Page 68 of Beauty and the Daddy

"Brother." Declan's followed me out. That's the problem. Men like Declan never learn their lessons.

I turn and growl, "What the fuck is your game with Belle?"

"No game. Just concerned about your... investment."

"She's not an investment."

"No?" His eyebrow raises. "Then what is she? Besides the obvious entertainment value."

I lunge for him, and my fist connects with his jaw before I can stop myself. He staggers back, cursing.

"Jesus Christ, Luca!"

"Stay away from her," I snarl. "Whatever you're planning, whatever angle you're working, drop it."

He works his jaw, checking for damage. "You're in deeper than I thought."

"Last warning, Declan."

He holds up his hands in surrender. "Fine. Your girl, your problem. But when she shows her true colors, don't say I didn't warn you."

I turn away. I can't stand the sight of him right now. My blood's still boiling. There's something he's not telling me. Something about Belle. And I'm going to find out what it is.

But first, I need to see her.

I findBelle exiting her room.

She bangs into me, startled, her hand flying to her chest.

"Jesus, Luca. Ever hear of seeing where you walk?"

The moment our eyes meet, I see it—that microsecond of panic before she locks it down. Like a deer caught in headlights, calculating escape routes.

She's beautiful in the golden hallway light, all soft curves and sleep-mussed hair. But there's something else now. A wariness that wasn't there before. Distance where there used to be heat.

"Just getting water," she says, but her voice carries the careful neutrality of someone choosing words like weapons.

"Where were you yesterday?" I ask, cutting to the chase.

She blinks. "Excuse me?"

"Yesterday. You left the house. Where did you go?"

Her shoulders stiffen. "I told you I went to see my father, then do some shopping. Is that a crime now?"

"Alone?"

"Is that an interrogation?" She crosses her arms. "Last I checked, I wasn't under house arrest."

I move closer, watching her reaction. She takes a half-step back. Interesting.

"Declan says you've been sneaking out. Taking taxis. Meeting people."

Her eyebrows hit her forehead. "And Declan would know this how?"

"I don't know what to believe," I admit. "That's why I'm asking you."

"I've been shopping," she repeats. "And yes, I took a taxi because your drivers are intimidating as hell. Sue me."