His gaze darkens. “Watch your tone, son.”
I run a hand through my tangled hair, exasperation and tendrils of betrayal twisting in my chest. “Can you just tell me what you want?”
His face relaxes somewhat. “I’ve set up a meeting with Sabrina and the rest of the board today.”
I stare at him, dumbfounded. “Today? I have things I need to do at the pub.”
He shakes his head. “I’m afraid whatever it is will have to wait. You’re to be in the office in full business attire by seven.” My brain rebels at the order. When I don’t immediately respond, he continues, “I hope you’re not having doubts about this, Marcus.”
I swallow. Something feels off about this whole situation, and it’s not just the idea of my father forcing me into an arranged marriage. The power struggle with the board makes me uncomfortable. I wish like hell I could tell him to go fuck himself and be done with the situation.
My father’s gaze narrows, as if he can read my blasphemous thoughts, and it makes me feel small and vulnerable, like always. I fucking hate it. And I hate that some part of mestillwants to appease him. God forbid I let my father down.
“I called Sebastian this weekend.”
My eyes snap to his icy blue ones, the only feature he shares with my brother. He’s gauging my reaction like a predator.
“What?” Anxiety seizes my limbs, but I struggle to stay outwardly calm.
“He was pretty hostile at first. I won’t repeat what he said.”
“I’m surprised he answered the phone,” I mutter.
“I congratulated him on the second pub location. Told him I was surprised that you both could afford an expansion.” My father rubs his chin. “He seemed pretty cocky about all the success you’ve had. I’d hate to encourage him to do some research. After all, Skynet’s involvement with Brothers’ Beer & Bourbon is public record. Just one little search away.” He gives me a toothy smile, like he didn’t just threaten my brother. Again.
His betrayal chokes me, tugging on my heart like a child begging for attention. “You know you’re no better than Ryan, right? You don’t have to be this guy. I know it’s not you.”
He cocks his head, giving me a look like I’ve lost my mind. “I’m not like Ryan.”
He doesn’t see it, but why would he? In that moment, I see that he hasn’t been the guy little Marcus idolized for years, if he ever was at all. The realization tastes bitter, but I feel a bit freer as I stare at him. Like I’ve let part of my old self go.
“If you say so, Dad.”
“I’m protecting your future—our future—by any means necessary.”
“How selfless of you,” I reply, my tone dry.
“So, seven?” he confirms with a raised eyebrow, and I nod. Martin’s eyes travel down my body, like he’s just noticing me for the first time. “What’re you wearing?” he asks, his voice carrying a note of distaste. I glance down at the shirt Jeremy gave me. “Since when are you a Mariners fan?”
“I support all our local teams,” I say vaguely. “It’s good for business when you own a sports pub.”
“I really wish you hadn’t let your brother take the lead on this little venture. You would have run something classier.”
“Vancouver and Seattle thrive on beer and flannel, Dad. As much as you hate it, I think Sebastian and I made the right call.”
He waves at me dismissively. “I’m sure you’re right.”
The praise, as small as it is, lights me up, but it’s not as bright as it used to be. I step away from him, needing more distance between us. It’s strange seeing him like this, despite the way our relationship has devolved in the last three years. I don’t remember him being this cold and condescending when I was younger, but maybe I justchosenot to see it because I looked up to him.
Now, I feel simmering resentment. The control he has over me is unbearable.
“Are we done here?”
My father nods. “Yes, see you soon.” Then, he turns on his heel and marches back up the street.
I stare after his retreating form, and I’m reminded of my stepmother’s funeral. The minute her body was in the ground, he fled in the same abrupt manner. I empathized with him then, but I don’t now.
I trudge back to my condo, my shoulders hunched. I pull out my phone and type a quick text to Tristan asking him to help Jeremy with whatever he needs since I’ll be coming in late. Then I close the app and slide my phone back into my pocket, turning up the block.
