Page 73 of His Red Carnation

Callan put his hand on my thigh. “It has to be, unless there’s someone else you think would be capable of this,” he said quietly as the commotion and chatter around us became loud.

But I couldn’t think of anyone else—logically, James was the best and easiest explanation. But was it too easy? He was a sweet guy; I didn’t think he’d do anything like this. Then again, did I really know him?

“Let me go with them,” Callan said as he stood up, and I realized he was talking to my dad. “If it’s that kid, I’m gonna beat the fucking shit out of him,” he spit out.

Dad paused as he regarded Callan with bemusement. “No.” He shook his head and then looked down at me as his expression softened. “Stay with Sloane. They’ll get this figured out. Keep her safe here,” he said quietly as he turned back to Callan.

My heart melted—did Dad finallyget itnow? I glanced over at Mom and she was smiling at me warmly. Maybe Mom knocked some sense into him.

I stood up and took Callan’s hand, entwining my fingers with his. I knew he was wound up and angry, ready to do something about James possibly sending the threat.

“Come on, Daddy,” I whispered in his ear. “Now you need to fill up my ass.”

He turned to me with wide eyes, his anger shifting to desire. “Yes, ma’am.”

32

Callan

I didn’t want to think about any threatening texts or Sloane being around that fucking kid. I had never felt so angry in my life. Someone threatening my girl—my future fucking wife—had me reeling. However, she successfully calmed me down after I drained every last drop of myself into her ass.

I guess we fell asleep, because the next thing I knew, faint morning light crept through the curtains, and Sloane had her hand on my hard cock as she stroked me gently.

“Good morning, Daddy,” she said as she looked up at me with a smile, already on her fucking knees and ready to blow me.

“Fuck,” I moaned as I put my hands behind my head, watching her. “Good morning, baby.”

“Sloane!” Jake’s voice called out from the other side of the door.

God fucking damnit. Sloane rolled her eyes and let go of my throbbing cock.

“Yes?” she called out sweetly.

“Can I come in?” he asked, and I heard the doorknob rattle as he tried to turn it.

My eyes shot wide open, panic rising in my chest, and I checked her door—thank fuck it was locked.

“Well, um…give me a sec, Dad,” she huffed as she got up from bed and I hurriedly put my cock away.

Sloane shrugged on sweats and left her perky, hard nipples under a tank top on display. If she answered the door like that for anyone else, I’d be fuming. I pulled up my jeans and straightened my shirt out, then began to put my shoes on when she opened the door.

I glanced up and noticed Jake’s tired eyes on his daughter before they shifted to me. “Can I speak to you alone, sweetie?” His tone was gentle, but it only raised my suspicions.

Sloane turned to me with sad eyes. I nodded, but her brows furrowed, her expression hardening. She was still upset with her dad, and it seemed a soft tone and a “sweetie” weren’t enough to change that. She turned back to Jake, crossing her arms.

“No. You can speak to me right here,” she said, her voice firm.

A smile flickered across my face as I looked down, tying my shoes. I wasn’t about to object—not with that attitude of hers—because any attempt would be shut down right away.

Jake sighed, crossing his arms. “It wasn’t James. His dad gave us a hell of a time, but we got the information we needed, and he’s in the clear,” he explained.

“Nah,” I cut in immediately. “It’s gotta be him, Jake. Who the fuck else could it be?” I asked as I stood up and walked towards them.

Jake’s jaw tightened as he watched me. “That’s what we’re trying to figure out, Callan,” he responded, irritation seeping into his voice. “That’s why I’m here. Sloane,” he said, glancing back at her. “Can you think of anyone else?”

Sloane was about to respond when Leo approached Jake, tapping him on the shoulder. “Mr. President, there’s an urgent call for you,” he said, and Jake immediately turned and followed him in the other direction.

Sloane looked up at me, worry etched across her face. “What could that be?” she asked, her voice quiet and timid—nothing like my usual confident, fiery girl. She was scared.

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