Chapter One

Sierra

I pull up outside my father’s house. I am staying the night. I was out with some friends, and my father’s place was closer than my apartment. I do try to come and stay with him once a week because he gets lonely. We lost my mother when I was only four years old. It has been over twenty years, and he has never remarried. He has dated, but it didn’t go anywhere. He loved my mother too much to give his heart to anyone else. It is sweet and romantic, but I also want him to be happy and in love again. He has put all his focus on me and the business.

When I climb out of the car, I notice a familiar car parked too. What the hell is Ambrose doing here at midnight? Ambrose is a man I have known for a long time. He and my father have a close relationship. My father took him under his wing when he was in his late teens. He also assisted him with his business, making it possible for him to create a better life for himself. I don’t know much about his family, only that he didn’t get along with them.

He and I don’t get along. We never have, even with the age gap. Then again, there are very few people with whom Ambrose gets along. He is a jackass. He is cold, heartless, arrogant and rude. He is the last person I want to see tonight.

I groan and head inside. I always make it a priority to avoid him. I could do without him in my life. I have never understood the relationship between them. My father isn’t perfect, far from it, but he has a heart, unlike Ambrose.

“Dad,” I call out as I enter his house.

“Living room, princess.” He calls back, but something sounds off in his voice.

Something is wrong, I can sense it. I rush to the living room. They are both sitting, a scotch in hand. My father looks worried, almost defeated.

“Dad, what is wrong? Don’t tell me nothing because I know it would be a lie.” I reply softly.

He looks at me. A look of shame on his face. He motions for me to take a seat. Ambrose stands to let me sit but doesn’t acknowledge me.

“Princess, I need to go away for a while.” He says sadly and reaches for my hand.

“Go where? What is going on?” I ask, concerned.

“I can’t tell you. I need to disappear for a while. It is safer if you don’t know where.”

Now, I am really worried. He would never leave me alone. He has always been there. He is the only man who hasn’t let me down or broken my heart.

I whimper, “Dad, what do you mean?”

“I don’t want to go into detail. The less you know, the better. I got into business with the wrong people, bad people. In doing so, I have put you, myself and the business in danger. I need to disappear until I can find a way to fix things.”

“I will come with you. Why can’t you tell me what is going on?” I whisper, the tears rolling down my cheeks.

“Sweetie, please, don’t cry. It is better that you don’t know. You can’t come with me, it isn’t safe.”

He is trying to stay strong for me, but I know it is breaking his heart. He wouldn’t leave me unless he had to.

“You can’t go alone. You can’t leave me alone.”

“I will be fine, I promise. I have friends who are going to help. You won’t be alone. You know I wouldn’t leave you alone.”

What the hell has he gotten himself into? Yes, he has made mistakes, but this is different.

“I will be alone, though.”

“You will be staying with me until things get sorted.” Ambrose's emotionless voice says from behind me.

I jump to my feet and fling myself around to face him.

“Excuse me? There is no way in hell I am staying with you. I will be fine on my own.” I snap.

He steps closer to me, his dark, blank eyes boring into mine. It causes me to shudder and not in a good way.

“It isn’t up for discussion. Staying with me, you will be protected.”

“No! I would rather sleep on the street.”

“Trust me, this is the last thing I want to do, but I owe your father a lot.”

“Sierra, please don’t fight me on this. I need to know you will be taken care of and protected.” My father says softly.

I turn back to him, “Please, let me come with you.” I beg.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

“I wish I could, princess. Please, do this for me?”

“Tell me what happened. Maybe I can help.”

He shakes his head, “No.”

The tears are streaming down my cheeks. “How long will you be gone?”

He gets to his feet and comes over, hugging me tightly, “I don’t have the answer to your question. I wish I did.”

His voice is breaking as he tries to fight back his tears.

I sob into his chest, “What do you need to leave?”

“In a few hours. A friend is picking me up to take me to his private jet.”

“What? So soon.” I say and pull away.

“Yes, the sooner the better. You will go to Ambrose’s place tonight. He will take you to get your things tomorrow from your apartment.”

“Will I hear from you?” I ask.

I don’t mention anything else about what he said. I don’t want him to have to worry about me. I will go with Ambrose, but I leave tomorrow.

“Eventually, when I am settled. I am so sorry, Sierra. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I am sorry I am breaking my promise to always be here for you.” He says, no longer holding back his tears.

“No, it is okay. I know you don’t have a choice. Please promise me you will be safe and return as soon as you can.”

He hugs me tightly again,” I promise.”

I cling to him and continue to cry. I am a daddy’s girl. I always have been. I am not embarrassed to admit it. It has only been the two of us for so long. He is a great father. Not seeing him for God knows how long is going to kill me and break my heart.

“I love you, too, Daddy,” I whisper.

“I love you, too, princess. I know staying with Ambrose isn’t ideal since you two don’t get along, but he is the only one I trust to take care of you and protect you until I return.”

“It is okay, but I can’t promise he will still be alive by the time you return.” I huff.

He chuckles, “I am sure the two of you will be fine. Maybe staying together will make you realise you have more in common than you think.”

Ambrose and I scoff at the same time. Good to know our feelings are mutual.

“You will be fine.” He encourages.

I look up at him with a forced smile. He reaches in and wipes my tears away, “Everything will work out. I need you to trust me.”

I nod, “I do. Do you know where you are going?”

`’Yes, everything is set up, at least for now.” He answers.

I could plead for him to stay. He probably would if I tried hard enough, but I won’t. He has to do this. If he had another choice, then I know he would stay.

“Promise me you will return safely?”

He kisses my forehead, “I will. I promise.”

I will be worried sick until I hear from him. I still can’t imagine who he could be involved with to end up putting his life at risk. He is smarter than that.

“We should go before it gets any later.” Ambrose pipes in.

“No! I am not leaving until my father has to go.” I protest.

“You will go now.” My father says.

I frantically shake my head, “I am not leaving you alone.”

“He isn’t alone. I have someone outside and another inside the house.” Ambrose replies.

“Why can’t I stay until you leave?”

“Because I have some things I need to sort before I leave.”

“No! I am staying, neither of you will tell me otherwise. I don’t know when I will see you again. I am spending every second I can with you. End of story.”

I stand my ground. It is hard enough; I am not saying goodbye until the last possible second. They nod, knowing they won’t win this one. Ambrose doesn’t seem happy, but I don’t give a fuck about him.