Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 96065 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96065 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
“And so are you,” Doc Junior says. “Perhaps we’ll be able to fix that mind of yours this time. Dad was clearly a failure. I assure you, though, I do not fail.”
Everything turns black in another second.
Caius
I stare at the crumpled picture I’d found on my way up the elevator in Gideon’s building. My brain wants to make sense of it, but it’s like there’s a black hole where understanding should be.
The elevator dings, alerting me to my destination. Carefully, I tuck the photo into jacket pocket before exiting and walking to Gideon’s door.
I knock my knuckles on the door and wince at the immediate pain. Last night, I busted them up good when I’d lost my shit on Bastian. I hope his face hurts a lot worse.
The door opens and Eva greets me. Today, she’s not put together like usual. Her eyes are red and puffy from crying. Without a stitch of makeup on her face, she appears much older than usual. Not in a bad way. The more natural look suits her. I wonder what her husband thinks.
“Caius,” Eva says coolly. “Come in. You’re expected.”
She wasn’t exactly my super fan when I accosted Romy after their bakery date. In my defense, I was saving Romy from that uncontrollable CUP Star soldier.
“They’re in the living room,” she tells me, closing the door behind me. “Go on. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need something.”
We part ways. I stride toward the sound of low, male voices. When I reach the living room, I’m not shocked to find Gideon and Dad. What surprises me, though, is to see Bastian.
Satisfaction burns hot through me. Seeing his swollen, heavily bruised face that’s covered with lacerations and a bandage over his nose is the highlight of this shit-tastic day.
I smirk at him. It gives me the confidence to deal with our fathers. At the end of the day, money and power mean nothing. Who can punch harder is always the factor in who wins a battle between two men.
And I won that battle.
The war, though, is far more difficult. It’s a psychological war that I’m having trouble keeping up with. Neither Theo nor Romy are here. Kaitlyn isn’t either. As much as I want to demand answers, I know biding my time is smarter.
“Have a seat, Son,” Dad says from his perch on a love seat. “Join the conversation.”
Gideon rises from his armchair and walks over to the bar area. He makes a drink, presumably for me. I make sure to sit across from Bastian so I can admire my handiwork. The way he fists his hand over and over indicates the fury aching to be released.
I’ll beat your ass again. Try me, dickhead.
Gideon brings me a glass of what looks like bourbon. I don’t thank him. I’m on edge and defensive. Everything around me is unravelling and these men are at the helm. Letting down my guard would be a regrettable mistake.
It would’ve been nice to be offered lunch instead of a stiff drink, but beggars can’t be choosers. Besides, I could use the alcohol to relax me. I’m wired so tight, I think I might snap at any second.
“Where’s Megan?” Bastian barks out.
I down half my drink and shrug. “Don’t know.”
It’s true. I never asked Romy where she sent her off to. It doesn’t take a genius, though, to imagine she went back home to Mississippi. If Bastian can’t figure that out on his own, I sure as hell am not helping him.
“Unbelievable,” Bastian growls.
I finish the rest of my drink. Gideon, all too eager to be a good host, takes my glass to be refilled. Dad’s gaze bores into me. After Gideon hands off my second glass, I turn my attention on my father.
He watches me with narrowed eyes that gleam wildly. I know the look. When he’s entertained or antagonizing or scheming, his eyes practically glow. This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been staring into them when they’re aimed at me. It’s just been a long time.
I feel like I’m fifteen again.
But I’m not.
“Where’s Romy?” I demand, unable to keep the bite out of my voice. “Theo? Kaitlyn?”
Dad laughs. “There’s a fiery demon who hides behind that cool exterior. I told you, Gid.”
Gideon nods, smirking. Bastian continues to glower at me.
I’m not amused.
These two men, who days ago were nearly at each other’s throats, are chummy now. Just like last night. I’m on the outside. I’ve always been on the outside.
“Kaitlyn, as you know, has been through a terrible trauma because of her nanny,” Dad explains as if I’m a child who doesn’t understand adult words. It grates on my nerves. “Your brother has taken her to get some professional help.”
I stiffen, unable to keep my emotions at bay. “What?”
“Don’t worry,” Gideon says in a condescending tone. “Some children need psychiatric help and she’ll be getting the best there is.”