Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 84075 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84075 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
It’s been attack after attack, and now I’m finally on the cusp of achieving my dream. This is what I’ve always wanted, what I’ve struggled for. I need it so badly I can feel it in my bones every time I wake up in the morning, and if I have to hurt Kat to get it then I will.
I won’t enjoy it and I’ll despise myself afterward, but I’ll fucking do it.
Because that’s what I’ve always done. Hurt and hurt and hurt and keep on going.
Pain is all I know and pain is all there ever will be, but it’ll all be worth it in the end when I sit on top of the family.
I only wish Kat didn’t have to suffer for my ambition.
“Are you ready?” I ask, still not able to look at her.
“I guess so. Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, isn’t your grandfather—”
“Grandpop.”
“Right. Isn’t he going to flip out?”
“Probably, yes.”
She clears her throat. “Explain how this is going to work again?”
“We’re going to convince him that we’re fixing the rift between our families. It won’t be easy at first, but in the end he’ll come around and that’ll clinch the succession for me. All you need to do is smile and act demure and take the old man’s abuse when it comes.”
“I’m good at that,” she says quietly.
My stomach twists. Fucking hell. I have to get it together. No more guilt, no more weakness. I let my eyes drift back to her, and I look at her simple cream blouse and her navy slacks. It’s a conservative outfit that also flatters her figure, so simple and so lovely, and I want to fist her hair and pull her neck back and kiss her throat until she makes that incredible goddamn whimper again.
But I have a job to do.
I can bury my feelings deep, deep down under years and years of suffering and trauma and desire.
“Let’s go.” I open my door, go around the car, and help her out. She straightens herself and nods to me, and the fear in her eyes almost makes me waver again.
I can do this. I can be strong.
She takes my arm, and we climb the steps and enter the house together.
I chose this morning on purpose. Most of my family is out either at work or at the golf course or at a spa or doing whatever the fuck they do to fill their time. Most of them pretend like they’re busy and their lives have meaning when they’re really sitting at the country club drinking beer at ten in the morning and posting on Instagram. Most of them, except for Grandpop.
He’s in his study. He’s always in his study. I knock softly and glance back at Kat. She’s shifting from foot to foot, looking nervous and uncomfortable, but Grandpop calls out and I push open the door.
The fire’s crackling and the room’s too hot. Grandpop likes the heat. He’s in a polo shirt and slacks, and he’s sitting behind his desk reading the newspaper. I go in first with Kat on my heels, and Grandpop looks up and frowns as his eyes lock on her.
“Good morning, Grandpop,” I say and pull Kat to my side. I hold her wrist tightly like I’m presenting a model for his inspection. The tension and silence feel heavy and Grandpop looks more confused than anything else. “Have you met Kat Stockton?”
Grandpop’s eyes narrow as the last name sinks in. The old bastard is a good fucking actor, I’ll give him that. “Kat… Stockton. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
“Nice to meet you,” she says softly and gives her best smile. Her nerves are endearing, and I want to hold her hand and tell her everything will be okay, but I keep my eyes on the old man instead. No weakness. No softness.
Grandpop nods to her then looks at me. “I’m sorry to be rude, but, Ford, what’s this all about?”
“We spoke the other day about my future in this family.” I lift Kat’s hand up in the air so the ring catches the light. “I need a wife and Kat was looking for a husband.”
Grandpop’s eyes widen. He looks from Kat’s ring to me and back again before clearing his throat. “I’m sorry, this is—”
“I know it’s sudden,” Kat says, and I stare at her in surprise. She was supposed to stay quiet, but this sudden outburst is almost impressive considering how on edge she must feel. “But your grandson and I spoke about it, and we think this is going to be best for both of our families. I know there’s a feud and I’m very aware that you despise my grandfather, but Ford and I were hoping—”
I squeeze her wrist and she falls silent. Grandpop’s grinding his jaw and glaring at her like he’s about to have a heart attack, and I’m honestly not sure how much of that is feigned and how much is genuine disgust.