Kasey’s father was the first to welcome her. "There you are, daughter. We've been looking everywhere for you," Isaac Mercado said as he leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his daughter’s cheek. "There're some people I'd like you to meet, and I have a favor to ask as well."

"A favor? Why do I suddenly have the urge to run for the door and not look back?"

Isaac rolled his eyes. "You are your mother's daughter. I granted you your privacy in your apartment. And even though you didn't ask, I've kept the guards from staying on your floor."

Kasey groaned in trepidation, not believing she could act so calm after what happened. But the witch’s greeting only reinforced her thought of not living here again.

"See that girl over there?" Her father pointed to a woman about Kasey's age hiding in the corner of the formal room. "They just arrived before you. That is a distant cousin of yours. Her name is Layla and she moved to town several days ago with her father and stepmother. Artemis said the girl’s father wants her to find a job."

“How would Artemis know that?” Kasey asked.

Her father chuckled and dipped his head. “I can only say he’s been driving her around quite a lot and helping her deliver things here.”

“Why him?” she asked. Usually Hendrix chauffeured. Who was this guy anyway?

Her father only smiled. “I can’t say anymore until it’s time. Now, back to your cousin.”

The poor woman looked miserable. She tried to blend in with the wall behind her. Kasey couldn't be sure of the girl’s mental state, but she looked like she was about to cry.

"You know I love you the way you are. Curves, sarcasm, biting wit and all. I'm afraid your cousin's parents aren't as accepting. They make her life hell. Her father is one of my lieutenants and I've moved him here to help me clean up a few messes that have been created by idiots trying to gain favor. Anyway, I want you to friend her, let her stay in your spare room. Give her a break from her parents and maybe some of your confidence will rub off." Isaac winked. "You could give a bit of that to her."

Kasey grunted at her father's words. He could be such a smart ass when he wanted. "I'll do it, but you have to keep your...Artemis away from me for two weeks at the minimum. No social events, no dinners with her. Nothing. Two weeks of not having to see, speak, or hear about her."

Isaac rolled his eyes and nodded begrudgingly. "It's a deal. Now, go rescue the poor girl. I'll settle things with her father. Oh, and daughter of mine, we need to talk later. I've heard some disturbing reports of your activities that has me worried."

With a nod, Kasey walked quickly away. What had her father heard? Did he know about Brannon visiting her or the job with Rakida Construction? If she let herself worry too much about it now, she'd drive herself to drink. There was nothing she could do until they talked. For now, she had a new roommate and friend to meet. Safety in numbers and all that. Kasey would not be moving back into this house.

"You don't know me. Why would you let me stay with you?"

Kasey had to lean in to hear the soft words as her cousin tried to push herself farther into the wall and out of sight of the prying eyes all around.

"What are you doing? I can't talk to you if you're hiding like that."

"Layla, what are you doing?" a harsh voice barked from behind them.

Kasey whirled in surprise and alarm as she heard the angry voice. A giant hulking beast of a man came stomping toward them. She glanced around in shock as the man continued his path without caring who was in his way. Is he an idiot? she wondered idly as the man stopped inches from them. People didn't act like that at one of her father's parties if they wanted to go home uninjured.

"I'm talking to you, girl. Answer me, now!"

"Nothing, sir," Layla whispered in a shaky voice.

Kasey couldn't stand the fear in her voice. She quickly placed herself in front of the large man and glared up at him. "Excuse me, but did you not see we were having a conversation here and you very rudely interrupted?"

The man turned and frowned down at Kasey. "This isn't any of your concern, girl. Run along and play now."

That did it. Kasey was done with the Neanderthal. She reached behind her, grabbed Layla's hand and pulled her from her hole. "If you'll excuse me, we have someplace to be."

The overgrown ape wrapped a meaty hand around Kasey's arm and pulled her to a stop. "Where do you think you're going? I told you to back off; this is none of your concern."

Kasey froze as the man's hold on her arm tightened painfully. Flashbacks of the attempted abduction an hour ago sent adrenaline roaring through her body. Her breathing shallowed. The mark on her forearm from the other man’s grip was still slightly visible.

"Roberto, I'd advise you to release my daughter's arm now. If I have to ask again, you won't like the consequences."

Instant relief flooded Kasey's veins at her father's words. Never had she been so happy to see her father as she was at that moment.

"Your daughter?" The man gaped in astonishment at Kasey before quickly retreating a few steps.

"That's right, my daughter, and if you value your life even the slightest, you won't ever touch her again."

"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't know who she was."

Sure, apologize to her father, but not to her—the one he was manhandling. With that thought, she couldn't hold her tongue any longer. "It shouldn't matter who I am, you ass. You never touch a woman without her consent and you especially never hurt them."

Ice filled Isaac’s voice as he stepped closer to the man. "You hurt her?"

Kasey felt satisfaction as her cousin's father's face paled and he began to sputter. Only the soft plea from her cowering new friend made her intervene. "Father, it's okay. I'm not hurt."

Isaac nodded and stepped back, adjusting his suit with a satisfied grin. "Kasey, I see you've met your cousin Layla. I assume you see why now?"

"Yes, I do. We were actually just leaving to get things settled so she can move in tomorrow." Even if Layla hasn't technically agreed yet, she thought to herself before turning to her cousin and grabbing her hand again. "Ready?"

"What's going on here? Where is my daughter moving to?"

"Roberto, we have a lot to discuss. But first things first, let's get a drink."

Kasey sighed in relief as her father dragged the overbearing man to the other side of the room. She wanted nothing more than to go home and have a drink herself. Her arm throbbed and a headache was starting behind her eyes.

"Kasey?"

"I promise I'll explain, but let's do it in the taxi on the way to your place. We're going to grab you some clothes and other necessities to hold you tonight. Tomorrow, my father will have all your stuff sent over."

Layla frowned. "I don't understand."

"It's simple." Kasey laughed sadly. "I'm fulfilling my family's destiny. I'm managing your life for you, just like I always complained my father did with mine. In your case, I think it's what's best, though."

"You're loca, aren't you? Should I be watching for the men with the white jackets for you?"

This time Kasey's laughter was full of amusement. Her quiet cousin did have a backbone after all. At least when she wasn't remembering to be afraid of her father. "No, you need to be away from your father. Mine has simply provided the means for your escape."