Page 64 of Bought and Broken

Regardless of what I want to do business wise, this is a vacation I don’t want to miss out on. The perfect opportunity that fell right in my lap to make up for the fact that I had to act like Devon didn’t exist this morning when I walked into her room and found her with her brother. It’s a good thing I kept my mouth shut as I walked in and didn’t say something stupid, like how badly I wanted to lick her pussy—which is what I’d intended on doing when I went in.

Dane told me at breakfast he wouldn’t be home tonight. He has a last-minute trip to take to the west coast and will be gone for a few days. Brent comes home tonight, but he’ll be busy working and will likely be in the office all day tomorrow. He won’t even know Devon is gone. Despite what she thinks, it’s Dane who is the overprotective one. Brent loves his kids, but he’s so caught up in his job he doesn’t know where they are half the time. Not unless Dane is sitting across from him in a meeting.

I get on my laptop and search for two plane tickets to Myrtle Beach. Once they’re booked—we leave in a few hours—I call Devon.

“Hey,” she says. I can tell in her tone she’s bitter over this morning. This will make up for it. At least she didn’t ignore my call.

“Pack a bag. We’re going somewhere tonight.”

“Where?” she asks, every ounce of bitterness gone to be replaced with excitement.

“It’s a surprise, but we won’t be back until tomorrow night. And make sure you have a bathing suit.”

“What about my dad? He’s coming home later.”

“Devon, I will, for the foreseeable future, handle your brother and your father when it comes to us, so please stop asking.”

“Okay.” I hear her smile through the phone and it makes me smile too.

“Be ready in an hour. We can’t be late.”

We end the call and I grab my things.

On my way out, I stop at Suzie’s desk. “Cancel my meetings for the rest of the day. I have to check out a location in Myrtle Beach.”

“Oh, okay. Sure.”

She’s a middle-aged woman. Very professional. She’s been here since my father took over and has never spoken an ill word of him or this company, to which I appreciate. She also knows what she’s doing, so that helps.

Once I get to Devon’s, I head to my room to pack my own bag, then knock on her door. I give her a quick kiss when she opens it, pick up her bag, and we’re on our way.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Devon

I’ve been to Myrtle Beach before but not as an adult. The last time I was here, I was sixteen. Dad flew Dane and me here for a surprise birthday present. We hardly got to do things as a family because he was always working, but he made sure to make this special since turning sixteen is a big deal. We spent almost all of our time outside, walking along the beach, walking down the pier, eating food, and going to the shops. It was a great time. Something I’ve never forgotten.

Being here as an adult—one who is able to drink—is going to be a very different experience, I’m sure. Especially since I’m here with Tate.

The airport isn’t far from our hotel, and the ride takes maybe fifteen minutes. Though it’s only middle of May, it’s already hot. The driver stops in front of the hotel, and after helping me out of the car, Tate grabs our bags from the trunk. We make our way inside the lobby and straight to the front desk, which doesn’t have a line. The lobby is clean, with a small cafe and a cozy sitting area beside it. The decor is all white and tan, and pictures of the ocean hang on the walls.

Tate hands the woman behind the desk a paper. She looks it over and puts on the fakest smile I’ve ever seen.

“Mr. Winters, we’re so glad to have you here. If you’ll just give me a moment, the manager mentioned wanting to speak with you if you showed up.”

“Sure thing,” he says, leaning against the countertop.

I raise a brow at him when the woman walks away. All he does is wink at me. I have no idea what that’s all about, but I don’t hate it. I like being attached to someone who has power. It makes me feel powerful too.

A few moments pass before the woman returns with a man at her side. He’s likely in his forties, not bad looking, with dark hair, eyes, and skin. He’s dressed similarly to Tate, which must have them both sweating. I can’t imagine wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt in this weather. I glance down at myself, suppressing a laugh. We probably look ridiculous together. Tate is dressed in business clothes while I’m in shorts and a halter top.

“Mr. Winters,” the man says as he rounds the desk, offering his hand. “Lyle Rue. I am so glad to have you here tonight. I’m glad Marcus was able to get the message to you.”

“He certainly did,” Tate says in his business voice, shaking the man’s hand.

I don’t hate his tone… it’s kind of sexy.

“If there is anything we can get you while you’re here, please don’t hesitate to ask. If you’d like a tour, we could set that up for the morning?”

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