She headed down the grand staircase, reality poking at her again.
How could she possibly get her dad out of this mess? If her mother found out what was happening, she’d have a breakdown.
Harlow stepped into the living area and kitchen. Easton was standing at the island wearing a navy-blue suit and a blue shirt that brought out his eyes.
Her heart skipped a beat. He was just so male. She just stared at him, taking him in.
He sipped his coffee, then looked her way. He paused, his gaze running over her—from the top of her head, down her body to her shoes, and back to her face.
“That outfit tempts me to convince you to make another mistake before we go to work.”
“I look professional,” she said.
“Sexy professional.” His gaze lingered on her skirt. “It’s one thing to imagine what you look like under those skirts while I’m at work, it’s another to actually know.”
“No sexy thoughts at work.”
He made a deep sound. “Impossible. I now also know what sounds you make when you come on my cock.”
She gasped.
He skirted the island and poured coffee from a carafe, then pulled a plate out of the oven. It held a perfectly cooked omelet.
He nudged her toward one of the stools at the island and she sat, suddenly overwhelmed. “Thank you.”
She couldn’t remember the last time someone had cooked her breakfast.
He cupped her face. “You’ll get through this, Harlow. I’m right here with you.”
She stared into those cobalt-blue eyes. “I’m glad you are.”
“You’re finally admitting that.” He kissed her, taking his time. “Now eat.”
She listened to him take a call. He was talking to some banker in Australia. How was she going to make it through the day at the office without giving away the fact that she’d explored every inch of Easton Norcross’ body. In great detail. And wanted to do it again.
She gave an internal groan, and then drank her coffee like it was the elixir of life.
Easton had just finished his call when his phone rang again. He put it on speaker. “Vander.”
“Morning.” Vander’s deep voice. “Harlow there?”
“Yes.” She pressed her hands to the island, her pulse dancing.
“We found your father.”
She sucked in a breath. “Is he okay?”
“Yeah. I have him here at my office.”
She jumped off the stool. “We’ll be right there.”
“See you soon,” Vander said.
Harlow met Easton’s gaze. “He’s all right.” She smiled. “God, I was so worried.”
Easton brushed her hair back behind her ear. “Grab your bag and we’ll go.”
“Wait, what about work? You have meetings this morning—”
“I’ll call Gina to reschedule.”
Harlow’s belly twisted. “I’m causing you so much trouble. I—”
Easton pulled her close. “Do you ever worry about yourself? Or is it just everybody else?”
“Easton—”
He nipped her lips. “This time, I’m taking care of you. You just need to focus on you.”
Harlow knew he liked being in charge and taking care of things as much as she did.
But she was realizing that he needed someone to worry about him, too.
Before Easton had even finished parking the Aston at the Norcross Security office, Harlow was flying out of the car.
With a curse, he caught her at the stairs leading up to the main floor. He took her elbow.
“You shouldn’t run in those heels. You’ll break an ankle.”
She arched a brow. “You should see what I can do in these shoes.”
He smiled.
Harlow rolled her eyes. “Of course, you’re thinking naughty things.”
He stopped on the stairs and kissed her. “I think naughty things anytime you’re close, Harlow Maree. Nothing to do with your shoes.”
She gasped. “How do you know my middle name?”
“It’s on your employment file. And Vander investigated you, remember?”
She frowned. “Maybe I didn’t understand exactly how much Vander was reporting to you.”
Easton took her hand and started upward. “Your first boyfriend was Brandon Dalton in high school.”
Her mouth dropped open.
“He’s an unsuccessful real estate agent now. Divorced twice.”
She shot him a look.
“Vander is always very thorough. And what he uncovered is that you’re a rare woman, Harlow. One with no secrets.” Easton felt that old, familiar darkness rise. “I’d forgotten that people like you exist.”
Concern crossed her face. “Easton—”
“What he uncovered is that you’re hard-working, you save your money, and you care about your family, a little too much.”
Her face softened.
“And you only splurge on clothes and shoes.”
“They’re an investment.” She squeezed his hand. “What you see is what you get with me.”
Easton had spent so long uncovering lies and secrets. Ones paid for with blood. Ones that had cost lives. Harlow was like a shining sun in the darkness.
“I hate when you get that look in your eyes.”
Her words made him blink. “What?”
“This darkness takes over, and for a second, you aren’t here anymore.”
He blew out a breath. “Unlike you, I have my secrets.” Dirty, dark ones that still stained his soul.
She didn’t look away, held his gaze. “I’m here, if you want to share them.”
His chest tightened. She didn’t push. She didn’t fire off questions. “Let’s go talk with your dad.”
She nodded. They reached the top of the stairs and Harlow looked around. “This warehouse is gorgeous.”
Across the space, Vander and Rome were standing talking in front of an office. Harlow and Easton hurried over to join them.
“Harlow.” Rome’s deep voice was a rumble. “You okay?”
“I’m fine, Rome. Don’t even think about beating yourself up. I’m okay.”
The big man grunted.
Easton knew Rome wasn’t getting over her abduction anytime soon.
Then Harlow made a choked sound. She was looking into the office behind the men.
Charles Carlson sat slumped in a chair.
“Dad?”
Carlson’s head snapped up. “Harlow.” He shot to his feet.
She raced to her father.
Easton followed. He was staying close. Her father might love her, but he’d put her at risk.
“Princess.” Carlson hugged her tightly.
“I’ve been so worried about you,” she said.
Easton caught Vander’s gaze and scowled.
“Found him hiding in an office space he’d rented through a secondary company. He was sleeping on the couch.”
Easton lifted his chin.
“Dad, Rhoda Pierce had people kidnap me.”
“No.” Carlson’s hands flexed on his daughter’s arms. “I’m so sorry.”
“She said you gambled. Then lost more money, then you stole a dagger of hers.”