Page 26 of Parker
A concealed door behind the bar leads to the office. The club is filling with customers in search of some fun. I slip behind the slick surface and push open the door. Drayton saunters in behind me and immediately goes to pour us both a drink. Asshole. He knows I’m sober. I wave it away.
He sits on the dark leather chair, throws his feet on the desk, and smokes. “I must be in trouble if you lowered yourself to coming to see me. Am I on a warning?”
“You asked me to visit,” I mutter. “What the fuck is going on, Drayton? This place is causing me nothing but a headache. You need to get a grip on it, or I’ll be looking for new management.”
“These things happen,” he says with a sneer. “The kind of people whose money you take means there are going to be incidents.”
“A police visit every fucking week is more than an incident,” I snarl. “What did you want to discuss?”
Just then, I am aware of men behind me. When I turn around, my father stands surrounded by his men. I look between them all, a mixture of friends, family, and staff. They all have drinks in hand and raise them in my direction.
“You didn’t think I’d let you get married off without a bachelor party,” my father drawls, already half-cut. “Missy is waiting for you in room three.” The bastards all glance at each other, dirty smiles creeping over their faces.
My jaw locks, dumbstruck. I look from my father to Drayton, then back to the man who created me. Boyd is nowhere tobe seen. My father takes three steps forward and grabs my shoulder. He crushes the muscle beneath his fingers.
“Now, get downstairs, boy. Ride a whore, then get up tomorrow and marry the future mother of your children.” He lets go, turns around, and raises his arms high. Whiskey splashes over the edge of his glass. “Right, men, let’s have some fun.” They all push each other out of the way, trying to leave the office and get to the ‘fun’ outside.
Without waiting for any other shit to happen, I tap my pocket to ensure my car keys are where I left them, then walk straight out of the building without looking back.
Let them drink. Let them fuck. I’ll take war instead.
***
Night has fallen by the time I’m back in my office. Most of the staff are gone. No one interrupts me. After today’s meeting, they’re staying out of my way. There are benefits to being the pariah.
I think back to Nicky and the way she has gone all in.You’re the best fuck I’ve ever had, and I’m not letting you go without a fight.That made me laugh. In a matter of weeks, I’ve gone from being alone to having someone on my side willing to fight. Someone I can see a future with.
I can’t believe she stayed. Needing some connection, I pick up my phone and send her a quick message.
Still thinking about you. I’ll be home soon. Stay fearless for me.
As I sit, waiting for her response, a knock at the door surprises me. Louise from reception pushes it open, the usual smile on her face missing. She walks over, not meeting my eye, and offers me the white envelope in her hand.
“From your mother,” she says, solemnly. “For your big day tomorrow.”
I take the envelope as if it might burn me. Louise watches my hands as I slide the card from its casing. I don’t hear Louise leave, too lost looking at the message in my hand.
‘Good luck’ is the perfect message—neutral. Empty. Safe.
The question is… do I comply with my father’s demands and marry for the good of the family, or do I go against everything the Parkers stand for and grab love with both hands?
Whatever I choose, something breaks.
Chapter eleven
The A9, Aberfeldy, Scotland
Nicky
I ignore the buzzing phone in my pocket for the umpteenth time. Sophie has been calling me since I contacted her two hours ago. My message was vague and obviously didn’t have the desired effect of calming the situation down. She leaves another voicemail.
“Nicky, what are you doing? You don’t know this guy. Your mother has just told me you moved in with him last week. The fact you never told me speaks bloody volumes. Yes, he’s hot and has a super-sized dick, but bloody hell woman, use your head for a minute.”
I laugh, but something, uncertainty maybe, tightens in my chest. My best friend is anxious, and possibly she has reason to be. But I don’t want to think about that right now, not when I’m running off to hide in a bubble with the man who’s swept me off my feet.
I smile over at Joel. We are heading north in his flying machine for the weekend.
“What did she say?” he asks. I lift my eyebrows and tap the side of my nose. “Oh, come on, tell me.” After hooking my cell up to Bluetooth, I replay Sophie’s message. “Super-sized,” he says and laughs. “Now, today is looking up.”
