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“I can see why.” I keep racking my brain, trying to pinpoint the familiarity. “Is there a reason why I feel like we’ve already met?”
My father seems to consider my question, glancing between us, back and forth. “I don’t know. Maybe you’ve seen her on the television. Pe
“Pe
Hell opens up before me, threatening to swallow me whole.
If this woman is who I think she is, she’s meant to be dead, her body dumped in a mass grave, her teeth and hair found among the remains of other sex slaves.
“Is something wrong?” My father grabs the last remaining glass of scotch from the tray and reclaims his seat. “Have you two met before?”
“No.” I take a sip of liquor, gripping the glass like a motherfucking lifeline and still, the rage intensifies. “She must have a familiar face. That’s all.”
“I’m not sure about her face, but she has a truly unforgettable mouth.” He laughs, the sound crawling over my skin like lice. “Don’t you, baby girl?”
She smiles, the expression forced as she retreats.
“Where are you going?” He pats his lap. “Come here.”
Pe
“Come on.” Luther reaches out, grabs her wrist, and yanks her onto his lap. “There’s no need to be shy.” He places his hand on her thigh, dragging it higher, beneath the hem of her yellow dress.
Every inch of skin he touches acts like a red-hot poker to my rage.
I want to hurt him. Torture him. I could rip his heart out with my bare hands.
Because if I don’t, Decker, who I suspect is her brother, definitely will.
“I don’t mean to cock block, but is that food still on the way?” Luca’s words brush along the edge of my consciousness, barely breaching my growing instability.
“I’m starving,” he adds, his gaze finding mine. “And you haven’t even eaten today.”
He’s trying to pull me back. To drag me away from the tight grip of insanity.
But my father’s hand keeps creeping higher and higher, on a path to violation right in front of my fucking eyes.
“Yes. Food.” Luther slaps the inside of Pe
Pe
“I didn’t mean to spoil your fun.” Luca gulps down the rest of his alcohol. “But, God, I’m hungry. I’ve been awake since dawn, while hangover Harry slept like a log.” He jerks his chin at me. “Then he crawls out of bed and demands to leave before I can eat lunch.”
He’s picking up the slack. Succeeding where I’m failing.
I’m losing the battle to remain composed.
“I’m not hungover. But I am intrigued.” I let the sentence fall, and take a generous gulp of liquor to help me finish. “These women of yours, are they for sale? Or hire?”
There’s a tweak to his lips. A sly, overly arrogant tilt. “Yes. The women I’ll show you tonight are all available for whatever you want.”
“No. I’m talking about the women here. The ones I’ve already seen.”
“My personal harem?” He frowns. “You’re interested in sleeping with my women?”
“Maybe.” I hedge my bets, but I’m not sure what for. There doesn’t seem to be a level of deviance he finds unsettling.
“There’s no maybes from me.” Luca places his glass back on the tray. “I’m definitely interested. I’d part ways with a lot of money for just a taste.”
My father snickers. “Sorry, lads. I don’t give up my toys until I’m good and ready.”
“You’re telling me no amount of money would tempt you to hand one of them over?” Luca rubs his hands together. “I thought you were in this business for the riches.”
We’re getting nowhere. Fast.
“I don’t think his reluctance has anything to do with money. I’d take a guess the old man is worried he’ll be quickly forgotten if a newer model takes one of his toys for a spin.” I smirk. “Ain’t that right, old goat?”
He narrows his eyes on me, taking the provocation and raising it with a co
I take another sip of liquid, letting the burn take over my tongue. “The jewel in your crown, of course. What’s the point of the game if I can’t have your best and brightest?”
“Is that what this is? A game?” He crosses his arms over his chest, the liquid jostling in his glass. “If so, maybe your amateur skills would be best suited for someone with a little less bite. Pe
“He might not,” Luca adds, “but I could. I’ve got more patience than your son.”
“Really?” He drinks down his scotch and wipes a hand over his mouth. “Then how about you go speak to her so Cole and I can finally talk business?”
My pulse kicks at the small victory.
“It’s more of a tease, if anything,” he continues. “But if you’re eager to get close to her, by all means, try your hand. Just don’t blame me when she bites.”
“And when I seduce her out of those panties? What then?”
“Then you back away slowly,” I drawl. “Before my father gets a hold of you.”
“Yes, sir.” Luca pushes to his feet, gri
I watch him leave, taking the jovial vibe with him.
Tension settles between me and the man I once idolized. It coils tight, wrapping around my chest until I can’t stomach looking at the son of a bitch who has become unrecognizable.
“What’s this Pe
“We’re having a bit of fun. That’s all.” I glance away, out past the pool toward the ocean-filled horizon. Anissa is out there somewhere. Alone. Hopefully packing her bags so I can get her as far away from this monstrous fuck as soon as possible.
“I know you, Cole. I’m well aware there’s something more at play.”
I turn back to face him, not bowing down to the judgment in his eyes. “I’ll admit this isn’t what I expected.”
“You’ve changed your mind about the business opportunity?”
“No. That’s not what this is about.” I lay the bait, dragging it out slowly. “It’s been a long time since Mom died. Seeing you enjoy yourself with a stream of women isn’t fucking easy.”
“I’m…” His expression loses the a
“It shouldn’t. I’m not a kid anymore.”
“But you’re still my son.”
I hold his gaze through the fake family moment. I don’t let that motherfucker go while he’s trapped in my sights. Every second immersed in this bullshit is more time for Luca to talk to the girl. “Don’t spare it another thought. Just be aware Keira and Layla will take it harder than me. They were closer to Mom.”
“I agree. And I apologize for blindsiding you for a second time.” He pushes to his feet and straightens his jacket. “On that note, I think it’s best if we get out of here.”
“No. That isn’t necessary.”
“It’s for the best. I can take you to the location for tonight’s event.” He waves at me to get off the sofa. “If we leave now, we’ll have at least half an hour of privacy until the assets arrive to prepare.”
Fuck his assets.
Fuck his location.
Fuck his ability to take another unhindered breath.
Luca needs time with Pe