Page 99 of The Rogue and His Flower

“What, on another trip to the amusement arcade?” he asks, lifting an unimpressed brow. “And before you ask, I have eyes everywhere.”

“So you were spying on us?”

“That’s hardly a befitting way for the heir of this family to be spending their time, don’t you think?” he retorts, ignoring my question. “You’re not a damn child!”

“We were having fun, a concept you clearly struggle with,” I counter.

Fun is a concept he’sneverunderstood. His idea of fun is corporate takeovers, firing people and turning the businesses they once put their blood, sweat and tears into into something lucrative yet unrecognisable.

“Fun?” he laughs. “Are you forgetting the purpose of this marriage?”

“I’ve not forgotten,” I reply tightly.

“It seems to me like you’re enjoying this arrangement a little bit too much,” he questions.

I lean back in my chair, holding my father’s gaze as I weigh my words carefully. “What harm is there in finding friendship in a situation that was forced upon us both? It works in your favour if Daisy and I have found a way to make this work.”

My father’s eyes narrow, his lips forming into a thin line of disapproval. “This is not about friendship. Your personal feelings are irrelevant. Your behaviour and how you both represent this family, however, matters immensely. Stop fucking about, andfocus.”

“Spending time with my fiancé is not fucking about,” I reply through gritted teeth.

My father leans forward, disapproval etched deep into his features. “Need I remind you that this whole arrangement is about securing the future of our family, about maintaining our legacyandstanding in society. It is your duty as my son and heirto uphold it with respect and responsibility. Your actions reflect not only on you but, more importantly,me, and I’ll be fucked if you think you can continue to act with such blatant disregard to my?—”

“Your what?Feelings? Would you prefer it if I act like you? Cold, calculating, ruthless? Is that the legacy you want me to uphold?” I challenge him, my voice holding a mix of defiance and frustration.

My father’s eyes flash with anger, his composure cracking just slightly before he regains control. “Firstly, do not mistake pragmatism for lack of feeling, boy. Everything I do is for the good of this family,” he responds icily. “And secondly, you think you’re none of those things too? I’ve watched you fuck over and discard women time and again. You might be doing a good job at pretending with Daisy, but I see you.”

I flinch at that. Maybe once I had been that man, and that stings, but now? I don’t want to be that person anymore.

“Family? We’veneverbeen a family,” I cut back, unable to contain myself. “We are no more than business partners that share the same blood.”

He barks out a laugh. “If we’re going to be truthful,son, a business partner would imply equal standing, and we can both agree that isn’t the case.”

Despite being a grown fucking man, I can’t deny that my father’s words cut me deeply, and are a stark reminder of the power dynamics between us. His expectations, and continued lack of care and any form of affection stifles any sense of individuality or happiness that has dared to bloom these past few weeks in Daisy’s presence. Everything that I’d begun to feel starts to wilt inside my chest, and I fucking hate him for it.

“I don’t have to listen to this shit!” I snap, moving to stand, needing to get the fuck out of his office and as far away from himas possible, before he turns everything inside of me into nothing but dust.

“Sit the fuck down,” he retorts, struggling to contain his anger as he leans back in his chair, the leather creaking beneath him. “You’ve always had a sharp tongue, but watch what you say to me. Do not forget who you’re speaking to.”

“I’ve learnt from the best, and I know exactly who I’m speaking to. You’re someone so consumed by power and control that you’ve forgotten what it means to truly care for another human being.”

“Being this way has gotten me to where I am today. I’m not ashamed of that fact, and you will do well to remember that this lifestyle you live, this mansion you’ve been brought up in, the doors that have opened so easily for you, is because ofmyunwavering desire to secure your future and that of the Gunn family name. Without it, you have nothing. I could cut you off as easily as that,” he retorts, snapping his fingers. “So don’t ever think you can disregard my wishes without facing the consequences of your actions.”

“And without me and Daisy you don’t have a family or the possibility of continuing the Gunn family name. Perhapsyouwould do well to remember that,” I reply just as sharply.

My father’s jaw tightens at my words, his face contorting with a mix of rage and disbelief, his knuckles turning white as he clenches his fists on the desk. Tension crackles in the air between us as we stare each other down. I hold his gaze steadily, refusing to back down even in the face of his intimidating presence.

“Your point is noted,” he concedes after a moment, despite his tone still holding a dangerous edge. “Have your fun with Daisy, but don’t forget what’s at stake here. You’re not the only one who’s future will be ruined if you fail to fulfil my wishes.Drix’s debt is only paid in full if Daisy has your child, or have you forgotten that part?” he adds with a cruel smile.

My blood runs cold at the reminder of Drix’s precarious position and my father’s insidious hold overallof our lives.

“Well?” he insists, arching a brow.

“I’m well aware of what’s at stake,” I respond through gritted teeth.

“Good,” he replies, the tension leaving his body as he realises he’s won this argument. “Now do what you need to do to ensure that everything is proceeding according to plan, but don’t let sentimentality cloud your judgement. Treat this as a business deal, nothing more, understand?”

I nod my head, dropping my gaze as defeat creeps up my spine. He’s got us all over a fucking barrel and he knows it.

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