Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
It’s the only reason that Felix has affixed himself to my father’s side. He thinks that he can milk my father for a whole bunch of money. It’s the only reason he tried to talk me into a relationship with him. He doesn’t want me; he wants my family’s money, influence, and contacts.
He’s a user.
And either my dad doesn’t see that, or he doesn’t really care. But the fact that he’s so sure that I should be with Felix, and won’t let go of that ridiculous notion, frustrates the hell out of me.
“You hanging in there?” Drew asks, whispering in my ear.
“I’m okay,” I reply honestly and smile over at him. “You’ve gone above and beyond this evening.”
“I don’t know if you realize this, but being near you isn’t exactly a hardship, London.”
That makes me flush with satisfaction. When was the last time someone told me that they enjoyed being around me for me? Not because of what I can do for them, or because of what I own or who I know, but because they enjoy my company?
I don’t remember.
And isn’t that just pitiful?
“Still, thanks a lot, Drew.”
He winks at me, and that makes my stomach jump. How is it possible for a man to be so handsome? His parents must be gods because Drew is hot.
I’ve thought so since the day he started working for the team. Of course, I’ve been nothing but professional, but a girl can look.
And I’ve looked.
“Let’s dance, shall we?”
My heart sinks when I look up and see that Felix has walked around the table to me.
I glance over and see my father watching me with narrowed eyes and decide that I’ll appease him with one very public dance.
“Fine.” I stand from my seat and turn to Drew. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be right here, babe.”
Felix leads me to the dance floor and pulls me into his arms. He’s stiff and uncoordinated.
And I absolutely hate the way he smells.
After I found him fucking some chick in my bed, I replaced the entire bed, the linens, everything because that smell seemed to linger behind.
It makes me gag.
“I know you’re not really dating that coach,” he says calmly.
“Says who?”
“Says everyone I asked tonight. Maybe you’re fucking him, but you’re not in a relationship with him.”
“That’s absolutely none of your business.”
“It’s absolutely all of my business. Because your father has approved of me dating you and, after an appropriate amount of time, marrying you.”
“This isn’t the sixteen hundreds, Felix.” My voice is as dry as the Sahara. “My father can’t just betroth me to someone. He doesn’t have any say in who I date.”
“Oh, I think we both know that your father has quite a bit of influence on your life. Do you want him to sell the team? To take away your trust fund, your home? It would be a pity if you and Caleb were homeless.”
“You’re insane,” I hiss and pull out of his arms. “There’s no way in hell my father would do any of that to me. Not for anything.”
“I bet I could talk him into it.” He winks. “It’s all about what’s best for business, after all.”
“Fuck this.” I storm away from him and over to my table, but rather than join Drew, I approach my father. “You do realize that Felix is a smarmy bastard, right? He basically just told me that if I don’t date him, he’ll talk you into ruining me.”
There are gasps around us, and my father’s eyes flick to the side before he stands and leans in to speak quietly in my ear.
“You’re making a scene, London.”
“You’re damn right I’m making a scene. I will not be spoken to like that, and I expect my father, whom I love very much, to have my back.”
“Of course, I have your back,” he assures me, and his eyes soften. For the first time in a long time, I feel like it’s true. This is the dad from my childhood. He turns to Felix, whom I can feel vibrating with fury behind me. “You can go, Felix. Any friendship or relationship we had is now done.”
“She’s lying,” Felix insists, but my father shakes his head and kisses my forehead.
“No. She’s not. And I was a fool to think that you might be good for her. Now, I advise you to leave peacefully, or I’ll have you escorted out.”
Felix snarls—actually snarls—before he turns and stomps away, shoulder-checking people on his way out.
“We’ll discuss this later,” Dad says softly, and then sits down to enjoy the rest of his evening, as if he’s just flicked off a pesky fly. “Don’t worry, darling. We’ll find someone…suitable.”
He glances at Drew and smirks, then turns and talks to someone else at the table.
This night is over for me.
“Would you mind if we make it an early night?” I ask Drew when I return to my seat.