Page 21 of Innocent and Sweet

Chapter Eight

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.”

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