Page 239 of Toxic Kiss

“I’m worried he’ll break your heart. Cyrus doesn’t exactly have a great track record.”

I walk around behind the desk and run my hand over the top.

“Trust me, I know. I was, too, but I’m not anymore. He’s different.”

“I hope so. I’d hate to have to kill my biggest earner.” Dad smiles, and I laugh. “You look good behind that desk. You’ve always been a rockstar.” I slowly sit down in the fancy executive chair. “So…what do you say? Want to work for your old man again. I promise I won’t fire you this time?”

“The shareholders are onboard with this decision? They were adamant that I be thrown to the wolves.”

“They are. I told them that at the end of the day, this is still my company. I’m the final vote. I didn’t build this place from scratch and sacrifice our time together when you were young to create a legacy that you can’t share.”

Swiveling in the chair, I’m greeted by the Pacific Ocean. My new office has a killer view.

“Then, yes.”

“And what about me? Do you have it in your heart to forgive your old man for his mistakes?”

“I can see you are trying to make amends, and I appreciate that. But I need time. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Especially all the stuff with Mom. I let the hatred go, but it will take me some time to forgive you completely.” I stand up and walk toward him. “I know how it feels to lose those I love most. I don’t want to lose you. So for now, I will say in time, but I can’t say that I forgive you for everything today.”

“That’s fair. I need to earn your trust back, and I will.”

“Dad, one more thing. You have to agree…no, promise me that no one you date will ever come between us again.”

He smiles wide.

“Never. I’ve already lost too much time with you and you are the most important person in my life.”

I teasingly hold out my hand for him to shake.

“Then, you have a deal, Mr. Gaillard. I will not disown you as my father.”

Laughing hard, he grasps my hand and pulls me into another hug. I close my eyes and soak it in.

“I love you, Rock Star.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

For the first time in years, I’m not haunted by what has shattered me. I’ve rebuilt myself and am now standing in the quiet that comes after survival.

CYRUS

I tell myself to let it go. That lasts all of five seconds.

I’ve come to New York to pick up my order from one of the best custom jewelry designers money can buy.

But then I remember Charles and his mistake of going forward with the charges against me. Bad idea.

I march into the shiny glass building with four of my large security guards surrounding me, each one looks like they eat bullets for breakfast.

From my PI, I already know which floor Charles works on, so I head to the elevators. People do double-takes or freeze mid-conversation.

A few months ago, I would’ve scowled and told them all to fuck off. But not today. Instead, I smile and offer the odd wink, just to get a blush. Let them all wonder why I’m here.

Let them guess wrong. It will make what comes next even more fun.

We step into an empty car, and the guards refuse to let anyone else join us. I can still see people craning their necks to get a look at the famous rockstar.

We reach the twenty-third floor, and I step out. The secretary manning the main desk drops the phone as she looks up at me. Her mouth hangs open as I flash her a million-dollar smile.