Fade Into You

Chapter 27

Jonathan's POV

I drove to Faye's grandparents' house the next day, around noon. I wanted to go see her yesterday, but then I thought—screw it.

What was I even supposed to say or do once I got there? It was easier to imagine everything in my head. But when it came time to actually drive all the way to Beverly Hills, I bailed.

This morning, though, I woke up early and tried to prepare myself for what I'd say to her. And by "prepare," I mean binge-watching every chick flick and romance movie I could think of, hoping to pick up a few good lines. 

Unfortunately, none of them came close to what I really feel for Faye.

By the time I finally figured out what to say, it was almost noon. It only took me two minutes to grab my keys, throw on a jacket, dash out the door, jump into my car, and head toward Beverly Hills.

A chill song played from my playlist. I bobbed my head, humming along to the lyrics, almost forgetting how nervous I was. Almost.

When I finally pulled up to the giant golden gates of her grandparents' mansion, I leaned out and pressed the small button on the wall. It buzzed. A security camera swiveled toward me.

"Can I help you, young man?" a deep, monotone voice asked through the speaker below the button.

"Uh, yeah. I'm here to see Faye Castillo. I'm a friend—from school."

There was a long pause. Then, without warning, the iron gates creaked open, making me flinch.

I drove in and parked in the driveway, right outside the massive white front door that was left slightly ajar. I stepped out, ran a hand through my hair, and looked up just in time to see two bodyguards in black walk out of the house. 

They flanked an older man walking between them—the one and only Mr. Antonio.

Even pushing seventy, he looked intimidating as hell.

His sharp eyes locked onto mine the moment we made eye contact.

"Uh, hi, Mr. Anto—"

I barely took a step forward and extended my hand when—

BAM!

His fist collided with my face. I staggered back, hand to my cheek, the taste of blood already in my mouth.

Definitely wasn't expecting that.

"Glad to finally meet you. Son of Ryder, I presume?" he said coolly.

I wiped my bleeding nose and gave a small nod.

"I've heard a lot about you from my granddaughter. Quite the story. And quite a lot of interesting crap about you too. Can't blame you though—I knew your father when he was your age. Like father, like son."

I resisted the urge to get offended and focused on staying calm, despite the sting in my face.

"Sir, I didn't come here to cause trouble. I just want to see Faye and apologize. That's all I've ever wanted."

He let out a deep chuckle.

"That's what you want, huh? You know what she wants for you?"

He pulled a gun from his waistband and aimed it at me. His two guards followed suit.

I instinctively stepped back.

Fuck.

"I could be doing her a favor. So let's get on with it, shall we?" All three guns clicked at the same time. My heart started pounding.