Page 7 of Filthy Business (Obsessive Age Gap #1)

Iris

I sat in my rust bucket with my binoculars glued to his apartment. It didn’t surprise me that he’d moved into a place with glass on all sides. After being married to that spawn of Satan, cunt-faced bitch, the need to see daylight—and actual life—would be a necessity.

I cackled, stuffing popcorn into my mouth as I watched him pace the length of his living room. Rich people’s food came in such tiny portions.

He was on the phone with someone. Raked his hand through his hair. Started pacing again. His arm waved in the air like he was trying to swat his own spiralling thoughts.

He was so cute.

But it also meant I’d played it right tonight. If I’d agreed instantly, he might’ve become suspicious.

He stared at his phone for a second, then pulled out his laptop and began typing. I smiled and watched him for a few moments longer.

I had a good idea what he was working on.

A flicker of yellow caught my eye, and I lowered the binoculars.

Police.

Fuck.

I dropped the popcorn on the passenger seat and tossed the binoculars into the back. Seatbelt on. Engine started.

My job here was done.

I knew he wouldn’t back out.

As I drove home, I imagined how I’d react. How I’d move things forward. My acting skills were stellar—and tonight had been a complete success.

For both of us.

***

I wore my silk ivory dress, suit jacket, and matching heels like armour. It had been a struggle to get any sleep last night, but somehow, I managed. I paused to think of my dad and sent him a few prayers. He’d disapprove of what I was doing—but since he died because of me, he didn’t get a say in the matter.

My back straightened. I let the cold rage slide back into my heart.

My heels clicked across the marble flooring, the sound only silencing when I stepped onto the mat in front of the lift.

“Iris!”

I closed my eyes for a second to get into character, then plastered a smile onto my face.

“Mr Trentham, good morning,”

I said brightly.

His eyes darted around before he stabbed the button.

“I was worried you might feel—uncomfortable,”

he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

“No. It was actually a very generous proposal. And since I don’t have a Daddy, it would be nice to have one—even if it’s by contract.”

His face fell.

“Ah, damn. I’m sorry.”

“He died a long time ago,”

I said softly, just as the doors opened.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. He would’ve been so proud of you. And trust me, I’m not just saying that to make you feel better. I have a completely useless son,”

he added, following me in.

He held up his hand when someone else moved to step inside.

“Take the next one,”

he said, hitting the button to my floor.

The man blinked and stepped back.

I couldn’t stop my smile.

The aroma of his coffee filled the lift, mingling with his cologne. It was comforting. Familiar. Almost… intimate.

“What happened to your dad, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“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.

The sooner, the better.