Claiming My Father's Best Friend

TR

is is all your fault!" Tristan barks, his

rab the door handle and cross the threshold, stepping into the balcony. Before I can take another step, I hear his footstep

my skin. The sun has set and the cloud is darkening with an intensity that matches the storm brewi

wns half the city and has several businesses scattered all over the city and beyond. Same with my father. Tristian is in charge of the hotels and resorts. Sometimes, I feel l

oice is sober. I know he's trying to crawl through the walls I've su

amongst people who have been in the field even

!" He snaps in a disapproving tone. "I told you I have just the perfect spot for y

you or my father I'm not

re slaving in that c

d we g

ry spot, every single benefit that comes with the job. I don't want

ve you and I want what

nd toss him a gl

n my decision. You doubt my strength. Walk all over my emotions." I turn to face him, staring right into his blue eyes that are now consumed by rage. "I was looking forward to spe

having a cream lobster bisque wo

dy h

about my body siz

cared one bit, you wouldn't dare to eve

my belly, spills through my lip

l be forced to call the s

at my face, a smirk playing across his

ntrol over me! Hasn't he learned his lessons alre

hat elevator, Tristan, and for your

, but then he lets out a low chuckle, a poor attempt

while anticipating the part I'll get to peel this dress off your body. What happened at the

"Don't be silly! I told you I wa

d on you. Don't y

e familiar thrill, I usually feel at his touch, my insides knot up with a sense of foreboding. I attempt

s through me when he nips a

ng him across the face with all the st

baby doll. I can see your pupils dilating and your body is slightly

ng to be celebrating tonight for an entirely different reason." I unclasp the bracelet he forcefully sl

and utter devotion. When you hurt me the first time, I forgave you even before you told me it was never going to happen again. And

this. Don't give

? I gave up a long time ago. I've just been to chicken to walk away. I turn o

mbing the buttons with force.

onfined space. I wait for my heart to shatter into tiny unrecogni

s voice. There were moments I wanted nothing more than to bask in his touch and relish his teasi

too. Everyone in our family has been rooting for us. After a heavy sigh that eases the thought of the next few days, of having t

the heat it will stir as soon as the news gets out, I walk to the minibar in the lounge and fix myself a drink. A

, Tr

d Mom had sent her stylist to do my hair. Everything I did meant nothing to h

eans she'll be out at the bar downtown. I should call her, and tell her I've finally taken her advice to cut things off with the arrogant son of a bitch. Li

my cell phone vibrates and the caller ID flashes

or yours?" She drawls, h

l glass, the smile on my lips widen

he saw that knee-jerking lingerie y

lk-in closet. I gulp. Will the store take it back? Perhaps o

tri

sent. Lily asked a question b

reply to a few emails and work on this file my Team

your dating anniversary. Wha

p. I couldn't bear being with him anymore, Lily. I guess you were right about him

ly, girl! I wish I was there

eping tone and the sound of her low laughter reverberating in my ears. M

tire content of the glass. I wince as the peppery note of the scotch hits my throat. In the blink of an eye, I imagine Lily and Tristan t

lished desk in my study, trying my damndest to not replay the night's event. My phone beeps, this time it's a text message.

is

lize your mist

ips down onto the desk. Given Tristan's character, he's going to com