“Waterproof.”
With Novette headed toward the house, Azalie took the chance to answer her phone.
“What do you want?” she demanded.
“I want to know her schedule.”
Azalie grumbled. “Listen, I helped you before, but you didn’t say anything about shooting people and hurting Zaid.”
“I don’t know anything about that.”
“Yeah right.”
“There are many lowlifes in this world who will do anything for money. That’s not important. What is important is that the next time—”
“I don’t want to know about a next time,” she hissed. “I’m not involved.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” the deep voice growled. “How do you think Richard Kagen will like it if I tell him I have proof his daughter’s best friend arranged for her to be kidnapped.”
She gasped. “I didn’t arrange it. You approached me and… and you threatened me.”
He laughed.
“Besides, you don’t have any proof of anything. You paid me in cash, and if you try to use our phone calls, I’ll just say you kept harassing me asking me if I knew where she ran off to. So you can buzz off.”
“Azalie—”
“Goodbye.”
She disconnected the call and blocked the number. Her heart raced. What she had just done was risky, but it was necessary. The last thing she ever wanted to happen was for Zaid to get hurt. What if he was the one shot instead of that new guy? She couldn’t take it.
No, this was the right action. Novette might be back, but knowing her she would try to run again. If she didn’t, well, her dad would marry her to some old ugly jerk. Then Azalie could make Zaid forget about her. He would move her into the mansion permanently, and all would be perfect in Azalie’s world.
Chapter 8
The clink and clack of a weight machine drew Novette’s attention. She wandered down the hall and found Zaid lying on his back and bench-pressing what looked like three hundred pounds. The new guy spotted him, although with his arm in a sling, Novette wondered if he could rescue Zaid should there be an accident.
She checked her phone and slipped it into her sweatpants pocket. Twelve fifteen at night, and he worked out. “Should you be doing that? It’s only been what two weeks since you got out of the hospital.”
Both men glanced over at Novette. Zaid placed the bar on the posts and sat up. He ran a white towel over his bare chest and rubbed his neck with it. She tried not to focus too much on that body. Good God, the man looked good.
“I’m fine. I heal fast,” he quipped.
“Hey, Ms. Kagen.” Jeff waved with his good hand. “I was just talking to Zaid about you.”
She approached them. “Me?”
Zaid cast Jeff a repressive look, which he ignored. The younger man offered her a friendly smile. He didn’t have the intimidating presence that Zaid had, but then others didn’t cow him either. That was a good thing if he was to continue to work for her dad.
“Yes, ma’am. I was telling him I’d like the position of being your bodyguard. I mean when I get this cast off.”
During the kidnapping, Jeff had been shot and broke an arm. The shot turned out to be nothing more than a flesh wound.
“I appreciate you risking your life for me, Jeff, and I’m so sorry that you were hurt. I don’t like the idea of someone doing that on my behalf. I hope it won’t ever happen again.”
“It won’t,” he insisted. “Not with me on the job.”
Zaid shifted an eyebrow skyward at his comment. The goof probably didn’t realize he cast doubt on Zaid’s ability to protect her.
“I’m not putting you on Novette. Besides, that’s not what Mr. Kagen hired you for.”
“I know, but I’m not finished school, and I’ve had plenty of training in the field of—”
“Goodnight.”
“But…”
Zaid turned his back and moved to overhead straps that would allow him to do reverse crunches a couple feet off the floor. He performed the moves effortlessly. Jeff reddened. When he realized as far as Zaid was concerned the conversation was over, he said goodnight and left them alone.
“So when will you get back in here?” he asked her, dropping to the floor.
“Who me?”
“Is there anyone else in the room?”
She rolled her eyes at him. “I told you I kept my routine up while I was gone.”
“Prove it.” He moved to the mat where they had sparred many nights. Her belly muscles clenched. Not because she was scared of him, but in a way she was.
“Okay, fine.” She kicked her shoes off and tossed her phone on the weight bench. Cracking her knuckles over her head, she performed a few stretches then danced around on the mat.
“You were always dramatic, Novette.”
“Who’s being dramatic? I’m about to shut you up.”
“And groundlessly boastful.”
She lunged at him. He dodged her attempt to grab him. A move she’d seen many times would have put her on the floor in the beginning, but she deflected his hand. He couldn’t get a hold of her wrist. If she kept moving, he wouldn’t get the upper hand.
“Good.” He nodded at her.
She knew he wasn’t giving all he could because he was far better at defending himself than her. “Don’t go easy on me.”
“If I don’t, you’ll lose motivation.”
She laughed. “Please, you can’t keep me down.”
“Now that’s true.”
She grabbed his arm, meaning to hold it just long enough to use her weight against him. He was supposed to drop with the kick to his instep. Her foot missed the mark. He kicked her foot away and caught her arm. A swipe and her legs gave out. She hit the floor, but he went down as well and pinned her to the mat.
The wind left her lungs in a rush. She choked. He loosened his grip. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. My ego’s bruised a little. I honestly thought I could surprise you.”
“Really?”
“You don’t have to look so shocked.” She laughed, and he grinned down at her.
