Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
I thought Clayton to be crazy when he suggested defying my father on such a level. Yet, I know if anyone could pull this off it would be Clayton. My little brother is one determined little SOB. Neither of us wants to live under our father’s thumb.
Cane, my youngest brother, is the good son. The one who listens and toes the line. Well, when it comes to what meets the eye.
Clayton and I know him better. We know the truth when it comes to Cane. He seeks the adrenaline rush that gives a sense of control. The Hennessey men are known for their control and their need for it.
It’s why I have to do this. I have to let Chloe go. I want to plead with her not to give up on me, not to let me go. I want to promise I’ll be back for her, but I don’t know that I can make that promise.
My father could make our lives hell, prevent us from making a way for ourselves. It’s the reason I choose to leave the country. Clayton will do what needs to be done here.
I’ll build our fortune overseas. It’s all a part of the plan. Chloe was never a part of the plan. I wasn’t supposed to go after her. I was supposed to leave her be.
“I don’t need protection from your world. I only need it from you,” she whispers, pulling from my hold on her face.
I let my hands fall and watch helplessly as she grabs her bags. When the week started, I hadn’t planned for her to leave with those bags without me. Had I made the choice to follow through with the plan, I had all intentions of boarding a plane with her by my side.
This is the right thing to do.
I keep telling myself that as the door slams shut behind her. I’m losing her again. I nearly fucked up my entire life the first time.
My father was furious with me. He couldn’t understand what triggered the mess I had become. He sent me off to stay with my ornery uncle.
Uncle Devin grunted at me for weeks about getting my life in order. His wife, Raven, spent most of her time trying to pull me out of my funk. Then, one night he found me drowning in my own sorrows. I spilled my guts without thinking.
“She’s the love of my life. How could she be so young?” I slurred.
“You do know your grandmother is ten years your grandfather’s junior?” my uncle asked.
“Shit like that made sense back then. It will be just one more thing against us in my world,” I grumbled.
“This pity party is beneath you. Suck it up, Bro-di,” he drew out my nickname.
Clayton started calling me the name. For the life of me, I still don’t know how he got Brodi from Gregor. Mom says it’s because he was trying to say brother. The shit stuck and the entire family calls me Brodi. All except for my father.
“I didn’t ask you to join,” I said dryly.
“She’s underage for now. You’re a Hennessy, this will not stop you forever.” Uncle Devin sighed.
“Her age is just one of our problems.” I rubbed my forehead.
“Now you’re making excuses. You sound like a pussy. Sink or swim, Gregor. Be your own man. One day you will learn, you have to be in control of your own destiny.” He patted my shoulder.
I scoffed at his words. I’ve never controlled a thing about my life. I think that’s what drew me to Chloe. She went with what I said, what I wanted. Had I known it was because of her age, I would have thought differently.
“I’m to be governor,” I snorted. “My destiny is written.”
“I don’t believe that bullshit any more than you do, son. Your father has dreams, but someday you will find your own and pursue them. You will see.” He nodded and left me to my thoughts.
His words stuck with me from that night. I’m letting Chloe go again because I need to pursue my own dreams. She has her own life to live and family that needs her.
“I’m so sorry, baby,” I whisper to the air because the woman I love is long gone.
Chapter 2
The Decision
Chloe
A month later…
I sit in my room, balled up on my bed. I feel so stupid. This is all my fault.
I was so happy to have the assistant of a private client contact me for a meeting. Sidney and I have been climbing the ladder in the financial district. My girl is doing her thing, but I’m hot on her heels.
A big client was just what I needed to get things going for me. I needed the chance to show what I can do. Taking a lunch wasn’t unusual.
What should have tipped me off just a little was the fact it was my favorite restaurant, from when I dated him. Second, I should have noted the private room.