Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“Your son? Am I still considered that?” I lift a brow.
“Of course you are. You’re my only child. I’m so proud of the man you’ve become. I’ve been following your endeavors. Very impressed. Collen, I’d like you to meet Joshua Kylix, my son.”
“Joshua Nikolaou, I no longer go by Kylix,” I say, widening my stance and lifting my head as I cross my hands before me to keep from punching him.
“Wait, aren’t you that model?” The other younger woman he hasn’t introduced says.
“Ah, yes. Joshua, this is Helen. I’ve told her all about you.”
“Funny, how can you talk about someone you know nothing about?”
My father booms with a deep laugh as if I’ve told some fucking joke. He keeps smiling like the dick he is. I can’t help but wonder what he’s up to and why in the hell he’s here.
Ulysses has never thought about anyone but himself. The only reason for him to attend a charity event is to advance his bullshit agenda.
Helen gives an annoying laugh. “Your father speaks very highly of you. I think he was hoping we’d get to know each other.”
“For what? I’m not interested in anyone who would align themselves with this man.”
“I see what you mean about needing to tame him a bit first,” she says, then bites her lip as she eye fucks me.
I give a smug grin as I roll my shoulders back and settle into my stance. I don’t know what game my father is playing, but I’ll help him out and put an end to that shit right now.
“Helen? That’s your name, right? Allow me to tell you something he hasn’t.
“I’m a motherfucker. I don’t respect shit that doesn’t respect me. Even then, I’mma tell it to kiss my fucking ass. So tell me, you’re gonna tame who?” I tilt my head to the side with my final words and grin with all my teeth.
I nearly burst into laughter as Collen gasps and Helen turns bright red as she clenches imaginary pearls. I turn to my father and lift a brow.
“Oh, where are my manners? Father, do you know my dear friend, Miss Zoe Gataki?”
“I heard you’ve been keeping suspicious antiquated company. Word of advice, my son. A snake will keep you comfortable in order to size you up before it strikes. Don’t find yourself in the belly of the snake lying beside you to gauge your growth,” he says as he eyes Zoe with disgust.
“Mm, sounds like you just described yourself. Glad I got away,” I retort.
“It’s been good to see you, Ulysses, as always. Joshua, I see some important people we should say hello to.”
I toss my father a salute with my middle finger. Colleen sputters beside him, causing me to laugh as we walk off. I might be in a slightly better mood.
Chapter 34
Shattered
Kelex
A month later…
“Yo, pass me one of those,” Pit says, pointing to one of the weed cupcakes Tak ordered in.
Deacon hands one over. Pit peels the wrapper back and goes to take a bite. He’s so drunk and focused on the treat he doesn’t see Skittles creeping up behind him.
“Ha, ha, ha.” She releases that crazy laugh of hers after she shoves his face into the cupcake.
I force a grin and try to get into the moment. In truth, I should be a million other places than here—pretending life isn’t falling apart all around me. My grandfather is still requesting my presence in Crete, my father has been trying to get me to meet with him, and Mary is hanging on by half a breath at this point.
I’ve exhausted all medical options. I’ve spared no expense to make sure I could do everything in my power to help them. Even expanding my empire faster and greater than I ever thought I could. Whatever happens, those kids will want for nothing.
But a mom.
I grimace at the thought. Coming out this weekend with the assholes was supposed to help me clear my head. However, it’s been hours and my thoughts couldn’t be more scattered.
“Get over here,” Pit growls as he wipes icing off his face.
Skittles stands straight from where she’s doubled over laughing and takes off running. They’ve both had a few drinks, so she manages to dodge him while tripping and still getting away.
I shake my head. I get ready to go back into the beach house we’re renting when Skittles’s phone rings on the table. I look at the screen and freeze.
It’s been three years since I’ve spoken to Shawna. I’ve done my best to push her from my mind. However, her name is scrolling across the screen and the most gorgeous face I’ve ever seen stares back at me from the device.
Skittles is standing behind the gorgeous woman, with her chin on top of her head, while they both smile wide at the camera. I know the picture is recent because Skittles has on the sunglasses I gifted her a few weeks ago. My God, Shawna is so fucking pretty.