All the laughter disappeared when she noted their positions, her on her back and him bending over her. He pinned both her hands over her head, and if he leaned closer his chest would touch her boobs. She sucked in a startled breath. They stared into each other’s eyes.
He lowered his voice. “You’re better than I thought you would be. I can tell you’ve been exercising a little. If you weren’t your muscles would be much softer.”
“Thanks.”
“Zaid!”
She jumped at her dad’s voice and would have sprung away. Zaid didn’t flinch. He took his time releasing her and straightening. When he climbed to his feet he held out a hand to help her up, and then he turned to her dad.
“Sir? Is there something you need? I’ve been assessing Novette to see where I need to start training her again. However, we can quit here if you need me.”
Novette looked from her dad’s annoyed expression to Zaid’s calm one. How in the world did he act like there wasn’t a moment between them just now and they were caught? Of all people, her dad had to walk in. Then again, maybe the “moment” was all on her side.
“While I have you, Novette,” her dad said, ignoring Zaid, “you should know I’m throwing a party here at the mansion next week.”
She tensed. “A party? Don’t tell you me you’re already starting with trying to choose a husband for me.”
“No, I’m not going to choose your husband.”
Her mouth fell open. “You’re kidding?” Had he changed? Could not knowing where she was have changed him enough to make him back off? It seemed too good to be true.
“I’m throwing the party to welcome you back.”
He strode over to kiss her cheek and even embraced her. Emotions choked her. She hugged him hard and laid her head against his shoulder, recalling when they were closer. As a little girl, she followed he
r dad around everywhere he went. She sat on his lap and nattered on about her special daddy who gave her anything she wanted. Boy, was she spoiled, and boy did she wake up from that fantasyland.
“I can’t believe what I’m hearing, Daddy, but if you’re serious, thank you. Not that I need a party. Everyone who attends those things are your friends and others who want to suck up to you. None of them care a flip about me, the adopted Black girl.”
Her father drew back with a frown. “Is that the kind of language you learned while you were gone?”
She snorted. “You mean ‘flip’? Trust me I’ve said worse.”
“Novette.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll watch the ‘language.’ I’m going to bed, but first I’ll look through my closet to see if I have anything to wear to the party. I might have to get one of the dresses taken in.”
“You will not wear old clothes to the party.”
“Daddy, I’ve worn some of them a grand total of once.”
“I’ll get Sheila to choose a clothing store and open an account for you.”
She started to argue but let it go. If she told him the sweats she wore at that moment were secondhand, he might have a coronary. “Daddy, I was thinking of getting a job and—”
“No.”
“You can’t expect me to just laze around and spend your money.”
“I can support you without any trouble. Perhaps you’ve forgotten the danger your life was in two weeks ago.”
She put her hands on her hips. There went avoiding an argument. “And maybe you don’t remember what it felt like to support yourself for the first time, how it gave you purpose. I can’t just fill my life with shopping and swimming in the pool.”
He looked like he would disagree, and Zaid jumped into the conversation. “Sir, perhaps she can get a position at the company where we can ensure her safety?”
The last place Novette wanted to work was at her dad’s firm. He formed her opinion about the law, and she despised it. She wouldn’t become a lawyer for anything.
Her dad rubbed his chin, producing a scratchy sound where stubble grew over the long day. “That could be a good idea. I’ll have to look into the right position for her.”
“I can interview for an entry level position.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Novette.” He pulled his phone out as he left the room. Apparently, it didn’t matter how late he phoned whoever was on the other end. Their responsibility was to answer and jump to his orders.
Novette turned back to Zaid. “Thanks for the suggestion. I don’t want to work for him, but it might open the door for more flexibility later.”
“It’s what I was thinking.”
She touched his arm and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “You always look out for me—in more ways than one. Thanks again, Zaid.”
“My pleasure.”
She hurried up to her room, wondering about the thick quality to his voice.
Chapter 9
“I don’t know.” Novette studied herself in the mirror. “Sometimes I feel more like his slave than his daughter. I used to think I was his world when I was a kid. Maybe he was mine. Now I’m not so sure he even likes me, let alone love.”
Azalie sat at the vanity while the older sour-faced maid tweaked her curls into place, and a new younger one Novette liked right away when she met her, helped Novette get ready.
“What does it matter? You’re all grown up. Who needs his love if he gives you money?”
“Azalie, really? You would freak if you thought Ms. Sheila didn’t love you, or for that matter Beau. Wouldn’t it hurt? It’s not about what they can give you. It’s about their love.”
“If you say love makes the world go round, I’m going to kill you.” The maid pulled a curl too hard, and Azalie smacked her hand. “Ouch, you idiot! That hurt.”
“Azalie.”
In an instant, Azalie schooled her features so that the angry frown was replaced with a reticent smile. “Ugh, you see how nervous I am about this party? You know important people will be there.”
“You’re always in your element at parties. Don’t even pretend.”
Azalie held up a finger. “At the club. Different atmosphere.”
“That’s funny because before I left you weren’t even old enough to drink.”
“But my boyfriend got me in easy.” She pursed bright red lips. “What was his name? Oh, who cares.”
