Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
“Let me get a couple of bottles of Cristal champagne. Put it on my tab,” David yells to the bartender. Turning, he looks up at me as if I should be impressed by him.
I’m not, not even a little. In fact, that same surge of wanting to beat the shit out of his son doubles when I look at him.
My hand tightens on my drink, and I take a deep swig before I motion to Jett. “David Staple, my brother Jett. I think you know everyone else.” David smiles tightly as he holds out his hand, which Jett ignores.
“Actually, we’ve met. I defended the star in the last movie he produced,” Jett states as David laughs uncomfortably.
“And worth every penny I paid you.” He smiles, turning to Richard.
“When are you announcing? I know the board will want to throw a party. After all, we have one of the most sought-after scholars and leading experts as our new head dean. That’s something that deserves to be publicized.”
Fist in the face, just one good punch…
“Well, I’m officially retiring on Friday. I thought we could have faculty and students come out onto the field and announce it there.”
“Victoria and I would love to host the party at our place.” David grins, and I cut Richard off before he can accept.
“Thank you, but that’s completely unnecessary. Richard’s the one who will be missed. A celebration of all he’s done is definitely needed. Thank you for offering.” The sound of the champagne popping covers most of Jett’s laughter as he excuses himself.
“I need to go find my wife. Richard, I’m thrilled for you.” He holds up his drink as I shoot mine again, already feeling the bourbon going to work. The warmth flows down my throat as I smile at David and his wife’s stunned faces.
“Well, as long as it’s before we leave, I’d be delighted.” Richard takes a glass of Cristal from the tray the server has brought to us.
“We’d still love to have Dean Powers—”
I take the stupid glass of champagne that a server is handing me because I can’t completely spit in their faces.
“I appreciate it, but with all that’s going on, I think I need to focus on how I’ll ever be able to fill this man’s shoes,” I say, smiling at Richard’s own weathered eye raise.
“I’d like to make a toast.” David takes a glass. “To our new head dean and all the great things to come.” He holds his up as I smile and start to drink, letting everyone talk around me.
“Brett?” David moves to my right. “A word, please.”
“Yes?” I stare straight ahead, getting ready to get the fuck out of this area because I see my brother and Raven talking with Reed and Tess Saddington across the room, and would much prefer their company.
“I’m sure there was some kind of misunderstanding with you and my son Jordan, as I hear he was passed over for joining your team.”
“There was no misunderstanding.” I stare down at him—he’s a good head shorter.
“Really? I don’t need to remind you that having powerful friends makes life so much easier.”
I cock my head and smile. “So I’ve been told.” I set my glass down.
“David, you need to understand this about me. I don’t care. Jordan was passed over because he doesn’t have the work ethic I require, and because his father is standing here threatening me.” My voice remains calm. Men like him sicken me. “Excuse me.” I move around him.
“Watch your back, Powers. Everyone has a vice. I’d hate to have a man as great as yourself be brought down because of it.”
Slowly, I turn and nod. “That’s true. But I’ll take my chances.” I stare at him until he nods and turns back to Richard and his wife.
“Brett, wait.” Christ. I turn toward Skylar.
“I just wanted to say congratulations. Is everything okay?” Her blue eyes blink up at me. Like she’d really be able to tell if anything wasn’t.
“Fine.” I turn toward my brother.
“Wait.” She grabs my suit. “I never see you anymore. I feel like we never talk.”
Sighing, I look down at her. “Skylar, I’m busy. We never talked much to begin with.”
I need another drink. At this point, I’m already feeling no pain. I’m on a mission to drink Alex’s face away.
“Brett, I don’t know if I should say anything—”
“You probably shouldn’t then.” I look around her at my brother and Reed laughing. Fucking Jett, and Reed, for that matter, both rich, married, lives uncomplicated. Unlike me. I used to think they were the saps. Now I want to trade.
“If someone you care about is doing something you know is going to get him fired, wouldn’t you want to warn him? I mean, then he will stop and maybe see that the person who warned him is the right person.” She says all this like a cat getting ready to sink her claws into a canary.