“Screw you. Get the hell out of my casino.” I keep my voice low.
“We have a business meeting. We have things to discuss,” Jake says. “I’ll be in your office when you’re ready.” He then pivots and walks away.
I don’t move. “He can’t get into my office,” I scoff.
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that.” Bradley laughs.
“Urgh, I’m going to kill him,” I groan.
“No, you’re not. And really, Jazzy, what did you expect would happen when you performed that little stunt of yours?”
“I thought it would prove a point to him, not have him coming down here to confront me.” I sigh. I don’t like confrontation. I never have. I won’t back down to the likes of Jacob Westmead, though. Never.
“You wanted this. For God only knows what reason, you wanted him to react and now he is,” Bradley reminds me.
“No one likes a know-it-all, Brad,” I snap at him as I spin on my heel and head towards my office.
By the time I reach the door, the one that should be locked, it’s open and Jake is standing in the middle of the room.
“How the hell did you get in here?” I yell now that there are no patrons or even employees in earshot. My father’s office is next door, but he won’t be in yet.
“What am I doing here? What the fuck are you doing, Jazzy? Who the fuck is that guy you’re throwing yourself at? And best kiss? Really?” His voice isn’t loud like mine. No, on the outside, Jake is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected. But I know better. I’ve ruffled his perfect little feathers.
“This is my home, my business. I belong here. You do not.” I fold my arms over my chest.
“And what the fuck are you wearing?” Jake’s gaze hones in on my chest. My very exposed chest. I refuse to let him make me feel inferior. Never again.
“A dress,” I tell him. “Seriously, you need to leave.”
“You need to answer my question. Who is he?”
“I don’t need to answer shit. Get the hell out of my office!” I point to the door.
“No. You promised, Jazzy. You promised we would always talk about our issues. Well, you throwing yourself at some asshole is a fucking issue for me. A big fucking issue.”
I smile.Good.I wanted it to be an issue for him.
“You lost the right to any promises I made you when you took my virginity on prom night and then never spoke to me again!” I’ve been waiting years to throw that out there. And now I have.
Jake flinches, as if my words literally slapped him across the face. It’s the growl that comes from behind me that has me spinning around in shock. My father storms into my office.
“Daddy…” I try but it’s too late.
I scream as my father’s fist connects with Jake’s face.
“Daddy, stop, no!” I head towards them, and a pair of arms loops around my waist. I look over a shoulder to find Aiden holding me. “Let me go! Dad, stop!” I yell as he pins Jake to the ground, his fist landing blow after blow to my former prom date’s face, his torso.
Why the hell did I have to say that out loud?
“Aiden, he’s going to kill him! Let me go!”
My brother finally releases me, and I reach out and grab my father’s arm. He sends me a look that I’ve never seen directed at me. Anger.
I’m not an idiot. I know who my father is, and I know what he’s capable of. Which is why I’ve made sure he never knew what Jake and I did on prom night all those years ago. As much as I hate Jacob, orwantto hate him, Idon’twant him dead.
“Aiden, don’t just stand there. Help me!” I look to my brother, who reluctantly steps forward and grabs my father’s other arm.
“Dad, he’s had enough,” Aiden says.