Page 16 of Filthy Business

“Heart attack. He was only thirty-eight. So young,” I said with a sad smile.“The best dad I could’ve ever asked for.”

“And your mum?”

I smiled.“It took her a few years, but she remarried last year. He’s a good man.”

“I’m glad. You’re an incredible young lady, Iris.”

“You’re just saying that because you want in my knickers,” I said with a cheeky grin.

“No. I don’t say things I don’t mean. And if you ever want to talk… I’m here for you. I forgot to give you my number last night,” he said just as my floor arrived.

“I’ll email it to you,” he whispered.

“Thank you, sir,” I whispered back—and saw the realisation hit just as the doors slid shut.

Yeah. I did that shit on purpose.

???

I contemplated his words and decided they must’ve kept him in the dark. Their family was dysfunctional at best, and Magnus stayed out of the house as much as possible. His scrawny blow-up doll with fake tits sure got around when he wasn’t home.

My father had become a shell of a man—but when he died, I made a vow.

My grades were exceptional because I poured every waking hour into my studies, determined to earn a place at a London university. It was a simple matter of keeping my enemies close. And I took great pleasure in seeing how fucked up both mother and son were.

Karma was a magnificent bitch.

I smiled when Magnus emailed me. I clicked it open.

My number.

I can see that I’ll be dealing with a brat.

I’ll relish that part of you.

Bring it on.

D x

My mouth went dry. But god, did he make me squirm in my chair.

Daddy didn’t know just how much of a brat I could be.

I picked up my phone and saved his number.

Daddy.

It was sick.

It was twisted.

It would ruin them.

Me:I spent all my teens studying. I never got the chance to be a proper brat. Are you sure you know what you’re signing up for?

Daddy:We’ll soon find out.

I smiled at the ominous words.