More by Sloan Parker (best ebook reader for chromebook .txt) 📕

“And the way you live is what will cause me problems. I know you all too well. You don't do anything you have to take too seriously. You're all about living in the moment and having your sick, perverted fun. You do not know how to commit to anything. How could you understand my dedication to serving this country?” He paused and made eye contact with me for the first time since he entered the diner. “Can't you leave the city? Live away from your mother and me? Try to live like a normal person? Try to have a goddamn normal relationship?”

My hands clenched around my biceps. “I'm not going anywhere.” My voice was loud enough for the customers at several tables past his circle of henchmen to hear. He shifted in his seat and scanned the room. “Look at me,” I said.

He glared at me.

“I have a life here. A life that isn't made up of any kind of filth, and I'm not going anywhere.”

He squinted. Deep lines formed at the corners of his eyes as if he'd made the same judgmental expression a million times before. “You have one shot to make this work. For you and me. You quit going to that club or you'll see what kind of monster the press can be. And it won't just be me they tear apart.” His palms slapped the table and he stood. “I won't be having you followed anymore for reasons that are my own business, but if I find out you're doing anything to make me look bad, you'll regret it.” He threw a twenty on the table and left the restaurant, followed out by his protectors.

I stared at the crumpled bill and felt like a whore who'd been paid for one of the worst fucks of his life.

I banged my fist on the edge of the table and didn't miss the fact that my father had just done the same thing. A jagged piece of trim framing the metal tabletop dug into the flesh. Blood seeped and streamed down my wrist.

I grabbed a napkin and swiped at the blood over the gash of torn skin. No stitches needed, but bad enough. I focused in on the bite of the pain. Only, the pain didn't irritate me or disturb me or make me angry. It was unavoidable. A physical reminder of the conversation with my father. A necessary token. And I accepted it. I could never let myself forget the man's hatred of me.

I stood and headed for the door. I wasn't going back to work. For once, I could go home and find what I needed.

I shook with rage and desperate need as I stepped inside the house. I set down my bag and keys and called out for Matthew.

From the time it took me to get to the subway, ride to my stop, and walk to the townhouse, I'd managed to work up to pissed off. I was done letting my father push me around. Done letting his game drive me into hiding and force me to move over and over.

I took a deep breath and waited for Matthew's response. I didn't mind being wound up with need, but I didn't want to bring any anger into a moment of pleasure with him. He didn't deserve that.

When he didn't answer me, I moved down the hall toward the kitchen and heard their voices.

“It sucks.” Richard. Strained. Angry. But not aiming it at Matthew.

“I can imagine. After all your hard work.” Matthew. Calm. Caring. He caught sight of me as I rounded the corner. “Hey, Luke. What ya doing home early?” The two were sitting across from each other at the kitchen table.

“I... uh, had a bad day. I thought I'd head home after lunch. Sorry about dinner. I can stop another night.”

Matthew gave me a smile. “That's okay.”

“Am I interrupting?” I asked.

“No,” Richard said. “Just telling Matthew about my shit day. Got out of a meeting and cancelled my afternoon, including the dinner for tonight. Then I reminded myself if I came home early, I wouldn't be alone.” He smiled at Matthew then grew serious again. “I lost the lakefront deal.”

“Sorry.” I shoved my hands into my pockets. Half-full cups of coffee sat in front of each man. I made a beeline for the pot.

Matthew's attention refocused on Richard. “Is there anything you can do to get them to change their minds? It sounds like a great area to invest in.”

I leaned back against the counter and swallowed slow sips.

“It was,” Richard said. “Man, I'd have made a mint. There are a ton of plans for the area. It's going to explode with condos and shopping centers. Fuck.” His hands wrenched into fists. “It's gone. I did everything I could. Sometimes someone comes in with a sweeter offer. I know the money shouldn't be an issue, but losing the deal irks me to no end.”

“I get that,” Matthew said. “You live well, but you aren't all about having money and stuff. It isn't you. You wanted the deal and you lost it. That's the part driving you crazy. I mean... you like to have control, yeah?” Matthew dropped his head and smiled, his eyes on the table.

Richard laughed. “I guess I do.” His hands unclenched. He lifted an open palm to caress Matthew's cheek.

“You'll get the next one.”

I pushed off the counter and went to them. “He's right. You're not the type to be kept down for long.”

“Thanks, Luke.” Richard stood and gave me a quick kiss. “You guys want to crash on the couch and watch some TV? We could order pizza later.”

“Sounds good.” Matthew stood and bounced off toward the living room.

Richard chuckled as he watched him leave. Not an ounce of tension remained in the big man's body or his laughter. Matthew was good for him. Hell, I was laughing too. He was good for both of us.

We relaxed against one another on the couch. I didn't