A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 184

Frank was clearly a bit wary of Rowan. He forced a smile. "You're overthinking it. I just want to take her home, that's all."

Rowan shot him a cold glance. "And does she want to go?"

On the business front, the Atwater Group and the Murphy Group had always been close partners. Privately, the two men had grown up together, and now, with Rowan and Elissa reconciled, Rowan was practically Frank's brother-in-law.

Frank didn't want to sour things between them again, so he softened his tone. "Couples fight sometimes—nothing out of the ordinary. Arguments at night, making up by morning. It's not as serious as you think."

At the mention of "fighting at night and making up by morning," Elissa instinctively looked up at Rowan. She didn't miss the cold glint that flashed in his eyes.

Suddenly, Rowan reached out and ruffled her hair, smiling. "Honestly, I don't care if you two argue at night and make up by morning, or if you fight today and divorce tomorrow."

"But as long as she doesn't want to leave, no one is taking her anywhere."

His words were casual as always, but there was an unmistakable edge—one that left no room for argument.

The commotion drew the others into the room.

Rex immediately sensed the tension crackling between the two men. He walked over and clapped Frank on the shoulder. "If Elissa doesn't want to move back, just let her stay here for a while. When she's ready, she'll decide on her own."

"Exactly," Bradley chimed in. He was Frank's buddy, but he'd seen how Frank had treated little Elissa in the past, and now he joined the chorus.

"Frank, you know, you can't fix years of distance overnight. If you really want Elissa to come home, she has to want it too. Rowan's keeping an eye on things here—no one's going to take advantage of her."

Frank looked at Elissa from across the room, silent for a long moment.

Bradley's last point made sense to him—if Cliff wanted to get close to Elissa, he'd have to go through Rowan first.

Finally, Frank let out a heavy sigh. "Fine. When you're ready, you're always welcome home."

He turned to Rowan, concern tightening his voice. "I'll count on you to look after her for now."

Rowan arched an eyebrow. "Want to know?"

"I do."

"Then go take a shower first."

Rowan pulled her back inside, steering her toward the master bathroom.

Elissa tensed up. Her period was over, and, ever the responsible doctor, she blurted out, "Did you remember to bring protection?"

Rowan, caught off guard, coughed into his fist but didn't break stride. He shot her a look, his eyes dark. "Protection?"

"Yeah—condoms."