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)
He waves me off. “I’m fine.”
“Says the man with the red nose. Are you sure you’re okay?”
I look at him more closely and he doesn’t look so well. His eyes are a little watery, his nose has turned red in the short time since he entered the kitchen.
“I’ll be fine. Nothing a glass of brandy can’t knock out. Want to have a drink with me?”
I get ready to say no but think of Ethan’s words. If it weren’t for Chloe, would I have been able to forgive Brodi by now? I don’t know. That time in my life felt like I’d never get over it. I loathed myself as much as I hated him for so long.
I look down at my hands, spotting paint on my fingers. Once Ally left for college, I didn’t think I’d paint again because the inspiration was gone, now I get lost in the studio for hours all because this man opened that door again.
“Okay, sure, why not?” I say, thinking I should at least try to spend time with him outside the dates designed to win me back.
We go to the sitting room and he pours us both a drink. I smile as he hands me a glass of clear liquor, not the brown drink he’s having. I take a sip and find it’s a smooth tequila, just what I like.
Brodi has never been into light liquor. I remember his preferences, although I marvel at how much he remembers about mine. He grabs the two decanters and moves to the sofa.
I follow and watch him as he takes a seat across from me. He looks tired and his nose is still red. I finish my drink and hold out my glass for him to refill as he goes to pour another for himself.
“You might be working too hard. You haven’t taken a day off since you returned after we arrived here.”
“Things are different. I oversee more. When I worked for my father, there was always a way to hand things off. Now, if I drop the ball, it falls on Clay or Cane. It causes a ripple effect.”
“I guess I can see that. Do you miss the freedom?”
He snorts. “Working for my father wasn’t freedom. It’s why we can’t be forced back into that life. I’ve lost too much to be forced back into his palms,” he says bitterly while staring into his glass.
“Help me understand. You were never forthcoming with information on your family. What’s so bad about your dad?”
“Clooney Hennessy thinks he can force everyone around him to do as he wants. Forget your dreams, your desires, your thoughts. It’s his way or no way.
“He thinks money can change everything. He gives it and takes it to get what he wants. I didn’t want to go into politics at twenty. I was looking into doing something in tech. He threatened to cut me off and I ended up following the path he wanted.
“I was willing to walk at first, but he made it clear he’d make my life hell. Any door I tried would be closed to me.” He pauses to work his jaw. “I was accepted to the college I wanted to go to and suddenly my acceptance was revoked. I could go on and on about all the ways he made his point.
“That’s the reason I knew I couldn’t let him find out about you. It’s why I had the apartment, but—”
“But now we’re engaged, and I’ll be right in the line of fire?” I cut him off and pull a sarcastic face.
“My father is evil, not crazy,” he deadpans. “I don’t play when it comes to you. Fuck him and all this money. I’m never fucking things with you up again and anyone who gets in the way of that will find out how serious I am about that shit.”
I nod, starting to feel the tequila. “Okay. So, your dad isn’t an issue. Got it.”
He smiles. “You don’t have to worry about anything, Cee. My father, your job back home, I have you covered. You have my word.”
I look into his eyes and search them. Another ribbon floats from around my heart, yet I remain silent. The room is charged with the energy he always gives off. I’m almost consumed by it.
“Remember that one time—” His words are cut off as he sneezes again.
“Bless you.”
“Excuse me,” he says and sniffles.
“That’s it. Off to bed with you.”
He gives a cute pout. “But I’m not ready for bed. I miss our talks.”
“Go sleep whatever this is off, and I promise I’ll hang out with you to talk tomorrow.”
“Promise?” he says with his red nose, flushed cheeks, and a drop-dead gorgeous smile.
I don’t know what makes me say it, but I reply. “Promise.”
Chapter 31
Helpless
Chloe
“That was delicious,” Brodi says after finishing the soup I brought up for him.