compared to the deep bruises on her ribs. “I’m all right.”
“I’ll have the doctor slot you in first thing this morning to be sure.” He reached for the phone’s handset. “He’ll be happy to come to the house to examine you.”
Kristi stopped him with a hand to his arm. “Dad, I’ve been checked by a doctor and two medics. They all agree I have minor injuries. I’ll be fine in a few days.”
“I’d feel better if our personal physician said as much. I don’t trust anyone but Dr. Flannery.”
“No. Seriously, Dad, I’d know if I was worse. No more poking and prodding by a doctor.”
“All right.” He laid his hands on her shoulders. “The code to the alarm system at the house is still the same. The housekeeper has prepared your suite of rooms, and I’ve doubled the security team on duty. You’ll be safe.” Her father looked at Rafe. “I hope you won’t mind escorting Kristi to my home before you move on to your next mission.”
“Dad, I’m not moving back home.”
“Of course you will. Don’t be childish, Kristi. We’re talking about your life.”
“I won’t live in fear.” Even though she was scared to death the kidnappers would try again. “I have a business to run. I can’t hide at your home. Like you, I have immovable deadlines, and my business and equipment are at my home. I can’t pack up and move to your house.”
Alan sighed. “I’ll send a security team to your place, then. No arguments, Kristi. I insist on that safety measure at least.”
Her earlier concern for his safety resurfaced in her mind. “I already have a security team. Keep the extra security for yourself. I want you to be safe, too.”
A frown. “What security team? Did you hire someone without me vetting them?”
“Rafe and his team are protecting me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. They can’t unmask the kidnappers and babysit you.”
“I told you yesterday that I wouldn’t stop until we discovered who was the behind the kidnapping and why,” Rafe said. “I meant every word.”
“You don’t have to multitask. My security teams will protect Kristi. They’re very good. I only hire the best.”
“You hired Fortress because we’re the best in the business. We don’t walk away from an op without finishing the job. I won’t walk away from Kristi.”
Did her father understand what Rafe meant? “Dad, enough.” Kristi folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t want one of your security teams. I’m comfortable with Wolf Pack, especially Rafe. I’m safe with them.”
“Hugh won’t like that arrangement.”
She didn’t want to broach the subject with her father this early, but now seemed as good a time as any to reveal her decision. “Hugh’s opinion doesn’t matter. This arrangement is best for me.”
Alan stared. “What are you saying? Of course Hugh’s opinion matters. You’re engaged.”
“No, Dad. We’re not. I’m not marrying Hugh.”
Her father scowled. “The announcement is scheduled to be released to the press at the end of the week.”
“I’m not marrying him.”
“But he’s signing employment papers soon.”
“You can hire Hugh without him being your son-in-law.”
“What’s gotten into you? Four days ago, the wedding plans were going well. Now, you don’t want anything to do with Hugh. What changed in four days?”
Shock rolled through her body. “What wedding plans?”
“The destination wedding in Orange Beach and a month-long cruise around the world. Hugh told me the plans last week.”
Her cheeks burned. “I haven’t planned a wedding and won’t if the groom is Hugh.”
“How could you do this to him? He’ll be devastated.” His cold gaze bored through Kristi. “I’m disappointed in you, Kristi. I never would have believed you’d do something so cruel to a good man.”
She stared at her father, feeling as though she looked at a stranger. “I’m doing him a favor. He deserves a woman who adores him. That woman will never be me.”
“Have you told him of your decision?”
She shook her head. “I planned to talk to him today. I came to see you first thing. I thought that would make you happy.” Guess she’d been wrong. Turned out that starting her day by seeing her father was a huge mistake.
“Think about the marriage proposal a few more days. Let the shock of the kidnapping wear off before you make a decision you’ll regret.”
“I know my own mind and heart. My decision stands.” She rose on her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek. Her heart sank when he remained utterly still instead of dragging her into his arms for a hug as he normally did