Page 56 of Quiet Confessions: Part Two

I’ve had a lot of sex in my life, but life-altering orgasms definitely only happen with my men. I love how much they care for me afterwards. It gives me a glimpse of the future and makes me think this’ll work out.

KIAN

I finish up my final lesson for the day and dismiss my students. I’m fucking exhausted, and ready for this weekend to begin. Richard has been oddly quiet and I’m hoping he stays that way while Pay and I hang out tomorrow. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to do something just the two of us.

I know she’s starting to go a little stir-crazy and wants to go back to work, but besides that one night, I don’t think it’s safe for her to be out and about in public alone. I know Shina and Bear would keep her safe, but still I worry.

Yawning, I walk over to my office. I have a few papers to get through before I can leave. I take my tie off and drop it on my desk, then open the bottom drawer and pull out the bottle I keep there.

I pour myself a drink, then sit and try to read the papers in front of me. Some of my students do well, but there are always a few that have no fucking clue what I’m teaching them. It’s just all a part of the job, but it gives me a headache.

* * *

“We need to talk about the future,” my dad says as he storms into my office. I'm grading one of Tyler's assignments and not expecting to be interrupted.

“What about it?” I grunt as he takes a seat. “Wait, aren't you and the wife supposed to be in Italy or somewhere?” I ask with a wave of my hand.

He scoffs and grabs the bottle of scotch and my glass, refilling it to the brim, then downs it. “Richard ordered me back. Seems we have a little problem here.”

I pull another glass out of my drawer and he hands me the bottle. I think I’m going to need another drink for this conversation.

“Yeah? What does Richard want now?” I ask and he gives me a look of pity.

“We need to hook you up with someone nice. This thing with Patience was just a fun fantasy, but it's not your future, Kian. You need to end it now before Richard makes you,” he says with a sigh and I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

“I’ve done everything for duty, Dad,” I explain. “I love Patience. You may not understand it, but everything has always been out of duty and protecting that girl. I’m not willing to step aside. I don’t want a loveless marriage.”

“Does she understand what it’ll cost her?” Dad argues. “The company will be sold to this Gatem woman if Patience doesn’t submit to the contract’s orders. It’s her legacy. Will she just throw all of that away?”

“Patience will fulfill the edict of her contractual agreement,” I reassure him, taking a sip of my drink. Its warmth is making my belly feel heated, spreading calmness with it. However, I want to keep my edge, so I put the glass down.

While Tae is my father, he is also Richard’s little soldier. His entire life revolves around him. It’s his personality, and some days I worry he’ll sacrifice me for it. This talk about marriage skirts that fear.

“Will she do it in time to avoid a takeover? The Gatem woman is pushing the board of directors to look at other options because she’s an opportunistic whore,” my father snarls. My eyes widen in surprise. He’s usually calmer than this.

“Father,” I admonish. “Cal and Patience moved up the wedding. What’s the worst that Sharon Gatem could do in that time?”

My father frowns at me and I feel ashamed. What am I missing?

“The dragon is easier to draw than the snake,” my father counsels me. “There is no honor in the Gatem family. If you’re going to insist on traveling on this path with Patience, find out what that woman’s motivation is before it’s too late for us all. She’s a wild girl and I do not approve.”

Blowing out a breath in frustration, I nod. I hate when we’re at odds with each other, and it doesn’t often happen.

“Any other advice, Father?” I ask, rubbing my forehead tiredly.

“Yes, they need to get married as soon as possible or they will lose everything. Don’t be the reason that she detests you later, son. Patience is young, but that company is her and Cal’s legacy,” he reminds me.

Fuck, I need to talk to Pay and the guys, but first I need time to think.

Chapter Seventeen

Kian came home upset, but he doesn’t want to talk about it. He kissed me on the forehead, then locked himself in his room. I leave him be and make a quick dinner. I was looking forward to this weekend and going hiking with him tomorrow, but maybe something changed.

I finish up a simple casserole and put it in the oven to bake. I wanted to make a salad to go with it, but it can wait. Rooke and Cal walk in and Mouse has a huge fit.

She’s sitting on the floor with one of my bra pads in her mouth and she’s growling. Rooke gives her a quick scratch behind her ear, then throws the pad with a laugh. He looks happy and it makes me smile.

There has been a darkness surrounding him for way too fucking long. I’m glad he’s starting to heal and express who he really is. No more hiding for him. “How was the arcade?” I ask them, and Cal gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before heading to the fridge for water.

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