Page 12 of Bad Daddy

Now, that’s the sixty-four-million-dollar question, isn’t it?

Before I can answer, the doorbell interrupts us. Carter looks puzzled but gets up to answer it. I take a drink of my coffee, then hear my name being screeched like a banshee, and I know exactly who it is.

My mother.

The reluctance to discover what she wants weighs heavily on my shoulders. The longer Carter’s words about what she’s done to me have to sink in, the more I don’t want to see her.

Drawing in a deep breath, I head towards the foyer, where I find her standing a little too close to Carter for my liking and touching his arm.

I don’t understand where it comes from, but my claws come out. “Get your hands off him, Mother.”

I take his hand in mine, and she stares between the two of us before laughing hysterically.

“A child, Mr. O’Neill. Really?”

I realize she’s only saying that to get a reaction from one or both of us, but the accusation stings.

“A woman. More of a woman than you ever will be.” He maintains his cool.

“You sold me, Mother. I don’t think you have any room to talk.”

She blusters for a minute before anger transforms her face into an ugly shade of red, and she starts screaming at me for being an ungrateful bitch.

I walk away and don’t look back. It’s time to start putting myself first because she’ll ruin my life if I allow her to continue to be in it.

CHAPTER 9

Carter

The vulnerability and determination in Cece’s eyes as she walked away from her mother would have humbled anyone in a similar situation. Cece is making a choice for herself and her peace of mind. I respect that.

Which leaves me to be the one to deal with her fucking mother.

“Enough!” I shout as the woman harps on. “You forget you’re place in my home, Melinda. I suggest you take a breath and a look around and remember.” I lean forward to whisper in her ear, “I eliminate threats to the ones I love without remorse.”

Her gasp echoes in the silence as she draws back, her face now pale and eyes filled with fear. “You can’t do that.” Her arms cross defensively, but I catch her uncertainty.

“You sold my future wife. I will do anything to keep her safe. Including killing you and making sure no one ever finds your body.” Her mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water as she tries to find a new tactic.

“One-time offer, Melinda. You leave the East Coast. Find a beach out west and never come back, and I won’t ruin your life. Stay and face my wrath.”

She blusters some more.

“I never wanted that bitch, anyway.”

And with that, she storms out, slamming the door behind her. A minute later, I hear tires squealing down the driveway.

Locking the door, I turn to see Cece standing in the doorway to my office, eyes glossy and shining like she’s been crying, but the smile on her face conveys that she’s not sad.

“Did you mean that?”

I start walking towards her.

“Which part?”

“Future wife.” She’s breathless, like she finds it hard to say the words because she’s afraid to believe it could possibly be true.

Picking her up with my hands on her ass, I place her on the desk and step between her legs. “I didn’t want to freak you out. You’re kind of skittish, baby.” Brushing my hands through her thick hair, I tug her head back until she’s at the perfect angle for a ravishing kiss. “I don’t mince words, Cece, so let me be perfectly fucking clear. You’re mine. I’m yours. And just as soon as I can convince you to, you’ll be my wife.”

---