“Walk with me,” he says calmly as I try to hold in my eye roll.
This is what The Company is about. Posturing. It’s not like we couldn’t stay where we are, but then Dad wouldn’t be seen with me and to onlookers that’s unacceptable. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
We move toward the far side of the ballroom, near the marble pillars framing the balcony doors. From here, the noise dulls into something manageable. The chandelier light fractures across the floor between us. He clasps his hands behind his back as I mirror the stance without thinking.
“Quinn arrived earlier,” he says, getting straight to the point.
I fist my hands behind my back. This is the second time he has interrupted my time with Fae over Quinn and it’s getting tedious. We had an agreement. One choice each, and I was to give them both a fair chance. How can I do that when he keeps cockblocking me?
I mean sure, I’m not going to keep up my end of the bargain, but he doesn’t know that. No one but Fae does, and I know she wouldn’t narc on me to my dad of all people.
“I didn’t see her,” I keep my face neutral and my opinions to myself.
“You weren’t looking.” Dad scowls pointedly at me.
That’s not accurate. I was looking. I saw her in the crowd. She’s wearing an awful purple gown that doesn’t suit her skin tone or her figure.
Objectively, Quinn is attractive. Her long blonde hair and brown eyes create a contrast most people adore. She has an hourglass figure that is in fashion right now, but her soul makes her foul. And she’s nothing like my little Tinkerbell.
Dad studies the crowd as he speaks, his voice smooth and conversational. Anyone watching would assume we’re discussing quarterly profits rather than his displeasure that I haven’t greeted some bitch.
“The extension with Harlow Pharmaceuticals is finalised,” he continues. “Three additional manufacturing sites. Distribution rights across mainland Europe. An excellent consolidation.”
I groan out loud before I can stop myself and Dad’s eyebrows furrow, the only outward sign of disappointment.
“Roman,” he mutters, low with an edge of warning.
“Dad,” I sigh, “I know the contract. You told me, and I’ve reviewed it myself. We are going round in circles.”
“I’m just trying to say that her father is pleased,” he adds lightly. “As am I.”
“She is also very suitable,” he jumps in, as if my none reaction is because of her suitability. “She is intelligent and was raised correctly. Quinn understands the expectations of The Company, as well as our family, son.”
“What’s this about?” I snap. “We’ve done this dance before, Dad, it was only a couple of days ago.”
He turns his gaze to me fully now. “You have always understood the value of structure, Roman. It is one of your strengths. Do you understand?”
My jaw flexes again. It’s all we seem to talk about now, it’s tiresome. I can’t remember the last time we went to the shooting range together or to the pub just to watch the football. Everything revolves around The Company and what he wants for my future.
Do I understand? Of course I do, my whole life is built on structure. But my future being negotiated through womb contracts… that I’m not quite grasping.
“Cut the shit and tell me, old man. You know I can’t tolerate this. It’s making me itch.”
“Fine,” Dad gives a curt nod. “Then I will get to the point. You will attend dinner tomorrow evening. Quinn is coming to the house…” He raises his chin, like he’s bracing for battle as the next word leaves his mouth. “Alone.”
I exhale slowly through my nose. A muscle ticks in my cheek.
Across the room, I see Fae. She’s standing on the balcony now with my mum. Her posture is controlled, but I know her. I can see the tension in her shoulders even from here.
Mine.
The word pulses through me before I can stop it as I cut a glance at my dad, standing stoically in front of me.
“I have other obligations,” I reply.
“You will adjust them.”
“I don’t require supervision to date, Dad,” I sigh, changing course.