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He dropped his fork, the silverware clattering against the plate with a loud ting.“Holy shit.You weren’t kidding.”He took another bite, and when his eyes lit with joy, I let go of the things left unsaid and basked in my victory.
Chapter 13
Ben
My gaze kept drifting from Sherry to the far side of the restaurant.Vic, my dad’s right-hand man, had just sat down at a table with a busty blonde that looked to be about half his age.Not that I was surprised, he had a type, and once they hit twenty-eight, they aged out.
The last thing I needed was for him to blow my cover.The thought I was actually undercover, and deceiving Sherry did not sit well with the lobster ravioli in my stomach.
“You sure you’re okay?”Sherry asked for what felt like the umpteenth time.So much for keeping a poker face.I was sick and tired at pretending like everything was okay.
“I’m fine.Shoveled my food a little too quickly, but it was so good I couldn’t help myself.”
“I told you.”
“You’re going to run with this as long as you can, aren’t you?”
“Of course.”Her lips curved into a too sexy smile as she brought her wineglass to her mouth.Normally my eyes would linger, I’d have some sexual innuendo to make her blush, but my mind was on the man I couldn’t see.But just because I couldn’t see him didn’t mean he couldn’t see me.
I wiped my mouth with the cloth napkin and pushed from my chair.
Sherry placed her wineglass down and tilted her head.
“Bathroom.I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time.”
I hurried from the table and went straight for the men’s room.Nervous energy bounced around inside me, and I planted my hands on the edges of the porcelain sink.My reflection stared back at me, reminding me that I was a fool.I stupidly thought I could have my cake and eat it too.When in reality, I never should have slept with Sherry.
I just couldn’t resist her.
Shoving the water on, I cupped my hands and splashed my face, trying to let the cold liquid calm my frazzled nerves.
The water in the sink next to me turned on.
“So this is the angle you’re working now, Ben?”I knew the voice without even opening my eyes.“Getting in good with one of the golden girls of Vine Valley?Smart.Real smart.Daddy will be pleased… or maybe he won’t.”
I met Vic’s eyes in the mirror.“What is that supposed to mean?”
He handed me a paper towel to wipe my face, and I reluctantly took it.“Just that I hope you remember the main goal here, and that’s not to get your dick wet.”
My fist clenched around the towel.The desire to slam my knuckles into his perfectly white veneers was almost too strong to ignore.If I punched him and caused a commotion, it could draw a crowd, then questions would be asked.I didn’t want to answer any questions.
Quite frankly, I didn’t have answers.This shithead was right.I did have a main goal.I wanted to give my dad what he wanted, get back in his good graces, and maybe finally get the respect I deserved.And not be the loser of the family who failed time and time again.I took his bait, allowed him to rope me into this fucked up situation.Everything was going fine until Sherry.
I didn’t want Sherry to know I was the blood of her family’s enemy.She would never believe me that they weremyenemies, too.I just hadn’t realized it until now.
Now my priorities had shifted.The main goal was not even at the forefront of my mind.I just had no idea how the fuck to untangle this damn web I had weaved.
Hurting Sherry wasn’t an option, though.She was the only good thing in my life.I had always lived with a darkness hanging over me.I didn’t know what it was like to be genuinely happy, but every time I was with her, every time I sensed she was near, I experienced it.Even when she’s dodging me, just knowing she’s close by, it’s all I need.
“I know what I’m doing,” I snapped.If he detected a weakness in my armor, there would be hell to pay, and I couldn’t guarantee that Sherry wouldn’t get caught in the crossfire.For now, all Vic and my father needed to know was that I was still on course.It would buy me time to figure shit out.
I hoped.
Vic grabbed a paper towel and dried his hands.“Remember, your charm always snags them, but the second you show them the real you, they bolt.Do us all a favor and don’t show yourself too soon.”
Vic tossed the crumpled-up paper towels into the bin and headed out of the bathroom.Once he was gone, a slew of curses poured from my mouth.I yanked at my shirt collar and straightened my sleeves before heading to Sherry.