Page 103 of How to Break My Heart

“What do you mean he offered me as the bargaining tool?” I splutter, momentarily beyond words.

Roland places his hand on my shoulder. “Aston, go speak tohim. If you’re not happy, I’m sure there’s a compromise you can agree on.”

Slowly, I turn around to face the guys all having fun and laughing. Two of the women are joining in, smoking a joint and dancing with Gino and another guy. I angle my head, cracking my neck with anger thrumming through my veins. I scan the area, hunting for the man whose death I wish to plot.

He’s nowhere to be found.

My feet move in large steps, searching the entire vessel until I hear noises inside the room at the back. I place my hand on the doorknob, turning it until the small crack is enough for me to see what’s happening.

The young brunette woman dances in front of my father, swaying her hips with a vacant stare in her eyes. He sits on the edge of the bed, the corner of his mouth quirking as the smoke lingers from his cigar.

Then, he wraps his hand around her thigh and squeezes it tight, forcing her to move closer to him. My hands curl into fists, the rage pouring through me like hot lava. I see the fear in her eyes and suddenly push the door open with a bang.

She covers her bare chest in a panic, but my father grins like a complete and utter asshole. I warn her with my eyes to leave, and thankfully, she hurries out and avoids what could have been with a man who gets off on control. I knew my parents’ marriage was far from a loving relationship, but he’s taken it too far this time.

Does he really think he can get away with fucking some young girl the same age as his daughter?

“Jealous, son?” he boasts, standing up to meet my stance. I’m much taller than him, despite his ignorance. “I don’t think your little girlfriend would be too pleased to see you touching another woman. So, I thought I’d do you a favor.”

Resentment festers within me, mixed with cold fury.

“You think I don’t know you’ve been wasting time on yoursister’s best friend? How devastating if your sister finds out you’ve both been lying to her.”

My nostrils flare as I demand, “You leave Everleigh out of this.”

I don’t wait to argue with him, leaving his smug face behind as I bail on this party to see Everleigh. The bastard somehow knows I’ve been with her, and the only rational answer is someone told him I brought her to the charity event, and he assumes we’re dating.

My Porsche is parked outside. I don’t even think twice about getting in and driving home despite the bachelorette party still going on.

When I reach the manor, I roll my car in quietly and park it out front. I know they will be in the back, so I head to the kitchen and decide to text Everleigh, only to see her walk in.

Her face becomes concerned the moment she sees me, but I don’t waste any time taking her hand and leading her to my bedroom.

It’s all become too much.

The conversation with Roland about my father’s secret deal and me moving to Dubai, to seeing my father willingly cheat on my mother with a young stripper, to him bringing up Everleigh like she’s worth nothing.

All I want to do is forget.

So, I kiss Everleigh and make it clear I need her.

She wants to save me, but it’s too late.

I’m beyond being saved.

Even from myself.

Everleigh provides me with an escape. I lose myself in her body, fucking her quietly as everyone parties outside. Her body becomes my new addiction, and no matter how many times I kiss her, or how many times I push myself in deeply, I still want more.

I fucking blow, seeing goddamn stars.

Collapsing on top of her, we lay quietly, trying to catch our breath.

“I should go back downstairs,” she whispers. “They could be looking for me.”

My lips press against hers but without the urgency this time.

“Come back here, please,” I beg of her. “Stay with me tonight.”