Page 110 of Unforgettable
“No visitors allowed,” he responded.
“Tell the senator Ryker James is here. He’ll see me.” The senator would probably throw me to the wolves.
My gaze slid past the security guards to the lights twinkling from the house that sat about half a mile down the long driveway. Then I scanned the rest of the property as best I could, given the lack of light. I needed to have a backup plan in case I couldn’t get past these two goons.
The security guy narrowed his beady eyes. “I said no visitors.”
“Look, man, if you don’t want me to start talking to the press”—I stabbed a thumb behind me—“then I suggest you make the call to the senator. I’m sure he’ll let me in.” Again, I was pulling at straws.
“Are you threatening me?” the security guard asked.
“No threats. Just make the fucking call.” I tried to keep my voice low, but I didn’t succeed.
A wiry guy with a mic ran up. “Did I hear you say your name is Ryker James?”
I rolled my eyes before addressing the guy. “Who’s asking?”
The gate suddenly opened, and the security guard was shoving me in before the reporter could talk to me.
Smart man.
“Why does he get to go in?” the wiry reporter shouted.
“I’m going to rescue my girl,” I volleyed back with ease, affection, and giddiness. Yep, it was official. I was in love.
The guard’s partner escorted me down to the house, where two more beefy men stood watch outside the front door.
I felt as though I were in some type of political crime drama on TV and was about to be interrogated. But then the front door swung open, and I came face to face with the most beautiful girl in the world.
My heart went haywire, and I knew I had made the right decision to come there.
“It’s okay, guys,” Haven said in her angelic voice.
One of the guards shoved me in for good measure or to prove to me that he was a badass and would have my head if I messed up.
I snarled at him before entering the house. No sooner had I stepped inside than Haven had her arms around me. “What are you doing here?”
“Saving my girl.”
She let go of me. “This isn’t a good time.”
I checked her from head to toe. No bruises. No signs that she’d been hurt. Every strand of hair was in place. Her big emerald eyes were clear. Above all else, her bewitching smile said she was happy to see me.
I mentally scratched my head. “I heard the news. Is your father here?”
She let out a small laugh. “Everyone’s heard of my father’s affair.”
A tall blonde glided in, angling her head as her blue eyes appraised me. “You must be Ryker James. I’m Arlene Hale, the senator’s wife.” She pecked me on one cheek then the other. “As Haven said, this isn’t a good time.”
A small white dog wagged his tail as he trotted in and began sniffing my shoes and legs.
“This is Baxter,” Haven said as though she hated the dog.
We hadn’t had pets growing up. My dad had been allergic to cats and those dogs that had fur instead of hair. Still, Mom had decided no pets even though my brother and sister and I had hounded her many times to let us have a dog.
I ignored Baxter as he continued to look up at me with his tongue out. “I’m sorry, ma’am, for the intrusion. I saw how Haven was whisked away, and I was worried about her.”
“You could’ve called her.” Her tone had an edge.
