Page 9 of Innocent and Sweet (Roosters #2)

Kameron wanted to hold her. He’d rather be making love to Anissa, but her father would be there at any moment. Howard Dunn would never let his daughter get too far away.

Headlights shone through the front window, then went dark. Anissa tensed. “Show time,” she murmured. “Brace yourself.”

“Yes.” He patted her ass. “I’m ready.” He felt helpless, but if this was his way of making a stand, then he’d deal.

Not accepting payment and ignoring the eviction notice were his best bets for protest. He’d moved everything of value to a storage unit, but still.

His protests hadn’t worked, and if Anissa was wrong, he stood to lose a lot more than a house.

He left Anissa by the sofa, then crossed the room to the front door.

The sounds of arguing -- Julian and Howard on the porch -- echoed in his home.

He opened the front door. “Mr. Dunn. Julian.”

Howard stormed into the house. “Let her go.”

“Who? I’m not holding anyone.” Kameron put space between him and Mr. Dunn. He hated bullies, and Anissa deserved her freedom.

“You know who. Anissa.” Howard held his hand out to his daughter. “You’re probably scared, Ani. You’ve never run away before.” He glared at Kameron, then reached for Anissa.

“No one’s a prisoner here,” Kameron said. He tucked Anissa behind him. “Anissa’s fine.”

“I’m happy, Daddy.” Anissa clutched Kameron’s shirt. “Don’t do this.”

“You heard her, Stone. Let her go.” Howard shook his head. “You’ve forced her to make a choice. She doesn’t want to do this.”

“Who said I don’t?” Anissa asked. “I’m fine right where I am.”

“Enough.” Howard stood toe-to-toe with Kameron. “You’ve brainwashed her. She never ran away until she hooked up with you.”

“Yeah… wrong.” Kameron grinned. He’d had enough. “Nope.”

“I ran because of you, Daddy,” Anissa said. “You’re pushing me away.”

“I see,” Howard bit out. “This is how it’s going to be. Whatever you want, it’s yours. Just come home. We’ll discuss the situation, and you’ll be safe.”

“Oh, sure.” Anissa stood beside Kameron. “There’s one problem. I’m not leaving until we discuss this. I want to know why you’re trying to take Kam’s house, why you’re trying to pay him to leave me alone and why you’re fucking with my happiness.”

“You never acted out like this before,” Howard said. “I don’t understand.”

“I was never strong enough to know what I wanted before.” Anissa held onto Kameron’s arm.

Kameron held her tight. He’d be her strength any day.

“I see.” Howard glared at Kameron. “What’s your hand in this? A demand for your job back? A demand for more money for this dump?”

“Neither.” He kissed the side of Anissa’s head. “This isn’t my fight, and I’m not trying to get that job or cash. This is her fight, and she asked me to be the muscle.”

“Right.” Howard’s glare deepened.

“Kameron is right.” Anissa inched in front of Kameron. “I want the truth. Are you trying to pay him off to get the house so you can raze it?”

“I need the property,” Howard growled.

“It’s at the end of the grounds for the strip mall. It’s not smack in the middle. Why is this house so important?” she asked. “Answer me.”

Her father growled again. “That jackass wouldn’t take the money. If he’d taken it, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

“Maybe he likes his house.” Anissa straightened her spine. “Maybe I like it.”

Kameron kissed her temple again. Go, Anissa, go. Pride welled within him. She could be tough when she wanted, but so soft. He admired her strength and boldness.

“It doesn’t matter. I offered this jerk top dollar for this dump.

” Howard sneered. “He refused to take the money. He refused his paychecks, too, but you knew that.” He turned his glare to Kameron.

“How are you living here? We evicted you. I’ve heard a rumor you’re stealing funds from my accounts.

I can’t prove Ani’s giving you money, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she is.

” He stared at her. “Are you giving him money?”

“No.” Anissa stood tall. “He never asked, and I never offered.”

“I’m not out for your damn money,” Kameron snarled. “Jesus.”

“Then how?” Howard asked.

“It’s not your business, but it’s my inheritance,” Kameron said. He fought back the urge to scream. “If not taking your money infuriated you more than taking it, then ignoring your checks and transfers was worth it.”

