Page 24 of Forbidden Fruit

My heart rate picks up, but I keep my expression neutral. "I look at Rebecca like anyone would look at someone they respect."

"Bullshit." His voice is low, dangerous. "You're practically salivating over my girlfriend, old man. It's pathetic."

I clench my jaw, refusing to rise to the bait. "This conversation is over, Jack."

"Is it? Because I think we should get everything out in the open." He stands, moving closer to me. Despite being several inches shorter, he attempts to look intimidating. "You've always undermined me. At work, with my mother, and now with Becca."

The sliding door opens again, and Rebecca appears with a bottle of pills and a steaming mug. She freezes, sensing the tension.

"Everything okay out here?" she asks, her eyes darting between us.

"Fine," Jack says, his demeanor changing instantly as he turns to her with a practiced smile. "Thanks, babe. You're the best." He takes the coffee and pills, leaning in to kiss her cheek. Over her shoulder, he gives me a pointed look.

I force myself to relax my posture. "I was just telling Jack I'm heading down to check on the boats for tomorrow."

Rebecca's eyes light up. "For our early snorkeling trip?"

Jack's head snaps toward her. "What snorkeling trip?"

"Oh," she says, suddenly flustered. "Clive offered to take me out early before the fishing trip tomorrow morning. To see the reef at sunrise."

Jack's expression darkens. "Did he now?"

"It's no big deal," she says quickly. "You'll still be sleeping off... this." She gestures to the pills and coffee.

"Actually," Jack says, overly casual, "I think I'll join you. I love sunrise activities."

I almost laugh at the blatant lie. In fifteen years, I've never known Jack to voluntarily wake up before nine.

"Are you sure?" Rebecca asks, clearly surprised. "You hate early mornings."

"Not when it comes to spending time with you." He wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her close in a gesture that feels more possessive than affectionate. "Besides, I wouldn't want to miss out on private time with my girlfriend and my ex-stepdad. Sounds like a blast."

Rebecca looks uncomfortable. "If you're sure..."

"Absolutely," Jack says firmly. "We'll make it a family affair," Jack says, voice dripping with sarcasm. "What time should I set my alarm?"

"Five-thirty," I reply, enjoying how his smug expression falters momentarily. "The light's best at dawn."

Rebecca's smile is genuine now, directed at me. "I can't wait. I brought my underwater camera."

"Perfect," I say, allowing myself to return her smile. The warmth in her eyes makes something in my chest tighten.

Jack downs the pills with a gulp of coffee, grimacing. "Anyway, Bec, I thought we could get dressed tonight and have dinner, just the two of us on the beach."

I immediately recognize the diversion tactic. A private dinner means Jack can monopolize Rebecca's time, keeping her away from me.

"Oh," Rebecca says, looking surprised but pleased. "That sounds nice. Is that allowed?" She glances at me uncertainly. "I mean, it's your house, Clive. I don't want to be rude."

"My house is yours while you're here," I say smoothly. "Besides, I have some work calls to make tonight."

"Always working," Jack mutters. "Some vacation."

"Running a global company doesn't stop because I'm in Cozumel," I reply evenly. "Some of us take our responsibilities seriously."

Jack's jaw tightens, but Rebecca steps in before he can respond. "Well, I think it's admirable," she says. "The dedication, I mean. Jack told me you built your company from scratch."

"He certainly likes to remind everyone of that," Jack says, his tone bitter. "Self-made billionaire and all that."

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