Page 59 of Faking It

“Is that so?” I cock my head at me. “Maybe the world needs to know about the twenty-five-year-old you’ve been screwing.”

His face goes red as he points at me. “Don’t use that disrespectful tone with me, boy, and don’t change the fucking subject. “Martin and Michael are two of the most powerful men around right now. They could break you so hard that you’ll never get to work in this industry again.”

“Yeah, well, they’d be doing me a favor,” I mumble.

My father smirks. “Until the sheriff’s department and my lawyers show up. Wonder if you’d be talking so tough when you’re homeless.”

I slip my hands in my pockets, closing the distance between us. “There will come a day when that threat will have no weight, I promise you. Until then, I’ll leave Michael alone. Someday, he’ll get what’s coming to him.”

You, daddy dearest, will too.

The last line will remain in my head for now, but it doesn’t make it less true. For all sins, I’m sure karma will find my dad. There’s no way he’ll exit this life without paying his dues.

“He’s already getting all that, James, or are you blind? Wealth, fame, respect, all the things I’ve ever wanted for you, the things you keep pushing away. If you were smart, you’d get on board like I asked. Play nice with Mike, let him help make connections that will get you back on top.”

“Going back to taking the fall for him, you mean. Anything to keep you in Martin’s favor.”

He waves carelessly. “What’s so wrong about owning up to a few harmless offences when the end game is worth so much?”

“For the hundredth time, Dad. I don’t want to get back on top. I don’t want to be involved with this life. Why is that so hard to accept? You’d rather see me look like a piece of shit in Hollywood, miserable, as long as you’re satisfied.”

“Miserable? I want the best for you. Always have.” He has the nerve to look offended.

“No. What you want is to keep your name alive, to hide the fact that you’re no longer relevant in this industry. Living vicariously through me won’t change the truth. You’re done. You’ve been done. I don’t understand why that’s so hard to accept when you’ve got more money than you can spend.”

“How dare you speak to me that way?” he growls, his furious blush confirming I’ve hit the nail on the head.

I sigh, mentally done with this argument. My only concern is Ana and if she’s doing okay.

“Look, Dad. I don’t want to fight. You did me a massive favor, for which I’ll be forever grateful. While I don’t appreciate the ultimatum you give me, I’m working my ass off to pay you back. But I’m not your puppet. I won’t allow you to control my actions beyond paying that debt.”

Without waiting for his reply, I walk away, making a beeline to the party, my eyes scanning the crowd, searching for that sparkly dress. I soon spot her and Jared on the other side of the room, lounging on a velvet couch. My body relaxes, relief flowing through me in a resounding rush that doesn’t surprise me.

It doesn’t require deep thinking to figure out that I care about Ana very much. Between my admiration and fast-growing attraction to her, I’m getting more concerned about her well-being. More protective. There’s this overwhelming urge to keep her safe.

Ana flies up from the couch when she sees me coming, rushing toward me with concern on her face. “Are you okay?” she asks, stopping in front of me.

I almost sputter. “Me? Areyouokay?” I search her body for even the slightest bruise. “Did he touch you?”

“No. You came just in time,” she replies.

“My babysitting duties are over. See you lovebirds later!” Jared sings, patting my back before moving off.

Jared sounds way too chirpy, even for him. I watch his departing form as I make a mental reminder to check on him later; then I turn back to Ana’s worried stare.

“You didn’t answer my question. Are you okay? I saw your dad’s face back there.”

Her comments earn a chuckle. “I’m twenty-six years old, not six. Dad’s furious faces don’t scare me anymore.”

“Still, I’m sorry for causing any trouble between you two.”

“Don’t worry about it. My dad and I have been at odds long before you came along,” I reply, waving off her comment.

Ana nods, then the corner of her lips slowly turn up as she smiles. “At the risk of sounding like a total hypocrite, if you want to talk, I’m here. Tori always says I’m a good listener.”

I gape.

She scoffs. “Please don’t look at me like that.”

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