Page 51 of Forever Filthy

“He is an asshole for blowing you off. I’m sorry, I had no idea that happened.”

“I told him not to be late and when my break was. He thinks I work in the hotel as a manager and he said he was proud of me for making something of myself, so I don’t get it.” She looks a lotyounger than her age right now, I would even go as far to say she looks younger than me.

“I can relate to feeling disappointed in a father you didn’t know. Mine died before I could really remember much about him, but the things I have found out about him aren’t good. I hope he has a really good reason for blowing you off tonight because you are fucking amazing, and if he can’t see that he has a kickass daughter, then that’s his loss, babe. Not yours.” My words seem to erase some of the sadness in her eyes.

“Thanks, Vivian.”

“Don’t mention it…” I let my sentence trail off when Tate’s eyes widen and her mouth parts on a silent intake, gone is the upset look on her face as she stares at someone over my shoulder with a strange look.

“Hello, Vivian.” I splutter and whirl around at the sound of his voice. Without thought I squeal and throw my arms around his neck and hug him. It takes him a second before he awkwardly returns my embrace. He’s the one to break the connection and take a step back, he looks flustered as he rubs the back of his neck. I take in the sight of him and marvel at how different he looks. He wears a black suit and even has a tie on, but rather than looking sophisticated, he looks like a punk kid ready to crash prom. His hair is tied in a bun which just showcases the tattoos on his neck, he looks effortlessly handsome.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” I breathe out, then cock my head to the side. “Wait, how are youhere?” I dart my gaze around the room, worried someone was going to come rushing in to take him away.

“I was released two days ago. Turns out your lawyers are better than mine or I guess the fact that the judge is buddies with Vance didn’t hurt either.” I can’t help but just stare at him. God, how fucking crazy is this moment?

“Come, have a drink with me.” I offer and motion for him to join me at one of the tables. He follows my lead but when I raise my hand to signal Tate, he shakes his head.

“I don’t drink.”

“Really?” I blurt.

“Yes. If my sources are correct, you are underage as well.” I snort and roll my eyes which has him smirking.

“I own the place, that kind of gives me certain perks.”

“Hmmm,” is all he says, then looks around the room. His lips pinch to the side and I find myself worrying that he doesn’t like Lividica. “You designed this place?”

“The interior yes, but not the architectural side obviously.”

He nods. “You did a hell of a job.”

His praise has me preening. “Thank you. Now, I have to ask, how did you get in here?”

A sinister look enters his eyes. “Halo is fucking deadly at what he does and getting my hands on a membership to this place wasn’t out of his reach.”

“The membership is a hundred thousand dollars!” I whisper shout, I don’t know why I am so outraged he paid the fee when I was the very person who set the damn price.

Alex shrugs. “Money isn’t an issue, Vivian. Never has been and I don’t foresee it ever being one.” The intense way he looks at me has me squirming. “You seem… different.”

“I haven’t exactly been partying and living the life of a normal nineteen year old,” I admit bitterly.

“Why not?”

I shoot him a deadpan look. “You know who I am and what I do. Given the title I carry, I don’t exactly get much free time. I mean for fuck’s sake, I’m taking college classes online rather than attending in person.”

“You can change all of that.”

“How?”

“All you have to do is walk away.” I open my mouth to argue but he pushes on. “It’s that simple. Turn your back on your past and grasp your future with both hands and you would be surprised at what you could achieve without your past holding you back.”

“Are we still talking about me?” I counter.

“I guess not.”

“Why are you in town?”

“Omen and Vatican have been tracking you.” I jerk in surprise. “I tasked them both with keeping an eye on you but it appears the fucker was smart enough not to show tonight.”

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