Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 134073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 670(@200wpm)___ 536(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 670(@200wpm)___ 536(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)
“What am I?” she shrieks, and I realize my words hit a little too close to home.
“A miserable person.” I turn around and slowly make my way out of the kitchen.
I’m not running out of here, but I’m leaving. I’m going to my apartment with my real family who love me without conditions and limits.
Chapter Fifteen
DASH
I stand up and shake Brooklyn’s father’s hand and we say goodbye as we exit his office. I didn’t want to talk to him in the other room with everyone else in there. I wanted to speak to him privately and our conversation didn’t take long. Once it’s over I decide I’d have more fun in the kitchen with Brooklyn than I would trying to make small talk with a bunch of strangers.
On my way to locate the kitchen, I see the grand staircase beyond the foyer. There’s a blond woman at the top glaring at me with a cold expression. She’s got her hair pulled back in a severe knot that looks like it’s meant to flatten out the wrinkles around her eyes. She’s dressed in all black with dark red lips, and as I approach the stairs she descends them.
“You must be Dash.” Her tone doesn’t invite conversation, and when she gets to the next to last step she holds out her hand like I should kiss it. “I’ve heard all about you.”
I stare at her hand, and although I don’t want to be rude, I have a suspicion that this is Brooklyn’s stepmother, and for that alone she doesn’t deserve my good manners.
“Not from my Brooklyn, I’m certain.” I smile as politely as I can, but she doesn’t miss the slight dig. “You must be Victoria. And I’ve heard all about you.”
If it’s possible, her face gets even tighter as she presses her lips together and finally decides to drop the hand I have no plans on touching. She doesn’t move from the step she’s on and I have a feeling it’s so that I won’t be able to look down at her. With her on the stairs and me below her, she has the ability to look down her nose at me.
“I’m sure Brooky has told you all kinds of wonderful stories.” Her smile is as cold as her heart. “But to be honest, the real gossip is that from what I’ve been told, you’re in the market for a mare.”
“Excuse me?” I feel my eyebrows pull together in confusion as she puts a hand on her chest.
“I’m sorry,” she says, but she’s anything but sorry. “Aren’t you looking to stud yourself out? From the whispers I’ve heard you’ve got to produce a little bundle of joy rather quickly, and I’m guessing my stepdaughter was all too eager.” She tilts her head to the side as if I’m a child. “Those extra pounds must have finally paid off.”
Anger burns through me along with embarrassment for Brooklyn. I never wanted her to get involved in all of that bullshit. As soon as I met her, I knew she was different, but this is how I repay her kindness. By putting her in the middle of their gossip pit full of vipers.
“Watch yourself,” I warn, unable to control my temper.
She cuts her eyes at me and I clench my fists at my side. What Brooklyn told me about Victoria was kind compared to what I’m seeing in front of me now. There is no illusion of duty or obligation, only pure evil and vengeance.
“Oh Dash, I think you’re the one who needs to watch it. Although I would love a Belmont as a future son-in-law, I’m afraid you’re not getting off that easy.” I don’t like the threat she’s giving me as she walks down the last few steps and breezes by me. “You see, Charlotte is breaking the news to your precious incubator right now, and knowing Brooklyn the way we do, the shame she will bring on this family as an unwed mother will be a heavy burden.”
I open my mouth to speak and she giggles like a teenager as she waves my protests away.
“So if there’s a chance you’ve knocked her up already, we’ll have the DNA tested and you’ll empty your pockets for my grandchild.” She chokes on the last word but raises her chin in challenge.
Fuck, this is all spinning too fast. I need to talk to Brooklyn. Just as I look around for the direction of the kitchen, I see a flash of dark hair coming from that direction.
“Brooklyn,” I breathe as I walk to her, but the second she looks up, her tearful eyes meet mine and my chest is crushed. “Let me explain.”
She opens her mouth but then snaps it shut and shakes her head as she tries to walk past me. Anger and frustration bite at my heels as I jump in front of her and block her way.