Drumroll, please.
The family charged with this feat…The Falcons. Yay, us. They call it an honor, whispered like a blessing. I see it for what it is: a curse.
When I became old enough to grasp what they were doing, I hated it. I vowed right then it would die with me. As the sole male heir, I held the bloodline in the palm of my hands. The golden boy. The one expected to marry a woman chosen from the lineage, breed Falcon sons, take the reins of the organization that guarded our family name.
Instead, I went off on my own and negated that responsibility. I turned my back on it all, my dignity intact, determined to buck the system. My inheritance sat untouched. No way would I touch it. Instead, I worked my arse off to earn my own way.
The success of this new business, I’ll admit, has a lot to do with my name. Its ongoing success, however, directly results from my commitment and the countless hours I’ve invested.
The Reyes’s support doesn’t hurt. Their endorsements and retainers have helped keep my head high above water. Their support has opened doors even my family name couldn’t touch.
If I ever marry—and that’s one hell of an if—it will be to a woman who knocks me off my feet and flat on my arse. Until a few months ago, I didn’t believe such a woman existed. The moment Ingrid set foot on my private jet, my carefully built bachelor life shattered in an instant.
This is the first time I’ve allowed myself to speak the truth. I blame my family for it. I can’t make my plea to her until I’ve dealt with them. They need to accept that I’ve made my choice, am refusing my duty, and should back the fuck off.
I won’t risk Ingrid’s life just because my heart has warmed again. That’s not fair to her, especially now. She deserves so much more than a life on the run.
“Shut up!” My fist tightens on the steering wheel. “I did not buy you. What kind of monster do you take me for?”
A small, almost inaudible click sounds as Ingrid presses the unlock button. The moment I brake for the traffic light,she throws open the door and dashes across the street toward campus. Disappearing into the crowd before I can stop her.
Good thing I know where she’s going.
Since there was a parking lot next to me, I turn into it and park my SUV. I’m sure it’ll get ticketed or maybe towed, but I don’t care.
Even at a walking pace, I’m faster than her, so jogging allows me to catch up easily. She’s made it farther than I expected. Those long, sexy legs make good time. Being a student athlete helps. She’s in great shape. Running around a fútbol field has done her body well.
“Cupcake!” I holler when I’m close enough I know she hears me. “Stop. Please.”
I watch her feet slow as she approaches a bench and then drops onto it, defeated. “What do you want, Darius?”
“That’s a loaded question. The number of answers is quite extensive. Some would probably cause you to laugh. A few might make you angry. The others will have you thinking I’ve flown the cuckoo’s nest.” I plop down next to her, making the bench groan.
Sighing out of frustration, she tries again. “Okay, fine. What was it you thought we should talk about, then? Let’s start there.”
“Your father and all the shit he’s been up to. I wanted to make sure he was following the guidelines I laid out for him. It wouldn’t surprise me if he tried to encourage you to follow Wilson. Although after what happened, I think that goose has been overcooked and dismissed.” Resting my foot on my knee helps me to get comfortable. “I also wanted to make sure that you were okay and knew where we stood.”
“We? Like you and me? There is no you and me.” Ingrid tries to give her signatureare you seriouslook, but she grimaces.
Her beautiful face is still healing, and I’m sure it hurts.
“You can go and not worry. I’m good.” She waves her hand as if dismissing me. “I won’t allow my father to pressure me into a relationship with Wilson or anyone else. If that means he cuts me off, I’ve decided I don’t care. I’ll figure out a way to pay for my education. I hear stripping pays well. I’m no fuddy-duddy. I would never look down on someone who did what they had to do.”
With a thud, my foot hits the ground, and I lean forward, my face in my hands, groaning. Fucking hell, she didn’t just say that. Now I’m picturing her on a stage, her hair up in a high pony, wearing some tiny little number showcasing her perfect curves. I’d pay her good money for a private show, but there’s no way in hell I’d let her strip for anyone else.
“I’ll make a deal with you.”
“Oh, this is bound to be a good one.” With a sigh, she crosses her arms, the fabric of her shirt bunching. “Let me guess. You want to hire me to do a private show just for you?”
A silent, mischievous understanding passes between us as I wink. “It crossed my mind. But that’s not what I was going to say. If it comes to that, I’ll loan you the money and you can pay me back later.”
“Pay you back how?” Her skepticism is cute.
“Once you get a job. We’ll work out a payment plan.” I flash her my best smile, the one I know drives the ladies’ bat shit crazy and desperate for my attention. “That way, you don’t feel obligated to date me out of guilt. You’ll do it only because you find me irresistible.”
Even I can’t believe I said the D word. Date? Now I’m pretty sure I’ve lost my goddamn mind. But now that I’ve said it, I realize that’s exactly what I want. Crazy? Maybe. For once, I’m doing this for me and no one else. I’ll have to figure the other shit out as we go.
Her laugh breaks free. Sharp and precious. Even though it’s aimed at me, I love it.
