Cobie said she needed to hit twenty grand.For what?What did he promise her?I swallow the question, well aware it won’t get me anywhere.But what will?
With a merciless grin, I wave over one of the bartenders and take the second bourbon he’d already poured when he caught me finishing the last.I make a mental note to leave the solid tip I promised when I asked him to keep the drinks coming all night.As the bartender swaps out the empty glass for my new drink, I assess my father across the table.“It’s not an issue, is it, Daddy Dearest?Our donation?”
I’m pushing my luck.I can see it.The throbbing vein at his temple.The familiar ice swallowing his hollow eyes that match Hawke’s.If we were in his office, or anywhere private, really, I’d brace myself for the back of his hand.But for now?For now, I’m safe.Safe enough, anyway.Even then, it doesn’t quiet the fear creeping up on me.The expectation of what will come the next time we’re alone.
“Cat got your tongue, Titas?”I push.
“It’s a lot of money for two girls.”
“But if I didn’t get my generous heart from you…” I clutch at the left side of my chest.“Where’d I get it from?”
With a slow nod, Daddy Dearest pulls out his phone and begins typing something.I watch his lips, waiting for them to mouth the words of whatever he’s writing.It’s an odd quirk he’s had for as long as I can remember.Sure enough, his lips form two words, three syllables.
June.Withers.
Perfect.
15
FORD
Gotta hand it to her.Cobie kicked ass tonight.Spoke confidently.Tugged at a few heartstrings.Emphasized the holiness of her efforts.She’s a Harden, after all.I’m impressed.Bet Daddy Dearest is, too.After she finishes auctioning off the last lamb to the slaughter, I stand with Jagger, and we make our way backstage.One, Cobie’s brochure states all winners need to meet their prize and finalize payment, and two, if I have to sit by my father for another second, I might actually strangle the man.
As we slip backstage, a pretty blonde paws at my arm, stopping my pursuit.“Hey, Ford.”
Jagger moves on in search of Violet, and I fight the urge to flip him the bird.So much for no man left behind.Normally, I wouldn’t care, but I’m not in the mood.I’ve seen the blonde a few times at Harden events, but I couldn’t tell you her name even if I had a gun to my head.Clearly, she thinks she knows me well enough to start a conversation.Or maybe she feels entitled to my time like most people in Harden Heights.Neither would surprise me.Besides, it’s what I get for being the friendly one and the face of the Harden Brothers.Considering the options, I was easily the best choice, even if it’s a bitch at times.Like right now.
Lucky me.
Digging deep, I search for my inner charm and give the girl a smirk that would make most women melt.“Hey, you,” I offer.
She smiles.“I like what you did out there.”
My brows raise.“Did you, now?”
Not what I was expecting, but hey.I’ll take it.
I start to step around her again, but she follows my movements, preventing my escape.“Mm-hmm.”Her straight white teeth dig into her bottom lip.“Taking one for the team and all.”
Not sure I’d spend twelve grand if I was taking one for the team, but there’s no point in saying it out loud, especially to a girl like…whoever this is.Nah.Girls like the one in front of me are a dime a dozen.They think copying every other pretty woman on campus will make them stand out.All it does is turn them into another faceless one-night stand.Hence, the woman’s inability to grasp the little nugget of truth proving I did not, indeed, take one for the team.
Authenticity.It’s the name of the game.And the furthest thing from the bleached blonde with over-injected lips and caked-on makeup in front of me.And if she can’t see it, why waste my breath trying to convince her otherwise?
Oblivious, she shifts closer, batting her lashes at me.“So, when’s the next Harden Night?”
Seriously?
I glance around the room, not even trying for subtlety.“No idea what you’re talking about.”
Her head bobs ever so slightly.“Oh.Right.I forget.”
Forget that Harden Nights are a hell of a lot like Fight Club?As in, we don’t talk about it?
Come on, blondie.You should know better than this.
“I also forgot if I’m allowed to…” She slips out a folded dollar bill from her cleavage and goes to hand it to me.
Fucking hell, woman.
