Page 86 of Toxic Kiss

“I don’t just want her presence. I want her past, her pain, her pulse…everything.” – Cyrus

CYRUS

I watch Haven walk away, my mother hot on her heels. I’m about to stand and follow, but Auguste hits me with a hard stare. Gone is the friendly smile and happy conversation.

“I’m pleased we have a few moments alone to talk,” he says.

Auguste reminds me of a mob boss. The tattoos on his hands, rings on his fingers, and the I-will-eat-you-alive personality haven’t changed since the first day we met. The difference is that he no longer intimidates me and I don’t give a fuck about my career.

“Oh, and why is that?”

“Cyrus, you’ve always been talented. But lets face it, you’ve also been a major fuck up.”

“Well, this conversation is starting with a bang,” I say, and pick up my water.

“We both know it, so don’t look so offended.”

“What of it?” I try hard not to sigh audibly.

“My daughter.”

Now, he has my full attention.

“What about Haven?”

“I know you’ve been a dick to her. I may not know all the things you’ve done, but you hurt her enough that she ran from me, her only family, and the company that she loves.”

“That’s not what⁠—”

“Shut up,” he growls, leaning forward.

“She ran to New York to get away from you. That much I do know. When she agreed to come back, I thought this would be the best position for her, not only to succeed—since she is the only person you’ve ever listened to—but a good way for her to face her past. I’m starting to see that this might have been a bad idea.”

Icy cold fear streaks down my spine. He can’t reassign her.

“And why is that?”

“Because I didn’t expect this.” He points between me and her empty chair. “I thought you’d remain the whore you are, and with Haven’s engagement, that she’d be able to bury any lingering feelings toward you. As a bonus, she would keep your pathetic ass on the straight and narrow.”

Rage boils in my gut.

“I see the way she looks at you. It’s like no time has passed at all. I will not have you destroying my incredible daughter’s heart again. I won’t just release the band. I will destroy you.”

I’ve never seen him like this. He’s never been warm and fuzzy, but this is downright murderous.

“I’m confused. Haven just told me that you want us to play up our…whatever, for the cameras.”

“I do. But remember it’s only an act. Don’t get it confused with what is real and blur the lines here, Cyrus. I promise that if you hurt my daughter again, it will be the last thing you ever do. I love her more than life itself and I have no problem going to prison to keep her safe.”

“Well, since we’re clearing the air, I will make three things very fucking clear for you. Yes, I had something to do with Haven leaving, but don’t kid yourself, so did you. You ignored her for years. She was treated like shit in that house, and you let it happen. I know because I did most of it, and you were too busy to notice or care.”

Auguste’s face darkens.

I lower my voice but stare him in the eyes.

“Don’t ever threaten me again. You even think about dropping the band or pulling Haven off this assignment, and I’ll make sure that she is aware of every detail of your affair. And no, I don’t give a fuck if she realizes I’ve known and kept it from her. Just to watch you burn in her eyes will be payment enough.”

I slowly stand and button my suit jacket.