Chapter 140 Trap
Richard's POV
It's been a long fucking day, and I just want to pull my little dancer into my arms and hold her until the rage seeps from my body. Then I want to make love to her nice and slow, until every ounce of stress has left us.
I know she was worried about going back to work today. I told her she didn't have to, but of course she didn't listen to me. She'd been texting me off and on, letting me know there were some bitches that showed up today, but Hailey once again shooed them out.
But her texts aren't even what has been stressing me out.
For some reason I've been getting calls from the investors saying Dean Kingson thinks my company is going to shit and they want to pull out. Of course he did. He wants me to fail, even if it means I won't be able to pay for him and mom anymore.
I told them all to go to hell, and if they want to pull out go ahead! I also explained that my father is a controlling asshole and if they follow his advice, they will be the ones losing, not me. I know my company is solid, and if I sold it right now, I'd still come out on top.
I might, actually. I've been thinking of selling it. That would mean I could stay home with Josie and take care of her and the baby, and make sure her sisters are safe.
Then maybe I can pick up a hobby... Well, I'm still good at music. I could start my own band... I wonder if I could be more popular than Dad?
I pull up into the drive and sit in my car and just sigh. I'm so fucking tired right now. I could go for a long bath... As long as I had my little dancer in there with me. I wonder if my girl is up for a little fun?
I wonder what Jeff's making for dinner? I would kiss the ground Jeff walks on if he's got steak and potatoes! I need something to pull me out of this... feeling. I swear something is off, and it's not the investors!
I trudge up my steps and push through the door, stomping the early snow onto the mat. It's so damn cold tonight.
The first thing I notice is it's unnervingly quiet. Something is wrong. There is no bustling around or sounds coming from the kitchen.
Actually, at this very second, I couldn't care less about food.
"Josie? Baby? Are you okay?" I call out, hoping to get a response. But all I hear is silence.
Then I hear a sniffle. I turn on my heel and see my heart shudders in my chest. This was not what I expected when I came home from work today... If this is what it's going to be like, I'm definitely quitting my job!
Sitting in the far corner, I see a trembling Charlie holding something out to me. She looks like she's been fucking crying. Red flags are blaring all over the place, and yet, I still don't know where the danger is.
"Charlie? What's wrong?" I rush to the girl, trying to get some answers.
Her lower lip trembles. "I'm so sorry! I couldn't stop it!" she sobs, continuing to hold out the paper to me. "Jos told me to give this to you the second you got home," she mumbled, tears falling down her face.
Dread pools in my gut. Was that some sort of premonition I've been feeling all fucking day? What the hell happened now? I'm really not even sure I want to know!
The only thing I do know is Josie is not here, and my world feels wrong!
I reach for the paper and my whole fucking body is vibrating in rage. I seriously think my brain just fucking exploded, because this fucking can't be happening again! NOT FUCKING AGAIN!
I swear, I just go her back! What the hell is wrong with this world! Can't we just live a normal life live every other person on the planet?
"Tell me she didn't!" I growl, begging her to lie to me. Needing her to tell me my little dancer did the smart thing and stayed and waited for me! "Tell me she wasn't this stupid! She was supposed to be safe at home! Not go chasing after trouble! She was supposed to wait for me!" I can't stop my rambling right now.
I'm so fucking scared.
However, my prayers went unanswered when Charlie shakes her head. "She left a half hour ago. She was sure you would follow her and save her. She left because it says to come alone, and she knew you would never let her!"
"DAMN RIGHT I WOULD NEVER LET HER! THIS IS CLEARLY A FUCKING TRAP!" I rage. My head is spinning with so many emotions; I don't even know what the hell I'm feeling. But I know sure as fuck I'm pissed!