Page 5 of His Fake Wife

He’d scoffed. “When you’re not falling out of bars shitfaced with your idiot friends, you’re involved in a scandal with some woman. For the sake of my sanity, give your dick a goddamn rest, will you?”

Though I had nothing but respect for dad, I had struggled to keep a straight face. The way his face had flushed and his eyes bulged as he told me to put my dick on hiatus was comical.

“Don’t worry, old man. I’ll eventually become the man you want me to become. Right now, I’m young and stupid. I’m allowed to fuck up.” I’d gotten up from around his desk. Clapping him on the shoulder, I grinned. “Let me live and make my mistakes. I’ll learn and eventually...I will give my dick a rest.”

As it turned out, dad was right. I constantly fucked up. I spent the entire night with...a woman of the night. If the tabloids got a hold of that juicy tidbit, it would be another scandal on my growing list. Henry eyed my clothes on the floor and the rumpled bed sheets with a scowl. “You promised, kid. You said you’d stop the foolery once you took over.”

“Relax. It was one night. I’m happy about my new title. I’m allowed to celebrate, aren’t I?”

I felt bad about the disappointment stamped on his face. I understood his frustration. I really did. I was full of potential and he was counting on me to continue the Thorne legacy. God knew my older brother couldn’t be counted on?the moron.

Dad never understood me. I didn’t quite get myself either. A paradox is what I am. I liked being in control, and like dad had said, I was smart and ambitious. I planned things. I was methodical when it came to work and serious when I needed to be. Yet, I made stupid decisions in my social life. I was addicted to pussy, plain, and simple. I loved having a good time with women and I was usually drunk as fuck. A recipe for disaster.

I kept telling dad?and myself? that by the time it was my turn to be the face of Thorne Holdings, I’d have my shit together. Deep down, I knew I was lying to him. Who the hell wanted to be a straight-laced, suit-wearing, no sex dud like dad?

Grabbing a bottle of water from the mini-fridge, I chugged down the cool liquid, hoping it would help to clear my head. I did what I do best?shoved the whole incident with Ginger aside and played it cool. “Ready to talk, old man? What was so important that you had to hunt me down?”

He gave me one of his famous sharp, reprimanding stares?that I’d become immune to at around age fifteen?and sighed. “I’ll just get right to it,” he gave the room one more disapproving swipe, “So I can get out of here.”

I dropped to the nearest armchair and waited for him to spill while I massaged a temple. My head was starting to pound more than it was when I woke up. Henry had a lot to do with the extra discomfort.

“There’s been a slight change concerning your new position as CEO.”

Suddenly my headache disappeared and my business senses were on high alert. I sat taller. “Slight change?” My eyes narrowed as I watched him begin to pace. Dad paced when he was upset or nervous. Dad pacing made me nervous.

“There’s been an unfortunate turn of events and I have to honor my word.”

“Just spit it out.” The mention of my new title had me on edge. I had a bad feeling about what was coming.

Dad cleared his throat and let out a long sigh. “Victor passed,” his voice dropped, the distinct note of grief resonating, “Two days ago.”

I was stunned. “Shit. Dad, I’m sorry.” Victor Carson was his closest friend. Their bromance spanned two decades.

“I’m fine. He wasn’t doing well for a while so it was expected…”

I nodded solemnly. I’d heard he was ill but I never gave it a second thought, being too wrapped up in my own shit. “Not to sound like I don’t care about your friend passing, but what does that have to do with me taking control of the company?” Again, I eyed the envelope he still held suspiciously.

“Before Victor died, he sold me his company.”

My brows shot up. They’d always been business rivals despite their friendship so I wasn’t surprised. “One more notch on our company’s belt,” I shrugged. “Is that what you couldn’t wait to tell me?”

“There’s more. Victor sold me the company with one condition. One that I thought would benefit you, you’ll have to get married.”

His words didn’t register immediately so I stared blankly at him for a few seconds. When what he said did register, I almost laughed because surely he was joking. The mere thought of settling down scared me to my core. That’s why I had fun with women?a lot of them?to bury my fear.

It was all my parents’ fault. Their relationship was...let’s just say I’ve witnessed way too much toxicity that would leave any kid scarred for life. I honestly didn’t know why they weren’t divorced by now.

“Good one, Dad. I never thought you were one for practical jokes.”

Henry’s brows knitted at the bridge of his nose.

“Son, I’m serious. The new requirement of your title of CEO is for you to get married...to Beth Carson. The paperwork was drawn up some time ago. I thought Victor was just being overly dramatic when he got sick. I didn’t think the old goat would…”

Sadness clouded his eyes but I couldn’t offer any comfort. I was still stuck on that one name. Beth Carson. After a stretch of silence, I did dissolve into laughter. Dad waited, wearing a look of annoyance. When I saw that he hadn’t cracked a smile and there was a bit of guilt flickering in his eyes, I sobered. Instantly, I tapped into that side of me that was capable of being serious. “Henry, explain.”

He tapped the envelope repeatedly and sighed. “There’s nothing much to explain. Marry Beth and you keep your title. Like I said, I have to honor my word to Victor...and there are legalities.”

I was confused, and on the verge of panic at the thought of the one thing I’d worked my ass for being snatched away. One thing I was sure about was that I’d rather cut my own dick off than marry Beth Carson. I hadn’t seen her in years. She’d made good on her promise that I wouldn't see her for a while and I didn’t mind in the least. Now, Dad wanted me to marry her? The fuck?

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