Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 92(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 92(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
“I mean, ah. Where else would she go? There are colleges here. It’s time she settled back into the family. If it had been up to me, she never would have gone off to Besly.”
“It isn’t up to you.” That was one of the many clauses. Cooper only wants her here because then he can keep milking off her. I think he believed if she’d stayed with him full-time he could have worked more money out of her trust, but Petal’s expenses were laughable. In fact, they downright annoyed me at times.
I wanted Petal here because I didn’t want to be away from her. It was selfish, and I know that. I understood why she would want to get away. There was nothing but pain and memories here for her.
Especially back then when everything first happened. Both of our lives had been turned upside down, hers with losing her family and mine with gaining so much responsibility in the blink of an eye. I’d been a mess myself. The world around me had become quicksand. My only lifeline was Petal. Whenever it all started to become too much, I’d think of her. That I had to pull my family and her out of the devastation that was left.
“Cooper, if she does come back to the city after graduation, she’ll get her own place or go to my parents’.”
“She wasn’t left to your parents.” My hand slams down on the table, making the silverware clatter, and a few people glance our way. Most of them try to hide that they are listening in.
“She’s eighteen,” I remind him. Old enough to choose for herself where she wants to stay.
“She is.” He leans back in his chair. “And you’ve been waiting, haven't you? Biding your time?” I want to reach across the table and wrap my hand around his throat, but the server steps in, setting Cooper’s drink down.
I take a deep breath and remind myself that I need to keep my composure. He’s trying to bait me. Giving in now will only play to his advantage.
“I think you forget that Petal owns a controlling portion of ValenScott. Everything she does reflects on the company.” It’s not a complete lie, but it might help steer him away from my infatuation with Petal.
“Don’t you think that’s something her own family should be keeping an eye on? For all we know, you could be stealing it out from under her.”
“You’re treading on very thin ice, Cooper. I might be younger than you, but I am very aware of your dealings with ValenScott. They didn’t go so well. You’re lucky your brother was kind enough to get you on at City Trust.”
Now it’s Cooper's turn to get pissed. His problem has always been that he’s too greedy. He has a well-paying job, not to mention his brother James helped him invest well. But some people can never get enough. They always want more. I suppose I can relate. I’m the same way with Petal. The time apart isn’t helping. Eating her sweet cunt hadn’t either. I haven’t gone one night without thinking about it. My only solace is that she’ll soon be mine.
I can go into dry spells when Petal is away, but whenever she is back in town, I gravitate to her. Then my cock ends up in pain for the next week. Not only because of a case of blue balls. No matter how many times I try to relieve the pressure on my own when I get home, it’s never enough. My dick will not be satisfied until it’s where it belongs.
“I think I want another lawyer to go over this trust.” Cooper takes a large swig of his drink.
“Do you really want to play this game with me? Because I’m guaranteeing you that you don’t. Your brother loved you to some degree. I think his concerns were more for his niece and nephew, and that’s why he made sure you were somewhere stable. But remember, I don’t share the same sentiment.”
“We’re still Petal’s family.” A shit one. It takes all my self-control not to let loose on this fool. I hate having to bite my tongue because I’m not sure how connected Petal wants to stay with them, so I hold it in. If she wants to continue to have a relationship with them, I’ll need to remain cordial to them to keep her happy. It will kill me, but I’d do anything for her. Based on the interactions I’ve seen between Petal and them, I don’t think that will be the case. Whenever she’s around her uncle and his family, she’s not as affectionate as she is with my parents.
“Daddy! I didn’t know you were going to be here,” Tia chirps, and her voice goes right through me like nails on a chalkboard. She kisses her father on his cheek before pulling out a seat for herself. Tia catches me off guard when she leans over and suddenly drops a kiss onto my cheek. I pull back immediately. Her small gesture felt like a betrayal to Petal even though I had no control over it. “Sorry.” She grabs a napkin and tries to rub it across my cheek. I yank it from her hand. “Trying to get my lipstick off.” Tia lets out a giggle that I think is supposed to be seductive.