Page 36 of Promiscuous Lies

“Marriage isn’t for everyone, but I think it might suit you nicely, son.” My father is many things, and persistent is absolutely one of them. He likes to say it’s how he won my mother over. If that’s true, then I don’t know why the same thing isn’t working for me.

However, I don’t require further details about some of the stories I’ve heard about them—especially the one about my mother being part of the virginity auctions. Nausea rolls through me. Nope, I definitely don’t want to hear more about that.

“Or even dating,” Billie presses with a suggestive raise of her eyebrow. “Weren’t you supposed to be going on a date with a blonde stripper?” she asks, placing the spoon on her tongue with a smug expression.

My hands ball into fists. This entire family is nothing but gossips, I swear. I don’t even have to ask her who she heard that from because I know without doubt it was Hawke, who has the biggest fucking mouth.

“Dating?” my mother questions, this obviously news to her. “Who are you dating? What is she like?”

“I’m not dating anyone,” I grit out. “I understand everyone here is excited by Eli taking a wife, but might I remind you all that I have never had, nor will I ever have, any intention of marrying.”

“It just means you haven’t met the right person, sweetie,” my mother says softly.

They act like running the type of business I do, and being associated with the Monti family is easily accepted by most women. It’s only because my mother was raised in the mafia that she was so accepting of my father’s businesses. I’ve never once had the urge to tie myself to another person, ask for permission, or have them wait for me to return home every night. I’m not a man who answers to anyone.

“I don’t think there’s someone out there for everyone, Mother.”

She looks sad, and I hate that I offend her with that belief, but she’s building her hopes up on something that will never happen.

“Well, any woman cut from the same cloth as you must be an ice queen. Hello? Personality, where are you?” Billie jests.

“Billie!” my mother chastises, and I can’t help but smile at that one. It was pretty good. She mirrors my smile.

My father, however, is watching me from the corner of his eye. Not that I explain myself to many, but I do to him at times. He is my father, after all. “I run a fucking sex empire, an even bigger one than you did at my age. There is nothing but my work. And, yes, I am married to that and will stay married to it for the rest of my life.”

My mother’s expression falls further, and it pains me to know I’m making her sad, but I don’t understand why they’re pressing the matter so much.

“I can find you a wife,” he says. “I know you don’t like the idea, but Crue’s father found Crue’s wife, your aunty Rya, through an arranged marriage. And look at them. I can do the same for you; it might give you something else to focus on besides sleepless nights and long working hours.”

“No, And I don’t want to talk about it again. Leave it.” I down the rest of my drink and stand, ending the discussion

“Sweetheart, you don’t have to leave,” my mother says apologetically. “We’re just worried, that’s all.”

“You have no need to be,” I say coolly. “Thank you for dinner. I’m tired from my travels, and I’d like to excuse myself.” I press a kiss on my mother’s cheek. My father stands and hugs me, but it’s Billie who follows me out.

When I’m collecting my coat, she leans against the wall and crosses her arms over her chest.

“You know they’re just worried about you being too focused on work, right? That, and they’re not entirely sure if you’re a psychopath or not,” she says casually.

“And that will never change,” I grit. I fish a gift box out of my pocket and toss it in her direction. It’s not a matter of if I’m a psychopath; I’m certain I’m not. But my cold, calculated nature has always been unsettling, even to my family. And I have no idea why they think me having a wife will fix that.

She catches the present, and her expression lights up. “See, I knew you weren’t a psychopath.” She beams as she comes up to hug me. Her voice quietens. “But in all seriousness, you can’t only focus on work and this family. We’re all living our separate lives and doing our own things. Are you sure you want to be left behind? I know you’re busy, but are you fulfilled?”

I kiss her forehead. “My work is fulfilling. As long as you’re all safe and provided for, I have no issue or complaint. Goodnight, Billie. Stay out of mischief.”

She rolls her eyes as I open the door. “But if I do that, how will you get to flex your knight-in-shining-armor muscles? Which I despise, by the way. Also, can we talk about the last time you?—”

I close the door, cutting off Billie’s temper, which is about to snap at any moment. At times, it reminds me of a particular little monster who enjoys throwing things at my face.

CHAPTER 19

Posie

“And you are?” I turn in my chair to find a man standing at the door, looking at me expectantly. I’ve been coming into work for the last two weeks without anyone else being here. Usually, by the time I leave, a few of the staff working that evening are coming in. But that’s the extent of it. Sometimes Paula is in earlier in the afternoon, but those days are few and far between.

I was so focused on scheduling the social media that I didn’t even hear the man enter the office. I’m assuming he has keys—I fucking hope so anyway. He’s far too attractive to be a thief.

How rude of him to ask for my name before he offers his own; it reminds me of a certain asshole boss.

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