I lean a hand on the couch to keep my balance as I shimmy my jeans up my legs, feigning indifference when I’m avidly listening to their conversation.
“I’m not sharing her.” Charlie stubbornly crosses his arms.
“I probably shouldn’t mention I’ve had my hands all over her tits.” My father smirks, baiting Charlie, while I struggle to hold on to my stomach contents.
“That better be a joke,” I hiss.
A cruel glint glimmers in his eye, and his lips curl up at the corners. “It’s important after breast augmentation to massage the tits daily so they don’t turn hard or settle in the wrong position. You were unconscious during the recovery period, so Wyatt and I took care of it for you.” He smirks, lowering his gaze to my chest. “You’re welcome.”
I feel violated all over again.
I’ve no clue what Charlie did with Wyatt, but in this moment, I hope he put a bullet through his sleazy skull. A retaliation is resting on my tongue when Charlie pulls me into his arms, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “The only man touching her from now on is me.”
A belly laugh rumbles from my father. “You rarely have an issue sharing women.” He cocks a brow, and that sick feeling is back in my tummy. I purposely avoid looking at Charlie because Father wants to rattle me, and I won’t give him the satisfaction.
“Whores are different,” Charlie deadpans, and I’m at risk of losing what little food is in my stomach. “She’ll be my wife, and I intend to respect her.”
The bastard slaps him on the shoulder. “Such noble, misguided goals.”
I risk a sneaky glance at Charlie. He looks composed, but the vein throbbing in his neck says otherwise. He’s primed to explode, which is interesting. He isn’t enjoying this, which means it’s all part of the act. “My father avoids it with my mother.”
My father’s amused grin disappears. “And that’s one reason he’ll never advance, but you, my boy.” He clamps down hard on his shoulder. “You’re destined for greater things. We both know it.”
“I won’t share her,” Charlie repeats, and I’m surprised he’s challenging my father and still breathing.
The bastard’s stare is calculating as he assesses Charlie. “This conversation is a little premature, don’t you think? You’re not even married yet. You might change your mind.” He leers at me, and nausea travels up my throat. Charlie tucks me possessively under his arm, and I shiver uncontrollably as potent fear breaks free. Father glances at his Rolex. “I made plans, so let’s conclude our business.”
Charlie resettles me on the couch beside him, draping his arm across my shoulder and keeping me close. I chew on the inside of my mouth to avoid wincing as my sore ass hits the hard leather. Summoning restraint from some deep hidden place, I dig my nails into my sides to avoid lunging at Charlie before I earn further punishment.
“You will tell no one you were pregnant,” my father says, piercing me with a warning look. “And, as far as anyone knows, you are still a virgin and you will remain a virgin until your wedding night.”
I want to know why it’s so important, but there’s no point asking a question I’ll get no response to.
“How do you expect to keep that hidden when there were others privy to the discussion the night of the engagement party,” I say.
“That is being dealt with. All you need to concern yourself with is presenting as the dutiful, virgin bride to be.”
“I’ll do it,” I say. “On one condition.” I straighten my spine. “You will not touch, maim, or kill Kaiden Anderson, any of his brothers, or any of the people on that list, either by your own hand or via a paid hit.”
My father smirks. “It’s amusing you think you have any negotiating power.”
“It’s amusing how you disregard me so flippantly.” I lean forward. “If anything happens to me or Kai, or anyone else I love, a statement will be sent to every reporter and law enforcement office in the US confirming everything you’ve done to me and others.”
His smirk widens. “I own most of those people. I can make it go away like that.” He clicks his fingers.
“You don’t own everyone, and it will be enough to cast suspicion.”
“You think the delusional musings of a teenage girl will garner any real interest?”
“I think the people you’re trying to fool would sit up and take notice.” I’m bluffing, because I have set none of this up yet although I plan to. While I don’t know if my instincts are correct, Drew claims this is bigger than Manning Motors, and I know this is connected to Parkhurst, and considering the bastard is so focused on appearances, there has got to be someone he is trying to impress or deceive. “And you reported me as a missing person, splashing my face all over the news, in case you’d forgotten.”
“That’s a non-issue. We have informed the media of my delight at your return,” he deadpans.
“You brought a spotlight on my head, Father. It’s enough for the media to pay attention if I come forth with a statement.”
The door opens, and Mrs. Banks pops her head in. “Your guest has arrived, sir.”
“Bring her to me,” he says without looking up at our housekeeper.
