“You need to step up and take some responsibility. From the start, I was clear this wouldn’t be fun and games. I need someone with serious ambition to take over from me, otherwise, everything I’ve worked for will be lost. I won’t allow that to happen.”
“Pity you got rid of the competition then, isn’t it?”
I expect him to explode at the reference to his dead son. We don’t mention Sean any more than we refer to his late wife, Natasha.
But he taps his finger on the handle, plucking the blade from the pad only to stab it in again, expression unchanging. “There’s still Patrick spare. Remember that the next time you think it’s a good idea to invite a total stranger into my home.”
“She’s a pretty girl not an assassin.”
“She’s a desperate girl. Anyone could see that from a mile away. Desperate people do desperate things.”
I give a derisive snort and shake my head, something I probably wouldn’t do if my blood alcohol level was roadworthy. “George is a mouse.”
“A mouse who gave you a false name. What was in her bra?”
“Her left tit.”
“But you still had to go on an exploratory mission to find that out.”
I push away from the wall, striding to the desk and glaring across it at my father. “Tandi got her new underwear. She’s not used to it, that’s all.”
“Right.” His gaze is steady as it meets mine, not betraying the slightest emotion. He could give the Botox ladies a run for their money. “If this was a private date, and you wanted to parade the girl around, fuck her to teach Kari a lesson, I wouldn’t care. Hurt them both as much as you want.”
“Gee, thanks for your permission.”
He slams his palm on the desk then holds his forefinger and thumb a millimetre apart. “Thin fucking ice, Lachlan.”
I continue to glare, then drop my eyes, already exhausted. If I’d known what it would be like living with the man, I never would have accepted his offer. Much as I can’t stand Patrick, he deserves a medal for putting up with Dad’s shit for so much longer than me.
“You were well aware of your obligations before you slotted into this role.”
Just like a caring father to call being his son, ‘a role.’ I give a vague grunt of agreement.
“Nobody hid anything from you and it’s too late to change the arrangements now. Our businesses have been intertwined in the expectation of an alliance between our families. Fuck whoever you want on the side but be discreet for Christ’s sake. If Kari’s dad gets the hump with you, the deal’s off and I think you know what’ll happen if you lose me the multitude of millions it’ll cost to pull out of this arrangement. If you ever,ever, bring a girl besides Kari into this house again, intoanyevent, family or business, Menzies will dispose of her the minute she walks through the door. Are we clear?”
I nod but it’s not enough for him.
“Are we clear?”
“Yes, we’re clear.”
“Have your fun tonight but if you want to be safe, kill her once you’re done.” I stare at him, hatred pulsing through my veins as a wistful smile twists his face. “Or do it during. It’s a rush you can’t get anywhere else.” He stares into space for a second, then snaps his attention back to me. “If you do, text Menzies to clean up. He’ll have a man ready for you.”
“I’m not going to murder my date. What the fuck is wrong with you?”
He fists the front of my shirt, dragging me across the desk while he grabs the letter opener with his other hand, pressing the tip against my neck. “Don’t speak to me that way.”
“No, sir,” I mock. “Sorry, sir.”
The blade moves in time with the pulse of my artery. Half of me is drunk enough to wish he’d do it. I tilt my head to the side to increase the pressure against the blade.
Dad lets go of my shirt and slaps me across the cheek, then grabs my chin. “That’s too easy, Lock. I didn’t claim you as my son only to lose an heir again so soon.” He removes the opener, tucking it away in a drawer, only for show after all. “Now, why don’t you go enjoy your new friend for the two of us.”
My teeth grind together as I pull away, tugging at my cuffs and smoothing my hair back. When I have my hand on the doorknob, he clears his throat and I look back to him. “Yes?”
“If you do kill her, don’t fuck it up, okay? Menzies has enough on his plate.”
CHAPTER FIVE
