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“You have a trust fund that you simply refuse to spend. You could live anywhere you wanted, owning several homes and cars, but you refuse to accept or even recognize your father’s importance or his legacy. I do wonder why you’re so completely jaded. Is it about the money, the power, or the politics played?”

“It’s apparent you tried very hard to learn everything about me you could. I applaud you for skimming the basics. You learned all about my life in White Plains and even took the time to discover my dress and shoe size, yet you know nothing substantial about me. And if I had to guess, I’d say you don’t really want to learn. But I’ll offer you some insight. I hate my father because he believes he’s lord and master over everything and everyone, including his family. He’s already proved my point.”

Alejandro crowded my space, daring me with his eyes to fight him as he used a single finger to brush a stray strand of hair from my face. “Did you ever stop and think that your father might know what’s best for you?”

I snorted with laughter. “Not a chance.”

“Boss? Can I have a couple minutes?” Gio always seemed to know the perfect time to interrupt.

Alejandro wasn’t happy.

Too bad.

Shit. I was crankier than before. It was likely due to being shoved in a smaller room with so many unwanted people.

“Excuse me, my bride. I’ll be right back.” Alejandro’s jaw was clenched. As anticipated, he was handling business tonight.

As soon as he walked away, I turned a complete one hundred and eighty degrees, taking several deep breaths. Why had I enjoyed our heated bodies pressed together? A distraction was needed. I noticed the bright and shiny gifts mounded on a table and headed toward them. A huge part of me wanted to rip them open to see what we’d received.

Since not one of them had any clue about me, I would find it fascinating to see what they’d come up with. Or maybe Sasha had been instructed by my father to create a wedding registry. I wouldn’t put it past him.

I fingered a few of the presents, marveling in the beautiful wrapping. Not one of the women attending the reception had wrapped a single package.

“Admiring your loot?”

Hearing Amber’s voice at least brought a smile. “I don’t know. I guess wondering how many blenders were gifted.”

“Well, don’t you like frozen drinks?”

We both laughed and I turned to hug her. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Alejandro was nice enough to get me my own room.”

“No boys.”

“Do you see any cute boys here?” She made a funny face and I squeezed her arm. She was wearing the dolphin necklace I’d gotten for her.

“That’s good or I’d need to have a long discussion with them.”

Amber giggled just like a seventeen-year-old should. “You would, too.”

“You know it.” An envelope caught my attention. I recognized the block printing on the front and bristled.

“What’s wrong?” Amber followed my line of sight.

“I don’t know. A blast from the past maybe.” I had no reason to be apprehensive about the sender, yet as I grabbed the card, I half expected it to blow up in my face. Amber stood peering around my arm while I opened the flap. As soon as I briefly read the words, I hid the card from her prying eyes.

“Oh, come on. Who’s it from? Did you get a big, fat check?”

“No.” A send-off from my ex. When I read the words more slowly, the apprehension turned into my tenth wave of anger for the day.

Congrats, cunt. I always knew you’d eventually make something of yourself.

Derek

The fucker hadn’t felt bad about signing his name. He also hadn’t forgotten a wedding present.

“Who the hell gifts anyone a cheap Starbucks card?” Amber was incensed for me.