Novette laughed. “You’re nuts. Are you on the prow tonight?”
“Well, I may find someone to tease. He has to be really hot so Zaid can bite his tongue for leaving me. It’s just a matter of time. He’ll be back.”
“Are you really that into him?”
“He’s my baby’s daddy. I want us to be a family.”
Novette studied her friend. She looked sincere and definitely not delusional. Years ago, Novette had confided in her friend about her own attraction to Zaid. Azalie never paused in her pursuit of the man, even with Novette’s confession. Novette knew what Azalie was like with men. She had a weakness she didn’t know how to deny, and Novette had been willing to overlook it.
Maybe that’s my weakness. I don’t like facing the truth.
The truth about Azalie—Novette would be a fool not to notice her character. Azalie was so self-centered. What she desired was what she focused on. Everyone and everything came second. Because Azalie was her only friend for years, Novette embraced every part of her Azalie. Now though, Novette was losing patience with Azalie’s mess.
Someone knocked on the door, and Novette’s dad stuck his head in without waiting for an answer. It was a good thing she and Azalie were dressed.
“I’d like to speak to my daughter alone,” her dad announced. “Everyone leave us.”
The two maids attending them and Azalie left the room. Novette sat at her vanity, amazed at her appearance. It had been so long since she wore clothing that wasn’t used or worn out.
Her hair had been permed, cut, and styled. The navy high low dress with the deep V neckline, made a little more modest by a lace overlay, turned out to be an excellent choice. She looked elegant, like one of the privileged. The thought annoyed her, although she had never resented her father’s money or position. He worked very long hours, so he earned his money. She didn’t resent success or money so much as the man’s morality.
Her dad moved up behind her and rested hands on her shoulders. He gave them a gentle squeeze and watched her reflection in the mirror. “Novette, I’m hard on you, but you know that I care about you, don’t you?”
His voice held a rare gentle quality that her heart responded to right away. “Yes, Daddy, of course.” Her assertion wasn’t exactly true. She questioned his feelings every time he tried to rule her.
“You must realize that with my experience, I know what’s best for you.”
She rolled her eyes. “Whether you’re right or wrong, what’s best for me is something I decide. Not you.”
“I can’t allow you to go astray.”
“Sure you can. Because I’m not your slave.”
“Don’t use such an ugly word!”
“Then don’t treat me like it, Daddy. I’m serious. What do you think I’m going to say when you tell me you know better than I do about what’s best for me? You think I’ll lie down and take it? Maybe you should have adopted some weak-willed idiot with no brain cells to put together a thought.”
He ground his teeth. “I don’t appreciate your disrespect.”
“And I don’t mean to disrespect you, sir. I try as hard as I can to get along with you. I try to honor your wishes.”
“Then—” He stopped speaking.
“Then what?”
“Nothing.”
She had a feeling she knew what he was about to say. He hadn’t given up his plan to marry her off. Then again, maybe he did. Maybe this argument was about him wanting to cut her off or reverse the adoption. Was that even possible?
It made sense. The ungrateful adopted girl runs off, defying all th
e generosity showered on her. Knowing her dad, her actions embarrassed him. He wouldn’t want anyone to dwell on the fact that his daughter defied him. The best way to rectify that was to get rid of her.
For a split second, she wondered if her dad had set up the kidnapping. Then she dismissed the absurd idea. He was conniving but not vindictive against her. No, he wouldn’t have orchestrated the kidnapping.
Regardless of her internal assertion, an elaborate plot started to form in her mind. Locate runaway daughter, affect tearful reunion, get her kidnapped, and eventually—killed. Problem solved.
Her throat dried.
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
This was the man who went through all kinds of crazy drama as she grew up. He didn’t write her off then. He wouldn’t write her off now.
“Novette, are you listening?”
She stirred from her dark imaginings. “Sorry, what did you say, Daddy?”
“I want us to enjoy ourselves together tonight, as a family. You and me. We’ve had our differences, but I know we can agree. If I say I want you to be happy and free tonight and have a good time, you’ll do that, won’t you?”
His plea surprised her. “Yes, I can. I will.”
“Good. You’ll dance and mingle, and get to know everyone.”
She smiled. “You’ve got a deal. That’s a reasonable plan.”
“Good. I knew I could count on my little girl.” He kissed her cheek and left the room. One of the maids came back in to finish helping Novette get ready. She wondered where Azalie had wandered off to, but it wasn’t unusual for Azalie to do her own thing.
“Ms. Novette,” the maid said.
Novette looked into the mirror at the maid’s reflection. “Yes?”
“I think Ms. Azalie is doing something she should be ashamed of.”
Novette’s mouth went dry. “What do you mean?”
“I saw her go into your father’s office, and she didn’t come out for a long time. When she did, she looked around like she was making sure no one saw her. And I’ve seen her go in many times before.”
Chapter 10
Novette raised her glass to her lips and pretended to take a sip. The champagne was delicious of course. Her dad never skimped on any part of his parties, but her mind was elsewhere at the moment.
No Way Forward Page 4
