“There’s…there’s a woman,” he mumbles.
My jaw drops. “What?”
Releasing a long, exasperated sigh, he confesses, “I’ve fallen in love with someone. She’s a supermodel, so has high expectations, and will only date me if I’m first in line to inherit the company.”
I stare at him, stunned. That’s it? That’s the reason? Is he fucking kidding me?
Disappointment washes through me, and suddenly, I’m not angry anymore. I’m just disgusted.
“Seriously?” I scowl at him. “You’re doing all this to try and impress a woman too shallow to date you as you are? Don’t you have any self respect?”
Ryan has the audacity to look affronted. “It’s not like we have any good role models in regards to relationships. Marriage is a transaction for us. That’s what we’ve grown up knowing. You can’t suddenly be pissed at me when I act upon that idea.”
Goddamn it, I can’t argue that point. Mom and Dad have basically set us both up for failure when it comes to finding healthy, balanced relationships. Shit, I had the exact same mindset as Ryan…before Sutton.
Thinking about what she’s done for me, though, it’s becoming more and more obvious that our way of thinking about relationships is actually pretty fucked up. Not everyoneis like our parents, focused solely on their own greed and materialistic desires.
“It doesn’t have to be that way,” I say, holding Ryan’s gaze. “Sutton isn’t with me for my money. Shit, after what she did for me today, she’s proving to me just how fucked up Mom and Dad have made us.”
Ryan frowns, his skepticism clear. “Do you even actually love her? Or is she just another shield for you to hide behind?”
The questions hit me like physical blows, but I don’t answer him. It’s clear I won’t be convincing him of anything with a single conversation. Still, I really don’t want this feud between us to continue because there’s really no point when it comes down to the bare bones of things.
For a moment, I think back to when we were kids again. When he looked up to me, and I would do anything to protect him. Is it even possible for us to have a relationship like that again? To not be constantly at each other’s throats? To actually be close and have a genuine connection?
I don’t know, but I’m so tired of fighting with him. I just want it to end.
“Look, Ryan,” I sigh, shaking my head. “I’m not your enemy, and I don’t want to fuck you over, but you better come clean to Mom, Dad, and Grandfather before I have to point out the obvious. You showed them those pictures before, and they’ll see I didn’t do anything to embarrass the family since then.”
Ryan’s face drains of color, but he doesn’t say anything. That’s fine. I don’t really need to hear anymore of his pathetic bullshit anyway.
Turning, I walk away from him and make my way down the stairs and back out the front door. I get back in my car and take off, shooting Sutton another quick text as I leave.
Jayce: I’m heading home. Meet me there.
She hasn’t responded to my text from earlier, which has a knot of worry forming in my stomach. Is she okay? Thinking of Ryan’s words, I feel a weight of guilt pressing down on me. I’ve put her through so much because of my fucked-up mindset, and she’s been so selfless toward me, jumping to my defense without hesitation.
When my phone suddenly buzzes, my heart leaps and I look, hoping it’s Sutton. I feel a small stab of disappointment when I see it’s the guys.
Wilder: Jayce, you good, man?
Jensen: Looks like the heat really has passed on those photos. All anyone’s talking about is Sutton’s response.
Carson: Shitshow dodged!
Owen: Have you seen Sutton yet?
I quickly respond to assuage their worries.
Jayce: On my way to meet her now. All good on this end. I’ll keep you guys posted.
Silencing my phone, I throw it onto the passenger seat next to me.
As I drive and still receive no response from her, a new fear pops into my head, and I can’t help but wonder if I’ve fucked this up beyond repair.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: SUFFOCATING
SUTTON
