Page 58 of Possessed By You

“Do you? When did you suddenly start caring about what happens to me?”

“You know I love you, Benjamin.”

He chuckles.

“Why are you laughing?”

“What do you want?”

“What do you mean? I’m here to take care of you.”

“I have Darcy for that. Why are you here? What do you want?”

“Oh come on, you really think I wouldn’t come—”

“How much? How much do you need?”

“Benjamin!”

“How much?”

There’s a long pause, and I sink into the seat outside the room, anticipating the worst.

“A million.”

I almost miss the chair.Dollars?

“This is for the business you and Alexander are starting?”

“Yes.”

I wonder if Alexander even knows that Benjamin is once again going to be fueling his career. Jesus, these people…

“What would I be investing in?”

“Well, you see, Alexander doesn’t know you’re helping. He’s quite set on doing this himself, but he just doesn’t understand how much it takes to form a company.”

“So you’re saying I’d be gifting this money?”

“Yes, that’s what I’m hoping. Benjamin, I know I should have been there for you more growing up, but you’ve never denied me anything. You’ve been so good to me through the years. Please, I know this is going to take off. The market for seafood is extremely high right now.”

“Alexander is never going to learn anything unless you stop feeding him the notion that things in life come easy.”

“I know. I’m just trying to get closer to him, Benjamin. I’m trying to get closer to both of you.”

Bull-fucking-shit.

“While I appreciate the notion, whether it’s real or not, it’s unnecessary. I’ll have Tiffany wire you the money.”

Running my hands over my face, I have to inhale deeply to keep myself from going in there and forcing her out. The man was on his deathbed a couple of days ago, and she’s here asking him for money.

“Darling, thank you. I knew you’d be there for us. You always are.”

It’s amazing how caring she sounds when she wants something. Anger simmers beneath my skin at the thought that he’s done this for her before.

I stand up, suddenly very ready to meet her. Pushing open the door, I flash my full set of teeth, wider than necessary. Benjamin smiles softly, looking down. He knows I was listening.

“I’m Darcy,” I announce, stepping in.