Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“This timing is a little too perfect.”
“I’m actually surprised it didn’t happen sooner. It was only a matter of time before everything came out. Malcolm isn’t known for keeping his mouth shut.”
“Yeah, he was talking about burning Switch to the ground when the bouncer threw him out.”
“I’ll be back after I deal with this.”
“Or you could go home.”
“Bye, Mark.” He hung up when he reached his car. Even though nothing was settled, Rafe felt no rush this time. Nothing pushed him to be punctual. There was no impulse toward duty.
Faced with such crushing defeat, Rafe was finding it hard to care about anything. He was an empty shell and he couldn’t bring himself to do more than get through each day.
He’d lost Hop for nothing.
There’d never been a chance to sign Prince. There’d never been a light at the end of his tunnel. He’d done it all to get out from under Lockwood, but in the end, he’d had everything he’d needed at the tips of his fingers. It just took a sacrifice he hadn’t wanted to make, until the one thing he truly needed was ripped away from him.
After that, losing complete control of the club hadn’t hurt as much as not hearing Hop’s voice every day.
Even driving slower than usual, he still arrived five minutes early. He had too much pride to drive around the block out of spite, so he parked and made his way to the penthouse.
“Fred,” Rafe said in greeting when the butler opened the door for him.
“It’s good to see you, sir. Can I take your coat?”
“No, I won’t be staying long.”
“Very well. Mr. Lockwood is in his study.”
Rafe knew the way. Gripping the handle of his briefcase tighter, he crossed the library and knocked on the study door.
“Enter.” Roland eyed the coat and briefcase. “Going somewhere?”
“Let’s make this quick, I have things to do today.” Rafe didn’t bother sitting down.
Roland’s brows rose and he steepled his fingers. “Have you been conversing with my son?”
“Which one? You’ll have to be more specific. Or don’t you remember you have two?”
Jaw twitching, Roland’s eyes narrowed. “My firstborn.”
“Oh, you mean Hop? Have you forgotten his name? Yes, he works for me. I’m sure Malcolm told you all about it.”
“What does Malcolm have to do with it?”
Rafe paused. “He didn’t tell you Hop was a dancer at Switch?”
Roland picked up the intercom on his desk. “Send Malcolm to my office, now.” He slammed the receiver down. A minute later, Malcolm entered the room, saw Rafe and stopped.
“Dad—”
“Shut up.”
Malcolm’s mouth snapped closed, his angry gaze shot to Rafe.
Roland stood and stalked between them. “It seems you’ve both been keeping secrets from me. I do not tolerate lies.”
“I never lied,” Malcolm said.
“How long have you known your brother worked for Rafe?”
“He’s not my brother. He’s a mistake that should never have been born. He’s a freak, Dad. A faggot.”
Roland slapped his son across the face. “I told you to shut up.” His attention turned to Rafe. “What about you? You’re not going to tout your honesty?”
“Oh, I’ve lied to you multiple times over the years, but you already know that or I wouldn’t be standing here.”
He seemed to consider Rafe for a moment. “Now is your chance to clear the air, then. What happened?”
“You mean after Malcolm’s crony assaulted Hop?”
“That’s a lie! Craig said Hop threw himself at him.”
“Is that why you stormed into my club and made a scene? How’s your lip by the way? That sissy faggot brother of yours has a strong right hook, doesn’t he?” Rafe’s fists tightened.
“Hopkins hit you?” Roland asked.
“He punched me in the face,” Malcolm whined. “Just because I told him I was going to tell you about Rafe’s betrayal. He’s crazy.”
“What did you say?” Rafe asked.
“He’s fucking nuts.”
“No, why did he hit you?”
Malcolm snarled at him. “I told him your life was over once Dad found out you’d hired him, and he attacked me like he thought he could protect you.”
Hop had been protecting him. Again. Rafe sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He’d accused Hop of being selfish? Fuck. No wonder Hop had pushed back and shut down. He must have been so hurt.
He’d known he’d messed up, but he hadn’t realized just how badly. He’d broken Hop’s trust. Once again, Rafe had been too consumed with his own worries to recognize what Hop needed.
Rafe didn’t bother hiding his animosity as he pulled the check and legal documents out of his briefcase. He’d spent hours with his attorney drawing them up with exacting details.
“What’s this?” Roland scanned both.
“It’s my ticket out of your life.” He glanced at Malcolm, then Roland. “With this, I’ll clear my debt to you.”
“I see.” As he read it, Roland’s lips thinned. “You’ve been thorough.”
“It’s the only way.”
“Are you sure? You’re giving up quite a lot with this.” He waved the papers.