with you because you're never coming back here? Not if I can help it. I choose you, Winter.“
She only looked at me blankly, and I assumed that she would be needing nothing. I was more than okay with that. I want to erase every memory of her past. I want her to forget that she ever had to fight for anything.
I take her to my waiting car and deposit her in the back seat. I buckle her in, joining her in the backseat. We take off, and she doesn't say anything at all. Not even a word of protest.
I want to ask her so many questions, but she's not even giving me any audience. She's looking out the window, and I take the time to study her profile. She looks a little bit different than the last time I saw her, which was only a month ago. What happened to her in the space of one month? Why the f*ck does she need a walking stick? There's also a sadness around her that I can't put my hands on. Although that might be because of the events of this evening.
Her hair looks like it needs a good brush and trim. She's also thin enough to warrant concern. Judging by what I have heard tonight, she rarely has the time to take care of herself since she's busy looking after herself and her excuse of a father.
Soon enough, my car stops in front of my imposing iron-wrought metal gate. There's a routine security check everyone has to go through before they can gain access to my home.
I'm not delusional enough to think I don't have enemies. There are people who want to hurt me as president of Kings Corp company and as the Don of the biggest Mafia group in America.
“We're here, Winter.“ I gently take her from the car and let her stand on her own. She wobbles on her feet, and I'm instantly by her side to help her, but she puts a hand up.
“Don't touch me.“ I step back and follow her into the house. If she's any impressed by the lavish interior of my home, she doesn't show it. It's like she's looking but not seeing anything.
She stops at the base of the stairs, not knowing where to go. I call one of the maids to get her something to eat. I was hoping to get some time with her before she goes up.
“I'm not hungry. I would like to go to bed, if that's okay with you.“ It's a clear rejection.
“Look, Winter. There's something you need to know.“
“Okay.“ She doesn't look up at me.
“We're going to get married tomorrow at the courthouse.“
- Writer