“But you’re taking my daughter. She’s more valuable,” Howard snapped. “It’s a way to stick it to me?”

“Jesus.” Kameron balled his hands. “I love her in spite of you. I cherish Anissa.”

“Yet you tumbled right into bed with her, ruining her chances to snare a decent husband,” Howard said. “Smart.”

“For fuck’s sake.” Anissa held up both hands. “I’m not tumbling with anyone, and I’m not blindly marrying some guy you picked for me, either.”

“You’re not thinking straight.” Howard inched toward her. “Ani.”

Kameron willed himself to remain calm. “She knows what she’s doing.”

“I do.” Anissa sighed. “Choosing Kameron isn’t a reaction or an outburst. I fell for him a long time ago. Caring wasn’t forced. It happened organically. I’ll never fall for the guy you choose because those guys have all been boring. They’re motivated by your money.”

“Ani,” Howard said. “Please?”

“You’ve always called me Ani. Why would you tell those guys to call me by your nickname for me?” Anissa asked. “I hate it.”

“I thought you liked it,” Howard said.

Kameron suppressed a groan. He knew better than anyone Anissa preferred to be called by her full name.

“I don’t want to hear it on anyone else’s lips,” Anissa said. “Not even Kameron’s.” She held up her hand. “Before you ask, no, he doesn’t use that name.”

Kameron rubbed her shoulders again. He kept quiet but wanted to whoop. She made him proud with her confidence.

“Ani.” Howard’s shoulders sank. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because I’m tired of being a commodity. I know you selected those guys. I know they were paid. I’m not a chunk of land or a business. I fell for Kameron because he allows me to be me. I love him.” Anissa leaned into Kameron. “He’s special to me.”

“That’s why you’re marrying him? Without my approval?” Howard thundered.

“Yes.” Anissa nodded. “I am.”

Kameron squeezed her shoulders. “We’re not running off in the middle of the night to get married.

I want to, though. Soon. I love her and want to protect her.

She’s a prize, a gem, and I can’t see my life without her.

I’d give my life for her. I never stopped caring, not even when you fired me.

If I had my way, I’d have your approval -- to keep this house because it was my grandmother’s and to marry Anissa.

I love her.” He’d spoken the words on his heart and poured out his soul.

He couldn’t think of a better answer than the truth.

“See, Daddy? No one’s trying to swindle you. Not me and not him. I love Kameron. I feel safe with him.” Anissa blew out a ragged breath.

Howard stared at Kameron. “That’s why you jumped in as her date, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Kameron said. “No amount of money will cover what she means to me.” Did he look weak by admitting his feelings? Too fucking bad.

Howard sighed. His gaze vacillated between Anissa and Kameron. He didn’t speak right away.

Kameron held his breath. Things could be okay, but they could go south fast.

Anissa leaned against Kameron. Was she trembling? He draped his arms around her shoulders. No matter what, he’d protect her.

“You’ve made up your mind, haven’t you, Ani?” Howard asked.

“Yes.” She answered right away and didn’t waver.

Howard sighed again. “Then I have, too.”

Kameron’s stomach soured. He braced himself. Everything could go to shit, and he’d have to pick up the pieces. Still, he refused to give up.

“Daddy?” Anissa asked. “What did you decide?”

“I’ll spare the house,” Howard said. “You’re right. The house isn’t sitting on ground vital to the building project and won’t be a problem. If the house remains and is preserved, I’d prefer if you sold it.”

“Why?” Kameron murmured. He needed to know.

“I’d prefer you and Anissa move into the guest house,” Howard said.

“What?” Anissa blurted.

“You told Julian you’d be happy to live here,” Howard said. “Did you change your mind?”

“No.” She relaxed a bit. “The guest house would be good, but I’m shocked you’re letting me go that far.”

So was Kameron. He hadn’t believed Howard would give her any rein at all.

“I’m scared,” Howard said. His voice faltered. “Jesus. You’re all I’ve got left, Ani. I wanted you to be where I could keep an eye on you. I wanted to protect you so I didn’t lose you the way I did your mother.”

“Is that why you picked guys you knew weren’t suitable?” she asked.

“I knew they wouldn’t stick around, and you’d stay at the house with me.

