Scandalous by Missy Johnson Page A

okay?”
    “You know I love you, right? Anything I do is only because I worry about you.”
    She groans and covers her face. “God, what have you done, Coop?”
    “I had a private investigator follow Roman.” She groans again. I quickly continue. “I was just worried about you and how little you knew about him.”
    “So what did you find out?” she asks in a dry tone. I breathe out, relieved that she isn’t angry. If anything, she seems amused.
    “Not much. He works as a private investigator. That’s about it,” I say sheepishly. “I know it was stupid and I should’ve stayed out of your business. I promise it won’t happen again.”
    “It better not,” she warns. “So, that was it? Nothing else?” she asks.
    “Just a lot of contact with some dude named Carlos Ferreir,” I shrug. Her eyes widen and the color drains from her face. “Beth?” I prompt. That name obviously means something to her.
    “Carlos Ferreir?” she repeats. “Fuck.”
    “What is it?” I ask, concerned.
    “Carlos is my father.” She closes her eyes, her head dropping to her hands. “Why is Roman working for my father?”

Chapter Thirteen
    Roman
    “Beth?” I call out, slamming the front door. I throw my jacket down on the sofa and walk through to the kitchen. An empty wine glass sits on the counter in the otherwise undisturbed room. I pull out my phone and try calling her but there’s no answer. Tapping out a text, I toss the phone on the counter and wait for her to reply.
    I open the fridge and grab a soda, trying to stop myself from thinking the worst. My phone beeps and I scoop it up, only to see it’s Carlos. Sighing, I press answer.
    “What do you want?” I growl. “Now is not a good time.”
    “She told you then?”
    “Told me what?” I ask, annoyed.
    “The letter. You better be saying good shit about me, Roman. We have a deal, remember? Don’t try and mess with me or I’ll fuck up your life.”
    “Wait, back up a second. What letter? What are you talking about?” I ask, my thoat constricting. This is not good .
    “Beth. I know she’s read my letter. I saw her pick it up.”
    “Carlos, I have no fucking idea what you’re talking about,” I say. “I haven’t seen her since yesterday. If she did read your letter she’s said nothing about it to me.”
    Silence fills the line.
    “Look, I have to go. I have no idea where she is, but I have a pretty good idea of who she’s with.” I slam the phone down on the counter, pissed off at everyone. Why the fuck would she call him and not me?
    My phone beeps again, this time with a text from Beth.
    Beth: Sorry, had to get away for a few days. Will call you soon. Xx
    Not fucking good enough. Growling, I kick the edge of the counter, sending a chair flying across the kitchen in the process. I have to find her. Who knows what the fuck Carlos put in that letter. He could’ve told her everything for all I know.
    I put my hands to my head, closing my eyes as I try to think. Where would they have gone? A hotel maybe? Fuck, they could be anywhere. I’m never going to be able to find them. Refusing to give up, I grab my keys and fly out the door. I’ll start at the only place I know: his house.
     
    Mia opens the door, her expression surprised. Not that I can blame her. We’ve only met once.
    “Roman. Wow, this is a surprise. What can I do for you?” she asks, her brow creasing as she wraps her jacket a little tighter around her waist.
    “I’m looking for Coop. Is he here?” I ask, an edge to my voice.
    “No.” She blushes, her gaze dropping for a moment. “He’s staying at the Alwhich Hotel for a little while.” She doesn’t need to say any more. “Why are you looking for him?” she asks nervously.
    “Because I can’t find Beth,” I reply, my voice tight.
    Her eyes darken as they narrow at me. “And you think they’ve ran off together?” she asks with a laugh. It’s a nervous laugh, and I’m pretty sure the idea is not impossible to