Page 62 of King of Deception

I knew you were going to sabotage it.

“Whatever,” I breathed as I programmed the phone to silent mode. Turning to my father, I rested my chin on my fist. “What did you tell Adele about this trip?”

“That it was just us boys,” he relaxed in his seat, stretching his legs. “Why?”

“Never mind.”

My sea-front villa was located on a dead-end road within a private five-acre estate. Facing south, it was complete with its own private beach, Olympic-size pool, and seven bedrooms.

Contrary to his earlier concern, the first thing my father did was head toward the open bar by the pool, demanding a cocktail. Shaking my head, I took off my clothes and jumped in the pool.

“So,” he hollered as he adjusted his position on a chaise lounge nearby. “Why are we really here?”

Spreading my arms over the solid edge, I tilted my head back, facing the sun and closing my eyes. “I told you. I need to clear my head.”

“I may be old, but I’m not forgetful. You said you needed a break.”

I forced a laugh, “I apologize, Philip.”

“What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing worthy of mention.”

“We’re in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do. Help me kill time, will ya?”

Flashes of the last time I saw Ella’s face haunted me, so I opened my eyes, letting the glaring sun blind me for a second before I looked away. “How’s mom?”

“Concerned. Can you blame her?”

“I’m not a child anymore.”

“To her, you still are. To me, you seem like a man, confused.”

“I’m not confused.” I turned to look at him, crossing my arms on the ledge.

“Women,” he suddenly said, smiling as if with reminiscence. “Can you imagine that there was a time when they loved acts of jealousy?”

Furrowing my eyebrows, I waited for him to elaborate.

“Take Vicky, for instance—”

“Please, don’t,” I raised a hand.

“No, no,” he chortled, taking a sip of his orange drink. “Listen to me. One time, when we were still… dating?” His smile grew wider. “I went over to their house and found Vicky standing with a handyman out in her father’s garden. He was fixing a shed or something.”

Smiling, I watched him fondly recall the memory.

“She was wearing this white dress, standing out in the sun, and… her legs were practically showing.”

“Dad,” I warned.

“That’s the extent of it, I promise,” he reassured me. “Anyway, I stood there for a while before she saw me… watching.”

“Creep.”

“Call it whatever you want, but that hunk had muscles coming out of his knees, and what was I? A young businessman who spent all day at his desk. I knew he could take me.”

I laughed, and he continued.

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