” Howard’s shoulders sagged. He stared at Kameron.

“I knew Anissa would fall for you. You’re arrogant, tough, pushy, and she’s talked about you non-stop.

I thought if I got you to go away -- by force, rules or payment, then I wouldn’t lose her. ”

“I’m still your daughter.”

“And if you want, we’ll reside in the guest house,” Kameron said. He wasn’t wild about living in a fish bowl, but he’d do whatever he had to in order to be with Anissa.

“You really want to get married, Ani? To him?” Howard asked.

“I do.” Anissa’s voice turned dreamy. She leaned into Kameron. “Very much so.”

“Kam?”

“I do.” Christ. Sounded like he was reciting wedding vows. Still, he had no regrets.

“Then I give my blessing, the guest house and an offer to pay for the wedding.” Howard nodded. “I knew this day would come, but I’m glad she selected you.”

Really? Kameron stared at Howard. He had to be imagining things. “You hate me. Hate my belligerence. Why are you steering her in my direction?”

“You’ve changed your mind?” Howard asked.

“No, I’m just confused.” He held Anissa. “Why the change of heart?”

“I know my daughter. She’s like her mother.

Sarah didn’t say much, but when she got angry, she let the target have it.

She yelled at me so many times. She loved with a bright passion and followed her heart.

After she died, I thought my world had ended.

Anissa’s grown up to be like her mother.

I thought if I kept a lid on her, I’d always have a piece of Sarah in my life.

Then you joined the security team. I saw a lot of me in you, Kameron.

I never wore leather or drove a motorcycle, but I also have your blind determination.

Sarah and I fit together because we were so different -- just like you two.

I wanted to keep the attraction between you bottled, but as my Sarah would’ve said, you can’t stop four things: fate, taxes, death and love. ”

“Daddy.” Anissa hugged her father. “I’m sorry.”

“No, baby girl. You need to start your own life. Just stay sort of nearby,” Howard said.

Anissa snagged Kameron into the embrace. “What do you think?”

Kameron laughed. “You’ve run the show, quite well I might add, and now you want my input?”

She blushed. “Yes.”

“I don’t want to sell the house,” he said. “It’s got emotional value.”

“How about it being moved to another property? You can keep the home, and I’ll have it moved,” Howard said. “Any property you want.”

Anissa said nothing.

Kameron’s grandfather had a hand in refurbishing the house. “I’m not moving it. I’ll live in the guest house, but I won’t cave on this.”

“You’re sure?” Howard asked.

“Positive.” Kam held firm.

“I’ll get them to leave your property alone,” Howard said.

“We’ll start our life in the guest house?” Anissa asked. She turned to her father. “Without a ton of interference from you, Daddy?”

“I won’t interfere,” Howard said.

“As long as I have you, Anissa, and my house isn’t going anywhere, I’m good,” Kameron said. He’d live on the mansion property if that was what she wanted, but he’d keep his grandparents’ house.

“All right.” Howard let go. He straightened his suit coat. “We need to go.”

“Thank you.” Anissa walked with Howard to the door. “I’ll ride back to the house with Kameron. Julian can take the Jeep.”

“Fair enough, but that’s still your vehicle, sweetheart.” Howard nodded once, then left the house.

Anissa sighed. “Who knew demanding independence would be so taxing?”

“I’m pretty sure the colonists found that out,” Kameron said. He embraced Anissa from behind and watched the cars leave the driveway. “I’m proud of you.”

“Why? Because I’m free?” she asked.

“Because you stayed true to yourself.” He kissed the top of her head. “One day, I want to be brave like you.”

“Ah, well, I’ll have to give you lessons.” She turned around in his arms. “I do owe you something for the lessons you’ve given me -- but I’m missing some bullet points. Shouldn’t you have taught me something about sex besides blowjobs and licking my pussy?”

“Of course, but that lesson won’t commence until we return to your suite.” He patted her ass.

“Why? We’re already here.”

“But I’ve only got a twin bed,” he murmured, “and the lesson will require a much bigger bed. A twin isn’t enough room to teach you what you need to learn.”

“Oh.” Her eyes sparkled. “How about we ride your bike back to the house and get started?”

“Anything for you, Anissa.” He kissed her. “My heart is in your hands.”