Page 8 of Bradford (Boston Bay Vikings #18)

brADFORD

I'm glad to be leaving the hospital for the second time in a week. I really hope this time is the last. Florence rests her head on a pillow in my lap while she sleeps, and I watch over her. I was overcome with fear when I arrived at her apartment to find her lying motionless on the floor.

There was no sign of the man who hurt her.

What were they looking for? If the shooting has to do with my father, why search Florence's apartment? That makes no sense. We’re not even dating yet.

Is there more than one thing going on? I'm sure that has crossed the detectives' minds. It's certainly a puzzle.

I softly stroke Florence's hair as she sighs contentedly. I'm happy to have her with me. I thought she would argue when I suggested she come back to the hotel with me. But thankfully, she agreed without hesitation. I feel protective of her and hate that she might have been targeted because of me.

I fiddle with my phone, knowing I must call my father to find out what’s going on. Brad Winchester is a ruthless businessman, so I guess he messed with the wrong person.

Not wanting to disturb Florence, I send him a message.

Me: Why did thugs nearly choke my girl to death?

He never replies immediately, but three dots appear in the message window.

Dad: What are you talking about?

Me: Her home was ransacked, she was attacked, while another guy kept me busy at the hotel where I'm staying.

Dad: That has nothing to do with me!

Me: The guy who held me up said I had you to thank.

Dad: I’ll call you in ten minutes.

I sigh heavily and smile softly when I see Florence looking up at me. "Hi."

"Hi," she whispers back, licking her soft pink lips.

"You must be uncomfortable." She gently pushes herself up from my lap and reaches for the bottle of water on the coffee table.

She takes a long drink, and my eyes rove over her delicate features.

She has pale, smooth skin with a light dusting of freckles on her nose and cheekbones.

Her eyes have an unusual hint of violet, and I could gaze into them all day.

When her eyes meet mine, I see the lingering fear behind them.

"What happened?" I ask softly, reaching out to touch her hand.

Florence takes a deep breath before recounting the terrifying ordeal she just experienced.

She hadn't been able to speak clearly at the hospital because of her pain.

Smith and Walker will be back to take her statement, but for now, it's just the two of us.

Without hesitating, she snuggles into my side, careful not to jar my injured shoulder. My injuries are frustrating because all I want to do is hold her close and feel her body against mine. I ache for that.

"While you were being attacked, I had a visit from a real piece of work. He mentioned my father and his business dealings. He wants something and plans to use me to get it. He threatened you, which is why Smith and Walker and I ended up at your apartment. I was worried about you."

“I’m glad you showed up.” Flo tilts her head and meets my gaze. "You have gorgeous eyes."

I grin, and she blushes. "That's my line, babe." After some careful maneuvering, I wrap an arm around her. I sigh at how comfortable she feels in my embrace. "My dad is going to call me soon. I hope he has answers."

"I don't see why they'd toss my place," Flo says, her brows drawn together in a frown. "It doesn't make any sense."

"I thought that too." Not wanting to talk about it, I ask, "Are you okay with me putting a game on?"

"I don't mind."

“I’ll keep the sound down." I flick through the channels and find a hockey game. It’s not my team, but I watch it anyway.

"I should go back to my apartment," Florence whispers. "If I don't go back soon, I'm afraid I won't want to go back at all."

"I want to be selfish and keep you here with me."

The shrill ringing of my phone is irritating, especially because it interrupts our perfect moment. The soft look on Florence's face mesmerizes me. Her violet eyes pull me in, and I lose all train of thought. I don't want to let her go.

When I answer the video call from my dad, I make sure Florence is in the frame, too. If he caused her pain, then I want him to see that for himself. My dad isn't a bad man. He's been a good father. Supportive. But recent events have left a sour taste in my mouth.

"Son, what's been going on?"

“This is Florence. She was almost choked to death by a man who ransacked her apartment while another man threatened me because he wants something from you.

He threatened to hurt her as well, which is why we think it's all connected.

" I don't mention that we're not sure about the connection to Florence just because her apartment was ransacked. I want to know what my father knows.

My father has lost color as he looks at Florence.

“Aren't you a pretty little thing? I'm sorry you were hurt.” He sighs. "Are you still in Vegas?"

"Yes."

"Let me send the jet for you both. I think Boston will be safer."

"Dad, leaving town won't solve the fact that someone is after you!" Florence grabs my hand and squeezes it tightly.

"You still haven't told us what's going on,” I add.

Dad runs his hands through his dark hair and sighs.

"I outbid someone on a warehouse that I recently acquired.

He is the type of person you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley.

That's the only thing I can think of as to why you and your girlfriend have had some trouble.

" His eyes snap wide. "Wait a minute! Is that why that bastard shot you in the hospital?

" He drifts off, cursing under his breath.

"Listen, I have a friend who owns a security company in Boston.

I'm going to call him and send someone out there to keep you both safe.

I'll work with him to sort this mess out as well. Do you have security now?"

“The floor is supposed to be secure. At least, that’s what Wyatt said.”

Dad nods. "Good. I'll call you back." He hangs up.

Groaning, I rest my head against the back of the sofa. "This is so messed up."

"Does your dad have a jet?"

I snicker. "A company jet? Yes, he does." I shrug. “I’ve flown on it a few times.” Sighing, I add, "I think I know the security company Dad referred to. They're the best."

"Hmm." Florence searches my face. "You know I can't leave town, right? I have work tomorrow."

My heart sinks. I know she has a life here, but I had hoped she would at least come with me to stay safe and be with me. It's selfish of me to think that. But since meeting Florence, I've wanted what my friends have, and I'm fairly sure I want that with her.