Page 67 of The Forever Rule

“Just don’t mess it up, okay?” James asked, his voice serious. “I’m not saying you will, or would do it purposely, but I like her. And she’s a good employee, and she’s Isabella’s friend. It’s just a catastrophe waiting to happen.”

“Because I’m just like Dad, The Cage. Because I’m going to fuck it up just like he did?” I asked, the malevolence in my tone surprising me.

James didn’t react, but the others stared at me as if I’d lost my damn mind.

“No one is saying that.”

“The world is saying that. Every one of our business contacts think I’m going to be the one that steps into Dad’s shoes. And they don’t even know half of the shit he’s done. So you’re right, maybe I will be the one to fuck things over like he did.”

“That’s not what I’m saying,” James said.

I shrugged, setting my drink down. “You know what, give Mom my regards. I’m not in the mood to deal with her attitude anyway. I have enough for all of us.”

“Aston,” Flynn said as he came forward, and I took a step back.

“No, I’m just not in the mood.”

“I wasn’t meaning to start a fight,” James put in.

“No, you were just warning me off Blakely.”

“Because I don’t want either one of you to get hurt.”

I snorted, and then grabbed my things. “I’m out. I have shit to do.”

“Running away from the problem? Maybe that is a Dad thing,” James whispered.

Dorian whistled through his teeth, as Flynn scolded him. But I let the remark slide. Because it was true.

Instead, I pulled up my phone as I walked outside, leaving them behind. If I was going to be reckless, I might as well go all in.

Me:

What are you doing?

Blakely:

Reading. Paperwork mostly.

Me:

Can I come over?

Blakely:

…

Blakely:

Yes.

And then I looked at her address, nodded, and figured I’d make another mistake. Following in my dad’s footsteps just like James thought I would. I might as well enjoy my time on the way to Hell. All on the path to breaking every rule along the way.

Chapter Eight

BLAKELY

Dear Diary,

---